Autumn trees near the visitor centre at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, near Romsey, Hampshire

Where to go · Hampshire

Forest bathing at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

A 180-acre arboretum near Romsey with hundreds of champion trees, a winter garden and an all-ability path network.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Ampfield, near Romsey, is a 180-acre arboretum run by Hampshire County Council. It holds over 12,000 different woody plants, 14 National Collections and 611 champion trees, including more than 100 kinds of pine and a valley of maples. Unlike a wild wood, everything is labelled and cared for, which makes it a good place to slow down and look closely at bark, leaves and form.

There is an admission charge and the main car park is gated, so check opening times before you go. An all-ability path network runs through the collection, and mobility scooters can be booked. The four-acre Winter Garden is at its best from November to March, and the maples are worth seeing in autumn. For quieter corners, head away from the visitor centre towards the outer parts of the arboretum. Forest bathing sessions are held here as part of the events programme.

Practical

Managed by
Hampshire County Council
Parking
Free on-site car park, gates locked at closing
Terrain
All-ability path network and grass paths
Nearest station
Romsey, about 2 miles
Facilities
Café, restaurant and tea rooms, accessible toilets, mobility scooter hire (book ahead)
Opening and entry
Admission charge; gated site with set opening hours, last entry one hour before closing
Official page
hants.gov.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides who run sessions here

One guide works Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

More woodlands in Hampshire

All venues in Hampshire
Forest track running between trees in Alice Holt Forest, HampshireAlice Holt ForestFormer royal forest with old naval oak, pine and an easy access trailPath winding through trees in Blackwater Arboretum, New Forest, HampshireBlackwater Arboretum and Tall Trees TrailGiant redwoods, old Douglas firs and level gravel paths off the Rhinefield Ornamental DriveGrassy ride through woodland at Bolderwood in the New Forest, HampshireBolderwoodOld Douglas firs, veteran trees and ancient woodland in the middle of the New Forest

Photos: Alice Holt Forest, Colin Smith (CC BY-SA 2.0); Blackwater Arboretum and Tall Trees Trail, Pebble (CC BY-SA 2.0); Bolderwood, Stuart Logan (CC BY-SA 2.0).