This guide was originally based on a pamphlet published by the British Pteridological Society designed to help new members and others interested in ferns to find plants from reputable sources either to purchase, study, or simply enjoy, and to use them effectively in their own gardens.

The information is published with the consent of the owners or managers of the gardens or institutions listed. Admission is free unless otherwise stated. It is by no means a comprehensive list, although every attempt has been made to ensure that the information given is correct.

The guide is currently under active review. The Society would very much appreciate being notified of any additions or amendments which would be useful when revising the guide.

Alphabetical List by Country and County:

England

Cambridgeshire

• Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cory Lodge, Bateman Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1JF; tel: 01223 336265, Mrs C A Hotine, Info. & Records Technician. {M}
  Hardy and glasshouse ferns. Open all year 10am-6pm (summer), 10am-4pm (winter). {B} {E} {P}
• Monksilver Nursery, Oakington Rd, Cottenham, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB24 8TW; tel: 01954 251555, A C Leslie & J L Sharman. {M}
  Wide range of hardy species and varieties of fern including Adiantum, Asplenium, Athyrium, Blechnum, Cystopteris, Dryopteris, Gymnocarpium, Matteuccia, Phegopteris, Polypodium and Polystichum. Open: Fri/Sat, 10am-4pm; Mar-June & Oct. {H} {M} {N} {P} {S}
• Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 1AH; tel: 01223 778667; preferred contact by email: margaretnimmosmith@gmail.com
  Small town garden containing mainly hardy British species and cultivars and foreign hardy ferns. {A} {H} {M} {X}
• Peckover House & Garden, North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JR; tel: 01945 583463.
  Tender and hardy ferns in Victorian fernery and fern garden. Open: House & garden: Sat, Sun, Weds & Bank Hol Mons. Garden only: Mon & Tues. {E} {NT} {P}

Cheshire

• The Fernery, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN; tel: 01565 750 780.
  Dicksonia, Cyathea, and Woodwardia in restored Victorian Fernery. Open: Daily 11am-4pm except Mons. (open Bank Hols.). {NT} {P} {S}

Cornwall

• Burncoose Nurseries, Gwennap, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 6BJ; tel: 01209 861112.
  Tree ferns. Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 11am-5pm. {N} {P} {S}
• Carwinion House, Carwinnion Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JA; tel: 01326 250258
  Famous for bamboos and tropical plants. Several fern species including tree ferns. {E} {P}
• Cotehele Quay, Cotehele, Saltash, Plymouth
  Maidenhair fern on inside of lime kilns at Cotehele Quay
• Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Flamouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ; tel: 01326 250906.
  Dicksonia Antarctica/Squarosa, Blechnum Chilensis, Woodwardia Radicans, Cyathea, etc. Open: Mar-Oct: 10.30am-5.30pm, Tues-Sat; closed Good Fri; open Bank Hol Mons. {E} {NT} {P} {S}
• Penjerrick, Budock, nr. Falmouth
  Rhodendrons, camellias, magnolias and tree ferns. {E} {P}
• St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0EF; tel: 01736 710507.
  Several species of fern in a fantastic setting. Garden open May-June 10-5.30 Mon-Fri, Jul-Oct 10-5.30 Thu & Fri. {E} {NT} {P}
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN; tel: 01726 844157.
  Historic garden with lakes, rockeries, summer houses, crystal grotto, Italian garden, bee-boles, pineapple house, traditional kitchen garden, etc. and two and half miles of footpaths, in process of restoration since 1991. Numerous native ferns throughout the garden but especially in The Ravine, plus Dicksonia antarctica, etc. and other sub-tropical trees and shrubs in The Jungle. Notable Hooker collection of rhododendrons, and also camellias. Open: 10am-6pm, daily (last tickets, 4.30pm) {B} {E} {P} {S}
• Trebah Garden, Trebah, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ; tel: 01326 250448.
  25 acre, steeply-wooded ravine garden with waterfalls and ponds, featuring 13 subspecies of Cyathea, 2 subspecies of Blechnum, and 4 subspecies of Dicksonia, including some D. antarctica planted 100 years ago, plus 2 acres of hydrangeas, rhododendrons, gunnera, palms, trees and shrubs. Young plants planted out and in the nursery. Open: 10.30am-5pm, every day of the year. {B} {E} {P} {S}
• Trelissick, Feock, Truro, Cornwall; tel: 01872 862090
  Rhodendrons, eucalyptus, acers, palms, and ferns (including tree ferns). {E} {P}
• Trengwainton Gardens, Near Heamoor, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8RZ; tel: 01736 63148.
  Dicksonia antarctica, Osmunda regalis, Asplenium scolopendrium, varieties of Blechnum, Polystichum, Dryopteris and Matteuccia. Open: Mar-Oct: W-Sat & Bank Hols, 10.30am-5pm (Apr-Sept, 5.30pm). {NT} {P} {S}
• Tresco Abbey Gardens, Tresco, Isles of Scilly; tel: 01720 424105
  Unique collection of tender plants including several species of ferns. Open 10-4 daily all year. {E} {NT} {P}
• Trewidden Estate Nursery, Trewidden, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8TT; tel: 01736 62087.
  Large landscaped garden and nursery including Dicksonia antarctica. Open: Mon-Sat: 8am-1pm & 2-5pm; closes 4pm on Fri; closed Suns. {E} {N} {P} {S}

