This walled garden has been known as the ‘Spider Garden’ ever since the ornamental wrought iron Spider’s Web gate was made in 1936 by Eric Stevenson of Wroxham. At the centre of the garden is a circular flint spider web edged with box created in 1998 by landscape gardener James Smith.
Originally a Victorian Kitchen Garden, this one acre walled garden has been redeveloped over the years to include lawns and herbaceous borders whilst still producing fruit for the Hall. The Knot Garden was planted in 1998, separated from the rest of the garden by a yew hedge with a central laburnum arch.
It is one of only three or four glasshouses constructed with iron still surviving in England. It has been recently restored with the help of generous grants from English Heritage and the Country Houses Foundation. It was built in the first half of the 19th century and demonstrates the early use of iron in garden buildings. The plants in and around it are those which would have been selected at the time it was originally built.
Ashmanhaugh Wood offers an opportunity to explore amongst a fine collection of mature Rhododendrons and Azaleas which thrive beneath a canopy of Silver Birch, Sweet Chestnut, Oak and Scots Pine. The elusive White Admiral butterfly breeds here as well as Purple Hairstreak and Speckled Wood. Around 100 species of birds are seen on the estate each year.
This area of the garden is dominated by a fine Magnolia Soulangeana in the central bed, a large spreading shrub bearing fragrant goblet-shaped blooms in spring. The lake, which would have been dug by hand in the 18th century, offers a particularly tranquil walk with Rhododendrons and huge Weeping Willows providing splendid reflective colours on sunny days. Leading from this walk are the more adventurous woodland paths across bridges and dykes to the Water Garden.
In the days before mechanical refrigeration many estates had an ice well. In Britain the practice of storing ice in these specially constructed chambers started in the 17th century, with the earliest known example built for James I in 1619. Ice wells were often sited under trees and some way from the house and the location would be chosen so the chamber remained above the surrounding water table. Because they were often tucked away and vegetation encouraged to grow over them, their presence isn’t always obvious, but over 2500 ice wells still exist in Britain today. The ice well at Hoveton Hall was built during the 18th century and is a Grade II Listed Monument.
The Kidney Lake was excavated by hand in the 1920s as an additional feature in the extended Water Gardens. It depends for its water on natural drainage from the surrounding land and as a result the level fluctuates according to the weather. The island is often used by nesting waterfowl and the lake provides a safe nursery for ducklings in spring. It is also a popular spawning ground for frogs and toads. Kingfisher and Grey Heron sometimes visit the lake to feed, as do small waders.
During 2004, new trees were added to this area of parkland and its existing collection of more than 200 specimen trees. Species here have been especially selected to provide interest throughout the year. Blossoming in the spring are Japanese Malus varieties, Whitebeam Sorbus and varieties of Prunus. These are followed by varieties of dogwoods in early summer, then the Tulip-tree, with the Indian Bean Tree Pride of India Koelreuteria Paniculata flowering in late summer.
Nestled in the beautiful grounds of Hoveton Hall Estate, Flora is a cafe & courtyard created by three friends, Laura, Kim and Emily, who share a love of good food, warm hospitality, and bringing people together.
At our café, we focus on simple, seasonal and flavour-packed food. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed lunch, homemade cake and coffee, or a special celebration and a glass of local wine, we want every visit to feel comforting, memorable and unpretentious. You can contact us direct on 01603 948853 or email hello@floranorfolk.co.uk
Open from Good Friday to end of September from 10am to 4pm every day except Saturdays.
Adults £10
Over 60’s £9
Children aged 5-17 £5
Children under 5 are free
Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 paying children) £26
Wheelchair users/carers £7.50 each Essential Companion FREE – admission for one person accompanying a registered disabled guest. Must show proof of carer status on entry: NIMBUS Access Card +1 or photographic carer ID
Day tickets and season tickets are available to buy at the entrance gate.
We can accept payment by card or exact cash only as we are unable to give change. Thank you for your understanding.
To download a copy of our garden map please click Hoveton Hall Gardens Map
Sorry, only assistance dogs are allowed into the gardens.
If you would like to bring a group to visit the gardens we do offer discounted entry for groups of 25 or more people. Please email us at office@hovetonhallestate.co.uk for more details.
Flora Cafe is run independently to the gardens. For any bookings please ring them directly on 01603 948853.
Find us just north of Wroxham off the A1151, follow the brown tourist signs.
Hoveton Hall Gardens, Hoveton Hall Estate, Hoveton Norwich, Norfolk NR12 8RJ.