We began our visit to Godinton House and Gardens with a guided tour of the House. Our knowledgeable guides told us the story of the families who had owned this seventeenth century Dutch Gabled building. It has always been a comfortable much loved home and each room has a different feel designed by the taste and enjoyment of those who lived here over the centuries. The highlight is the magnificent collection of Royal Worcester porcelain. 
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Originally open parkland surrounded the house but in 1902 the architect Reginald Bloomfield designed the gardens we saw. His main idea was to make the house grow out of its surroundings. The boundary of his design is planted with one of the largest yew hedges in the country clipped to reflect the gables of the house. Within this he created separate areas using terracing and topiary to contrast with the wild garden and the magnificent walled garden. 

The estate is now in the care of the Godinton House Preservation Trust who continue its development. Highlights include the fantastic display of delphiniums in the herbaceous borders, the long border, the lily pond, the rose garden and the Italian garden. 

Both these gardens were delightful and we all had an enjoyable day the best part of which was a delicious cream tea at Godinton - some of the best scones known to man - or woman!

Our thanks go to Gesine Latimer who organised the trip but sadly was unable to join us on the day.
- Barbara Hordern