Cumbria

• Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD; tel: 01539 441396 (daytime), Ruth Charles {H} {M}
  Lakeshore and woodland garden at home of W J Linton (author of “The Ferns of the English Lake Country”, pub. 1865) and John Ruskin, social revolutionary, etc. (from 1872-1900). A major garden renovation over the last 25 years included the creation of a ‘Linton Fern Collection’ in steep oak woodland adjacent to the main house, inspired by Linton’s book, to stimulate interest and awareness of Cumbria’s native ferns in all their variety. Other parts of the gardens include many native and exotic ferns.
  Open March – Nov, 10.30 – 5.30pm Mon to Sun; Dec – Feb 10.30 – 4pm Wed to Sun. {B}{E}{P}
• Hartside Nursery Garden, Near Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3BL; tel: 01434 381372.
  Species and varieties of Adiantum, Asplenium, Athyrium, Blechnum, Dryopteris, Gymnocarpium, Matteucia, Onoclea, Osmunda, Polystichum, Thelypteris and Woodsia. Open: March-Oct: M-F, 9am-4.30pm; Sat, Sun & B.Hols, 12.30-4pm; Nov-Feb: by appt. {N} {P} {S}
• Sizergh Castle Garden, Sizergh Castle, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE; tel: 01539 560070.
  National Trust Garden containing National Collections of Asplenium scolopendium, Cystopteris, Dryopteris and Osmunda, also general collection of hardy ferns. Open: Apr-Oct: Sun-Thurs, 12.30-5.30pm; last admission 5pm. {E} {NC} {NT} {P} {S}
• Holehird Gardens, home of The Lakeland Horticultural Society, Patterdale Rd, Windermere LA23 1NP; tel: 015394 46008; enquiries@holehirdgardens.org.uk
  Mr S. Mees {M}
  National Collection of Polystichum (over 80 taxa), plus over 20 other taxa in mixed fern border. Open: dawn – dusk daily. {NC} {P} {S}

Devon

• Greenway Garden, Greenway Road, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0ES; tel: 01803 842382
  Woodland garden on banks of Dart estuary including fernery. Open Mar-1st week Oct 10.30-5. {E} {NT} {P}

Dorset

• Kingston Lacy House & Garden, Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA; tel: 01202 883402.
  24 varieties of Dryopteris, Polystichum, Asplenium, Athyrium, Matteuccia, Adiantum, Osmunda; Victorian Fernery. Open: Apr-Oct: Sat-Wed, 11.30am-6pm (garden); 12-4.30pm (house). {E} {NC} {NT} {P} {S}

