Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a stunning botanical garden located in Romsey, England. Spanning over 180 acres, the gardens are a paradise for gardeners, nature lovers, and tourists alike. The gardens offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including garden tours, outdoor concerts, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
History of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens was established in 1953 by the late Sir Harold Hillier. During his lifetime, Sir Harold was an avid plantsman and collector of rare and unusual plants from around the world. He was also a generous philanthropist, donating his time and money to the development of the gardens.
Today, the gardens are home to over 40,000 different types of plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. The gardens are also home to a collection of rare and endangered species of plants, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Attractions at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
The gardens offer a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. The gardens are divided into several different sections, including:
- The Arboretum: This section of the gardens is home to over 2,000 species of trees, shrubs, and conifers.
- The Woodland Garden: This section of the gardens is home to a wide variety of woodland plants, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
- The Lakeside Garden: This section of the gardens is home to a variety of aquatic plants, including water lilies and water irises.
- The Rock Garden: This section of the gardens is home to a variety of alpine and rock plants, including succulents and cacti.
- The Japanese Garden: This section of the gardens is home to a variety of Japanese plants, including maples, azaleas, and bamboos.
Garden Tours
The gardens offer a variety of guided tours for visitors to enjoy. The tours are led by experienced gardeners who will share their knowledge and expertise about the plants in the gardens. The tours are available in both English and Japanese.
Outdoor Activities
The gardens offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. These activities include birdwatching, pond dipping, and outdoor concerts. Visitors can also explore the gardens on their own, taking in the beauty of the plants and wildlife.
Things to Do in Romsey
Romsey is home to a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. These attractions include:
- The Broadlands Estate: This estate is home to a variety of historic buildings, gardens, and parkland.
- The Romsey Abbey: This historic abbey is home to a variety of ancient artifacts and artwork.
- The Romsey Museum: This museum is home to a variety of artifacts and documents about the history of Romsey.
- The Romsey Golf Club: This golf club is home to a variety of courses for golfers of all skill levels.
Admission and Tips for Tourists
Admission to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is free. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the gardens.
Practical Information
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday. The gardens are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Parking is available at the gardens for a fee.
For more information about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, please visit the website at www.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens.
