Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden

All I can say is that I never would have thought that I would be writing that hogweed can be an ideal accompaniment!! Well here at the Hannah Peshar Sculpture Garden it is!! We came across this place in a compendium of wild gardens to visit so we decided to give it a whirl and so we spent a most lovely Sunday afternoon there. A very informative and friendly welcome at reception pointed us in the right direction and immediately I was blown away by the range of exhibits on show. What did it for me was the way in which the setting has only been lightly managed landscape-wise and that the woodland almost feels subtropical with the hogweed, gunnera, bamboo and (this is invasive here) Himalayan Balsam growing all around! Although there were other visitors on the site we didn't see them except in the reception area - where they - like us - had gone to get a glass of complimentary Elderflower cordial! It was so peaceful - only broken by planes flying into Gatwick and we felt we had the place to ourselves. We were there for the best part of three hours and could have been there longer as we had to rush the 'back nine' as closing time was quickly approaching. I'd like to go back in Autumn and / or Winter with snow and frost around as I'm sure the exhibits would have a very different feel about them. For £10 great value- in a unique setting! Well worth it!

CliveT

The gardens are not well sign posted and are not well advertised. The very friendly lady at reception asked how we found out about the gardens- which was through the Gardener's World 2 for 1 card. The gardens are in a secluded woodland; with no road noise, the sounds of birds makes this place truly magical. The woodlands were purchased by Hannah Peachar and her husband in the 1980s and since this time the sculpture has developed. They work with various artists and the sculptures are regularly changed. All art work is for sale. Various media has been used with bronze, stone, aluminium, glass, steel and neon lights used in various installations. Every piece is interesting and the gardens are as much an art gallery as a living breathing wood. There are beautiful lakes around the gardens with various water feature. My friend who is not that interested in art had many positive comments about various pieces. I was simply spellbound by this magical and beautiful garden.

Cmalone857-

Just beautiful ... A more tranquil and magical spot it would be hard to imagine. A woodland glade with dappled sun and fascinating art. We started out following the trail but pretty soon just wandered, as I suspect most people do. It's a beautiful woodland walk, with ponds and lush greenery and emerging sculpture in every natural corner. Not to be missed if you love unusual gardens with culture interspersed. On a more practical note it's not for anyone with impaired mobility. That's not to say it's hard to walk round it's just a wood and therefore unlevel and wobbly in parts. There isn't a cafe so bring your picnic. The toilets are clean. It's also mildly tricky to find or our satnav found it so anyway. It was five minutes beyond where the directions stopped. As the opening hours are infrequent I don't think we would have rung to make an appointment, this would be a mistake. If you're around when it's not open I'd urge you to ring so you don't miss it. Idyllic!

RuthVR-

This garden is one of my favourites - I have visited several times and love taking visitors there. The art work changes from time to time and each piece is always so thoughtfully placed in the landscape to enhance it. Each little path leads you to another hidden gem in this beautifully landscaped, but naturalistic, garden. The lake and ponds are lovely features and add to the idyllic feel of this place. You can take a picnic or other refreshments with you as there are some picnic tables but there isn't a cafe.

LizN

It was a bit difficult to find this place, but it was well worth it when we did. Vicki, the curator was charming and gave us a lot of information and a useful map. The sculptures were most interesting and ranged from classic to contemporary. I loved the swathe of bicycle bells under the trees and several faces strategically placed. The gardens are truly magical and so peaceful. You can just imagine fairies peeping from behind the bushes! Well worth a visit.

MaryR

If you like art or beautifully landscaped gardens, then the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden is a must see. After a very welcoming reception you can stroll through freely or follow a planned route along the meticulously curated sculptures of various artists. And though most of the works are available for purchase, at no point one feels any pressure to buy.

YorgosP

We had a wonderful afternoon in spite of bad weather. Really exciting the way garden is laid out. We'll be back with friends. Vicky in reception was charming & very helpful. Vicky loves her job, we saw her a few times during the afternoon & her enthusiasm & love of the garden was obvious.

BernardH

Beautiful setting Tranquil woodland water garden with some fabulous sculptures and tastefully planted with shrubs and interesting ground cover,we will definitely go again.

Steve P-