East Sussex

• Sheffield Park Gardens, Sheffield Park, East Sussex, TN22 3QX. Tel: 01825 790231.
  Huge landscaped garden with specimen trees and famous spring and autumn colour. A few ferns scattered in damper habitats. Open 15 Feb-30 Apr, and 1 Jun-30 Sept: 10.30-6 Tues-Sun; 1 May-31 May and 1 Oct-31 Oct: 10.30-6 every day; 28 Dec-1 Jan: 10.30-4 Mon-Sun; 7 Jan-12 Feb: 10.30-4 Sat and Sun. {E} {NT} {P}
• Great Dixter, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6PH. Tel: 01797 253107. See www.greatdixter.co.uk for details, usually open April to end of October.
  Famous garden, the creation of Christopher Lloyd. Many interesting and unusual ferns. {E} {N} {NT} {P} {S}
• Steven and Karen Munyard, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5NG. Email: smunyard@talktalk.net
  Fascinating suburban garden with many rare and interesting species. {A} {M} {X}
• Nap Wood, Saxonbury Hill, Mark Cross, East Sussex. Sussex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve.
  Beautiful wood containing nearly all the woodland fern species, including the best site for Dryopteris aemula in the South-East. Free access.

Essex

• Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB. 01206 822 007 office@bethchatto.co.uk
  Plenty of ferns around this plantswoman’s garden, and usually a good stock in their plant sales too.
  Open every day of the year apart from two weeks over Christmas and New Year.
  Summer (1 Mar – 31 Oct): Mon-Sat 9-5pm, Sun 10-5pm. Winter (1 Nov – 29 Feb): Mon-Sat 9-4pm, Sun 10-4pm. {E} {P} {S}
• RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettenden, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. Tel: 0845 265 8071
  A developing garden that has some interesting ferns in the Australasian area.
  Open every day except Christmas Day, March to October 10am to 6pm, November to February 10am to 4pm. {E} {P}

Greater Manchester

• University of Manchester Botanical Experimental Grounds, off Old Hall Lane, Fallowfield, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M14; tel: 0161 257 2772.
  Range of British and exotic ferns and fern allies, mainly in glasshouses. Species of particular interest include Leptopteris, Pilularia, Salvinia, Azolla, Marsilea, Hymenophyllum, Ophioglossum, Selaginella, Psilotum. Open: Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm {B} {P}

Hampshire

• Apple Court Nursery, Hordle Lane, Hordle, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0HU; tel: 01590 642130.
  A wide variety of hardy and semi-tender ferns. National Collection of Woodwardia. Open: 9.30am-1pm & 2-5pm; closed Tues & Weds. {E} {H} {N} {NC} {P} {S}
• Derek and Margaret Giles, Rumsey Gardens, 117 Drift Road, Clanfield, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 0PD; tel: 02392 593367; email: sales@rumsey-gardens.co.uk ; website www.rumsey-gardens.co.uk
  Asplenium, Polypodium, Polystichum, Dryopteris. Open daily 9am – 5pm Mon. – Sat . 10am – 4pm Sundays.{H} {N} {P} {S}
• Andrew Leonard, Portsmouth; mail@andrew-leonard.co.uk, tel: 07397972951.
  “Portsmouth Botanical Gardens”. About 150 species of ferns {A} {M} {X}

Herefordshire

• Ivy Croft Nursery, Ivington Green, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0JN.
  BPS members garden containing a wide range of ferns species and cultivars. Some ferns for sale. Visiting details, and nursery plant list, may be found on the nursery website {E} {H} {M} {N} {P} {S}

Hertfordshire

• The Danesbury Fernery, North Ride, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9RD.
  Victorian fernery of Pulhamite man-made rock in a Dell, restored since 2015. Mixed garden of ferns, wild and garden flowers. Of interest; Parsons’ Tanked fern bed, grotto, dropping well, ravine and bridge. Open 365 days in local Nature Reserve. {M} {P}

