Discover Spring Splendour at Longstock Park
For the 2027 season, we are introducing May Mondays, giving visitors extended access to Longstock Park Water Garden during our standard opening hours every Monday throughout May.
The Water Garden incorporates natural chalk-fed pools and winding island pathways. In May, the garden reaches its horticultural height, with fresh foliage on the trees and moisture-loving plants on the margins.
After strolling through the grounds, head up to Longstock Park Farm Shop, Cafe & Nursery (less than a mile up the road) to enjoy seasonal food and discover garden inspiration for your own outdoor spaces.
What to Expect
Peak May Planting: Enjoy displays of candelabra primulas, irises, emerging water lilies and moisture-loving perennials at the edge of clear, chalk stream pools.
Island Trails: Take gravel pathways and interconnecting footbridges, crossing natural chalk pools to access the grassy islands.
National Garden Scheme Charity Day (31st May): Celebrate the Spring Bank Holiday knowing that your gate admission will support charities across the UK.
Refreshments & Plant Nursery: Pair your visit with an early morning breakfast or light lunch at Longstock Park Cafe, or browse the walled garden’s herbaceous border for inspiration and pick up perennials for your own garden at Longstock Park Nursery.
Walk & Terrain Information
The Water Garden offers a peaceful and relaxing experience across six acres of interconnected islands, bridges and waterways:
Paths & Surfaces: Generally gravel paths which can be naturally uneven underfoot.
Bridges: Island routes cross rustic wooden footbridges. Footbridges may become slippery when wet; sturdy outdoor walking shoes or flat boots are recommended.
Shelter: The garden has limited shelter from wet weather, there are some shaded seating benches and a thatched summerhouse containing estate garden history, with some shelter from showers.
Accessibility & Estate Facilities
Wheelchair & Mobility Access: Wheelchairs - compacted gravel paths provide level access around the perimeter and through the main water gardens. However, several inner islands are connected by wooden footbridges, which are unsuitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or double pushchairs.
Assistance Dogs: Only registered assistance dogs are permitted inside the Water Garden and the surrounding parkland, to safeguard chalk stream ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor shopping and seating areas at Longstock Park Farm Shop and Cafe.
Parking & Toilets: Free visitor parking and accessible toilet facilities are available at Longstock Park Water Garden. Additional facilities are located 0.8 miles away at Longstock Park Farm Shop, Cafe & Nursery.
Event Details & Opening Dates (2027 Season)
Dates: Every Monday in May 2027:
Monday 3rd May 2027 (Early May Bank Holiday)
Monday 10th May 2027
Monday 17th May 2027
Monday 24th May 2027
Monday 31st May 2027 (Spring Bank Holiday — In Aid of the National Garden Scheme)
Opening Hours: Open during standard Water Garden opening hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Longstock Park Water Garden, Leckford Estate, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EH.
Admission & Ticketing
Standard garden admission applies across all May Mondays.
Charity Opening Notice (Monday 31st May): All garden admission proceeds on 31st May are donated directly to the National Garden Scheme (NGS). Water Garden annual season tickets are not valid on this date. Standard admission charges apply to all attendees.
