5 Great Gardens to See in Herefordshire
Herefordshire is certainly a handsome place – it’s one of the most rural counties in England, home to just the one city (Hereford, of course) but parts of two National Landscapes (the Wye Valley and the Malvern Hills), so there’s lots of lovely scenery to explore.
It’s also one of the UK’s most sparsely populated counties, and that means there’s plenty of space for some stunning gardens in Herefordshire. These fabulous outdoor spaces may not be as well known as the area’s historic castles but they're all well worth putting on your schedule, whether you're looking for a local day out or visiting from elsewhere.
If you’d like to see more of the area’s scenery, take a look at our pick of the best walks in Herefordshire. And if you’re planning to spend a few nights in the area, how about finding a campsite or glampsite to make the most of that rural setting with a campfire and some stargazing. Pitchup’s collection includes everything from simple farm sites to spacious yurts and cosy shepherd’s huts – take a look at the options to find something that suits you.
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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.
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.
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 certainly 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. The wonderful Maples Tearoom is worth a visit, too – especially if you treat yourself to one of its tempting cream teas.
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens
A walk around Westonbury Mill Water Gardens 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. Light lunches, hot drinks and home-made cakes are all available in the café to fuel your wanders.
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 you visit 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.
For more green-fingered days out there are also gorgeous gardens at several of Herefordshire’s historic castles, so you might want to put some of those on your list of places to visit. If you’re staying over for a night or few, take a look at Pitchup’s range of outdoor accommodation – with prices starting from £10 per night, there are options for all budgets and tastes here.