Kent

• Pat and Grace Acock’s Garden. St Mary’s Cray, Kent; tel: 01689 820183.
  Small collection of mainly fern species of European and Macronesian origin and an extensive collection of horsetail species and hybrids (including most known taxa). {A} {M} {X}
• Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RR; tel: 01732 459777.
  There are many ferns growing naturally throughout the gardens, including wall ferns. The old rock garden dates back to at least the early 20th century and looks like a mountain side set in woodland. It has been developed as a fernery in the last few years, with hundreds of ferns being planted. It continues to expand with a wide selection of Adiantum, Asplenium, Athyrium, Dryopteris, Polypodium, and Polystichum including varieties. Other ferns include Osmunda, Davallia (Araiostegia), Blechnum, Dicksonia antarctica, and Woodwardia. There is a coffee shop.
  Gardens open Weds to Sun and Bank Holidays mid-March until the end of October (check web site for exact dates). {E} {P}
• Scotney Castle Garden, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN; tel: 01892 891081.
  Osmunda at edges of moat, other ferns in gardens, especially near The Quarry. Open: 30 Mar-2 Nov: Wed-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 12-6pm. {E} {NT} {P}
  (Quarry currently under development; fern collection not at present complete.)
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Sissinghurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB. tel: 01580 710700.
  Many interesting and unusual ferns in this classic and famous garden, originally the creation of Vita Sackville-West. Open 19 Mar to 30 Oct. Mon, Tues, Fri-Sun. 11-6.30. Extremely popular and busy. Timed entry at busy periods. Advisable to arrive early. {E} {NT} {P} {S}
• Merriments Garden, Hurst Green, East Sussex
  Commercial garden with surprisingly good fern collection. {E} {N} {P} {S}

London

• Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HS; tel: 0171 352 5646.
  Historic apothecaries’ garden with collection of ferns first decribed or cultivated by Thomas Moore (Curator 1848-1887); planted in restored 1907 fern house. Open: Apr-Oct: Weds, 2-5pm & Suns, 2-6pm. Chelsea Flower Show Wk: M-F, 12-5pm;Chelsea Fest. Wk:M-F,12-5pm. {B} {E} {P} {S}

Merseyside

• Liverpool Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN; tel: 0151 478 4372.
  Living displays of a small selection of ferns & fern alies. Natural History Centre: wide range of preserved material, with staff available for queries. Large collection of reserve herbarium material amounting to 11,000 specimens from throughout the world available by appt. only. Guided tours for small groups also by appt. The Museum also curates the University Herbarium, and the University of Liverpool’s living displays which can be seen at Ness Botanical Gardens, Wirral. Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12noon-5pm. Natural History Centre: Tues-Sun 1-4.30pm. {B}
• Churchtown Botanical Gardens Fernery, Bankfield Ln, Southport PR9 7NB; tel: 01704 214164. Website http://botanicgardensca.org.uk/
  A recently-restored Victorian fernery with tree ferns, and both tender and hardy ferns. The Botanic Gardens Community Association and Events volunteers have plans for maintaining and developing the Fernery. Open 10 am to 4pm every day from Easter until October 31st. Free entry, but donations encouraged. {B}{P}

North Yorkshire

• Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB; tel: 01423 508237.
  NCCPG Collections of Polypodium and Dryopteris. Gardening museum within gardens. Open: 9.30am-6pm (or dusk), daily. {B} {E} {NC} {P} {S}
• Barry and Anne Wright, 130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith, York, YO26 7PU; tel: 01423 358791
  ½-acre enthusiast’s garden, containing many unusual and rare plants, including a large fern collection. Open under the National Gardens Scheme (see Yellow Book for details) {E} {M} {S} {X}
• York Cemetery, The Gatehouse, Cemetery Road, York YO10 5AJ; tel: 01904 610578
  A small fern collection planted in this pleasant and peaceful location by local BPS members and maintained by them with assistance of cemetery staff. Open most days during daylight hours.

