Our gardens, parks and countryside sites are open. In England our shops are open, along with outdoor seating at cafés. In Wales some shops are open, and cafés are offering a takeaway service. Houses and other indoor areas are currently closed. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority. We strongly advise booking your visits in advance, especially over the Easter holidays when places may be very busy. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance on travel.
Fresh blossom is one of the most uplifting sights of spring, and our gardens have plenty to share. Take in the pretty pink and white cherry blossom at Hinton Ampner, or sit under creamy magnolia at Mottisfont. Further afield, a walk across Stockbridge Down or the Mottisfont estate offers up displays of wild blackthorn and hawthorn flowers – a tasty treat for mammals and birds.
Join our #BlossomWatch campaign on social media. Take time to admire spring blossom, whether it's from your window, on your street or local walk, or in your garden if you’re lucky enough to have it grow there. You can also share sightings on our blossom map and learn more about identifying blossom and how these floral wonders support wildlife.
In spring our gardens are jewel boxes of colour. Drifts of narcissi provide splashes of white and yellow across lthe lawns. Mottisfont’s magnolia and cherry blossom are creamy show-stoppers, and Hinton’s walled garden is full of blooms. In late spring at Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne you’ll find bright tulip displays, from lilac and yellow to rich pink and purple.
Listen to the skylarks as you climb to the top of ancient Stockbridge Down. Or explore The Vyne's bluebell woods just beyond the gardens. Mottisfont's estate walk takes in wildlife-rich farmland, meadows and beautiful views. Our downloadable trails will introduce you to some memorable sights and sounds across Hampshire this spring.
With its huge lawns and riverside setting, Mottisfont is a wonderful place to enjoy a winter’s day out. Tree-lined paths take you along the famous river Test and into meadows beyond. The winter garden, now in its tenth year, is full of scent, richly-coloured barks and winter flowers.
Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Hampshire, these intimate gardens take in panoramic views over rolling countryside. Discover sculptured topiary, a pretty walled garden, and parkland dotted with ancient trees. Estate walks take you further afield to beech woodlands, farmland and hamlets.
There are acres of ancient country estate to explore at this former Tudor power-house, turned 18th-century family home, visited several times by King Henry VIII. A winter stroll takes in glorious views across The Vyne’s magnificent lake, peaceful woodlands, and an expanse of wetlands teeming with colourful migrant birds.
One of our most-loved sights in spring is a woodland full of delicately scented bluebells. We care for some of Hampshire's most beautiful bluebell woods, and a walk through them is an uplifting experience. By keeping to the paths you'll help ensure this fragile flower's survival.
Bluebells are not the easiest subject to photograph. Dappled light leads to contrast and colour issues and there's the practical aspect of trying not to damage the very thing you're celebrating. Photographer Hugh Mothersole has top tips for phone snappers and professionals alike.
We're one of the most important organisations in the UK for bluebell conservation. A quarter of our woodland is ancient or semi-natural which is an ideal habitat for bluebells.
With spring here, there's plenty to keep us occupied in the garden. Hear from our gardeners about what blooms, blossom trees and herbs to plant, get advice on compost, what's in season and lots more inspiration for your outdoor space.
We love food and we've got some great recipes to prove it. Here are some of our chefs' and local experts' favourites, including our classic cheese scones, seasonal delights and veggie and vegan treats.
Delve into our garden shed of fun activities for the kids throughout the seasons. Explore things to do, games to play and recipes to bake. There's lots to be done outdoors in nature or indoors on a rainy day
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