Go walking in the winter wonderland
and is famed for its colour-themed and unusual planting. At this time of year, head for the lake to admire the brightly-stemmed dogwoods and trees with eye-catching bark, including eucalyptus and superb birches, as well as the paper bark maple (Acer griseum). It also has great collections of conifers and shrubs, including witch hazel (dinglenurseryandgarden.co.uk; 01938 555 145).
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
Bodnant's winter garden has now been open for almost four years. Discover coloured-stemmed birches and enjoy the scent of winter shrubs such as hamamelis, daphne and sarcococca. Highlights after Christmas include bright bergenias and bulbs such as snowdrops, iris, cyclamen and crocus (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden).
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Yorkshire
Get into the Christmas spirit at Fountains with a music and lights event on selected afternoons in December. Tuck into a hot pulled pork sandwich and a mulled wine from the visitor centre then wander through the estate to see the trees twinkling with light and the abbey all aglow. Stop by the cellarium to catch some live festive music (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey).
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Adorned with daphnes, witch hazels, birch trees and maples, the striking stem colours and variety of forms, textures and breath-taking scents make this one of the largest and oldest concentrations of winter horticulture in the north of England. Kids can get involved in the festive garden detective trail, while Magic of Christmas days offer family fun to get you in the festive spirit. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Winter Walk, some 5,000 irises have been planted and will bloom in early spring (www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr).
Wallington, Northumberland
Leave the formality of the house behind this winter and explore the wonderful 18th-century ground waiting for you in the woods at Wallington. Follow the growing winter trail and take in the seasonal planting through the East Wood, showcasing coloured and textured bark and winter berries. Discover the mini-lake covered in a sprinkling of frost and the enchanting Walled Garden, where the Edwardian conservatory bursts with colour and scent all year round. And, if you're staying in the area, you'll be pleased to hear the grounds at Wallington are even open on Christmas Day (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington).