Northumberland

• Howick Gardens, Howick Estate Office, Alnwick, Northumberland, NN266 3LB; tel: 01665 577285.
  A few ornamental garden ferns, especially around bog garden. Open early Apr-late Oct: 1-6pm, daily. {E} {H} {P}

Oxfordshire

• University of Oxford Botanic Gardens, Rose Lane, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4AX; tel: 01865 276920.
  Tropical and hardy ferns in garden and glasshouses. Open: Gardens: 9am-4.30pm; glasshouses: 2-4pm, daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday. {B} {E}

South Yorkshire

• Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Brodsworth, Doncaster, DR5 7XJ; tel: 01302 722598
  Large quarry fern garden incorporating the late Eric Baker’s collection. Open 1 Apr-30 Sep 10.00-5.30 daily, 1 Oct-31 Oct 10.00-4.30 daily, 1 Nov-31 Mar 10.00-4.00 weekends only

Suffolk

• Anthony Pigott, Mendlesham, Stowmarket, Suffolk; tel: 01449 766104.
  Botanical collections of Equisetum (National Collection) and Dryopteris {A} {H} {M} {NC} {X}

Surrey

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB; tel: 0181 332 5505.
  Approx. 1200 taxa of temperate and tropical pteridophytes grown, many of which are displayed in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and exterior plantings of hardy ferns in the gardens. Open: 9.30am daily; closing time varies-please check. {B} {E} {P}
• Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0UU; tel: 01753 860222,
  NCCPG Collection of hardy ferns; approx. 550 species, subspecies and cultivars. Open: Mar-Oct: 10am-6pm daily; Nov-Feb: 10am-4pm daily. {B} {NC} {P} {S}

Sussex

• Nick Schroder, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH16 1JG; tel: 01444 415271. Collection of hardy ferns, especially a national collection of Athyriums. {A} {M} {NC} {X}

Warwickshire

• Fibrex Nurseries Ltd, Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8XP; tel: 01789 720788.
  Specialist nursery offering a very wide range of fern species and varieties. Ferns on display. Visiting details, and plant list, may be found on the nursery website {N} {S}

West Midlands

• Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 3TR; tel: 0121 454 1860.
  Glasshouse ferns & tree ferns, including Dicksonia x lathamii. Hardy ferns arranged geographically in natural gully. Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-dusk (8pm), Sun, 10am-dusk (8pm). {B} {E} {NC} {P} {S}
• Clive & Doreen Brotherton, Dudley, West Midlands, DY3 3BJ; tel: 01902 671482.
  Private garden with magnificent collection of Cheilanthes. {A} {M} {S} {X}
• University of Birmingham Botanic Garden, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2RT; tel: 0121 414 5590.
  Hardy and indoor ferns. Open: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, by appointment. {A} {B} {P}

West Sussex

• Wakehurst Place (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6TN; tel: 0181 332 5066.
  Limited collection of cultivated hardy ferns including Osmunda, Blechnum, Polystichum, plus ferns of the Sussex Weald in woodlands including Dryopteris aemula. Open: Daily, 10am-7pm (summer), 10am-4pm (winter). {B} {E} {P}
• Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE; tel: 01342 301795. Ferns in quarry garden and a few elsewhere. Open 18 Mar-30 Oct. Wednesdays to Sundays 11-6; 5 Nov to 18 Dec. Saturdays and Sundays, 11-5. {E} {NT} {P}
• Nymans Garden, Handcross, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB. tel: 01444 400321. Interesting collection of ferns and fern borders. (Hymenophyllum tunbrigense in surrounding woods). Open 18 Feb to 30 October 11-4, Wednesday to Sunday. 5th November to 12th Feb. 11-4 Saturday and Sunday. {E} {NT} {P}
• The Mens, Winkhurst Green, West Sussex. Nature Reserve containing beautiful hanging chalk woods and only site for Gymnocarpium robertianum in the South-East.
• Amberley Wild Brooks, Amberley, West Sussex. Wetland Nature Reserve containing Marsh Fern. Polypodium cambricum on garden walls in nearby village and castle.
• Nick Schroder, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH16 1JG; tel: 01444 415271. Collection of hardy ferns, especially a national collection of Athyriums. {A} {M} {NC} {X}

Worcestershire

• Martin Rickard, Pear Tree Cottage, Kyre, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8RN; tel: 01885 410729.
  Longstanding BPS member’s garden. Small patch of ground fairly intensively planted with mainly unusual ferns. Polypodiums a speciality in the late summer, autumn. Visits by apppointment only, via phone or e-mail. {A} {M} {X}

