Gardens to Visit in Hampshire & The Isle of White

A series of garden rooms, including a white garden, Japanese garden, grass garden and woodland walks. Year-round colour begins with magnolias, daphne, hellebores and spring bulbs. The Hosta Walk is at its best April, followed by roses and Hemerocallis. Then from August onwards billowing grasses take centre stage.

This iconic 200 acre garden has one of the best displays of ericaceous plants in Europe with massed azaleas, magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons. The whole site is pageant of colour from early spring to summer. Host to the famous Rothschild collection of azaleas.

The restored period gardens of Gilbert White, an 18th-c natural historian. Explore over 30 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland that reflect Gilbert's writings. Features a wide range of plants of the period.

Most visitors come to see the impressive sandstone mansion built for the 4th Earl of Carnarvon - the set of the TV series Downton Abbey. However the castle's landscaped parkland and informal gardens are well worth a tour, with richly planted borders and many mature and interesting trees. Extensive native woodland and a wildflower meadows lie to the south of the property.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens have one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in Britain. Excellent all year round colour and interest, with over 40,000 plants, in 11,000 different varieties. A haven for butterflies due to the wide range of native plants and wild flowers. The winter show includes 150 varieties of dogwood, flowering Hazel, viburnum and mahonia, plus spectacular autumn leaves and berries.

Water garden founded by John Lewis, of the John Lewis partnership. A labyrinth of pools and waterways crossed by low bridges, provide a tranquil water filled oasis. Wide and diverse collection of Mature trees and shrubs, bog plants and marginals. The water lilies are at their best from late spring into summer.

Owned and managed by Waitrose.

Grounds of a former 12th-c Augustinian priory. Experience over thirty acres of sweeping lawns and magnificent trees, all set in a tranquil location beside the River Test. The walled garden hosts one of the country's largest collection of old-fashioned roses.

Extensive grounds landscaped by Prince Albert, which make full use of the natural surroundings. Contains nearly every kind of native tree plus several exotic species. The splendid italianate terraces and formal Gardens were restored by English Heritage. Features include a children's play area, Miniature Fort, Summer House, Museum and Queen Victoria's Swiss Cottage.

Charming English country house with a delightful water garden, fanciful topiary, Chinese pagodas and other neoclassical follies. Considered to be one of the top gardens to visit in England. The main feature is an 18th-c walled garden with formal parterres planted in soft hues. Music and opera performances in summer.

Sub-tropical paradise garden filled with exotic blooms from around the world, which thrive in the protected microclimate, often flowering right through to November. The Physics garden has herbs presented in accordance with their usage, from culinary, perfumery and medicinal applications. Don't miss the bird avery and ornamental lake.

A fine Tudor house surrounded by beautiful lawns, herbaceous borders and two large lakes. The landscape has changed very little since the estate was first created in the 16th-c. The woodland and a wetland areas are rich in native waterfowl and other wildlife. Several picturesque woodland and parkland waymarked trails criss-cross the grounds.