In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of some of the very best gardens on the Isle of Wight, so you can plan your next garden-infused Island escape...

Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Ventnor

Some like it hot - and those people would do well to head to Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight. Making the most of the south coast's enviable microclimate, the garden is home to a dazzling array of uncommon plants. The temperature here averages about five degrees hotter than the rest of the country, and as such, the garden is able to grow a variety of plants that wouldn't make it on the mainland. 

Visit and explore a huge array of subtropical plants grown outside, no protection necessary. A wander here will take you from Australia and South Africa to Japan and beyond. Stroll through the Victorian tunnel, which leads to the sea, and take in the sight of the English Channel. Swing by the Tropical House where you'll find some of the largest Giant Amazonian Waterlilies on the planet, with leaves growing up to eight feet wide. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too, from wall lizards to red squirrels, you can spot a lot as you explore all 22 acres. 

Pop into the Heritage Centre or take a guided tour of the gardens for more information on the site's fascinating past. There's also an outdoor play area, trails, and activity packs to keep younger visitors occupied, as well as an art gallery full of local work. You'll also find a gift shop and a variety of wellbeing classes and therapies on offer. 

When lunchtime strikes, head to The Plantation Room Café for something light or eat al fresco at Edulis restaurant, set in the Mediterranean garden. 

A trip here never disappoints, but pop by between May and June to see the beloved firework flowering display of giant Echiums. The garden is dog friendly, so no need to leave your canine companion behind for this one. Nearly all of the garden is wheelchair accessible, and there are multiple accessible toilets available.

Mottistone Manor Gardens, Newport

If you’re in search of National Trust gardens on the Isle of Wight, make a note to visit Mottistone Gardens and Estate.

The garden was chosen by the National Trust as a place to experiment with plants to discover which ones will thrive with the ever-evolving climate. It started in 2005 with 25 olive trees, and, since then, the gardens here have been testing which plants from across the southern hemisphere will flourish.

The garden itself is a mixture of bold borders, shrub-packed banks, and ornamental grasses. There’s always something to admire, but you can’t beat a summertime visit to the wildflower meadow. 

Pop into the organic kitchen garden to see what's on the menu, and, as you explore the tea garden, stop by The Shack, an old architect's office and a fine example of the Modern Movement design.  

The gardens surround the Elizabethan manor, which is closed save for a second-hand bookshop that is well worth a rummage. If you've still got energy to burn, there are plenty of pretty walks around these parts. Take the route up to Longstone, a megalithic monument and one of the oldest sites on the Island.

Dogs on leads are welcome here and across the wider estate. The grounds are considered partly accessible, with a mixture of gravel and grass paths.

Osborne House, East Cowes

Allowing visitors a sneak peek into the family life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight is a popular spot with visitors. And while the house itself is something to behold and well worth a gander, the garden is simply glorious. 

The pristine terrace gardens were renovated in 2016 and 2017 as part of a big conservation project. They're beautiful whenever you visit, but the tulips in spring are hard to beat. 

The Victorian walled garden is always a nice place to be, with its espaliered fruit trees, and the hothouses are the place to head for exotic plants. Stretch your legs some more with a turn around the parkland, plenty of the historic trees here were planted by Prince Albert himself. Plus, the views across the Solent are incredible.

Afterwards, you could head inside to explore the state rooms of Queen Victoria, once visited by royalty and heads of state. Or take a peek into royal family life with a visit to the family rooms, home to Victoria, Albert, and their nine children. 

If the sun is out, head to Osborne beach, where the Queen swam and her children learned to swim. And after all that fun, head to the Terrace Restaurant and Orangery for a meal or pop into the café, the Petty Officers' Quarters, for something lighter.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds, but only assistance dogs in the house, beach, and eateries. There is good accessibility here with a manual wheelchair available for hire, a lift to the first floor, and accessible toilets and parking. 

Princess Beatrice Garden at Carisbrooke Castle, Newport

Speaking of royalty, you can't miss the Princess Beatrice Garden at Carisbrooke Castle. An Edwardian-inspired garden set in the grounds of the castle, the garden was Princess Beatrice's private garden.

Queen Victoria's youngest daughter was Governor of the Isle of Wight from 1896 until she died in 1944, and she visited the Island regularly, spending lots of time in her beloved garden. In 2009, designer Chris Beardshaw designed the garden, taking inspiration from her original garden to celebrate Beatrice's close connection with the Island.

Whenever you visit, you're sure to be delighted. While watching the banks burst to life in riots of colour come spring is always a treat, a visit in winter to admire the clipped back formal structure is equally as striking. 

Dogs on leads are welcome outside at Carisbrooke Castle. The Castle and gardens offer partial accessibility, with accessible toilets and ground-floor wheelchair access available.

Farringford Historic House and Gardens, Freshwater

Set in the grounds of Farringford, the award-winning Walled Garden is a truly arresting beauty spot. The home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate from 1853 until he died in 1892, it was the setting, and often inspiration, for much of his work. 

He once described his 'careless, ordered garden', which was characterised by relaxed planting schemes and an inability to pick flowers, whether they were grown intentionally or not. He spent a lot of time toiling here, laying seaweed from his coastal walks down as fertiliser and raking leaves. 

The scheme here features oriental poppies, tobacco plants, and lots of varieties of delphinium. For maximum colour and interest, head here in July when the walled garden borders are at their peak. Walk the paths and soak it all up, from the herbaceous perennials to the irresistible whimsy of old-fashioned roses.

Once you’re done admiring the garden, don’t forget to take a look around the dramatic Gothic home that overlooks the grounds or explore the tranquil surroundings, just like Lord Tennyson was prone to do.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds, though must be kept on leads.

Ready to plan your next escape? Peruse our collection of holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight and start planning!