Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Discover beauty and inspiration through landscaped features, woodlands and walkways at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

Established in 1953 by distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier, the magnificent collection of over 42,000 plants from temperate regions around the world are set within 180 acres. Open all year, the Gardens display stunning seasonal variation and include 12 National Plant Collections, Gurkha Memorial Garden, tranquil pond area, Bog Garden, the largest Winter Garden of its kind in Europe, and Children’s Education Garden which was opened in 2006 by Sir David Attenborough. In summer 2012, we will open newly planted and extended 250 long Centenary Border – one of the largest double borders in the country!

Children can enjoy our play features including the stunning tree house, flying carpet swing, bamboo tunnels and wobbly bridge. Visit our snuffling woodland pigs, on loan from Manor Farm, as they roam sections of Ampfield Woodland, helping us to clear areas of brambles and other weeds. An all-ability path networks allows visitors with various abilities to be able to have a suitable circular route to the core areas of the Gardens and explore the expanded Himalayan/ Chinese Hillside. We have mobility scooters available for hire use to give better access across the Gardens.

The Pavilion Restaurant and Jermyn’s House Tea Rooms are open for both hot and cold lunches all year round and delicious afternoon cream teas, including the opportunity to pre-book your traditional Sunday roasts in a unique Victorian manor house setting.

Events, courses and exhibitions feature all year round, including annual Art In the Garden sculpture exhibition featuring 100 sculptures displayed outdoors from May to October.

Opening Times

Summer 2012 01/04/2012 - 31/10/2012

Winter 2012 01/11/2012 - 31/12/2012

Tickets information

Price includes a voluntary donation to enable us to conserve, develop and exhibit our world renowned Gardens and plant collection - please become a Gift Aid Visitor today! (Prices are subject to change)

Road Directions

The gardens are situated between the villages of Ampfield and Braishfield, 2 miles north-east of Romsey. They are signposted from Romsey, on the A3090 on Winchester to Romsey road and the A3057 Stockbridge to Romsey road.

Public Transport Directions

By rail/bus – the nearest bus and rail links are in Romsey.