Hampton Court, Herefordshire is a castle on the meadows of the river Lugg, backed by a steep wooded escarpment and surrounded by woodland and grounds of 1,000 acres. Founded by King Henry in the early 15th century the castle has been completely restored. The Gardens at Hampton Court are spectacular and although a recent development, are now receiving national recognition.
Original Victorian garden walls enclose stunning new flower gardens divided by canals, island pavilions and pleached avenues. The kitchen garden is an ornamental garden of fruit and vegetables. It is managed organically, supplying produce to the Orangery Restaurant for its seasonal menu. There is a maze of a thousand yews with a gothic tower at its centre. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the gardens or descend underground to a tunnel that leads to a waterfall in the sunken garden. Beautiful herbaceous borders stretch out from a one hundred and fifty year old wisteria tunnel that leads to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the castle. Beyond the lawns are riverside and woodland walks.
The Castle has large state rooms which have been extensively restored and much of the ground floor has a heraldic feel with lots of flags and armour. Along with the more formal dining and drawing room, there are more informal areas for family and friends to relax in. The bedrooms are spacious and well laid out over two floors. The castle has a very peaceful feel and sits in a very pretty valley surrounded by woods. This would be a lovely venue for a family gathering or for celebrating an important birthday.
