Some of our places we care for in the South East of England will be opening with guided tours, so you’ll need to pre-book before your visit. These tours will be led by expert volunteers and will show the places in a new light. You may also need to book in advance at some other larger places, where visitor numbers need to be carefully managed for practical reasons.
Our gardens are kaleidoscopes of colour in summer. Lilies, geraniums and sweet phlox pack Mottisfont’s borders, beneath thousands of roses. At The Vyne, a meadow of wildflowers ‘pops up’ in the walled garden. Hinton Ampner is a ‘jewel box’ of colour, with a packed cut flower border and fragrant rose displays. There are plenty of places to soak up the view, wherever you are.
We’ve got beautiful places you can escape to this summer. Stroll through peaceful sun-dappled woods and meadows on the Mottisfont estate. The top of Stockbridge Down, with its panoramic views, is a fantastic spot for a picnic. And for a real ‘wilderness walk’ nothing beats the stillness of an ancient New Forest common on a warm summer’s day.
Remember how it feels to walk barefoot on tickly grass, play Pooh Sticks or run summer races? This summer, our Hampshire places have loads of activities that will fill your day with simple outdoor adventures and experiences. Plus new ‘Get, set go’ cards are packed with ideas to entertain the kids, from outdoor games to nature challenges.
Our gardens provide picture-perfect locations for a summer picnic. We’ve got shady spots for quiet relaxation at Hinton Ampner and wide sunny spaces that are perfect for family gatherings at Mottisfont and The Vyne. So fling down a blanket and get out the sandwiches and ginger beer. Don’t forget - our cafes can provide lots of picnic-friendly treats too.
Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Hampshire, these intimate gardens take in panoramic views over rolling countryside. Discover an elegant country house, sculptured topiary, a pretty walled garden, and parkland dotted with ancient trees. Estate walks take you further afield to beech woodlands, farmland and hamlets.
With its huge lawns and riverside setting, Mottisfont is a wonderful place for a day out. A large walled garden reveals herbaceous borders packed with colour, and a kitchen garden full of leafy produce. Tree-lined paths take you along the pretty river Test and into meadows beyond. In the house 20th-century style rooms include artist Rex Whistler’s famous trompe l’oeil wall paintings.
There are acres of country estate to explore at this former Tudor power-house, visited by King Henry VIII. The formal gardens feature colourful herbaceous borders and spectacular views over the lake. In the house surviving Tudor interiors rub shoulders with ornate 18th-century architecture. Walking trails take in fields, woodlands, and wetlands teeming with birdlife.
Perched on its vantage point high on the South Downs, Uppark offers views as far south as the English Channel, and a house with fine Georgian interiors. The landscaped gardens are being gradually restored to their original 19th-century design, and a pretty wildflower meadow provides space to picnic. The nearby woodland is great for exploring and den-building.
Want to get more out of your summer blooms? Our gardening experts are sharing their tips on how to garden during the warmest season. This month we've got lots of advice on roses and composting.
Fill your summer with delicious food. We've got some great recipes for you to enjoy and share with loved ones. Whether you're looking for easy picnic snacks, recipes for a summer feast or family-favourite bakes, discover some tasty recipes.
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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