A popular visitor attraction near Hitchin has been named the best RHS Partner Garden in the country following a nationwide public vote.

Shuttleworth's Swiss Garden, located at Old Warden in Bedfordshire, has been crowned the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year 2026.

The historic garden also scooped the regional award for the Midlands & East, making it a double celebration for the team behind the much-loved attraction.

The annual RHS competition celebrates outstanding gardens across the country, with this year's awards highlighting the important role gardens play in bringing visitors closer to nature and supporting biodiversity.

Shuttleworth's Swiss Garden is a rare example of a Regency garden designed in the 'Swiss Picturesque' or 'Alpine' style and forms part of the Grade II* registered Old Warden Park.

The garden is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic features and abundant wildlife, with its gardening team adopting environmentally friendly practices to help nature thrive.

These include a 'no dig' approach to shrub beds to protect soil life, creating undisturbed habitats for insects and hedgehogs, and maintaining ponds for waterfowl.

Pollinator-friendly plants also provide food for insects, while trees are carefully checked during the nesting season to protect birds.

Visitors were full of praise for the garden during the public vote.

One supporter said: "Shuttleworth's Swiss Cottage is a beautiful gem in a stunning location. I visit often, as I walk through the gate my body relaxes and for a few hours it's just bliss."

Another praised the wildlife, flowers and the garden's resident peacocks, describing the experience as "even more magical".

Tony Young, Head Gardener at Shuttleworth, said the award was a fitting recognition of the work undertaken by staff and volunteers.

"Winning RHS Partner Garden of the Year is a real honour, and we are delighted that our Swiss Garden is such a special place to so many people who voted.

"Swiss Garden has gone through quite a period of development, a journey which we are still on, so winning this award has given us the opportunity to stop and reflect on all that we have achieved so far.

"None of this would have been possible without our volunteers; their dedication to Swiss Garden is incredible and the garden would not be the wonderful place it is today without them."

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, also congratulated the Shuttleworth team.

"In the often-challenging times in which we live, the beauty and tranquillity that comes with visiting gardens, with their chance to reconnect with nature, is so important to our wellbeing," he said.

"All our RHS Partner Gardens are on the frontline of championing nature, encouraging wildlife and supporting biodiversity and special congratulations must go to Shuttleworth Swiss Garden and all our Partner Garden of the Year regional winners for being recognised in our annual competition."

The award is another boost for Shuttleworth, which is a popular destination for families and day-trippers from Hitchin and across North Hertfordshire.

As an RHS Partner Garden, Swiss Garden offers free admission to RHS members on Mondays and Thursdays, excluding event days.

The garden is part of the wider Shuttleworth estate at Old Warden, which is also home to the famous Shuttleworth Collection of historic aircraft and vehicles.

For more information about visiting Swiss Garden, head to www.shuttleworth.org⁠.