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Stately homes & gardens

Hampshire has been home to some of Britain's greatest historical and literary figures - and the houses and gardens in which they lived are open for you to enjoy.

There are grand stately homes in Hampshire such as Stansted Park set in glorious parkland, as well as the more intimate surroundings of Jane Austen's home at Chawton near Alton and the 18th century house at Houghton Lodge on the banks of the River Test, a popular TV and film location. Stratfield Saye House became the Duke of Wellington's country estate in 1817 after his victory at Waterloo, and naturalist Rev. Gilbert White's House and gardens can be visited in the charming village of Selborne.

Hampshire is also associated with some of the great names in gardening history, from the Rothschilds' azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias at Exbury to the prized collections of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey. Queen Eleanor's Garden at the Great Hall in Winchester is a charming re-creation of a medieval herbarium sanctuary, while The Vyne near Basingstoke offers over a thousand acres of gardens and parkland to enjoy, together with five centuries of history.

The National Trust

Hampshire is well represented in the National Trust portfolio, including Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens which is home to the National Collection of roses, Uppark with its fine restored Georgian interiors, the formal gardens at Hinton Ampner and West Green House and Garden near Hook.