Hyde Hall is a delightful hilltop garden owned by the Royal Horticultural Society.ย A visit to the 360-acre estate is unforgettable in any season and allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
The developed area of the garden, in excess of 24 acres, demonstrates an eclectic range of inspirational horticultural styles, from the formality of clipped hedges on the Hilltop to the naturalistic planting on Clover Hill. The wilder peripheries of the estate comprise sapling woodland, meadows, and bee hives, which enhances biodiversity. There is also a comprehensive range of events and educational programmes throughout the year.
Early in the year:
- the garden has a spectacular display of spring bulbs, and the woodland is punctuated by the lustrous blooms of Rhododendrons and Camellias, the Robinson Garden swells with Hellebores and the banks of the Queen Mother’s Garden are clothed in flaxen carpets of daffodils.
Features in the summer include:
- an extensive colour themed herbaceous border and a marvellous collection of roses of all kinds.
- Visitors will be intoxicated by the quintessential scent of roses on the Hilltop and the fragrant Eucalyptus in the innovative Australian & New Zealand Garden.
- The colours of the herbaceous borders are breathtaking, whilst the hazy purples of the dry garden with its drought tolerant plants will transport you to distant Mediterranean shores.
- The immaculate lush green lawns are cool underfoot on a hot summer day whilst the sparkling waters of the two large ponds stocked with fish and water lilies, are a firm favourite with visiting children.
Autumn brings:
- an air of tranquillity as hundreds of spider’s webs strung across seed heads sparkle as the sun cuts through the morning mists, while the mellow tones of the Malus fruits and turning autumnal leaves provide a sumptuous and rich display.
The secrets of winter:
- are revealed as you discover the labyrinthine shapes of pruned and trained roses and the colourful surprises of the winter beds.
Highlights of RHS Garden Hyde Hall
- A 1,600sqm Dry Garden with over 730 species demonstrating the fantastic range and style of plants you can grow to cope with drought and exposure to high light levels
- The Robinson Garden showcasing plants that love cool, shady, damp conditions
- Colour themed herbaceous borders
- Australian & New Zealand Garden
- Rose Garden
- Garden for Wildlife
Where do we go?
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Rettendon
Chelmsford
CM3 8ET
How do we get there?
By road
Hyde Hall is conveniently located just 20 minutes from the centre of Chelmsford.
From the M25:
Junction 28 for the A12 (exit A12 at junction 17); or
Junction 29 for the A127 (exit A127 onto the A132, signposted to Wickford); or
Junction 30 for the A13 (exit A13 onto the A130)
South-east of Chelmsford exit at the A130 and follow the tourist attraction flower symbols to Rettendon. Head towards East Hanningfield by turning into East Hanningfield Road at The Bell public house. Turn right into Buckhatch Lane.
Car parking is free
By bus
Contact the Chelmsford Travel and Visitor Information Centre on 01245 283400 for information about buses (please be aware that the nearest bus stop is approximately one mile from the garden).
By rail
Closest stations are Chelmsford (about 12km/8 miles away) and Wickford (about 8km/5 miles away).
Taxis are usually available at the station.
For further information contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
How much does it cost?
RHS members: FREE
Adults: ยฃ5.50
Children (6 to 16 years): ยฃ2.00
Under 6 years: FREE
When can we go?
Open all year except Christmas Day
January: 10am – 4pm
February: 10am – 5pm
March – September: 10am – 6pm
October: 10am – 5pm
November – December: 10am – 4pm
Last admission is one hour before closing.
What are the facilities?
The Thatched Barn Restaurant and Courtyard Tearoom serves a wide selection of hot and cold food made on the premises, using locally sourced produce where possible.
How do I find out more?
www.rhs.org.uk