Hoveton Hall’s Winter Woodland Walks take place on two Sundays in 2012, the 12th and 19th February.
“Hoveton Hall Gardens is home to some of the UK’s most uncommon and less well-known plants, alongside the more familiar, much-loved varieties,” says Harry Buxton, whose family own the Estate. “The end of winter is a special time. We have masses of our native wild snowdrops growing in the woods, while in the Spider Garden we have a collection of more unusual species that visitors may not be so familiar with. Visitors will also see wildlife, especially woodland birds including buzzards, tree creepers, nuthatches, sparrow hawks and jays.”
The Woodland Walks are also a sneak preview for visitors, since the Gardens don’t officially open until April 1st. On both days the Estate is open from 10.30am until 3pm (last entry at 2pm). Visitors will be able to ramble and explore the extensive gardens for themselves, perhaps taking in a visit to Hoveton’s recently restored 18th century ice well.
There are also guided tours, which take place at 12pm and 1pm. These are led by Harry Buxton, who will show visitors some of the estate’s more secret byways, looking out for rare plants and wildlife. He likes to pepper his talks with snippets of Buxton family history – so expect insights and indiscretions to help keep you warm!
Admission prices are £8 for adults and £4 for children aged 5 to 16. Family tickets are available. The price includes the guided tour (optional) and refreshments: hot soup, a sausage roll and a choice of mulled wine, tea, coffee or fruit juice. Dogs on leads are welcome and waterproof boots are strongly recommended.
Hoveton Hall Gardens is one of Norfolk’s best kept secrets. It offers a rare mixture of experiences for gardeners, walkers and families – on the one hand there are the woodlands, the water garden, with its natural tunnels, bridges, nooks and crannies, and the park. On the other are the walled garden, with its unique spider gate, the kitchen garden and the early 19th century Glass House – one of only three in the country.