On our way home after a great vacation in the southwest, we needed a break from the very busy M3.

So, we decided to visit West Green House in northern Hampshire.

Around five miles east of Basingstoke, north of the M3, you will find this attractive 18th century house, surrounded by stunning gardens.

West Green House Gardens combines neo-classical style with contemporary design.

It was created by Marylyn Abbott, a renowned Australian garden designer, who actually created a series of gardens.

As you wander through all the different ‘rooms’ you will be dazzled by the remarkable planting scheme and the bright colours.

It also includes a walled kitchen garden. Most definitely our favourite.

The garden has many original features including a grand water staircase.

And have we mentioned the Courtyard Tea Room? They serve a delicious afternoon tea.


Images by Cool Places Britain
Walking

From West Green Garden a 5-mile circular walk will take you towards the town of Hook.

This nice walk follows the River Whitewater for some of the way and takes you through bluebell woods and open fields.

Or you can start in the village of Hartley Wintney and walk towards West Green House.

This very pleasant 5-mile circular starts in the heart of the village and takes you through woodland and heath. It passes Hartley Wintney’s cricket green, home to the oldest cricket club in Hampshire.


Morgaston Woods

You could also combine a visit to the West Green House Gardens with a visit to National Trust’s The Vyne, a former Tudor palace visited by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Set in a scenic landscape, you can explore its sprawling gardens and woodlands.

For invigorating walks, you can hit the network of paths that run through Morgaston Woods.


Basingstoke Canal

The Basingstoke Canal walk goes through the Hampshire and Surrey countryside along the tree-lined towpath of the restored 200-year-old canal and through woodland, heathland, wetland and pasture.

If you have never walked along it before it, you really must give it a try.

The 33-mile stretch is a paradise for walkers and cyclists.

A good place to start is from the Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre which is open all year round.