Summer borders with a stone path through the middle, a brick wall in the background and a church behind the wall — The walled kitchen garden at Hinton Ampner in summer | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Gardens and parks in Hampshire

Our Hampshire gardens are kaleidoscopes of lush colour in summer. Magnificent dahlia displays, brimming kitchen gardens and pretty flower meadows combine to give joy and inspiration at every turn.

The garden at Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner’s walled kitchen garden is a summer Hampshire highlight, pretty with thousands of blooms mingling with arches of peas and beans and neat rows of leafy veg. Exotic dahlias create spectacular shows across the gardens. See the best spots on free Tuesday and Thursday tours.

Dahlias in the Sunken Garden in July at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

The garden at Mottisfont

Vibrant displays of dahlias greet you as you step into Mottisfont’s walled kitchen garden, a space packed with floral colour and produce destined for the cafe. Look out for quirky gourds wriggling along the wooden pergolas, and hanging bunches of grapes. In the rose garden you’ll find lavender hedges and sky-blue agapanthus.

Gravel path through centre of walled garden with borders of blue agapanthus, Mottisfont, Hampshire

The garden at The Vyne

A palette of pinks and purples fills the summerhouse garden borders – phlox, clematis and echinacea. In the walled garden pictorial flower meadow strips attract bees and butterflies and willow obelisks are smothered in sweetpeas. Hundreds of dahlias are coming into bloom too, in a rainbow of colours.

Close up of red and white dahlias in flower border at The Vyne, Hampshire, with glasshouse in background

The garden at Uppark

In summer, Uppark’s wildflower meadow is full of flowers and nectar-hungry insects. Wander into its centre to take in views over the countryside. Nearby, the scented garden is full of lilies, sweet peas, phlox and heliotrope. Uppark re-opens on 27 July after a two year closure.

The neat plant borders in the gardens at Uppark House and Garden, West Sussex

The garden at Sandham Memorial Chapel

Sandham’s apple orchard, littered with wildflowers, is a lovely place to sit when you visit this chapel in the peaceful village of Burghclere. Behind the chapel, pretty cottage garden planting brings colour to raised beds. Sandham is open Wednesday to Sunday.

Lawns and flowerbeds in the reflection garden in May 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.