Green-fingered explorers should head to Belgium's Chateau d'Annevoie for a real horticultural holiday.

The spectacular castle is famed for its exquisite water gardens, established in the second half of the 18th century by Charles-Alexis de Montpellier.

The owner/designer was so inspired by the French, English and Italian gardens he had seen on his travels, he amalgamated the three styles in his castle grounds.

Visitors will be romanced by the results - a grand canal, grotto, 20 ornamental pools with nearly 50 water jets and a succession of fountains and cascades. All these stunning water features work naturally and have been flowing without fail for the past 230 years.

The Gardens of Annevoie are located between Namur and Dinant on the left bank of the River Meuse.

Another highlight on a Belgian garden tour is an excursion to Beervelde Park, which plays host to the hugely popular Spring and Autumn Garden Days every year.