Gardens

We have two garden areas around the house which are a delight to walk around and sit in to see the range of plants, and wildlife attracted to them.

The Secret Gardens are open to the public every day from early Spring until late Autumn unless there is inclement weather.

The formal gardens surrounding the house are closed to everybody (including Friends of How Hill) when schools and other groups are in residence, and during events. Feel free to phone the office on 01692 678555 before your visit to check.

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Garden Entry

We don’t charge an entry fee but welcome donations towards the upkeep. Donations can be made into the boxes on site or via our Just Giving Page – QR codes will take you to our page are by the donation boxes.

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Dogs

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in both gardens.

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Garden Tours

Group garden tours can be arranged in advance. We will also be offering special garden days during the summer keep your eyes on our events page if you are interested.

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History Tour

If you would like to learn about the history of the house and gardens group tours with refreshments can be arranged. During the summer, visits could also include a wherry demonstration.

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Tour bookings & garden days

For bookings and more information about our group garden tours please call 01692 678555. Keep your eyes on our events page for more information about our special garden days during the summer.

Secret Gardens

These hidden woodland water gardens were established by the original owner of How Hill House, Edward Thomas Boardman in the early 1920’s.

The area was once a piece of rough grazing marsh, open and windswept. To create the sheltered garden seen today, oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam trees were planted on the slope between the gardens and the house and scrubby carr woodland was allowed to establish on the low lying land surrounding the area. Many exotic species were raised from seeds sent by Boardman’s friends and correspondents from around the world.

The azaleas and rhododendrons are especially spectacular during May and June, and in October the autumn colours can be beautiful.

A guide to our Secret Gardens

House Gardens

The original house owner, renowned architect Edward Boardman, designed the formal house gardens just after World War One.

The yew hedges were planted in the 1920s to create various rooms within the garden. Each room has a different layout and theme, which is in keeping with the style of the house and the Arts and Crafts era.

For more information about our garden contact our office on 01692 678555 for a Garden Tour.