Hoveton Hall

Set at the edge of the Norfolk Broads, Hoveton Hall Gardens is a delightful 15 acre garden mixing both formal and informal planting across the seasons. Beginning with the burst of early Spring bulbs, the spectacular Rhododendrons and Azaleas in May and June through to the mid-summer delights of the 'Spider Garden'. Full summer colours of Hydrangeas followed by autumn berried shrubs and leaf tints complete what is truly a garden for all seasons. Hoveton Hall Gardens is home to Andrew and Barbara Buxton and has been in the Buxton family since 1946. The Hall, although not open to the public, was built between 1809 and 1812 is attributed to Humphry Repton. The parkland surrounding the Hall was ploughed in the 1940's to provide food during the war years. Most trees were removed, and only the grass on the North side of the Lake was left untouched. In 1993 the then arable parts of the park were resown with grass, under the Countryside Commission Scheme for the Restoration of Historic Parks, and iron railings re-established. The walled Kitchen Garden and layout of the 'Spider Garden' are shown on maps as early as 1841. Extensive work to the Water Gardens was carried out in the 1920's by Geoffrey Buxton, and many more Rhododendrons and Azaleas planted under his direction.

Hoveton Hall Garden Plan

View a detailed tourist information map of the Norfolk Broads

We start our tour of Hoveton Hall Gardens at the ticket office. There is also a cafe and plant shop - As we move into the gardens, we pass a field that sometimes contains some donkeys!

The gardens are split into areas and firstly we head towards the Kidney Lake - so called because of it shape.

Kidney Lake at Hoveton Hall Gardens

Along the way there are signs giving information on the various wildlife to be found in the garden.

Next is Ashmanhaugh Wood, which gives you a chance to explore a fine collection of mature Rhododendrons and Azaleas which thrive beneath the canopy of Silver Birch, Sweet Chestnut, Oak and Scots Pine. There are benches where you can sit and take a rest and little bridges taking the path over any water.

One of the highlights of the garden is The Lake, which would have been dug by hand in the eighteenth century, and offers a particularly tranquil walk with Rhododendrons and huge Weeping Willows providing splendid reflective colours on sunny days. There are little bridges to cross over the water and a small fountain at the head of the lake.

Around the side of the lake the path leads to a clearing in the weeping willows, where you get a clear view of Hoveton Hall itself, which was built in the early 19th Century and unfortunately is not open to the public.

From the lake, we return via the Water Garden. Here bridges lead over pools and streams of water. Planting includes many Ferns, a good collection of Hostas, Bamboo and tall spikes of Foxglove.

Finally, we come to the magnificent Spider Garden. This walled garden has been known as the “Spider Garden” ever since the ornamental wrought iron Spider’s Web gate was made in 1936 by Eric Stevenson.

And in one corner is the wonderful country cottage, complete with green shutters.

Leaving the Spider Garden through the west wall gate you will see the Knot Garden planted with box, santolina and rosemary. Then passing through the Laburnum Arch you enter the re-designed core of this one-acre walled garden. The circular design, created by Tessa Hobbs, picks up on the theme of the Spider’s web next door. Three Hoveton gardeners constructed the brick edge beds in 2002 and turf was laid in Spring 2003.

Planting here includes Roses and Euphorbia. You will also find ornate stone items, such as a sundial and a statue of a piper.

Finally, we return to the ticket office, where there is a chance to enjoy a well earned cup of tea and a plant shop.

Hoveton Hall Gardens summary of what to SEE and DO