Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Godshill, Isle of Wight

Godshill

in the county of Isle of Wight

Pictures of Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

a Historic Building in the town of East Molesey, in the county of Surrey

About Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

These beautiful gardens set around an illustrious castle given by Henry IV to Rowland Leinthall, who was later knighted by Henry V for his daring at Agincourt, have recently undergone a dramatic change. The castle has an interesting history, ownership has fluctuated throughout the centuries, and it is currently in the hands of an American family who are responsible for the transformation of the landscape.

Few looking around these spectacular grounds, would little realise that what they are looking at is only nine years old. Everywhere, there is colour and grace, with the eye being constantly drawn to some fresh surprise. This ranges from the lovely waterscapes interlinking the various gardens together, to lofty trees and picturesque garden buildings, all set in the shadow of a majestic 15th-century castle built amongst the tranquil watermeadows of the River Lugg.

The gardens show flair and imagination coupled with the easy atmosphere of an English country garden. Perhaps it is so much use of water flooded with wildlife that adds to this perception, but no matter, at Hampton Court garden, all is peace and perfection.

The walled flower garden is of particular interest, this has two eight-sided pavilions surrounded by canals, and lovely grassed areas planted with fragrant flowers.

Water dominated the Dutch garden, this has a narrow pool surrounded by pots of vibrant agapanthus, it is further surrounded by masses of tulips, with purple verbena flourishing in the summer. In the vegetable garden visitors can see a variety of vegetables and fruit including ornamental silver pears, slim, sylph like Irish yews have been planted here, thus giving a dimension of height to the landscape. The vegetable garden, like the rest of the gardens, is cultivated organically.

One of the most magical of all the special vista's in the gardens is that of the colourful wisteria tunnel, where one dramatic specimen is believed to have been planted some 200 years or more ago. Again water heightens the drama of the sunken garden, a waterfall splashes over ancient boulders into a circular pool surrounded by reeds, ferns and hostas. The delightfully rustic thatched "Hermitage" garden building gives access to a tunnel leading to the maze, this area is highlighted by an attractive Gothic-style tower in the middle of the maze. Once visitors have found their way through the maze, they can enjoy splendid views over the gardens from the top of the tower.

This is a garden that is full of joy, in many ways it is its stark simplicity that gives adds to its unique attraction, with much use of scented flora, including lavender covered in summer by dancing butterflies.

Hampton Court Garden has an ambience and atmosphere not usually found in the gardens of a great Castle, it is not merely a gardeners garden, but a place to be enjoyed by everyone

Share the beauty of England..

Recommended towns & villages near Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

At Sundown on The Thames

East Molesey (84 Pictures)

in the county of Surrey

(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)

This picturesque pleasant place is fortunate to lie between the waters of the historic River Thames and the River Mole. It is perhaps best known for Hampton Court Palace, the building started by Cardinal Wolsey in 1514...

Epsom Racecourse, Surrey

Epsom (32 Pictures)

a Historic Market Town in the county of Surrey

(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SE)

Epsom, is known world-wide for what is perhaps the most famous horse race of all time - The Derby...

Kew

Kew (115 Pictures)

in the county of Greater London

(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction N)

Kew is just downstream from the delights of Richmond, and is best known for the Royal Botanic Gardens, or as they are more popularly known 'Kew Gardens'...

Cobham Mill, Surrey: A painting by Stanley Port

Cobham (40 Pictures)

in the county of Surrey

(6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction SW)

Cobham Mill rests on a picturesque stretch of the river surrounded by dipping weeping willows and graceful swans...

Me climbing onto the Sarah Siddons.

Ealing (37 Pictures)

in the county of Greater London

(7.6 miles, 12.3 km, direction N)

Ealing is a thriving place which is now hugely cosmopolitan and has a wide range of multi-cultural offerings...

All towns in Surrey
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

Bushy Park, London

Bushey Park (27 Pictures)

(0.8 miles, 1.2 km)

..

London River Thames. Syon Park and house from the towpath by Kew Gardens.

Syon House (5 Pictures)

(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction N)

This is the magnificent house that made Robert Adams. At only twenty nine years of age he was commissioned to decorate Syon.....

Alpine house

Kew Royal Botanical Gardens (250 Pictures)

(5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction N)

For over two hundred and fifty years, the gardens at Kew have been the dream and vision of talented gardeners, and the.....

Looks a bit limp

Kew Palace (14 Pictures)

(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction N)

See also Kew Royal Botanical Gardens..

London - Chiswick House, Sept 2002

Chiswick House (16 Pictures)

(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction NE)

Few can resist this fine classical building which was the creation of Lord Burlington, patron of the arts in the early part of.....


All attractions in Surrey
Complete A to Z of attractions in England