Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is home to one of the most important modern plant collections in the world. Established in 1953 by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier, the magnificent collection of over 42,000 plants from temperate regions around the world grow in a variety of superb themed landscapes set over 180-acres of rolling Hampshire countryside.
This incredibly beautiful Garden is home to 14 National Plant Collections and over 600 champion trees. Every year the collection is added to with many plants from around the world.
The Courtyard Cafe on arrival offers fine views of the collection and surrounding countryside and features; a stylish licensed Garden Restaurant for table service brunch, lunch and decadent afternoon teas prepared by in-house pastry chefs and chocolatier.
Open-air terrace dining & gift shop. There is also a full events programme*, exhibitions, open air concerts, workshops and trails for all ages and interests all year round.
*Advanced booking is essential
Where is Sir Harold Hillier Gardens located?
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is located north of the quaint market town Romsey in Hampshire. If you would like to combine your
trip with a visit to another venue, the Gardens are conveniently located just off the M3 & M27 with several other top attractions on the doorstep. Only 10 miles from the magnificent Winchester Cathedral.
What style of garden is Sir Harold Hillier Gardens?
Open throughout the year, the Gardens offer four seasons of beauty, inspiration and discovery. Attractions include one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe, Spring Walk, Magnolia Avenue, Rhododendron and Azalea woodland, Himalayan Valley, Gurkha Memorial Garden and the ‘Centenary Border': a specular 250 meter long, mixed double edge border, hosting over 30,000 plants in 800 varieties - and at 250 meters long is one of the longest in the county!
What can guests enjoy at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens?
Winter
The Winter Garden, one of the largest in Europe (seen on BBC Gardeners' World 2021) is a spectular sight filled with plants at their beautiful best showing off their bold colours and incredible scents.
Hellebores are in full flower and the Garden awash with drifts of Snowdrops and carpets of Cyclamen.
Spring
Don’t miss Camellia Walk and spring bulbs bursting into flower. Magnolias & Japanese flowering
cherries in full glory across the Gardens. In May the iconic Centenary Border comes alive with thousands of plants. Brentry Woodland, a must-see spectacle of fragrant Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
Summer
Is the best time to see the Bog Garden, Himalayan Valley and informal stream edged with Candelabra Primulas - one of
the prettiest corners of the Gardens. Watch out for a kaleidoscope of colour in the Centenary Border, 250 metres of colour and drama the appearances from Red Hot Pokers, Echinacea, salvias and Crocosmia.
Enjoy the tranquility of the Pond banked by lush foliage of Swamp Cypress, bold herbaceous and giant Gunnera.
Autumn
Come and see the Heather Garden, awash with pretty purple hues. Perennials at their peak on the Centenary Border.
In autumn the Garden are a blaze with 180 acres and 100s of Champion Trees ablaze with stunning autumn colour.
The season of autumn fruits and berries, national collections include Cotoneaster, Photinia and Ligustrum.
There is really something spectualar to see all year round whatever the season.
