From Chateau Villandry in the Loire Valley, to roses overload in Spain, travel to these European gardens for the best botanicals in bloom.Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto, Pallanza, Italy

Hidden away on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Pallanza, these magnificent grounds contain over 20,000 plant varieties, with 300 types of dahlias alone! Created by Scotsman Captain Neil McEarcharn, the gardens were created with an English style in mind to remind him of back home. One of the more significant areas includes the Valetta or ‘Little Valley’, boasting terraced gardens, magical water lily and lotus ponds and ornamental fountains using an irrigation system that draws water directly from the nearby lake.

Opening times: Now to the end of October 2017, from 8:30am – 5:30pm (depending on the month)
Prices: £8.60 for adults, £4.70 for children