Whilst in Surrey over the early Spring Bank Holiday, I suggested that my daughter and I had a day out visiting Hever Castle and Gardens in Kent. It was a hot day so we didn’t have enough energy to stroll around the lake, nor did we visit the Tudor Garden with the topiary chess set! Two good reasons to return.
Dating back to the 14th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. It is well worth a visit especially of you are interested in Tudor history.
But for this post I am only exploring the beautiful gardens which were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son. Until William Waldorf Astor bought Hever Castle in 1903, only a modest garden existed around the castle walls. One of the most magnificent areas of the gardens is the Italian Garden, which was designed to display William Waldorf Astor’s collection of Italian sculptures.
The impressive Loggia at the lake end of the garden is flanked by pillared colonnades and descends by balustrade steps to the piazza below with its classical sculpture inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome.The Italian Garden. Covering four acres, the long sweeping lawns and tall clipped yew hedges form the central area of this magnificent garden, bordered by two twelve foot high walls made from local stone.Along the south side runs the Pergola Walk with its shaded grottoes planted with ferns and moisture loving plants.Pergola WalkItalianate sculptureEntrance to the Pergola Walk and the Italian Garden with the stunning golden gatesOn the north side is the Pompeiian Wall which contains small bays showcasing antiquities in stone and marble enveloped with shrubs and climbing plants.Italianate sculptures and antiquities
In one of the recessed baysPompeiian WallHidden in the centre of the Italian Garden behind a tall hedge lies the Sunken Garden, an oasis of peace and quiet.Sunken GardenAt the beginning of May the gardens were full of tulips, irises and wisteria. The planting is stunning and there is so much to see. Far more than I can possibly put in one post.And to end, a glimpse of the lake from the Pavilion courtyard.
Then there is the Rose Garden, the setting for over 5,000 roses which flourish from June until the end of September. Yet one more reason to return.
The Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, Surrey, is a 40 acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830’s. First opened to the public in 1953, it is best known for its evergreen azaleas, which line the ponds and streams and at their peak of flower in late April and early May.
My previous visit was in late August 2022 and the floral offerings were somewhat disappointing although it was still a lovely place for a walk. The timing was perfect this month though, as the long queue to the car park indicated.
Let’s take a walk and immerse ourselves in the glorious colours of this garden.
During another brief stay with my daughter in Surrey over the early spring bank holiday I took the opportunity to visit some different places in the region. First of all we decided to break up the journey by overnight stops each way. Although it can take as little as 5 hours, with unexpected traffic delays it can be much longer and by breaking up the journey we only had fairly short drives.
The Lamb
Hindon
First stop was at The Lamb in Hindon, Wiltshire. Just over 3 hours away. We went for a meal there last year during our Wiltshire holiday and liked it. The village is very pretty and close to the A303 so not far off route. The first thing we did after checking in was to get a couple of (very expensive) G&Ts and sit outside on a very warm day! Luckily we found some shade. Then before dinner we had a stroll up past the church. The room itself was one of those with wonky floors so you always feel as though you are on a boat. The stairs leading up were steep and narrow, not the best for elderly folk carrying a suitcase. I was surprised that the (young) chap taking us up didn’t offer to carry one! Dinner was okay, again expensive, but this area does seem to cater for weekenders from London (only 1½ hours away).
St. John the Baptist Church, Hindon. The village has known connections with the wool trade and the Agnus Dei is pictured on a panel over the west door of the church.
St John the Baptist church
A thatched cottage
Wisteria
Winkworth Arboretum
As my daughter works on a Thursday I took myself to the arboretum in Surrey, not far from Guildford though my Google map seemed to take me the most long-winded route through narrow lanes and little villages I have never heard of despite living in the area for 7 years. The bluebells were looking good and probably what attracts people to this place at this time of year. I had forgotten how steep the land is and fell foul of an ongoing issue with my right knee which has started to lock when going downhill which is very painful and makes it difficult to continue walking. On a very hot afternoon I was most grateful for the shade of the trees.
Azaleas
Azaleas
Bluebells
Lots of English bluebells
Hever Castle and Gardens
Childhood home to Anne Boleyn this place in Kent was added to and changed over the centuries. In 1903 it was bought by William Waldorf Astor and the castle was restored and the pleasure grounds created. My daughter and I had a lovely afternoon exploring the gardens and the castle. More about this place soon.
The LoggiaItalian GardenSculpture in the Italian Garden
Isabella’s Plantation in Richmond Park
Spring is the time to visit this place. It is a riot of colour with banks of azaleas and rhododendrons. No wonder then it was full of visitors. Here’s a few of the amazing blooms, but I will do another post with more photos.
Of course time was spent with the family, visiting a garden centre and choosing plants for my daughter’s front garden, helping in the garden, sharing meals and best of all talking. I even saw something of the grandchildren this time!
Returning home our overnight stop was in Ilminster which is practically half way. We didn’t arrive until evening and ate at a local brewery chain so we didn’t explore the town and no photos were taken even though the hotel was pretty enough and our room had lovely views over the surrounding countryside. After breakfast we decided to head straight home.
All in all a good trip with pleasant driving conditions and mostly decent weather.
There is nothing like observing the fresh new greens of spring and the stillness of water on a hot day to bring a sense of serenity: a state of calm, peacefulness, and tranquility. Inner peace and stillness.
TRAVEL WORDS 