In an index created by Essential Living, these 15 stunning UK botanic gardens are the most captured on Instagram.

If it isn’t on the ‘Gram, it didn’t happen. With this in mind, Essential Living has trawled the internet to examine the number of hashtags and followers that each botanic garden has on Instagram, in order to reveal the most ‘Instagrammable’ flower locations of all.

The UK Garden Index

Royal Botanic Gardens, London

via Instagram: @kewgardens

First up is the Royal Botanic Gardens, situated in London. This could be down to its alluring giant lily pads and luscious aquatic plants, situated on a tranquil indoor pond.

Longleat, Warminster

via Instagram: @longleatofficial

Second up was Longleat, located in Warminster in South West England. This garden also came in strong with 237,387 Instagram hashtags, and a staggering 143,000 Instagram followers. The stunning stately home comes equipped with a maze and a steam train ride for children, offering many opportunities for Instagram pictures.

Hever Castle and Gardens, Hever

via Instagram: @hever_castle

In third was Hever Castle and Gardens, situated in Hever, South East England. This stunning location is the stuff of fairytales, encouraging an unsurprising 79,603 Instagram hashtags. Surrounded by a moat, the garden also offers jousting and archery shows – which also offer the option to take some great pictures for the ‘Gram. With 63,600 Instagram followers, it is no wonder that this stunningly scenic area is so high up on our life of picture-perfect gardens.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

via Instagram: @rgbedinbrugh

The Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh is the place to be for those looking for relaxation, as it scored 10/10 in this section, with 538 people reviewing the gardens as ‘peaceful’ on TripAdvisor. As well as this, it received a ranking of 9.5/10 for being ‘Instagrammable’, which was determined by its 52,221 hashtags capturing the scenic grounds.

Arundel Castle and Gardens, Arundel

via Instagram: @arundelcastleuk

Arundel Castle & Gardens, located in Arundel, South East England, is one of the oldest and most historic of the list, having been constructed in the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. 47k Instagrammers have photographed the vibrant flowers surrounding the old English castle, making this a perfect contender for the list.

Bodnant Garden, Wales

via Instagram: @bodnantgardennt

Next on the list is Bodnant Garden in Wales. The beautiful grounds covered in hundreds of flowers received a 10/10 in the original study for dog-friendliness – and what’s more beautiful than a dog-friendly garden?

Doddington Hall and Gardens

via Instagram: @doddingtonhall

Doddington Hall & Gardens is situated in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside of Pererborough, East Midlands. It is a Family-owned Elizabethan Hall with gorgeous botanic gardens, shops, and cafes. The gardens are always blooming – and each season brings something different. Cherry blossoms, snowdrops and irises are all celebrated with special events and openings.

Balmoral Castle

via Instagram: @balmoral_castle

Located in Aberdeen, Balmoral Castle is the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family and this summer, the grounds, gardens, exhibitions, gift shops and coffee shops are open to the Public on a daily basis. The stunning grounds boast over 56k Instagram followers, making this castle and gardens one of the most followed on the list.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

via Instagram: @bhambotanicalgardens

​​The Birmingham Botanical Gardens were voted by the Birmingham public as one of the city’s favourite breathing spaces in 2021 and 2022. Enjoy the beautiful green haven, less than two miles from the city centre. You can also explore four stunning glasshouses, beautifully tended gardens, flower beds and shrubberies, meander along the tree-canopied walkways and relax on the Terrace or on the huge landscaped lawn that overlooks the restored Victorian bandstand.

RHS Gardens, Harlow Carr

via Instagram: @rhsharlowcarr

Sitting in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Harlow Carr offers a variety of growing landscapes, from running and still water, to woodland and wildflower meadows. Highlights include the lavish Main Borders, bursting with generous prairie-style planting, and the lush, moisture-loving plants around Streamside. Bring your four legged friend to stretch those paws and enjoy 58 acres of picturesque surroundings with a whole range of pretty summer blooms.

Scone Palace

via Instagram: @sconepalace

Located in the picturesque heart of Perthshire, Scotland, Scone Palace is the perfect place for a summer stroll with your camera. The regal fairytale setting holds 100 acres of woodland gardens with flowering shrubs, creating a perfect spot for picnicking.

Lanhydrock Castle and Gardens

via Instagram: @lanhydrocknt

Located in Bodmin, South West England, Lanhydrock Castle is a magnificent Victorian family home now split into 3 routes for you to explore. The beautiful garden surrounding the house provides year round vibrant colour, or discover the wider estate, with 900 acres of parkland, ancient woodland and riverside walks. Dogs (on leads) are welcome in the Park Cafe, the Stables tea-rooms, the courtyard area and the wider countryside.

Wales Botanical Gardens

via Instagram: @walesbotanic

With 400 acres to explore, Wales Botanical Gardens are an enchanting mosaic of flower-rich meadows, evocative woodlands, waterfalls and cascades. Historic features have been unearthed, restored and renewed over the past five years for the publics enjoyment. Pathways, bridges and lakes have been reinstated to bring you closer to nature, so you can capture that perfect picture.

Thornton Hall and Gardens

via Instagram: @thorntonhall

Enjoy the flamboyant colour, imaginative plant combinations and breathe in the wonderful fragrance that fills this magical garden. Thornton Hall and Gardens are just 2 miles west of Darlington, County Durham. When you visit the gardens you’ll find fabulous flowers, secretive areas with quirky and unusual benches, seats, statuary and sculptures.

Powis Castle and Garden

via Instagram: @ntpowiscastle

Summer is the time to see Powis Garden at its best, just near Welshpool, Wales. Wandering the Italianate terraces filled with summer blooms, this garden never fails to impress. Explore a riot of colour in the herbaceous borders, cool off with a shaded woodland walk or spend a lazy afternoon relaxing in the Fountain Garden.