Lord Wandsworth College near Hook is inviting the public to explore parts of its 1,200-acre campus, as part of the National Garden Scheme’s (NGS) Open Garden Season.

Next weekend (Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April), the main college grounds will be open between 11am and 3pm, in return for a donation to the NGS.

The College is set in 1,200 acres of rolling hills and wooded valleys. It has one of the largest school campuses in England.

The main college is set around formal lawns, which frame its mix of traditional buildings (designed by renowned architects Sir Reginald Blomfield and Guy Dawber) and its more contemporary additions. Mature paper bark maples, cedars, cherry trees and magnolias provide bursts of texture and colour, alongside well-designed borders boasting a heady mix of herbaceous plants and seasonal favourites such as tulips, daffodils and alliums. Visitors will also find a South African-inspired border running the full length of the multi-million-pound Flowers Science Centre.

On Saturday, April 12, younger explorers can also take part in an Easter egg hunt. Meanwhile, on Sunday, April 13, there will be Jazz on the lawn to enjoy. There will be refreshments available in The Orangery and an opportunity to buy plants grown on the estate.

Head gardener Jane in the gardens at the College, Lord Wandsworth College.
Head gardener Jane in the gardens at the College (Lord Wandsworth College)

Jane Dickens, head gardener, explained: “Last year’s National Garden Scheme event was lovely. It was a really great weekend. People were able to stop and talk to us about what we have here. It’s all easy to access and quite fluid to walk around. There’s a lot to see.”

Jane and her team work tirelessly to keep the gardens interesting throughout the year. “You’re putting on a show,” she explains “and trying to create a story. I want people and especially children to engage. Horticulture is great for mindfulness and it’s brilliant when you can get a Year 7 sniffing a rose, or a sixth former saying they think it all looks lovely.”

The NGS gives visitors unique access to more than 3,500 private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, in return for donations which go towards supporting nursing and health charities.

It has donated £74 million to these organisations and Lord Wandsworth College is delighted to lend its support.

Entry is priced at £4 for adults. Children go free. You can book in advance via the NGS website here.