Many of our client’s enjoy going out for nice walks with their Live-in Carers. A Live-in Carer is able to accompany you on trips to local gardens. Here in Hampshire, there are plenty of idyllic gardens to take a stroll through and explore. Therefore, we thought it would be a nice idea to provide you with a selection of our 5 favourite Gardens to visit in Hampshire.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens - Image credit www.visit-hampshire.co.uk
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Romsey
This award-winning garden specialises in horticulture, conservation, education and recreation. Spanning an impressive 180 acres, the gardens consist of various spectacular plant displays. One of the most enjoyed areas includes The Heather Garden, which contains a range of different heather’s along with delightful trees and shrubs. There are plenty of benches throughout the gardens, which provide the perfect spots for relaxing amongst nature. All pathway networks are accessible for all abilities, with wheelchair accessible toilets. Harold Hillier Gardens are also well known for the many birds and butterflies which can be found there. There are currently over 80 different species of birds throughout the gardens, and over 25 species of butterflies - so don’t forget to take your binoculars!
Applecourt Garden and Nursery
Lymington
This much-loved Hampshire garden was created in the 1980’s and sits just on the edge of the New Forest. This garden is small and quiet, covering 1 acre of land. It is made up of a few different types of gardens including: a White Garden, a Japanese Garden, and a Daylily Garden among others. There is also a summerhouse where you can enjoy a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea overlooking the garden. This garden is known to locals as a plant lovers paradise, with unusual specimens of beautiful plants. It is the perfect place to spend an hour or so in tranquility. There is also a small nursery here, where you are able to purchase seasonal flowers, shrubs and acers.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Exbury
This popular garden is situated in the New Forest, and is celebrating more than 100 years. The garden is known for its spectacular display of woodland, herbaceous, formal and wild flower gardens as well as it's very own steam train. The gardens span an impressive 200 acres and borders the Beaulieu River- providing the perfect scenery for a tranquil day out. There are a myriad of pathways to explore throughout the gardens, with rare trees and shrubs lining the way. There is also a newly refurbished restaurant and an outdoor cafe where you can enjoy some light refreshments during your visit. Exbury have taken consideration to make both the gardens and steam train accessible for those with disabilities or mobility issues. On top of this- carers are admitted free of charge when accompanying on a one- to- one basis. Please note that proof of disability and/or registered carer status may be requested.
Furzey Gardens
Minstead
Furzey Gardens is located in Minstead, in the heart of the New Forest. The garden consists of over 10 acres of woodland, with an extensive collection of rare plants from all over the world. Secret paths wind through dazzling displays of colourful flowers, including Azaleas and Rhododendrons. There are multiple viewing areas throughout the gardens which provide the perfect viewing platform for gazing over the New Forest. There is also a water garden, with thriving foliage and flowering plants, both in and out of the lake. Furzey Gardens is also proud to be home to the award winning Chelsea Garden, which has been recreated to overlook the lake, after winning Gold at the RHS Chelsea in 2012. There is plenty of fun for the grand children too, with a shaded play area, as well as 30 hidden ‘fairy doors’ to find throughout the gardens. Whilst most of the gardens is accessible to all users, some parts of the gardens are on a steep hill with narrow paths, so not all areas are easily accessible to wheelchair users.
Mottisfont Abbey
Mottisfont
A National Park treasure, Mottisfont Abbey is a glorious house surrounded by beautiful riverside gardens. Rolling lawns and ancient trees surround this lovely house, and is regularly enjoyed by many locals. There are also gallery exhibitions held in the house throughout the year, with art that intrigues many. The gardens are carpeted by colourful spring bulbs, bubbling brooks, and a stunning walled rose garden. Mottisfont has something to offer all year round, whether autumnal leaves, or a colourful winter garden. This is the perfect garden for a stroll and exploration. Mottisfont also provides accessible parking with a wheel chair ramp to access the Welcome Centre. There are also five manual wheel chairs available to borrow from the Welcome Centre- on a first come first served basis. Wooden and metal benches are situated throughout, with accessible pathways all through the garden.
All of these gardens provide a calm, tranquil day out in Hampshire. Whether you pack up a picnic or enjoy a light meal in the garden’s restaurant or tea room, let us know if you decide to take a visit, and tag us in your photos with your Live-in Carer! You can always ask your live in carer to assist you with your outings! Your home carer can provide companionship care as well as helping you with home duties