Must-See Hampshire Gardens

There’s nothing more joyous than blue sky days, beautifully attended gardens, and the scent of fragrant foliage as you brush past along winding garden pathways. Days like this, little forays away from the everyday promise to lighten life a little, slow the mind and re-inspire. That’s certainly the charm of our ‘Escape To the Country’ break in the New Forest. 

With complimentary tickets to a nearby attraction included in this break, choose between the renowned National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, with more than 250 vehicles on show as well as its meticulously cared for grounds and gardens, and the historic and beautiful 'Palace House' and medieval Beaulieu Abbey. Or choose to venture to the celebrated grounds, meadows, and woodland of Exbury Gardens, created in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild, the distinguished garden offers 200 acres of serene woodland and gardens bursting with life and horticultural variety.

This Hampshire break sets the stage for an idyllic weekend in the New Forest National Park, however for the very green-fingered guests perhaps you’ll look to find the time to visit a few more wonderful Hampshire gardens during your New Forest break, in which case, here are just a few must-visit gardens to add to your list. 

Mottisfont

The romantic riverside Mottisfont house and garden is a National Trust property located 20 miles from our New Forest hotel near Romsey, Hampshire. The gardens boast a stunning rose collection in the walled garden, beautiful waterside paths, and an ancient spring. Pop into the plant shop to take a little slice of Mottisfont home with you or stay a little later on certain days of the week for their ‘open evenings’ during the summer months, inviting you to sample local wine from Hampshire’s Black Chalk winery or listen to live jazz by the FB Pocket Orchestra.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens 

If you’re headed towards Romsey, perhaps you will enjoy a stop in Ampfield to visit the renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. The 180-acre arboretum is located just 18 miles from our hotel with more than 42,000 trees and shrubs, explore the unique grounds, from ‘Acer Valley’ and the delightful ‘Heather Garden’ to the Centenary Border – ‘the longest double mixed border in the country.’ 

Furzey Gardens

Known as a ‘secret woodland garden,’ less than 12 miles away from our Hampshire hotel near Minstead, within our National Park, is Furzey Gardens. Established in 1922, the small, picturesque, informal garden, is fascinating for all ages – ‘a social enterprise, Furzey provides training and work experience for people with learning disabilities’ so entrance fee is a suggested charitable donation. Walk the garden and enjoy the impressive display of rhododendrons and azaleas, trees and shrubs including the magnolia sieboldii and primula pulverulenta.
 

Hinton Ampner House

Another wonderful Hampshire garden is that of Hinton Ampner House near Alresford, around 32 miles from The Montagu Arms. A beautiful home renovated after a fire in the 1960s, manicured lawns surround this charming National Trust property and guests fall in love with its distinctive style. Take in far-reaching views of the South Downs as you wander the grounds past elegant sculptured topiary and, fragrant roses, visit the Kitchen Garden and The Walled Garden lined with apple and pear trees or sit and enjoy the birdsong in the Silent Space. 

Longstock Park Water Gardens

If it’s wildlife and water that draws you to a garden make time to visit Hampshire’s Longstock Park Water Gardens for something extra special. Part of the Leckford Estate, the Waitrose & Partners Farm is around 28 miles from our New Forest hotel and its unique offering - the water garden. Spreading across six acres it’s considered by some to be one of the finest water gardens in the world. Serene and peaceful yet teeming with life, it’s a haven for birdlife, insects, butterflies, and wildlife alike and John Spedan Lewis spent much of his later life wandering amongst its clear waters and lush greenery, admiring one of its most beautiful features, its water lilies. 

Hampshire is home to an endless number of gardens to roam and tearooms to frequent during your escape to the country, and we’ve not even got round to The Vyne’s nine hectares and wild flower meadows, Gilbert White’s House & Garden born from a life-long exploration of the natural world, or West Green House’s Opera Garden. 

Whatever you do, ensure you have plenty of time to explore Hampshire’s greatest gardens and a chance to relax in ours; we certainly recommend a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay so you may sample the delights of our very own kitchen garden whilst you dine in The Terrace or Monty’s Inn, or perhaps an Afternoon Tea in our quintessential English garden will be just the thing to satiate your appetite after a day of wandering borders and smelling the roses.