5 Great Gardens to See in Herefordshire
It’s certainly a handsome place, Herefordshire – this is a county that’s got just the one city (Hereford, of course) but two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Wye Valley and the Malvern Hills), so there’s lots of lovely scenery to explore.
This also happens to be one of the UK’s most sparsely populated counties, and that means there’s plenty of space for some stunning gardens in Herefordshire. If you’re visiting top historic sights and castles like Eastnor Castle, Hampton Court Castle and Hereford Cathedral, make sure to leave time to stroll around the outdoor spaces while you’re there.
Ready for some green-fingered inspiration? Whether you’re looking for a local day out or holiday ideas, check out our list of some of the best Herefordshire gardens to visit.
Berrington Hall
There’s surely no name better associated with English garden design than Capability Brown – and you can see the pinnacle of his life’s work at Berrington Hall, near Leominster. This was the last garden he designed, and as you follow the trails through 250 acres of parkland you’ll spot all sorts of features including a 14-acre lake, a gorgeous walled garden and peaceful plantations of mature trees.
Berrington Hall is often tipped as one of the best things to do in Herefordshire, and it’s big enough to fill several hours. The park is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so keep an eye out for wildlife like herons and dragonflies as you wander.
Look for Leominster campsites to stay nearby
Kentchurch Court Gardens
On a smaller scale but no less impressive is the 25-acre garden at Kentchurch Court, where the herbaceous borders burst with colour all year round – from hellebores in spring, through rhododendrons in early summer to maples and asters in autumn. It’s worth having a look at the working veg garden and apple orchard, too.
Kentchurch isn’t open to the public all the time, so check ahead to find out when visits are possible. If you have time, book a tour of the historic house too – it’s been in the same family for 1000 years so it’s got quite the history behind it.
Explore Kentchurch from a campsite near Ross-on-Wye
Hergest Croft Gardens
The Banks family has put more than 120 years of work into the gorgeous 70-acre Hergest Croft Gardens in the Welsh Marches… and it shows. From the kitchen garden to the bright blooms of the azalea garden to the collection of more than 5000 rare trees and shrubs, the whole place is a real feast for the senses. (Even the benches on the lawn are special – they’ve been rehomed from Chelsea Flower Show award-winning gardens.)
If you fancy trying to recreate something like this at home, give yourself a head start with a visit to the plant sales area, which sells all sorts of rare species.
Explore the Welsh Marches by booking a Kington campsite
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens
A walk around Westonbury Mill feels a little bit like exploring a secret garden, as you cross a little bridge and pass by pretty ponds to find gargoyles and follies (including a giant dome made from 5000 wine bottles) hidden away among the greenery and wildflowers.
If you’re looking for a garden to explore with the kids, this would be a great pick – it’s an informal place full of variety, and they’ll no doubt love seeking out all the fun-looking follies. Dogs on short leads are welcome too.
Book a dog-friendly campsite in Herefordshire
The Weir Garden
The setting is as spectacular as the space itself at The Weir Garden – this National Trust garden is on the banks of the River Wye, about five miles west of Hereford. Bring along a picnic when coming along here, as there are lots of choice spots where you can settle down to eat while admiring the views and watching the canoeists paddling by.
Much of the 10-acre site is still as it was in the 1920s, with the gardens designed by Roger Parr including such features as a glasshouse made by the same people that made Queen Victoria’s, and a three-sided walled garden that’s a real sun trap.
Hunt out a campsite near Hereford
Want to take in some of the area’s natural scenery while you’re here? Have a look at our choice of the best walks in Herefordshire.