These gardens are well worth visiting at any time of the year, but pre-booking is essential, you cannot just turn up. The cream teas are delicious although expensive £6.25, and the jam was wonderful, as good as any home-made jam. The very knowledgeable guide spends 2 hours taking you around the gardens, even if it rains, you just keep going! They explain the reason for everything being there, the culture etc of the gardens and landscape.