National Garden Scheme spaces to visit in Hampshire

Need some inspiration for your garden? Visit an NGS garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme.

This spring, gardens big and small across Hampshire and beyond will open their gates, inviting visitors to wander among blooms, breathe in the scents of herbs and flowers and find moments of calm.

The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities nationwide. With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies – could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A charming cottage garden in Alton

Spend an afternoon at The Thatched Cottage in Alton GU34 3EG and don’t be surprised if you see Tom and Barbara wandering around, not the owners, but a pair of ducks who are lucky enough to call the 16th century cottage home.

When David and Cally Horton moved in it had been somewhat neglected but with a helping hand from a neighbour, they restored it to its bountiful best and opened to the public. The couple consider themselves “so lucky to have the opportunity to raise funds for the amazing nursing charities supported by the NGS”.

The power of gardens to lift spirits

Cally’s garden is a testament to the power of the natural world: “During lockdown we provided somewhere for people to mingle safely. A depressed woman admitted that she had woken up with nothing to look forward to, so came to look at a garden. As she left, she said that she was now looking forward to the week ahead. This is the sort of thing that makes it worthwhile.

“Our visitors sit with and chat to complete strangers over tea and delicious cake. Very few people leave without saying thank you, what a wonderful garden it is and how it has given them inspiration and ideas for their own.”

Children and dogs on leads are also welcome to discover all that lies within, not least a restored gypsy caravan (complete with crystal ball and guard dog!). Take time to savour the delicious cakes and a cuppa at tables under cover in the garden too.

A record-breaking impact for health charities

“It’s extraordinary to see so many gardens welcoming visitors, and the generosity of our garden owners and volunteers continues to amaze me,” says NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton, who has created gardens for hospitals and hospices. “Each cup of tea served, each garden opened makes a tangible difference to health and care charities across the UK.

“I’ve always been passionate about the effect gardens and gardening can have on wellbeing. Gardening and spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Programmes such as the NGS not only raise vital funds but also promote wellbeing for visitors and volunteers alike. Children can often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the family to enjoy.”

A traditional garden at Binsted Place

For many opening their gardens is a reason to maintain their plots to perfection, try new planting ideas, and connect with fellow horticulturists.

Max and Catherine Hadfield’s 17th century farmhouse Binsted Place in Alton GU34 4PQ is a series of rooms covering around one and a half acres in a traditional style with a lily pond and productive vegetable garden and orchards – the fruits of these labours are very much Max’s domain, while Catherine can often be found giving some TLC to her fragrant roses.

She says: “I spend many hours in my garden, as does my husband and, most of all, our wonderful part-time gardener Dom Brooking. The idea that it was good enough for others to want to visit and to donate money to charity was very appealing.

“We have also opened for other local charities: Cardiac Rehab, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and our village church and hall. I’m always so glad to think that our hard work can give others pleasure and make a contribution. We always enjoy meeting the lovely people who visit, which is an added bonus!”

The beauty and variety of NGS Gardens

Across the UK, NGS gardens range from tiny urban plots to sprawling country estates. Each garden has its own character, whether it’s a cottage garden full of traditional charm, a chalk garden of rare botanical specimens, or a sculpture-filled landscape. And with by-arrangement visits, even smaller or private gardens can share their beauty with visitors.

Plan your visit

So this year, make time to explore Hampshire’s best blooms and discover the therapeutic magic of gardens. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a first-time visitor, the NGS, which celebrates its centenary in 2027, opens doors – and hearts – across the county.

For full listings, ticket info, and garden opening details, please visit ngs.org.uk.

Share