We’re reopening the places you love in Kent, safely and in line with government guidance. We recommend you book in advance for visits to gardens, parks and houses, especially at busy times such as weekends. See what’s open and ready for you to book this week below…
With its huge lawns and riverside views, Mottisfont is a wonderful place to enjoy an autumn day out. Enjoy strolls along the famous river Test and into meadows beyond. The famous walled rose garden retains the last of summer’s colour, and in the kitchen garden you’ll find espaliered fruit trees and tranquil places to soak up the view.
Discover a garden packed with early autumn floral colour, and a brimming kitchen garden. Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Hampshire, this horticultural ‘jewel’ takes in panoramic views over rolling countryside. Estate walks take you in autumn parkland and ancient woods.
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. An autumn stroll takes in glorious tree colour beside The Vyne’s magnificent lake, through the woods and out to beautiful wetlands teeming with birds.
Hinton Ampner’s dahlia displays reach their peak in early autumn. Here, head gardener John Wood reveals how he planted over 500 of these exotic beauties on his own, during lockdown. Dahlias were a great passion of former owner Sir Ralph Dutton. On your visit you’ll find beautiful displays all around the 14 acre gardens.
August’s mix of sunshine and showers has been good to National Trust gardens here in Hampshire, reviving floral borders at Hinton Ampner, adding lustre to apple orchards at The Vyne, and refreshing the foliage of stately veteran trees at Mottisfont. Indulge in a peaceful September visit whilst the warm weather lingers.
Explore the soft beauty of Hampshire’s most beautiful autumn landscape on our downloadable walks. There are acres of ancient woodland, parkland and fields to stroll through at The Vyne, Mottisfont and Hinton Ampner. Some of our walks take in quiet lanes and pretty villages too. Discover golden tree canopies, autumn wildlife, and beautiful views.
An autumn woodland glowing with colour and rich with the smell of damp earth is a wonderful place to be. National Trust Ranger Chloe Bradbrooke suggests six mini wonders of nature to look out for on an autumn woodland walk.
With the help of bat surveys and specialist conservation techniques that even feature endoscopes, we're introducing more wildlife back into Mottisfont's woods. Find out how, and what you might see on a walk through the estate this autumn.
Delve into the fascinating history of The Vyne – a former Tudor palace visited by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Learn about the site's transformation into the family home of lawyer and politician John Chaloner Chute. Discover hidden paintings in a gap in the wall and find out how the attic is protected from evil spirits, plus much more.
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