At the weekend we went to Hilton Court Gardens and Craft with family. We come here quite often but somehow I haven’t ever blogged about it. It’s a lovely day out where the kids can play in the woodland and playhouses. Read on to find out all about our day at Hilton Court:
Hilton Court Gardens and Crafts (Sat Nav Postcode: SA62 6AE) is found just off the A460 Haverfordwest/St Davids road. Look out for the brown signs as the Sat Nav will only get you so far. There is a free car park and plenty of over-spill parking spaces on the lawn when this is full.
It is open seven days a week from 10am – 4.30pm and entrance to the courtyard, boules court, pottery, gallery, shop, garden centre and restaurant is free. There is a small charge for entrance to the gardens (see current prices at the end of this post).
We love the woodland walk here which takes you around the different wooden playhouses. Remember to wear your wellies! On this occasion we packed ours in a bag ready and then forgot to put the bag in the car! At this time of year we need to wear wellies everywhere.
There is a printed map available and the houses are signposted too.
This is Hoglet Hollow, the hedgehog inspired wooden house.
We played here and then ran to the next empty house. On a quiet day we go around all the houses in order, but when it’s busier we wait until the smaller houses are free so all the kids can fit in and play together.
This is Badger Hall, our favourite play house. The kids usually stay here and play for the most time. There’s enough room for a couple of families to play together.
While here, the resident dog, Willow found us and barked her orders at us- for us to play ball with her. We willingly agreed! She is so lovely and reminds us lots of Toby dog as they look similar and have similar temperaments. I wonder if they’d get on well, you never know with dogs.
The view by the pond is stunning. There is also a lovely walk across the bridge.
We managed to wear Willow out playing ball! She needed a little rest.
After her rest she was back up and playing. She even ran down to the stream and picked a stick. We called her back up and she obediently came back to dry land.
Wet dog! She’s very lucky to have these lovely grounds to live in.
Nanny and Rebecca found a cosy spot to enjoy the view.
Rebecca walks over the stepping stones by the pond.
We found a “praying statue” that looked quite like Isabelle! Spot Danny on the swing in the background too!
We then found a picnic bench large enough to sit us all and enjoy our picnic. As we sat here we spotted Ceri and Lexy arriving from Newport. We hadn’t seen them in quite a while so the kids were very excited!
As they weren’t home for Rebecca’s birthday we had birthday cake again (even if it was slightly smashed, squashed cakes after the journey. I’m not sure what that says about my driving).
At Squirrel Lodge, Izzy played on the porch swing. This is the biggest wooden house and can be hired for parties and events.
We then returned to Badger Hall for one last play, games from “house” to “hide and seek” were played and the kids also managed to wear Willow out again.
Our gorgeous kids!
Willow is so affectionate and took turns saying hello and playing with all of us. Here she’s off to see Jo and Lexy.
The kids were getting tired too and there was definitely a chill in the air. Izzy had a lovely big sister cuddle with Rebecca.
Lexy and Izzy enjoy the pondside walk (can you spot her?).
We then went to look at the exotic plants in the solar dome, it’s a great place to warm up too!
Lastly, we had a browse in the Garden Centre and Gift Shop, they have a lovely selection.
It was time to say goodbye to Willow and Hilton Court Gardens but we will be back again soon!
Hilton Court Gardens and Crafts costs:
£1.50 children (under 4’s free), £3.75 adults (£3.50 senior citizens).
Season passes are also very reasonable at:
£3 children, £9 adults (£7 senior citizens) and £20 families. We should definitely invest in a seasonal ticket.
There is also camping available for those travelling from afar (actually my kids would love this even though we’re local).
Here is a video of Badger Hall that I made during a previous visit:
Have you been to Hilton Court Gardens and Craft? What was your favourite part?
Looks great especially the playhouse