How to Spend the Perfect Summer Day in an English Garden

Manor homes are one of the most enchanting pieces of England’s history—these grand estates, with their sprawling gardens and centuries-old stone walls, tell stories of aristocrats, artists, and generations of caretakers. Originally built in the medieval period as the homes of local lords, manor houses were the center of village life, often surrounded by farmland and supported by tenant workers.

Today, England is home to thousands of these historic estates—some still privately owned, others lovingly maintained by the National Trust and English Heritage. Many have opened their doors to the public, offering a peek into their opulent drawing rooms, perfectly manicured gardens, and grand libraries filled with centuries-old books.

It’s a wonderful way to spend a summer day, soaking in history while living out your period drama dreams. And the best part? You can even have tea in the garden, sipping from fine china while surrounded by the scent of lavender and freshly cut grass.

One of our absolute favorite things about living in England is getting to explore the the gardens of these incredible manor homes. I will never get tired of wandering through their grand halls, admiring the intricate woodwork, and taking in the centuries-old art that lines their walls.

But my favorite part is spending the day in their magnificent gardens, finding the perfect spot to sit with a book, listening to the birds, and just soaking in the beauty of it all.

Consider Joining the National Trust

Whether you have moved to the UK permanently or are just taking an extended trip, joining the National Trust is one of the best ways to experience it all. A membership gives you unlimited access to hundreds of historic homes, castles, and gardens across England, while supporting the preservation of these incredible places.

Another perk of joining the National Trust is using the app makes it easy to find a manor home nearby using their app—wherever you are in England, there’s always one just over the next rolling hill.

My husband and I love hopping in the car, driving through the countryside, and seeing what grand estate or beautiful garden is waiting to be discovered nearby.

What to Wear

For a day exploring a manor home and its gardens, comfortable yet elegant is the way to go, with a touch of classic British style. Dressing for a day at a grand English manor is about more than just comfort—it’s about stepping, however briefly, into a world of quiet elegance and old-world charm.

Think light fabrics for warm summer days—flowy dresses, linen trousers, or a timeless button-up paired with comfy walking shoes.

A straw hat, chic sunglasses, and a structured tote add that effortless countryside charm, while a light cardigan or blazer keeps things polished for afternoon tea.

A Book to Relax with Is a Must

Spending a summer day at an English manor home isn’t just about seeing—it’s about settling in, lingering, and letting yourself be in the beauty of it all.

The most important item to pack is a good book—something timeless, something you can disappear into beneath the shade of an ancient oak. A well-loved classic, a garden-themed novel, or even a history of area you’re visiting will make the experience feel richer. Here are some recommendations:

• “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë – A gothic love story set in a grand yet eerie manor house, complete with secrets, stormy moors, and brooding mystery.
• “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë – Dark and atmospheric, set in the wild Yorkshire moors with passionate love and deep family drama.
• “The House at Riverton” by Kate Morton – A Downton Abbey-style novel set in an English country house, weaving together family secrets and lost love.
• “Atonement” by Ian McEwan – A beautifully written novel set in an English country estate before WWII, filled with longing, misunderstandings, and heartbreaking consequences.
• “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles – Though set partly in WWII Paris, this novel also weaves in English countryside life and the power of books.

You’ll surely find the perfect chair, bench, or quiet patch of grass to settle into, where you can relax, soak in the scenery, and lose yourself in a good book. Or, maybe you will be inspired to start researching your move to England!

Invite Your Inner Artist

If you’re going to spend the perfect summer day in an English garden, you’ll want to remember it. The gardens are the perfect place to capture some of the beauty, whether it’s jotting down a quick sketch in your journal or setting up a little watercolor station to paint en plein air.

For centuries, artists and writers have found inspiration in these landscapes. Claude Monet, though French, was deeply inspired by English gardens, particularly during his visits to England.

The lush, naturalistic style of many English manor gardens reflects the same philosophy of movement and light that he embraced in his Impressionist paintings.

While I certainly recommend bringing your camera, I also encourage you to create something lasting—a sketch, a watercolor, or even a pressed flower keepsake—something you can treasure forever and maybe even hang in your home.

Have Afternoon Tea in the Garden

No visit to an English manor home is complete without afternoon tea in the garden—because if you’re going to spend the day pretending you live in a period drama, you might as well do it properly.

Afternoon tea is meant to be a relaxed yet elegant affair, so expect fine china, dainty bites, and unhurried conversation. Traditional etiquette says to stir your tea gently (no clinking!), hold the cup by the handle (no pinkies up!), and break your scone in half rather than cutting it.

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