Hampshire has some amazing gardens for the whole family to enjoy. Here are 5 we have explored and would recommend.
Furzey Gardens
Furzey Gardens, nestled in the heart of the New Forest, is a botanical wonderland brimming with enchantment. Walk through winding pathways bordered by vibrant blooms, ancient trees, and whimsical sculptures. Discover hidden treasures at every turn, from tranquil ponds to secret woodland glades. With its rich tapestry of colors and scents, Furzey Gardens offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and a playground of exploration for curious little ones.
Rare and unusual plants
Cosy thatched tea room
Over 40 fairy doors
Kids activity sheet
Every time you visit you are helping them to provide support and work experience for people with learning disabilities.
📍 School Ln, Minstead, Lyndhurst SO43 7GL
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Sir Harold Hillier Arboretum and Gardens
Sir Harold Hillier Arboretum and Gardens, is a horticultural paradise spanning 180 acres. Named after its founder, the arboretum boasts an impressive collection of over 42,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. Depending on the time of your visit, you can wander through themed gardens, including the Winter Garden and the Bog Garden, each showcasing a diverse range of plants. With winding paths, tranquil ponds, and stunning vistas, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether admiring the vibrant blooms of spring or the fiery hues of autumn, a visit to Hillier promises a botanical feast for the senses.
Seasonal events & exhibitions Hidden trails Picnic spots galore & 3 cafés Huge treehouse for kids and their parents Multiple play areas
If you’re planning on visiting every season for their seasonal gardens and festive events, consider a yearly membership.
📍 Jermyns Ln, Romsey SO51 0QA
Psst! Day out in Romsey inspo this way!
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West Green House Gardens
West Green House Gardens, nestled in Hook, is a horticultural gem that seamlessly marries history, art, and nature. This enchanting 18th-century manor house estate boasts meticulously landscaped gardens that have been lovingly restored and maintained, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Sit down at their tea room under the vines and enjoy your quality time with friends or family.
Seasonal events & exhibitions – Apple weekend, Halloween, Festive Lights, Opera Sitting spots Tea room
📍 Thackham’s Ln, West Green, Hook RG27 8JB
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Beaulieu Grounds & Gardens
Home of BBC’s Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Beaulieu is a botanical haven teeming with natural beauty, so don’t hesitate to lose yourself in their serene grounds and gardens via their extensive network of footpaths. The gardens were originally the grounds of ancient Beaulieu Abbey and later Palace House. They are now managed by Beaulieu’s team.
The kids loved the Alice in Wonderland ‘Thyme for Tea’ herb table and topiary display
Wood carvings Love-lock tree Victorian flower garden and kitchen garden Wilderness garden Mill Pond walk
📍 Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN
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Exbury gardens and steam railway
Exbury has 200 acres of gardens and woodland to explore so you will certainly need at least half a day to explore at least some of it and make the most of your visit. They have a great map of the grounds and where various features are including their cafes and loo’s. But actually part of the fun we found was just using the map as a bit of a rough direction and then getting lost in the trails and it’s like one big maze with surprises at every corner. The kids loved running ahead of us, and there’s main routes as well as lots of more narrow gravel pathways to discover.
Here’s a handy map of Exbury – https://www.exbury.co.uk/interactive-map
They also have a great steam train experience – It’s a 1.5 mile track and is a wonderful experience, particularly for young kids and train enthusiasts, also a great additional is that it’s dog friendly too so we enjoyed seeing various dog’s popping their head out of the open carriages with the wind in their fur!
You can read more info on our full day out guide in Exbury here – https://ourhampshire.com/a-world-of-colour-visiting-exbury-gardens-at-springtime/
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Houghton Lodge
From the orchards with apples, pears and the like dangling down to the oriental garden with huge colourful dragonflies and butterflies whizzing around, never seen so many! Walking past the meadows with their alpacas and then the relaxing sound and sight of the clear river test flowing past, couldn’t resist dangling the feet in from their wooden platform.
The front lawn leading up to the lodge was huge and we just had to have a handstand competition of course, before then discovering a hidden grotto in the forest. Looks like a wedding had just taken place and what a dreamy place to have one as they also handily have six rooms on site to stay at too.
You can buy a family ticket online for under £30 and you can enjoy the gardens for hours. In the shop they have maps you can take and the grounds were huge, and part of the fun is seeing what mystery and magic awaits round every corner and wooden gate, stepping into a scene from narnia or a Jane Austen Novel.
They also have a lovely cafe which you can find more about here!
Gardens separate cost to cafe and it’s best to buy tickets online as cheaper
Dogs on leads allowed
📍Houghton Lodge Gardens, Houghton, North Houghton, Stockbridge SO20 6LQ
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