6 Botanical Gardens to Explore in Hampshire

Basing House was once the largest private house in England. It was built by William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester in the Tudor period, on the site of an earlier medieval castle. Basing House was once home to the powerful courtier William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester. You can enjoy a picnic in the re-created Jacobean garden, and come along to the many events and activities held throughout the year, including open air theatre, dig pits, re-enactments and a December Christmas market.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location comprising of 200 acres. It also has a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens and play area. Its Other features include the Hydrangea Walk, the Rock Garden, Iris Garden, the Sundial Garden, Centenary Garden, and Camellia Walk and so more.

Furzey Gardens is an informal woodland garden nestled in a tranquil New Forest setting, full of dozens of fairy doors to enchant visitors of all ages. Furzey Gardens is now open to visitors. Set in the heart of the New Forest at Minstead these delightful Gardens were established in 1922 and are renowned for their all-year-round beauty. The peaceful 10-acre woodland gardens also offer the picturesque lake, sheltered thatched areas, the gallery gift, and coffee shop, children's play area.

It is a family home that has been described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven’ with gardens that provide colour and delight throughout the seasons. The Grade II* listed formal and informal gardens surround the UK's best surviving example of an 18th Century Cottage Orné. It is idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.

Mottisfont is a historical priory, garden, and country estate in Hampshire, managed by the National Trust. The site includes the historic house museum which features regularly changing art exhibitions, gardens, including a walled rose garden which is home to the National Collection of ancestral species and 19th-century rose cultivars, and a riverside walk. It is a Grade I listed building.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens – set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside; this garden is stunning whatever the season. The Gardens are a wonderful place for children to play and explore. Experience nature at its finest whilst exploring the 180 acres of gardens, wildlife and play areas for children. Run as a charity its aim is to conserve, develop and exhibit these world-renowned Gardens and plant collection.