After the magic of Hobbiton the day before, we kept the fantasy world rolling and headed to Hamilton Gardens. And honestly, this place isn’t a “gardens” in the normal sense. It’s like walking through a portal every five minutes into a completely new civilisation. We all absolutely loved it. Even Ali couldn’t stop saying “this is amazing” every time we stepped into a new themed garden.

We started at the Italian Renaissance Garden, where the girls spotted the statue of the wolf with Romulus and Remus. Georgia stood there glancing into the turquoise water like she expected a coin to come flying back out. Dotty, meanwhile, was more interested in trying to climb the stone edge.

Across the courtyard, the white-walled villa looked like something straight out of Tuscany. You half-expect someone to offer you olives. The tiled pathways, the symmetry, the fountains… absolutely stunning.

The Indian Char Bagh – Colour Explosion

Next was the Indian Char Bagh Garden, basically a Mughal palace courtyard filled with insanely bright flower beds arranged like a Persian rug. The water channels criss-crossed through the middle, and Georgia pointed out the “rainbow garden” effect while Dotty marched around like she owned the place.

English Garden…

Then we slipped through a hedge tunnel and boom – the mood switched to English formal garden. Proper manicured hedges, a central pole topped with a royal-looking figure, and a little turreted building that looked like it belonged in Alice in Wonderland.

Giant Tools, Giant Doors, Giant Laughs

Towards the end we reached the Concept Garden, which is basically “what if everything was enormous”. A massive wheelbarrow big enough to live in, a garden fork taller than the campervan, and – best of all – that absolutely enormous white door.

The girls loved this bit. Dotty tried climbing it. Georgia pretended she was tiny. You got conscripted as climbing frame and pack mule in one. Ali cracked up watching it all.

A Day of Wandering Worlds

Hamilton Gardens isn’t “flowers and footpaths”. It’s worlds. You step through a gate and suddenly you’re in Italy, India, England, China, Persia. Every corner feels like a film set well worth a day out!

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Our family’s adventure began in the heart of the New Forest, in the charming village of Lyndhurst. On the 25th of July 2018, which was Georgia’s birthday, we decided to go camping at Wych Green. That summer was particularly hot, and it provided the perfect weather for our camping trip.

We set up our tent in a lovely, secluded spot surrounded by lush greenery. Our trusty dog, Rupert, was with us, adding to the joy and excitement of the trip. The warm weather made the camping experience truly enjoyable, allowing us to spend the evening under the stars, sharing stories and enjoying the serene environment.

The next day, on the 26th of July, we embarked on a scenic walk around Lyndhurst. The village, often referred to as the “capital” of the New Forest, is filled with picturesque views and charming spots. Rupert enjoyed exploring the various paths and trails, and we took some beautiful photos to capture the memories of our journey.

As we continued our walk, we wandered into the nearby village of Brockenhurst. This unplanned detour was a delightful surprise. Brockenhurst is known for its stunning landscapes and tranquil ambiance. We spent the day exploring the village, taking in the sights, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

On the 27th of July 2018, our adventure took us to Milford-on-Sea. We enjoyed a lovely walk along the beach to Keyhaven Lake. After our walk, we had a delightful lunch in Keyhaven, although I can’t recall exactly what we ate, it was quite nice. I carried Georgia in an Osprey rucksack designed for carrying children, which was incredibly convenient. She even fell asleep at one point during our journey.

We continued our day by visiting Hurst Castle at the end of our walk. Built by Henry VIII in 1544, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of a shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-on-Sea. It was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England and played a significant role during various historical events, including being the place where Charles I was imprisoned before his trial and execution. Exploring the fort was fascinating, and Rupert enjoyed roaming around as well. It was an amazing experience, filled with historical intrigue.

Georgia fell asleep at 4:19 PM in the rucksack, and we have a beautiful photo of her asleep in the rucksack in the car park as we were putting her back in the car. It was a perfect end to a wonderful day filled with exploration and discovery.

On the 28th of July 2018, we continued our adventure with a walk through Ashurst down to the Beaulieu River. The walk was serene, surrounded by the natural beauty of the New Forest. We had lunch in the forest around Ashurst, accompanied by the sights and sounds of the beautiful animals around us. This peaceful and picturesque setting provided the perfect end to our memorable journey.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit the New Forest?
The New Forest is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter offers a peaceful and quieter experience.

2. Are dogs allowed in the New Forest?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the New Forest. Many trails and open spaces are dog-friendly, and some attractions, like Longdown Activity Farm, even allow dogs to join in the fun.

3. What are some must-visit spots in the New Forest?
Some popular spots include Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Milford-on-Sea, and Beaulieu River. Each location offers unique experiences, from scenic walks and historical sites to charming villages and beautiful landscapes.

4. Can you camp in the New Forest?
Yes, there are several campsites in the New Forest where you can enjoy a camping experience. Wych Green is one of the many beautiful spots to set up camp and enjoy the natural surroundings.

5. What activities are available for children in the New Forest?
The New Forest offers a variety of activities for children, including visiting farms like Longdown Activity Farm, exploring adventure playgrounds, walking trails, and learning about nature and wildlife.

Thank you for joining us on our family adventure through the New Forest. Have you visited the New Forest or taken any trips around the UK? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your stories in the comments below.

The post Exploring Lyndhurst and Beyond: A Memorable Family Adventure appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.