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.
Fresh blossom is one of the most uplifting sights of spring, and our gardens have plenty to share. In March sit under creamy magnolia at Mottisfont. A little later there's pretty pink and white cherry blossom to enjoy at Hinton Ampner. 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.
Take time to admire spring blossom, whether it's down your street, on a walk with family or friends or in a vibrant garden. You can also learn more about how these floral wonders support wildlife.
In spring our Hampshire gardens are jewel boxes of colour. Drifts of scented narcissi provide splashes of sunny colour across lawns and under trees at all our places. Mottisfont’s creamy magnolia is a show-stopper in late March. At Hinton Ampner in April you’ll find bright displays of tulips, from lilac and yellow to rich pink, purple and orange.
Spring walks
Listen to the skylarks as you climb to the top of Stockbridge Down. Or explore Hinton Ampner's bluebell woods, and Mottisfont's wildlife-rich ancient farmland. Our downloadable trails will introduce you to some memorable sights and sounds across Hampshire this spring.
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.
Comedy & Commentary exhibition, 24 January – 24 April. In the gallery, over 60 original illustrations of funny, beautifully drawn works from the crème of Britain’s cartoonists. From the satirical to the side-splitting, enjoy art from Matt of the Telegraph, Mike Williams from Private Eye, Norman Thelwell, and many more.
Exquisite ‘Soho’ tapestries have returned to The Vyne after eight years. Full of fantastical scenes and exotic creatures, find out more about their story of survival, from a nineteenth century ‘extreme makeover’ to recent conservation work to save them.
Get the most out of your garden this spring. Discover our top tips for creating an eye-catching display of blossom, preparing your flower beds and watch our video on how to grow your own veg.
Even bold adventurers don't need to go too far from home to tick off challenges from the '50 things' activity list. Here are our top ideas for activities that you can do in your own back garden or outdoor green space
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own bird feeder? We've got plenty of how to guides for you to discover, from how to make your own compost, to how to green clean your home.
Discover grand mansions and servants' quarters, an atmospheric Victorian fort and a very special chapel with murals by Stanley Spencer. Just some of our places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
From intimate gardens in romantic settings to ancient parklands filled with magnificent trees, you'll find a variety of beautiful landscapes to enjoy at our places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
There's woodland, wetland, farmland and more for you to enjoy in Hampshire, including the commons of the New Forest. Plus the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Wight. So come out and play.
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