Daffodils grow in the grass in front of the summerhouse garden at The Vyne. — Daffodils scattered across the orchard in spring at The Vyne | © National Trust Images / Robert Morris

Gardens and parks in Hampshire

Our Hampshire gardens are awash with daffodils in early spring, on lawns and under ancient trees. There's creamy magnolia too, and soon, you'll discover jewel-coloured tulips and frothy fruit and ornamental blossom at Mottisfont, The Vyne and Hinton Ampner.

The garden at Hinton Ampner

Daffodils spread through the orchard and across lawns at Hinton Ampner. Later, tulips will be bringing shots of colour to the sunken garden’s long borders and brightening up terracotta pots on the terraces. A great place to sit and soak up floral colour and incredible views.

Small trees with white blossom stand over a swathe of daffodils, with a flint tower in the background

The garden at Mottisfont

Daffodils cluster in swathes beneath giant veteran trees in March. Mottisfont’s magnificent magnolia bursts into bloom and lilac-blue chionodoxa flowers carpet the lime avenue. Later, tulips fill borders in the walled gardens, and Mottisfont’s little cherry orchard is a sea of white blossom.

Daffodils under a plane tree in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire

The garden at The Vyne

The walled garden’s borders are filled with daffodils in March. They fringe the South Drive entrance by the house too, plus you’ll find bunches for sale. In April, cherry blossom pops up in the wild garden and the fruit orchard trees are covered in tiny white and white flowers.

Daffodils grow in beds in the walled garden at The Vyne.

The bluebells are coming out early this year and will probably be looking their best between mid- and late April. The woods at The Vyne and Hinton Ampner are littered with thousands of these violet-blue, delicately scented wildflowers. You’ll find displays in Spearywell woods too, a 15 minute walk or five minute drive from the gardens at Mottisfont.

Bluebell woods at The Vyne

Follow the 1.3 mile Woodland Walk trail, which takes you past The Vyne’s magnificent lake, on which swans and their signets swim. Carpets of native bluebells cover the woodland floor. There are lots of other wildflowers to enjoy too, from early purple orchids to snowy white wood anemones.

Bluebell displays at Hinton Ampner

There are several pretty walks from the Hinton Ampner estate, but the Dutton Estate four mile walk leads to glorious bluebell woods. You’ll also see beautiful displays of scented bluebells in the copse alongside field boundaries when you set out from the gardens.

Path through bluebells in beech woodland, Hinton Ampner, 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.