The gardens at Kedleston lie immediately to the south and west of the Hall and contain a mixture of expansive lawns, massive rhododendrons and ancient trees with newly created beds, all designed to complement the grandeur of the House and Parkland. At their western end, the gardens provide a prelude to the Long Walk - a woodland and glade circuit currently undergoing extensive work to restore it to its semi-natural splendour.

Very careful thought has been given to the gardens by National Trust Garden Advisors and its staff, led at the property today by Head Gardener, Colin Chappell. Irregular beds are set in well-maintained grass swards in which a mowing regime with various heights of cut has been established to emphasise pathways and other garden features. This is an interesting innovation, which replaces the usual regimented cutting that is the normal practice.

The primary feature of the gardens is their informality. Bold plantings have been introduced to existing beds and there are new beds where evergreens predominate. Although there is a great variety of flowering trees and shrubs, part of the key to the enjoyment of these gardens is in the appreciation of the subtle mix of colours - often muted, but nonetheless exhibiting great contrast.

Notwithstanding this, the spring show of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells herald one of the glories of Kedleston to be found in the blazing colour of rhododendrons and azaleas that dominate the eye in May and June.

The sunken rose garden, the Orangery, Summer House and classical garden sculptures all help to tie together a delightful garden experience.