Spencers

Romantic C18 walled garden laid out by Lady Anne Spencer, granddaughter of first Duke of Marlborough, who built the house. Supposedly oldest greenhouse in Essex. Huge tumbling wisteria, ‘true-blue’ Lord Butler delphiniums (“Rab” lived here 1970s-80s), dazzling herbaceous border, rich variety of roses, ancient trees.

Tour 2-3 hours, £20 including two-course lunch with wine and guided tour of garden. Plants for sale. www.spencersgarden.net