Republic of Ireland 

• National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9; tel: 010 353 1 8374388.
  Tropical ferns in glasshouses, hardy ferns out-of-doors, Killarney Fern and filmy ferns. Open: Summer: 9am-6pm; Winter: 10am-4.30pm. Glasshouses as posted. {B} {NC} {P}
• Comillane Gardens, Cape Clear Island, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 X286
  Email: comillane@eircom.net
  Michael Prime chose this site for its very mild microclimate – you can see Cyathea brownii, Cibotium glaucum, mature Cyathea medullaris and Cyathea australis growing outdoors without protection. You can visit this 14-acre garden by appointment – please contact Michael at the email address above. Cape Clear Island can be reached by ferry from Baltimore, or from Schull in summer, it takes about 50 minutes. There is an island taxi that can bring visitors from the harbour. {A}{M}

Scotland 

Argyll & Bute

• Ascog Hall, Ascog, Isle of Bute, PA20 9EU; tel: 017 0050 4555
  enquiries@ascoghallfernery.co.uk, Ascog Fernery website
  Restored Victorian sunken fernery under glass plus gardens. Open from Easter to end-October, from 10am to 5pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. {E} {H} {M} {P} {S}
• Benmore Botanic Garden, Dunoon, PA23 8QU; tel: 01369 706261; benmore@rbge.org.uk
  Located 7 miles north of Dunoon on A815 this is an extensive garden with a wide variety of exotic ferns and British natives growing in a natural setting. Open daily, 10am-4pm Feb & Mar, 10am-5pm Mar & Oct, & 10am-6pm Apr-Sept. {B} {E} {P} {S}
• The Linn Nursery & Garden, Shore Road, Cove, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, G84 0NR; tel: 01436 842242.
  Some 50 species and varieties of hardy ferns, including tree ferns, in lakeside setting, marsh and rockery in Gulf Stream garden. Open from dawn to dusk throughout the year. {N} {P} {S}
• Puck’s Glen. Forestry Commission property (NS150843) off A815 Dunoon to Strachur road, 1 mile south of Benmore Botanic Garden.
  Beautiful ravine with a wide selection of British native ferns, especially filmy ferns. Open all year.

North Ayrshire

• Brodick Castle Garden and Country Park, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HY; tel: 01770 302202; brodickcastle@nts.org.uk
  Magnificent specimens of Athyrium filix-femina “Victoriae” and many exotic species including tree ferns. Native species in surrounding country park. {E} {NT} {P} {S}

South Ayrshire

• Culzean Castle & Country Park, Maybole, KA19 8LE; tel: 01655 884455; culzean@nts.org.uk
  Walled Garden contains many, mainly hardy, non-native, ferns, frequently planted in drifts of one species. Surrounding woodland full of native ferns but also flourishing Dicksonia antarctica. Open Good Friday-31 Oct, 9.30am-5.30pm. {E} {N} {NT} {P} {S}

Scottish Borders

• Dawyck Botanic Garden, Stobo, EH45 9JU; tel: 01721 760254; awyck@rbge.org.uk.
  Hardy native, North American and other ferns in a woodland garden. Open: 10am-4pm Feb & Nov, 10am-5pm Mar & Oct, 10am-6pm Apr-Sep. {B} {E} {P} {S}

Dumfries and Galloway

• Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Stranraer, DG9 9ND; tel: 01776 860231.
  Extensive tree fern collection and many other temperate south hemisphere species in Gulf Stream garden established 100 years ago which is now a renowned centre for the scientific study and conservation of plants. Open: 1 Mar-31 Oct: 10am-5pm Mar & Oct, 10am-6pm Apr-Sep. {B} {E} {P}

City of Edinburgh

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR; tel: 0131 552 7171; info@rbge.org.uk
  The glasshouses contain one of the most comprehensive collections of tropical and sub-tropical ferns in the UK, kept in excellent condition, and supplemented by hardy native and non-native ferns in scattered locations in the garden. Open daily (except 25 Dec & 1 Jan), 10am-4pm Nov-Feb, 10am-6pm Mar & Oct, & 10am-7pm Apr-Sept. {B} {E} (for glasshouses) {P} {S}

