The park today has been restored to resemble as closely as possible the views that were created by Hamilton and shared with other high society peers. The park is 158 acres in size and visitors are given a recommended route around the site, designed to make you stumble across the most stunning views, just as the original head gardener once did.
The gardens themselves were created in line with the Landscape Movement of the early eighteenth century, which favoured a more natural approach, rather than a geometric based methodology. The paths through the park are centred upon the expansive lake; the water for which is pumped from the nearby river. Amongst the foliage small pieces of architecture can be found, almost by surprise, which add to the picturesque landscape.
Standing inside the Gothic Temple
The first of these you discover is the small Gothic Temple perched on the top of a hill with a fantastic view of the winding landscape and the Great Cedar, which at 120 feet high is thought to be the largest of its kind in Europe. After descending towards the river, you are greeted by the ruins of an abbey built from brick, but rendered to have the appearance of stone.
The shimmering lake with the Chinese Bridge in the background
The path then guides you towards the lake, which features a handful of small islands, connected by a series of bridges inspired by architecture from different cultures, including the well-recognised Chinese Bridge. The Crystal Grotto, built into the side of one of the islands, is a magical cavern where crystal walls and stalactites shimmer in the half-light, whilst small water features trickle merrily around you. This mystical setting is used in the winter as Santa’s grotto, but sadly I came too early to receive any presents this time around!
Inside the magical Crystal Grotto
The gardens then lead you along to the Waterwheel which powers the pump that supplies the lake with water. The setting now changes from lush vegetation into forest, where you can find both the Gothic Tower and the Hermitage amongst the trees. The story goes that Hamilton had hired a hermit to live alone in the small house in the woods on a seven year contract. However, within a few weeks of his hiring, he was found less-then-sober in a nearby pub after he disobeyed his contract and left the park. The hermit was subsequently dismissed, but was never replaced.
A happy hermit!
The final view over the park comes from the reconstructed Turkish Tent, which is nestled on the opposing hill to the Gothic Temple. It gives one last vista across the landscape and allows the viewer to take in all that they have seen. I could reflect on enjoying a lovely walk around the park with my girlfriend, making the most of the last of the summer sun and its heat; I highly recommend a visit!
For those of you who are in Southampton during September, or are coming back down in the next few weeks and want to go for a similar trip, the New Forest is also a fantastic place to explore on foot. It’s easy to get there and the wilderness provides a perfect place to take a break from student life. Earlier in the summer I went there myself to visit Beaulieu, where you can walk round the Palace House and visit the British National Motor Museum, all whilst taking in the wonderful landscape!
James
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