Marian Boswall defends the building of lakes, which bring both beauty and biodiversity

Thanks to those visionary Victorians, we all have a green space nearby. Here are some of Britain’s most sublime.

One of the many highlights for visitors to Cliveden in Buckinghamshire has always been the 80 acres of gardens, which encompass a geometric parterre, a maze, a water garden and the famous Long Garden

The quiet beauty of winter sets the stage in this garden, where topiary shapes and the borrowed landscape are the main performers

Placed in the garden, a sculpture invites us to pause and appreciate both its beauty and that of the backdrop around it

Twenty great cottages to suit every group holiday