Including fairy trails and stately homes
These are the best gardens in Hampshire that you can visit with the whole family. Some of these are paid attractions but they are all well worth a visit if you want to explore the local Hampshire country side.
However many of these you plan to visit, make sure that you take the time to smell all the amazing aromas that the flowers give off and enjoy the range of colours that only nature can give us. We’ve also included a secluded medieval garden that many aged visitor will love.
If you are looking for other things to do in Hampshire then have a look at:
The Full List of Country Parks in Hampshire
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Gardens in Hampshire
These are the best garden in Hampshire that the whole family can enjoy together.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
We love Sir Harold Hillier Gardens as it’s a great day for the whole family. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is in Romsey just outside of the town. They have their own huge car park that is free to use. You do need to buy a ticket before hand to enter.
Once you are inside these amazing gardens you are free to wander around as you wish. These gardens are set over 180 acres of land that is ready for you to explore. There is loads of do with the kids including a playground, treehouse, huge lake and loads of different walks to discover. Hide in the trees, have a picnic in any of the secluded spots and enjoy the many activities they put on throughout the year.
You can find Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, SO51 0QA.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Not just an amazing interactive family museum, Beaulieu museum also has the most beautiful gardens that you can explore. This really is a full day out for the whole family. Run around the gardens with the backdrop of the New Forest. They also have a playground for the kids, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House all in their grounds.
You can find Beaulieu National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Over one hundred years old, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a amazing garden that is ready to be explored by the whole family. They a great woodland, playground and steam railway. Walk through the shrubs that line the paths and enjoy a picnic within the plants that are fully bloomed in summer.
They offer loads of family events throughout the year. Exbury Gardens are dog-friendly and even let them ride the train.
You can find Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway at Summer Lane, Exbury, SO45 1AZ.
The Vyne
Based in Basingstoke, The Vyne is a Tudor building that was built in the 16th century. Explore the house with the family then go outside and discover the 13 acres of gardens that the house is sat on. Walk through the enchanted woodland and discover one of the many trails that take you through ancient trees. Make sure you visit the pond and wetlands to see the local wildlife that calls the first their home.
You can find The Vyne at Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HL.
Mottisfont Abbey Gardens
With sweeping lawns and a soft river, Mottisfont Abbey is set among a stunning landscape that is waiting for the whole family to explore. The abbey itself is takes you through Mottisfont’s past in a fun way that will keep the family engaged.
The abbey offers free guided walks around the gardens but you are free to explore yourself. There is loads of room to run around and play while having a picnic.
You can find Mottisfont Abbey Garden at Mottisfont, SO51 0LP.
Canoe Lake
Right on the Southsea seafront in Portsmouth, Canoe Lake has welcomes anyone who wants to pond dip or use the gondolas that sail across the lake. Bring a picnic as there is so much green space for the kids to run around on and play games.
Canoe Lake is a great day out for the whole family. There is loads of parking right next to the park. They have two amazing playgrounds that cater for kids of all ages and also have a splash park that is turned on during the summer months.
You can find Canoe Lake at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO4 9RG.
Furzey Gardens
Right in the middle of the New Forest, Furzey Gardens is open all year round and is set in 10 acre woodland. It’s a great place for kids as they have fairy houses scattered among the forest that you can try and find. For grown-ups, the plants themselves are stunning and look great in Spring before they bloom.
You can find Furzey Gardens at School Lane, Minstead, Lyndhurst, SO43 7GL.
Hinton Ampner House and Garden
With twelve acres of land, Hinton Ampner House offers everything you need for a family day out. Dogs are welcome to explore the gardens and you can also download the trail through the woodland. These gardens give you amazing views of the South Downs and is a great place to get children to walk and spot the local wildlife.
You can find Hinton Ampner House and Gardens in Bramdean, Alresford, SO24 0LA.
Holly Hill Woodland Park
Holly Hill is a woodland park in Fareham near Portsmouth. There are toilets at the top of the main car park, which is on Barnes Close.
You can take a picnic as there are loads of benches or places to lay a rug.
Depending on how long you would like to walk, you can pick a trail that takes you through the enchanted forest, over bridges and stepping stones.
You can find Holly Hill Woodland Park at Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7BH.
Houghton Lodge Gardens
Only five minutes from Stockbridge, Houghton Lodge Gardens has the River Test running through and a water meadow that is stunning in the summer months. Make sure you explore as many of the 15 acres of meadows as you can while spotting all the apple trees. Meet the resident alpacas and discover these beautiful gardens for yourself.
You can find Houghton Lodge Gardens at North Houghton, Stockbridge, SO20 6LQ.
Related Posts:
- The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire
- The Best Lakes in Hampshire
- The Best Castles in Hampshire
Queen Eleanor’s Garden
Right in the centre of Winchester, Queen Eleanor’s Garden is a little bit of paradise in the centre of the city. Walk around and explore this old garden that is steeped in local history.
You can find Queen Eleanor’s Garden at The Great Hall, Winchester, SO23 8PJ.
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
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