The extensive gardens at Tapeley Park were created in the 19th century by Sir John Belcher under the direction of Lady Rosamund Christie. The 20 acre garden descends in a series of ornamental terraces from a handsome, much-altered Queen Ann house (open to pre-booked groups only).
The terraces are hedged with fuchsias and lavender.
Today the Italianate gardens are being restored by Kirsty Christie with the aid of Lady Mary Keen (who worked on the new gardens at Glyndebourne).
Features include clipped yews, a dark ilex tunnel, exotic tender plants and palms.
At the bottom of a ravine is The Lake surrounded by huge Thuja - Plicata trees. These are the oldest of their kind in the country and are interspersed with a mass of rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas and succulent plants.
The stunning border on the Dairy Lawn was planted with the help of Carol Klein, a renowned nurseywoman.
There is also a grotto decorated with shells and an ice house. The walled kitchen garden has a huge lean-to greenhouse and old espaliered apple trees.
Tapeley Park now has an Organic Permaculture Garden and tucked away in the Wild Garden is a new children's play area.
