Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens

Entering from the Visitor Centre the formal gardens are laid out in the Arts and Crafts style of the Edwardian period.
 
The series of garden rooms were designed by Sir Cecil and Lady Hanbury after they purchased the estate in 1914. These are enclosed within splendid stone terraces, balustrading, steps and yew hedges and include water features and topiary.
 
The Hanbury’s were a well known horticultural family who also owned the gardens at La Mortola in Italy and had endowed Wisley Gardens to the Royal Horticultural Society. Not surprisingly, the gardens and exterior of the House were extensively re-furbished, and additional features including the Edwardian garden to the West of the House were the portico on the North facade and new chimneys.
 
The contemporary parkland and pleasure gardens were laid out in the “Jardin Anglais” style popularised by Capability Brown. Simplicity was the hallmark of the gardens which consisted of rolling turf, carefully placed groups of trees, a lake and a lakeside temple. Situated on a hillside the views over the surrounding countryside are stunning.
 
Behind the Elizabethan Manor stands the ornamental walled garden which was once the kitchen garden for the Old Manor House.
 
Kingston Maurward is proud of its National Collections of Penstemons and Salvias and fine examples of these plants amongst many others can be purchased from the Visitor Centre.