Walled kitchen garden with flower borders, glasshouse, grass paths, and church behind wall in background — The walled kitchen garden at Hinton Ampner in summer | © National Trust/Hugh Mothersole

Gardens and parks in Hampshire

There's still plenty to enjoy in our Hampshire gardens in early autumn. Magnificent dahlia displays and brimming kitchen gardens combine to give joy and inspiration at every turn.

The garden at Hinton Ampner

Brights shots of colour can be seen across the gardens at Hinton Ampner, thanks to annual dahlia displays. Head to the sunken garden for pretty seasonal planting and panoramic views. Harvests have come early this year and the walled kitchen garden is full of produce, from giant onions to heritage apples and swelling pumpkins.

Pink dahlias flower in two flowerbeds in The Sunken Garden at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire, with topiary trees to the left ad the house above to the right

The garden at Mottisfont

Displays of fruit and veg pack the raised borders in Mottisfont’s kitchen garden, peaking early because of the hot, dry summer and mild spring. Companion planting gives this space beautiful palette splashes – soak up the dahlias in a rainbow of colours when you come through the gates.

Walled kitchen garden at Mottisfont showing raised beds and long wooden pergolas with house in background

The garden at The Vyne

Dahlias are taking centre stage at The Vyne. In the walled garden you’ll find a 30m long border filled with different varieties and colours, from creams and yellows to rich pinks and reds. Nearby the heritage orchard is heavy with autumn fruit. Look out for the harvest stall by the visitor kiosk, where you can buy freshly picked apples, pears and veg. Plus bright bunches of dahlias.

Orange dahlias in the foreground with walled garden glasshouse in background

The garden at Uppark

As we head into autumn Uppark’s sugar maple and tulip trees start to turn shades of red and yellow. Sedums, hydrangea and cyclamen provide splashes of pink. There are spectacular views too, over the South Downs countryside.

Visitors walking along flower border in autumn with exterior of house in background, Uppark, West Sussex

The garden at Sandham Memorial Chapel

Sandham’s cottage-style garden is a pretty sight in early autumn. Mauve and red asters and sedums mingle with white and pink Japanese anemones in this tranquil spot. The apple orchard is full of historic varieties, and due to this year’s hot dry weather the fruit is already ripe – you can purchase a bag for a donation, along with mini bags of Sandham lavender.

The gardens in summer at Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire

Stretch your legs, run around, enjoy some peace and quiet and take in stunning views.

The estate at Hinton Ampner

Adjoining the gardens are acres of beautiful parkland. Follow the ancient tree trail to discover some of its remarkable gnarled veterans, or simply enjoy soaking up the panoramic vista as you wander. There are several waymarked trails on to the wider estate.