Elysian Garden

The Elysian Garden sits just outside Royston, a proper escape if you're staying at one of the local holiday parks. It's a garden that takes itself seriously - the kind of place where you'll actually want to spend two hours rather than dash through in thirty minutes.

What you get is manicured borders, themed garden rooms, and paths that wind through with genuine thought behind them. It's not vast, so don't expect to spend a full day here, but the planting is decent and there's enough variety to keep you interested. Families with young kids might find it a bit sedate - there's no playground nonsense, just garden design. But older children who can handle a peaceful walk, or anyone who actually cares about horticulture, will get real value from it.

The nearest decent base is Hidden Gem Glamping, just 4.5 miles away, which means you could easily fit this into a morning before heading elsewhere. Pightle Farm Campsite is equally close if you're after something more traditional. Both would pair well with a garden visit - it's the kind of activity that works on a quieter day in the holiday calendar.

Bring a good book if you're the type to linger on a bench. The garden rewards wanderers more than rushers. Do check opening hours before you visit - details aren't widely advertised online, so a quick call ahead saves a wasted journey from Royston.