From peaceful garden escapes and spectacular historic landscapes to inspiring wildlife havens, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed the winners of its Partner Garden of the Year 2026 competition, celebrating exceptional gardens which champion nature across the UK and overseas.
Following a nationwide public vote, Shuttleworth Swiss Garden in Bedfordshire has taken the overall title, as well as being named regional winner for the Midlands & East.
More than 240 gardens in the RHS Partner Garden scheme were eligible to enter, with the public vote running from April until September and a winner selected from each of the six regions, alongside an overall winner. Each winning garden will receive a special plaque to display at their garden.
The awards highlight the important role these gardens play in bringing visitors closer to nature through wildlife-friendly gardening, interesting planting schemes and initiatives that support biodiversity. They also offer inspiration for visitors looking to discover some of the most remarkable green spaces in the UK and overseas.
The regional winners are:
Midlands & East: Shuttleworth Swiss Garden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England
North West and North East: York Gate Garden, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Scotland and Northern Ireland: Kellie Castle & Garden, Pittenweem, Fife, Scotland
South East and Channel Islands: Denmans Garden, Arundel, West Sussex, England
South West and Wales: Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Overseas: Babylonstoren, Cape Town, South Africa
A unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ or ‘Alpine’ style, Shuttleworth Swiss Garden forms part of the Grade II* registered Old Warden Park. Its distinctive landscape is filled with quirky historic structures, resident peacocks and Champion trees, creating a special place where horticultural interest, history and nature come together.
The public vote highlighted just how much the garden means to its visitors, with one describing it as a place of pure relaxation: “Shuttleworth’s Swiss Cottage Garden is a beautiful gem in a stunning location. I visit often, as I walk through the gate my body relaxes and for a few hours it’s just bliss.”
Another voter praised the garden’s wildlife and seasonal beauty: “Nature thrives throughout the grounds, from vibrant seasonal flowers to an abundance of wildlife. The two lovely peacocks (Steve and MacQueen) that roam freely add an extra charm, making the whole experience feel even more magical.
Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, commented: “In the often-challenging times in which we live, the beauty and tranquillity that comes with visiting gardens, with their chance to reconnect with nature, is so important to our wellbeing.
“All our RHS Partner Gardens are on the frontline of championing nature, encouraging wildlife and supporting biodiversity and special congratulations must go to Shuttleworth Swiss Garden and all our Partner Garden of the Year regional winners for being recognised in our annual competition.
Tony Young, Head Gardener at Shuttleworth, said: “Winning RHS Partner Garden of the Year comes as a real surprise! Visitors often talk about the Swiss Garden as giving a feeling of peace, tranquillity and wellbeing – a place where they can be closer to nature.
“We actively help the natural world by retaining 30% of fallen leaves and eco piles as a food source or habitat for wildlife, mow less that we used to and are always mulching shrub beds.
“However, the true winners of this award are the thirty strong volunteer team – their dedication to the garden is incredible and the Swiss Garden simply wouldn’t be what it is today without them.”
As an RHS Partner Garden, Shuttleworth Swiss Garden welcomes RHS members throughout the year on Mondays and Thursdays, when the garden is open. Members of the public can visit daily throughout the year.
The award-winning gardens offer plenty of inspiration for those looking for a beautiful day out, ideas for their own gardens, opportunities to discover local wildlife or somewhere new to explore. Together, this year’s winners showcase the diversity of exceptional gardens and provide plenty of reasons to get outdoors and reconnect with nature.
Earlier this year, the RHS announced the addition of 17 new UK and overseas gardens to its Partner Garden scheme, including the Eden Project, one of the UK’s most celebrated horticultural landmarks.
These additions bring the total number of RHS Partner Gardens worldwide to more than 240, the highest number in the scheme’s history, offering RHS members free entry (at selected times) to an inspiring mix of landscapes. From historic estates and walled gardens to innovative ecological projects, the scheme celebrates the creativity and diversity of gardening in all its forms.
For more information about the overall winner, visit: Shuttleworth Swiss Garden
To find out more about RHS Partner Gardens, visit: RHS Partner Gardens / RHS
