Group visits to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

We welcome group visits and can help you to plan your perfect day.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is one of the most important plant collections in the world. Established in 1953 by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier, the magnificent collection is set in 180 acres of formal and informal Gardens. There is always something to delight our visitors whatever the time of year.

  • Home to the UK’s largest collection of Champion Trees
  • One of the largest winter Gardens in Europe
  • 42,000 plants from temperate regions
  • One of the longest double herbaceous borders in the world
  • 14 National collections

A group visiting the Gardens

Group booking benefits

  • Special group rates (for parties of 10+)
  • Free coach parking, easy drop off and collection point
  • Free colour map
  • Free entry for the coach driver

Guided tours

Book a guided tour with our knowledgeable horticultural experts.

A guided tour of the Gardens is available by prior booking and subject to availability. Tours last approximately one and a half hours, with a maximum of 25 persons per group.

Standard tours cost £70 during the week and £90 at weekends, with 3 weeks’ minimum notice required.

Specialist tours can be tailored to your group’s requirement at an additional cost and subject to availability.

If you prefer you can discover the Gardens on your own. All group members receive a colour map, ideal for self-guided visits.

Food and drink

Courtyard Café

The licensed Courtyard Café at the main visitor entrance has stunning vistas of the Gardens and is open 10am to 5pm in the summer, 10am to 4pm in the winter (lunch served from 12 midday to 2.30pm).

Serving delicious locally sourced food, afternoon tea, cakes, sandwiches and refreshments. Gluten free and allergens catered for.

The Garden Restaurant & Tea Rooms

The Garden Restaurant & Tea Rooms is a warm and welcoming place for everyone. With comfortable spaces where you can gather for a leisurely lunch or for a quick bite to eat. An ideal pit stop for families with a tasty children’s menu available.

You can choose to dine from our ‘Specials Board’ and enjoy a celebratory meal or pre-book to experience our gorgeous Afternoon Tea.

Delicious traditional roast lunches are available every Sunday lunch time.

Garden admission is required to enjoy The Garden Restaurant & Tea Rooms. View tickets and prices

Winter (November to March*): 10am to 4pm
(last hot food order is 3.30pm)
Summer (April to October): 10am to 5pm
(last hot food order is 4.30pm)

*Please note for the month of December the restaurant will be serving traditional Christmas meals.

Email for more information: [email protected] or call 01794 368787, option 2.

Café table with drinks and snacks on it

Group tour catering vouchers are available to use in the Courtyard Café.

Phone Visitor Services on 01794 368787 if you would like to purchase catering vouchers.

Access around the Gardens

The gardens and buildings are accessible with an all-ability path network and accessible toilets.

Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for a small hire charge of £3.95 for 3 hours. Please book in advance of your visit. To book this service state on your booking form or phone us on 01794 368787.

Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in the Gardens.

Book your visit

Group visits must be pre-booked.

To book, complete the group booking form. After we receive your completed booking form, we will contact you to confirm arrangements.

We are happy to help with any queries you may have. Contact the team if you need help with any queries.

Phone 01794 368787

Email [email protected]

Coach at Hillier Gardens