Today, we explored the enchanting West Green House Gardens near the village of Hartley Wintney in North Hampshire. This hidden gem, set around an elegant Georgian manor house, features a delightful collection of themed gardens that together form one of Hampshire’s most beautiful destinations.
Although the gardens span just 10 acres, their compact size makes them perfect for a family-friendly visit, especially if you’re bringing young children along. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a fan of historic estates, or simply looking for things to do in Hampshire, here’s everything we discovered at West Green House Gardens and why it’s well worth a visit!
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West Green House, Hampshire
Nestled in the North Hampshire countryside, West Green House is a charming Grade II-listed property with a delightful garden. As the house itself isn’t open to the public, it’s the stunning gardens which attracts visitors.
The unique landscape design is the work of Australian gardener Marylyn Abbott, who transformed the grounds after purchasing the estate in 1993.
Today, West Green House Gardens are managed by the National Trust, with free admission for members, making it an accessible and delightful day out in Hampshire for both for garden lovers and families alike.
West Green House Gardens
Our visit to West Green House Gardens began in the Dragon Garden, where we were immediately greeted by two vibrant red dragon sculptures nestled among the flower beds—an unexpected twist in an otherwise traditional English garden!
From there, we followed the garden’s perimeter, strolling through the fragrant edible garden and the quirky Garden of the Five Bridges before arriving at the renowned Walled Garden.
Garden enthusiasts will find plenty to look at on their visit to West Green House Gardens. Within the walled gardens, there’s a stunning collection of fruit trees and vibrant flowers, with a thoughtful design that ensures colour throughout the seasons.
By contrast, the lakeside gardens offer a more relaxed, natural feel. In April, we saw hundreds of daffodils and fritillaries blanket the area in a lush carpet of spring colour, leading down to the tranquil water’s edge.
Even if you’re not a gardening expert, it’s hard not to appreciate the sheer beauty of these gardens.
One of the highlights is the abundance of whimsical follies and interesting features around every corner. Statues, a beehive, topiary, a hidden grotto, and even a classical Doric Temple add interest to the gardens, which is perfect if you are visiting with children.
Our first walk around the gardens only took about 30 minutes, but we went round again and on the second loop, found even more to enjoy. As it was early in the year, not everything was in bloom, but there was still plenty to see and enjoy.
The water features are particularly engaging, especially for families with children. There’s a large lake, where we spotted swans, moorhen, and a lively family of ducks. The Water Garden was another highlight, with playful mini fountains shooting jets of water from the ground — perfect for adding a bit of fun to the visit.
The Nymphaeum
My absolute favourite feature at West Green House Gardens is the stunning Moon Gate, a popular spot for Instagrammers!
This circular archway frames the view of the garden’s centrepiece, the grand Nymphaeum fountain. Designed by renowned architect Quinlan Terry, this majestic fountain flows down into an water staircase, creating a breathtaking focal point.
Above the monument, an inscription from Alexander Pope’s 1711 poem reads, “A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.”
The Café
To wrap up our visit, the on-site café provided a lovely spot for tea and cake. They also offer light lunches and on warmer days, you can enjoy your refreshments outside overlooking the gardens. If you want to treat yourself, they also offer a traditional afternoon tea.
Useful information for your visit
Getting to West Green House Gardens
West Green House Gardens is located on Thackham’s Lane, just outside the picturesque village of Hartley Wintney near Hook. It is situated between Basingstoke and Farnborough and easy to access via the A30. You can use the sat nav postcode RG27 8JB to find it.
Parking is located directly in front of the gardens, with a fee of £4, payable upon entry.
Admission Costs
Admission is £10 for adults and £5 for children over 3. However, it is free for National Trust members, apart from the parking fee.
For more information, you can check The West Green House Gardens website.
Opening times
The gardens are open from 11:30am until 4pm on Wednesdays to Sundays until November.
Have you been on a visit to West Green House Gardens? We’d love to hear your comments below.
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