Inveresk Lodge Garden

Inveresk Lodge Garden is a walled hillside garden in the village of Inveresk on the edge of Musselburgh, a few miles east of Edinburgh, cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. The upper garden has sloping lawns and themed borders that run from snowdrops and tulips to scented roses and herbs, with an Edwardian glasshouse of pelargoniums and a donkey to pat; below, the wilder half has meadows, woodland, ponds with a dipping platform and a fairy house trail for children. Reviewers say it is a well-cared-for garden that looks after wildlife as much as plants, with deer and nesting birds seen from the paths, and a good morning out with a small child. Tips from visitors: the entrance is easy to drive past and parking is on the road outside; bring your own nets for pond dipping; dogs are welcome on a short lead; and the garden opens every day of the year.