When you come to Hellens don’t forget, if you can, to go for a stroll around our gardens. You will see an ancient knot garden by the famous Dovecote, and another knot garden on the East front whose design was inspired by the Jacobean overmantle in the house. There is also a labyrinth, but unlike a maze, you can’t get lost in it!

HallWood

In 2007 the PMM Charity Trust bought back Hallwood which, until sold in the early 20th century, had been part of the estate since the Doomsday Book records. This is a site of great historical, archeological, and scientific interest (SSSI). In spring the woods are full of wild flowers - daffodils,orchids,anemones,and bluebells. There are also small-leafed Lime and wild Service trees in the wood, which invariable suggest very ancient woodland.

If you are visiting Hellens you are welcome to explore (carefully!) Hallwood, which is just a ten-minute walk from the house.

Hosta Walk

In 2007, to mark their 25th anniversary, the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society created a hosta and fern walk in one of the copses close to the manor house.

Planting started in May 2007 and hundreds of hostas were planted by members of the Society over the next few months.

BBC Gardeners World came to film the planting but this was the start of a summer of heavy rain and unfortunately it poured with rain all day.

We hope that the hosta walk will mature over the next few years. Do remember to take a look if you visit during the hosta flowering season

SculptureWe have sculpture by several contemporary artists in the grounds:

Omega 4  (1989) by Nicholas Stephens, our resident sculptor and curator.

Elephant (2008) by Anonymous.

Alpha-Omega (2006) by Oliver Barratt.

Standing Stone (2003) by Kenneth Johannson.