An element of secrecy peppers the sights and sounds, reflecting the top secret map-making work that was carried out when Hughenden was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in 1941. See the 'Hillside' rooms in the Manor and join a daily talk to find out more about Hughenden's Second World War history.
Wooden Ornaments Trail
Hidden amongst the Christmas trees are little wooden decorations handcarved by one of our talented volunteers. Each one represents a different aspect of the Hillside story, can you find all eight and unravel the clues?
Wheeling about
The personnel stationed here travelled to and from Hughenden by bicycle and their favoured mode of transport is the theme for our winter planting scheme on the Parterre. Inspired by the colours of the RAF emblem, the circles are laid out as wheels using ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ for the tyres and narcissus ‘Jack Snipe’ for the spokes. The rectangles are based on the Hillside maps with festuca ‘Kitty Blue’ as lines and contours marked out in pulmonaria, thyme and narcissus across a background of forget-me-nots.
Winter adventure
Follow the trail of Sergeant Hadfield's little Scottie dog around the gardens for a family adventure to find her woodland friends and their winter homes. Sat 7 - Sun 5 Jan. £3 per child, includes a small gift.
A relaxed Christmas
Visit the Stableyard Shop to pick up your Christmas gifts, from local artisan chocolates to a great range of homewares and enjoy the sparkling lights as dusk draws in. Or how about a gift that lasts a whole year? Give someone special gift membership for them to enjoy free entry to over 500 special places in 2020.
For handmade present ideas, Hughenden's volunteer team have created a wonderful selection of countryside products including bird boxes, coasters, bug hotels and wellie racks. Each one is unique and made from wood from the Hughenden estate.
