Want a relaxing day out? Britain's top 10 green spaces honoured

Britain’s top 10 green spaces have been honoured with a series of English Heritage style green plaques.

17:32 30 April 2014

Britain’s top 10 green spaces, which include the original Blue Peter garden, the spot where Sir Isaac Newton developed his theory of gravity,  and the Peter Pan statue in London’s Kensington Gardens, have been honoured with Mossy Memories signs – English Heritage style green plaques. 

 

Landing the top spot is Britain’s most iconic green space, Sherwood Forest – the first recipient of a green plaque and the reputed home of outlaw Robin Hood. The forest got 39per cent of the vote when Britons were asked to choose their favourite parks and gardens that are associated with historic figures and television references. 

 

The second spot was given to the original Blue Peter Garden in London followed by the Surbiton garden that was featured in the TV series The Good Life. 

 

Adam Frost, designer of Homebase's 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, said: 'The garden is a space that is enjoyed by different generations. Whether it's planting some flowers, exploring nature or playing games, it's the perfect backdrop to reflect upon and create our own memories. 

 

'This year's Homebase Chelsea Garden celebrates the importance of memories and creates a place where we can reflect and reminisce about the moments in time that make us who we are.

 

'This is true of all the spaces being awarded a green plaque, and although castles and rivers may not feature in everyone's back garden, these UK landmarks can influence small elements such as water features, pathways and flower beds.' 

 

Britain’s top 10 green spaces 

 

1.    Sherwood Forest, alleged home to heroic outlaw Robin Hood 

2.    Original Blue Peter Garden in London 

3.    The Good Life TV series garden in Surbiton 

4.    Flatford Mill, featured in John Constable’s painting The Hay Wain 

5.    Regents Park which inspired Mary Poppins’ garden scenes

6.    Kensington Gardens where Peter Pan flies to from his nursery 

7.    Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake heard about the Spanish Armada 

8.    Beatrix Potter’s Lake District land which now forms a large part of the National Park 

9.    Woolsthorpe Manor, where Sir Isaac Newton was inspired by an apple

10.  Alnwick Castle, Hogwarts film location in the first two Harry Potter films