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Hampton Court Castle & Gardens

The gardens at Hampton Court, Herefordshire, recently completed, are one of the most ambitious garden creations of our time.

Original Victorian garden walls enclose stunning new flower gardens divided by canals, island pavilions and pleached avenues. The kitchen garden is an ornamental garden of organically grown fruit and vegetables. The produce is supplied to the Orangery Restaurant for its seasonal menu.

There is a maze of a thousand yews with a gothic tower at its centre. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the gardens or descend underground to a tunnel that leads to a waterfall in the sunken garden. Beautiful herbaceous borders lead to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the castle. Beyond the lawns are a children's play area and peaceful riverside walks.

Adjoining the castle, in a conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton, is the Orangery Restaurant. Here delicious lunches and teas can be enjoyed. The garden shop, in the garden bothy, sells plants from the garden, homemade produce from the castle kitchens and local crafts and gifts.

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