Furzey Gardens

Expect winding paths through dense, layered planting rather than clipped formality: strong collections of acers, rhododendrons and primulas alongside rare and unusual plants, plus ponds, boardwalks, an open meadow and viewpoints out across the trees. There is also a replanted interpretation of the Chelsea Gold Medal garden designed by Chris Beardshaw in 2012.

The other big draw is the fairy doors, more than 40 of them tucked into trunks, banks and corners, originally introduced by a master thatcher. Hunting them down turns the whole visit into a game for children, and there is a play area too. Most people find one to two hours is about right.

• Parking is genuinely limited. Use the adjacent visitor car park, and do not park on verges or block gates.
• The thatched tea room serves light lunches, cakes and hot and cold drinks, and it can build a queue at lunchtime when the garden is busy. Visitor toilets, including an accessible toilet in the tea room, are available while the tea rooms are open.
• Blue Badge parking sits close to the entrance, and card and contactless payments are accepted.
• Dogs: assistance dogs are welcome year round, with wider dog access in the winter months on short leads.

The garden is on a hill with informal woodland paths, and that means gradients, changes of level, tree roots and uneven surfaces. There is an easier route, but it still will not suit every wheelchair user, and some areas are not wheelchair accessible at all. After wet weather, sections can go soft or unstable, so wear proper footwear. Combine that with the small car park and this is a place to plan slightly rather than turn up at on a whim.