Hampshire Spring Gardens

Hotel

Norton Park is set in 54 acres of countryside near the historic city of Winchester and is the perfect location for our break away. Originally a manor house dating back to the 16th century, the hotel has been skilfully restored to provide first class accommodation and spa facilities.

Day 1

We depart the local area and make our way to the Vyne (NT). Once an important Tudor palace, this atmospheric mansion has some illustrious connections, from Henry VIII to Jane Austen. Outside, acres of wildlife-rich gardens, meadows and woods offer spring highlights of daffodils in the walled garden and plum, pear and apple blossom in the orchard. We arrive at the 4* Norton Park hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a visit to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. More than 100 years in the making, the Gardens are a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal, and wildflower gardens, in a unique riverside location. Spring highlights include: camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and daffodils. This afternoon we time to explore the cathedral city of Winchester.

Day 3

This morning we make our way to the award winning, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. As Spring arrives the garden bursts with an explosion of colour. There is much to see along Spring Walk with Camellias, Rhododendrons and Magnolias in full bloom. This afternoon we visit Mottisfont (NT), a romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens. Discover a garden of ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns. Golden daffodils litter the grass under the giant plane trees, with spots of colour from crocuses, cyclamen and anemones, while witch hazel and viburnum create a sweet fragrance.

Day 4

We depart the hotel and make our way to Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, where you will be rewarded with a host of early flowers. Spring highlights include Rhododendrons, Hellebores, Magnolia, Narcissus & Camelias. We arrive home late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast