There are plenty of gardens to visit nearby, from the ornate stately home gardens to the humble cottage garden, from stunning woodland settings to those with surprising art installations:
The Garden of the Wind
HR2 0DY / 5 min walk up Hunthouse Lane / www.gardenofthewind.co.uk
A modern garden using swathes of herbaceous plants and grasses with stunning views. The garden is also the home of part of the National Collection of Contemporary Memorial Art. Open select weekends June to August.
Nant y Bedd Garden
NP77LY / nr Fforest Coal Pit towards Llantony, on road to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir / www.nantybedd.com
A 6.5 acre organic garden and woodland located at 1200 feet, with a wonderful mix of organic vegetables, imaginative planting, water, stone and timber features, and a natural swimming pond. Usually open July - Sept on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and Bank Holidays, from 2pm until 6pm.
Kentchurch Court
HR2 0DB/ nr Pontrilas / 20 min drive / www.kentchurchcourt.co.uk
Stately home and gardens part of large estate. House open for special days andby appointment, gardens generally open April – Sept.
Abbey Dore Court Garden
HR2 0AD / 20 mins drive / www.abbeydorecourt.co.uk/gardens
8 acres, including a river walk, meadows and a good collection of helleborus, paeonia, astrantia, ferns and bamboos. Garden and Tea Rooms open from March to September (usually Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays, including Bank Holidays, 11am to 5pm).
Gardens in the Wild Festival
based at Whitfield Estate / HR2 9DG / www.gardensinthewild.org
Usually takes place in June, with lots of talks, workshops and stalls, and various local gardens open to visit.