Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a botanical garden spread across roughly 70 hectares in Hampshire with one of the largest plant collections in Britain. Within this space grow thousands of different tree and shrub species, including rare specimens and plants of scientific interest.

An enthusiast named Harold Hillier began building the collection in the 1950s on private land. Later the garden was handed over to local authorities and developed into an important institution for plant research and education.

The place is named after Harold Hillier, the enthusiast who built the extensive collection that defines it today. Visitors can see how this passion for plant diversity shapes the careful arrangement and care of the grounds.

A visitor center with shop and restaurant sits at the entrance and offers a good starting point for exploration. You should wear comfortable shoes as the paths through the gardens are long and hilly.

The collection holds the largest number of Champion Trees in Britain, including specimens protected by conservation status. These exceptional individual trees show how ancient and rare species thrive when preserved and documented with careful attention.

GPS coordinates: 51.01110,-1.46660

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48