Follow the winding escarpment lined with giant beech trees, ancient moss-covered walls and spring snowdrops and daffodils along the north side of the Tower. Look right to find the stonemason’s name concealed in the randomly-sized stones.
As you pass through the ancient doorway, notice the oak trees planted by royalty on either side of you. Discover now three separate, very different walled gardens as narrow openings lead from one to another, almost as if you are walking into different open-air rooms.
The Wilderness Garden, with its large expanse of perfectly maintained lawn, herbaceous borders and topiary is the first garden you will encounter. Spot the romantic Dorothy Steps leading to the East Wing and take in the view over the parapet walls to the ancient woodland.
Through another narrow doorway and you are in the Rose Garden, the most formal and intimate of the three with its abundance of colourful roses, formal flowerbeds, terracotta vases and lines of clipped yews.
An ancient wooden doorway leads you on to the striking Ramparts Garden. Looking over the castellation, the horizon opens to a vast view of the gentle rolling countryside and towards the distant shimmer of the Irish Sea.
Christopher Lloyd a famous gardener of recent past said “a garden must be perpetually recomposed”. Whilst maintaining the original shapes and forms of the gardens, a little new surprise of species, colour or variety will welcome the visitor each year.
The Tower’s grounds and gardens offer a different burst of colour throughout the seasons. The trees put on an amazing display in the autumn, while snowdrops, bluebells and daffodils announce the spring. The spectacular displays of the rhododendrons, often fragrant, are not to be missed.
Come and wander in complete peace and tranquillity, settle down with a good book and relax for the afternoon, sit and reflect whilst listening to the birdsong or (if you’re young or young at heart) play knights and dragons along the ramparts!
View our full gallery of the Hoghton Tower gardens here.
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