Glasgow City

• Glasgow Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE; tel: 0141 334 2422.
  National Collection of Tree Ferns in Kibble Palace (circular glasshouse built 1873); tropical ferns including a collection of Papua New Guinea in the Main Range of glasshouses; expanding hardy fern collection in gardens. Open: Grounds open daily; Kibble Palace & Main Range:10am-4.45pm (winter,4.15pm); Main Range closed Sat & Sun am. {B} {NC} {P}

Highland

• Attadale Gardens, Strathcarron, Wester Ross, IV54 8YX; tel: 01520 722603; geoffattgdns@yahoo.co.uk, Attadale Gardens website
  Unusual dome fernery and outdoor collection from the late Peter Hainsworth’s garden. Also Rhododendron, Meconopsis and Primula. Open 10am-5.30pm April-October. Closed Sundays. {E} {M} {P} {S}
• Inverewe Garden, Poolewe, IV22 2LG; tel: 01445 781200; inverewe@nts.org.uk
  Warmed by the North Atlantic Drift the garden contains many non-native fern species and other plants not normally hardy in more inland areas of the UK. Open all year daily 9.30am-4pm, with extended opening till 9pm or sunset if earlier, Good Friday to 31 October. {E} {NT} {P} {S}

Perth and Kinross

• The Hermitage, near Dunkeld. Access from A9 1 mile north of Dunkeld
  (NO008419)
  Woodland walk along the banks of the River Braan with many native species of fern. Open all year. {E} {NT}

Wales 

Anglesey

• Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens Gerddi Cudd, Cadnant Road, Menai Bridge, Isle of Anglesey, LL59 5NH; tel: 01248 717174; For opening times see website
  Please check opening hours by phoning first as opening may be weather-dependent.
  A newly-restored garden, which has a walled garden with pool, a valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with rocky outcrops and a 19c folly. Described as one of North Wales best kept secrets. {E} {P}

Carmarthenshire

• Susan Lewis, Maes-y-Deri, Heol Grenig, Glamaman, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 1YU; tel: 01269 825378; mobile: 07928728680 email
  BPS members garden containing a wide range of fern species and cultivars almost all grown in the open garden. Some ferns for sale. Visits by appointment only. {A} {H} {M} {S} {X}
• Aberglasney Gardens, Aberglasney, Carmarthen, Dyfed SA32 8QH; tel:01558 668998;
  Garden with extensive woodland areas containing many native and exotic ferns all in a peaceful Welsh valley. For opening times see website {E} {P} {S}

Ceridigion

• Tim Brock, Delfryn, Pentre Rhew, Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6SB; email
  BPS member’s garden containing a wide range of ferns including a special collection of Asplenium scolopendrium (harts tongue) cultivars. Visits welcome by arrangement. {A} {M} {X}

Glamorgan

• Brian and Sue Dockerill, 19, Westfield Road, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, CF37 3AG; tel: 01443 402999; email briansuedockerill@outlook.com
  Members garden with wide range of hardy and exotic ferns, many in pots. Full list under ‘Ferns in members’ gardens’. Visits by appointment only. {A} {H} {M} {X}
• Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU; website
  Victorian garden designed by Thomas Mawson. Interesting range of ferns and varieties suitable for the period in a shady rock garden. {E} {NT} {P}

Monmouthshire

• Dewstow Gardens and Grottos, Caerwent, Caldicot, Monmouthshire NP26 5AH ; Tel: 01291 431020
  Victorian Pulhamite Garden undergoing restoration. Extensive grottos, rock and water features containing many hardy and exotic ferns. For opening times please see website {E} {P}

Pembrokeshire

• Picton Castle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4AS; Tel: 01437 751326; email
  Extensive garden in sheltered site in West Wales. Many ferns including tree ferns and other exotics in woodland areas and enclosed fernery as part of the Victorian walled garden. For opening times, see website {E} {P} {S}