Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Test Valley

Type:Garden

Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QA

Tel: 01794 368787

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

About

Seven-time winner of Heritage Garden of the Year (RHS South & South East in Bloom).
Discover the beauty and inspiration at the Gardens, woodlands walks and breath-taking views.
Established in 1953 by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier, the Gardens currently hold one of the world’s most important plant collections and offers tranquillity whatever the season. The magnificent collection of over 42,000 plants are from temperate regions around the world are set within 180 acres.

Come and visit the Centenary Border, with the length of Tower Bridge, it is one of the longest double borders in the country with around 30,000 plants.

The Gardens display stunning range of plants including 14 National Plant Collections, a Gurkha Memorial Garden, Pond and Bog Garden, one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe, and Children’s Education Garden which was opened by Sir David Attenborough.
Children will love playing in the fantastic tree house, wobbly bridge, musical equipment, bamboo tunnels and flying carpet swing, this is a perfect day out for all the family. 

With so much to see throughout the year, one visit just won’t be enough.
 
Seasonal Highlights
Winter - Enjoy the visual and fragrant delights of one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe with drifts of Snowdrops and carpets of Cyclamen.

Spring - Breath-taking gorgeous displays of Magnolias, Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Summer - Walk the Centenary Border; awash with a variety of height, shapes and colours this 250m long, double edge border is one of the longest in Europe and defiantly worth a visit.

Autumn - You will love spotting the beautiful browns, oranges, yellow’s and gold’s during our award winning autumn colour.
 
With Events, Workshops and Exhibitions all year round there is so much to do at the Gardens.

Events highlights include - Summer Evening Picnic Concerts to Christmas Illuminations. 

For children; Family Bushcraft, Pond Dipping, Seasonal Trails and much more.

Open all year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Last entry one hour prior to closing.

Visit website for more details on what’s on at the Gardens and up to date entry prices.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled Parking
  • Disabled persons toilet
  • No dogs (Guide dogs accepted)
  • Wheelchair user accessible

Catering

  • Cafe
  • Catering for groups
  • Catering Provided
  • Full liquor licence
  • On-Site cafe/restaurant
  • Outdoor eating area
  • Picnic area
  • Refreshments Available
  • Restaurant
  • Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

  • Babes in Arms
  • Baby changing
  • Children's Meals
  • Family Friendly, Children Welcome
  • Highchair(s) available
  • Outdoor children’s play area

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Event Venue
  • Garden / Grounds for visitors use
  • Gift shop
  • Groups by arrangement
  • Groups welcome
  • Guided tours
  • Guided tours by arrangement
  • Licensed for alcohol
  • Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
  • Marquee Space Available
  • Meeting rooms
  • Open all year round
  • Open Christmas
  • Open New Year
  • Open on bank holidays
  • Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Coach parking
  • Free parking
  • On Site Car Parking
  • Parking (free)
  • Railway station within 5 miles

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - 2-4 hours or more.
  • Maestro
  • MasterCard
  • Min group size - 10.
  • Visa

Provider Preferences

  • Countryside Setting
  • In countryside
  • Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Educational Groups
  • Family Fun
  • Information Point
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
  • Marketed towards student/youth

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

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.

Awards

  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze 2023

Opening Times

Open New Year
Winter (1 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Summer (1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00*

* Open all year (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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