Airing tonight at 8:00 PM on BBC Two, or available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, national treasure Monty Don embarks on a brand-new national tour in Monty Don’s British Gardens. Celebrating the resilience, creativity, and sheer variety of British horticulture, the series sets out to answer what our outdoor spaces reveal about our culture, history, and people.
In tonight’s premiere, Monty kicks off his journey in the north, traveling from the windswept, rugged northwest coast of Scotland across to the northeast coast of England. Despite visiting some of the most inhospitable and weather-beaten climates in the country, he discovers extraordinary landscapes that are thriving against all odds.
Highlights from Tonight’s Premiere
Battle with the Elements: Sporting his signature battered Panama hat and scarf to ward off swarms of Scottish midges, Monty proves that great gardening requires serious grit alongside design flair.
Exclusive Royal Access: Viewers get an intimate look at Birkhall on the royal Balmoral estate. Known as one of King Charles III’s private sanctuaries, its informal, romantic planting style offers a stunning contrast to traditional grand estates.
Grandiose Architecture & Hidden Gems: The journey spans from the sprawling Grand Cascade and dramatic Bamboo Labyrinth at Alnwick Garden over the border to Edinburgh’s Regent Gardens—a tranquil secret green sanctuary tucked inside the capital.
Challenging Concepts: Not every stop meets Monty’s traditional aesthetic—such as the cosmic, earthwork-heavy Crawick Multiverse with its artfully displayed standing stones—yet he concedes that any landscape encouraging us to view a garden with fresh eyes has to be celebrated.
Whether you’re looking for grandiose castle grounds, community planting projects, or small private sanctuaries, this opening leg offers a serene, visually rich tour of the UK’s horticultural heritage.
Watch live tonight at 8 PM on BBC Two, or catch the full episode on-demand via BBC iPlayer.