Hillier Gardens in Hampshire was the destination of choice for Max’s 5th Birthday day out. So, The three of us, and Gran and Nanny headed off.
It was his choice, and he wanted to visit after going on a school trip there. It is a great location for the whole family, as there are walks, a play park, an impressive treehouse to explore plus animals and pond dipping among other things.
Hillier Gardens are chairty run gardens and have been under the remit of Hampshire County Council since 1977.
Information
- Address is: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Romsey, SO51 0QA
- Parking: Yes, Free. Limited accessible parking near the entrance
- Admission price: Adults – £11.25. Under 16’s – £2.80. Under 5’s – Free. Concessions – £10.20
- Opening times: All year excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- More information, please check official website
Getting There
About the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
On arrival, you enter a small courtyard and pass through reception to buy tickets. You can buy an annual pass for not much more than it cost the 4 us to get in. The annual pass gives you 3 guest entries, plus Under 17s go free. We thought that was a good deal as we may pop back a couple of time over the year.
Hillier Gardens for Garden Lovers
The first thing we did was head to the play park, it was Max’s birthday after all. However, the walk is a nice one, with the gardens to enjoy.
It took about 15 minutes to get there, but we had an excited 5 year old, and Gran in a wheel chair, so we were in no hurry.
There are plenty of paths to follow, and lots of plants and shrubs to admire along the way. I am the first to admit, we are not gardeners so all this was a bit lost on us. However, if you are a garden lover, then you won’t be disappointed.
Garden sculptures are nestles at various intervals around the garden to enjoy on the way, although I don’t think these are permanent fixtures.
Hillier Gardens for the children and young at heart
The play park itself was a good one. You can swing, jump, climb, hang and balance your way around for as long as you want.
In addition, it is a great place for picnics with tables and benches under covered gazebo type structures.
We took a picnic, but there is a cafe there should you wish to purchase your lunch. We ate out under one of the shelters, but be warned. The wasps love the gardens (and the picnickers) too!
Pond Dipping at Hillier Gardens
Next up, it was pond dipping time! On arrival earlier, we had to pay a couple of pounds for the pleasure of pond dipping.
We headed off to the area, and there were 5 or 6 ponds spaced around a secluded area. Max was given a tray and a small net, to dredge the ponds, and tip into the try to see what he could find. He find all sorts of mini minute swimmers, skaters and wrigglers, check out the video, starting from the Pond Dipping fun!
There was still plenty to do, and it was now time to track down The Treehouse, which for little an big kids, was fun climbing up the netting, and wandering around the rooms inside.
It is probably not t typical treehouse like you expect to find in a garden, as not much of it is really in a tree, but it was good fun nonetheless. There is more on this, including a Tour by 5 year old Max, in the below video.
To the far North East of the park, there are the woodland pigs which is a decent walk, but interesting to see. If you want to see the real detail on the walks, the flowers and everything else there is to see, then check out this page of their website.
Summary
All in all, this is a good place to spend a few hours. It was hot hot hot when we went, so we probably didn’t explore as much of it as we could, but I think we will certainly be going back.
As always, let me know if you have been, and what your favourite part of the gardens were.
