About

The secret gardens are open every day and access is signposted via the wood at the rear of How Hill House.

A map/plant guide is available. Download here.

These hidden woodland 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.

Entry is free but donations to the How Hill Trust charity would be nice.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.