National Trust - Hinton Ampner — Attraction in Winchester

Lovely walk around Hinton Ampner. The house and gift shop were closed but we enjoyed the lovely grounds. As National Trust members we were able to park and enter for free although prices are not unreasonable, particularly if the house is open. Don’t forget that membership for the NT is excellent value on monthly direct debit and we pay only £11 a month for our family of 6. Parking is straightforward with ample space and disabled parking available a short walk from the small ticket office which is just next to the walled garden which must be beautiful in the warmer months. There are pleasant toilet facilities right next to a small but well-stocked cafe, surprisingly warm for an outside block and very clean. Staff were warm and welcoming and the whole place had a very comfortable feel. It’s a comfortable walk around the house even for a slow walker and mostly even ground. The best part is the opportunity for walkers, dog lovers and families with three enjoyable walks to enjoy.. a 45 minute stroll, a one hour (max) 2-miler and a longer 4 mile walk. We opted for the middle ground and enjoyed the walk in front of the house through the sheep field although it was bracing in the wind. There is a lovely wooded area to explore but pack your wellies in the wetter months. We will visit again when the house is open and in the summer where we will look forward to enjoying a picnic at one of the many outside picnic benches. Another lovely...

Tranquility is at home in the gardens at Hinton Ampner, a masterclass in design and cultivation. Ralph Dutton, the last owner, meticulously rebuilt and designed them after a devastating fire in 1960, creating a series of "rooms" that flow seamlessly into one another. You'll find a delightful mix of structured formal areas and more tranquil, wilder spaces. Highlights often include the charming Sunken Garden with its serene lily pond, the vibrant Walled Garden brimming with seasonal produce and cut flowers, and the meticulously manicured lawns that stretch out with magnificent views. No matter when you visit, the flowers are a highlight. Spring bursts forth with a dazzling display of daffodils and tulips, particularly in the walled garden and the cherry orchard. Come summer, the gardens are a riot of colour, with climbing roses, sweet peas, peonies. The dahlia displays in late summer and early autumn are truly spectacular, offering a rich tapestry of hues. The National Trust gardeners clearly pour their heart and soul into maintaining these ever-changing floral spectacles. Beyond the formal gardens, the fields and parkland surrounding Hinton Ampner are equally captivating and perfect for stretching your legs. With acres of countryside to explore, you can embark on several waymarked walks, such as the Dutton Estate walk, which takes you across open downland with endless vistas over the...

Went down to Hinton Ampner on a weekday so it was fairly quiet. We were greeted by a lovely lady on VR and we went straight into saying wow as we walked into the walled garden. Their was so many different plants, flowers, veg and fruit we were taken a back. We didn't know where to start.

We roamed around until we found a shop and dived in there to buy that all important fridge magnet. Had a lovely conversation with the 3 shop staff that were in there. We headed out of the shop to a courtyard where the cafe was with the toilets nearby. We moved round to the the house that was very nice despite it under renovation which we knew before hand so weren't disappointed. We headed back to the first garden for a picnic then went through the orchard to the church. It was very tranquil in church and the stain glass was very pretty.

We went on through lots of other gardens till we got to the sunken garden I think where they had a box of children's toys which we had great fun with. We explored more of the gardens then headed back to the shop as we neared the end of our trip. We bought some more stuff and spoke at length with a lovely lady called Jan. In fact she was so lovely she rung down to VR to inform me I had left my fudge in the shop!

This place had such a good vibe to it and all the staff we met were so nice and friendly. Definitely will return next year to see it maybe in...