The weather was glorious so we visited Hampton Court in Hope Under Dinmore, Herefordshire. We had lunch in the orangery where I chose a Coronation Chicken sandwich before taking a guided tour of the castle. After the castle tour we enjoyed a walk around the gardens which are currently between seasons. The maze and its hidden surprise were as enjoyable as ever and we were surprised to learn of a hidden feature next to the waterfall in the sunken garden. We enjoyed watching young children find their way behind the waterfall, get as near to the (low) edge as they dared so that they could get a soaking from the waterfall. We were sure that one of them was going to step backwards over the edge, but thankfully he didn’t.
We had hoped to walk along the river which would have enabled me to complete one of my Coronation related walking challenges but unfortunately, we realised that we had forgotten to get an all-important ingredient for our evening meal. This meant that we didn’t have enough time to complete the walk before the shops closed.
This means we will have to go back soon to walk along the river which we have not quite managed on any of our visits. By then the gardens should be starting to bloom again.
You are obviously happy to go back for another visit, and who wouldn’t, judging by your excellent pictures, Cherie
Hampton Court Gardens are always worth a visit
Do they have specialist staff allocated to the orangery, trees, maze, waterfall, sunken gardens and river? This massive task seems to have been handled beautifully.
I don’t think they have any specialist staff to look after the gardens but I don’t have the information to confirm this.
I have passed by Hampton Court Castle & Gardens many times (usually on the way to Ledbury), yet somehow I’ve never dropped in (although I do keep meaning to!). Maybe this year…
The gardens are well worth a visit. And if there is a guided tour of the castle you should take the opportunity, the tour is interesting.
wow what a lovely place to visit dear Cheri
everything you portrayed so beautifully with intriguing explanation made me feel almost there
glad you enjoyed food and views so lush and watching playing children must be fun as well
good you remembered what you lack for dinner before it was too late
hugs
I think the most enjoyable moment of this visit was watching children enjoying the secret waterfall area
Lovely post and photos. I’ve not been in the castle itself but have been behind that waterfall – its cold, wet, narrow and slippery!!! The river walk is lovely and doesn’t take too long – there is a longer walk round the meadows I think.
I am surprised at myself for not noticing (or forgetting) the secret pathway behind the waterfall. Now I know it is there I am not sure I could fit between the narrow stones to get there…
I really want to do the river walk to see the castle from a different perspective. I have not heard of the meadow walk but I am sure it will be interesting.