Things to do in the garden at The Vyne

swans and cygnets swim on the glassy surface of The Vyne's lake surrounded by leafy trees. — Recharge the batteries in the gardens at The Vyne. | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

There are 3.5 hectares of garden surrounding the house at The Vyne. Two lakes, a walled garden, formal garden and meadow along with lawns and a herbaceous border sit neatly inside this area. There is plenty for you to explore through the seasons, from the 17th-century summerhouse to a 600-year-old oak tree.

Summer in the garden

Swaying wildflowers, traditionally cultivated hops and bright dahlias are just some of the horticultural highlights to look out for this season.

Wild flowers: over 50 varieties of wild flower, ranging from poppies and rose campion to larkspur and corn marigold, were specially chosen by the garden team for their vibrant colours, to help attract insects like bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths in need of pollen.
Summerhouse garden: a palette of pinks and purples populate the central flowerbeds in the summer months, featuring Echinacea, Phlox and Clematis among others. Each bed forms a Grecian cross to reflect the floorplan of the 17th-century summerhouse.
Walled garden: flowers, fruit and vegetables grow in row upon row of neat rectangular beds. Look out for the newly planted bee pen which is full of bee-loving plants such as lavender, mint and oregano.
Dahlias: blooming from August, dahlias were an important part of horticultural life at The Vyne in the 19th century, when head gardener Mr Broomfield regularly won prizes for his blooms at local shows.
Orchard: mulberries and traditional apples can be found in the historic orchard.
Wild garden: marking the transition between garden and countryside, the wild garden is a haven for wildlife with its tall grasses.

The walled garden

Dating back to the 18th century, the walled garden houses a variety of fruit and vegetables as well as a dahlia border. An ambitious restoration programme restored the glasshouse and the fruit and vegetable beds to their former glory.

The summerhouse

Possibly the earliest domed garden building in England, the summerhouse dates from around 1635 and has been used as a banqueting house and a dovecote. Designed by John Webb and built in the shape of a Greek cross, it is one of two originally built.

Today, the remaining summerhouse is the focus of the formal garden with beds which reflect the shape of the structure itself. The bedding plants are chosen to complement the shades of the summerhouse during the seasons and the garden is enclosed by a yew hedge.

The 17th-century domed red-brick summerhouse at The Vyne. — The 17th-century summerhouse at The Vyne | © National Trust / Karen Legg

Hundred Guinea Oak

Frail but still standing, the Hundred Guinea Oak is now over 600 years old. William John Chute, who owned The Vyne in the late Georgian period, was offered £100 and later 100 guineas for the timber.

He flatly refused to sell the oak, which you can see for yourself at the top of the Lime Avenue.

Wild garden

Here, the informal layout gives the impression of a natural landscape that has emerged all by itself. Laden with seasonal colour, trees gently arc over the main path at intervals while the paths mown through the long grass bring you to the lakeside where you can spot waterfowl gliding across the lake.

Family activities in the garden

There are plenty of self-led trails around the estate for families to enjoy. Unfortunately ball games, frisbees, bikes, scooters and drones are not allowed on the estate. This is to prevent further damage to the house and grounds.

Close up detail of the 16th-century stained glass window in the Chapel at the Vyne, Hampshire

Discover more at The Vyne

Find out when The Vyne is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Visiting The Vyne with your dog

The Vyne is a three pawprint rated place. Find out about bringing your dog to The Vyne where you can explore the gardens together.

A close-up image of a tan-brown dog with a white muzzle and zip, with trees visible in the background

Family-friendly things to do at The Vyne

From 16 May to 28 June, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is coming to The Vyne. Normal admission applies. On 17 July, gates 10am, film 11am-12pm, don't miss double-bill outdoor cinema The Gruffalo & Stick Man (U). Cinema Tickets (non-refundable): Standard Under 1 Years £0.00, Standard Under 12s £9.80, Standard £12.89, Premium £15.13, Director's View + Treat Bag + Blanket £36.41. Click through and scroll down for the link to book cinema tickets. Families can enjoy a Summer of Play 23 July - 13 September.

children sit in a bird hide holding binoculars.

Eating and shopping at The Vyne

Enjoy a refreshment stop in the atmospheric tea-room at The Vyne. Treat yourself to a gift in the shop or get comfy in the window seat while browsing pre-loved books.

Scones are piled on a plate with a knife and some butter.

Things to do in The Vyne house

The Sandys and Chute families made The Vyne their home for over 500 years. They accumulated beautiful and important objects and made significant changes to the house during their lives. Enjoy the collection in opulent state rooms and humble servants’ quarters. Running 25 June to 1 November, 11am-3pm, Exhibition: “Taste, Design, and the Georgian Gentleman” explores the legacy of Georgian owner of The Vyne, John Chute. Biweekly tours will also be available for a suggested donation of £5 per person.