Explore glorious gardens in Herefordshire with the National Trust
The days are warmer, evenings are longer and gardens in Herefordshire are bursting to life with late-spring colour.
At Berrington Hall, near Leominster, deckchairs are conveniently nestled away in the historic apple orchard in the walled garden; the perfect spot to listen to the birds and while away the hours amongst the colourful flower borders. Until 2019, visitors can also step inside a striking sculptural pavilion, which takes pride of place in the centre of the walled garden. The ‘LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!’ pavilion was designed by internationally renowned artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. The bold structure is based on garden ‘eye catchers’ of the eighteenth-century and was inspired by what is ‘Capability’ Brown’s final landscape masterpiece at Berrington. The artwork launches Berrington’s Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds Restoration Project, which aims to revive Brown’s original design.
At Brockhampton Estate, near Bromyard, visitors can discover an extensive parkland abundant with wildlife. Swallows and House Martins provide for their young chicks as they dive and skim across the water of the moat, resident ducks care for their young and different species of butterfly flutter through the trees in the parkland. Rambling roses and blooming cottage borders make for a wonderfully colourful display at this romantic timer-framed manor house.
Late-spring is the perfect time to visit the gardens at Croft Castle, near Leominster. Blue globe thistles, yellow giant scabious, white Shasta daisies and purple acanthus all put on a spectacular show, following on from the old fashioned rose cultivars, such as ‘Ludlow Castle’, ‘Sweet Juliet’ and ‘Zephrine Drouaine’. Visitors can pack up a picnic hamper and spend an afternoon relaxing in a deckchair as honeybees and bumblebees buzz busily over their heads. (Main Photo – The walled garden at Croft Castle)
The Weir Garden, near Hereford, looks magical in late-spring. The aroma of the last of the wild garlic lingers and the grounds look lush and green. Visitors can explore the grounds and gardens in full bloom and wildlife is abundant with songbirds busily foraging in the long grass. Colourful pink deckchairs are dotted along the riverbank, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.
More details about opening times, accessibility, events and all other activities Berrington Hall, Brockhampton Estate, Croft Castle and The Weir Garden have planned can be found by visiting: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/herefordshire.