Welcome to Gardens at old Camps

Open gardens near Newbury, Berkshire for group or bespoke visits

 

The History of Old Camps

The garden at Old Camps is situated on the site of a Roman encampment, purposefully selected for its position on higher ground and its proximity to Roman Winchester (Venta Belgarum) and Silchester (Calleva Atrebatum). It is well-documented how Newbury and Thatcham, Berkshire towns nearby, were occupied by the Romans. Evidence unearthed from archaeological digs date artefacts from 2nd-5th Century AD.

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In Season

Here we highlight what you can expect to see in various parts of the gardens as the year progresses.

 
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The Gardens

Here we show pictures and images of plants in our gardens that are at their peak, performing like superstars and occasionally divas! They can be hard work, but they are certainly worth it.

We will also highlight our future plans for the gardens and provide current updates on progress and construction.

Explore Our Gardens
 
 

"All beautifully managed"

Thank you so much for having us all today – it was a lovely visit despite interesting weather – which really nobody noticed as they were far too excited by everything they saw in the garden! It really is a fantastic achievement and you have really created something very special. The plant interest and the amazingly collection of plants not thought to grow anyway near Newbury is extraordinary. All beautifully managed and your family team do a great job in supporting – many thanks also for the coffee and cakes – much appreciated.

Charlotte Strutt - MD of Heritage Touring

"A real delight and an inspiration"

I enjoyed a magical few hours in the beautiful garden of Old Camps. So much to explore and see. A real delight and an inspiration for gardeners. Heidi and Adam really welcomed us and were so generous with their time and advice. Lovely refreshments too. I will be back.

Olwen Harrison

"Our visit was so memorable"

As well as passing on the many thanks from the group who all said how beautiful and different your garden is, I would like to also say how much I enjoyed the visit. We really appreciated all you did to make our visit so memorable and it has even been suggested we do a repeat visit in a year or two.

There were a few cancellations of members over the last 2 days due to the heat and in the end we only had 28 so I think the money was accurate as 2 said they didn’t want to have tea. I hope your NGS open day is successful. Hopefully we will have had some of the “right kind of rain” by then

Anne

"We really enjoyed our visit"

Thank you so much for your and Heidi's kind hospitality on Monday evening. We really enjoyed our visit to your wonderful garden and you made it especially interesting by showing us around and explaining the planting schemes.

I went away quite inspired with lots of ideas for my own garden and I am sure other members felt the same.

Thank you also for the tea and lovely cakes. I apologise for several members not turning up on the evening. Our secretary found an email on her return, but sent earlier in the day, to say that three people travelling together would not be able to come.

Sally

"We will be recommending a visit to Old Camps"

Visiting your lovely garden on Sunday and the hospitality you provided was much enjoyed by all of us. Without doubt we will be recommending a visit to Old Camps and perhaps returning ourselves. At our next Gardening Club meeting I can make available your business cards.

Pat

"A truly memorable visit"

Thank you Adam, and Heidi, for making us all so welcome and sharing your amazing garden with us all. A truly memorable visit and we will definitely spread the word and love to revisit.

Best of luck with your weekend opening, I am sure you will be very well supported, and thank you for all you do for the NGS.

Carolyn

"Our privilege and pleasure"

It was most definitely our privilege and pleasure to spend the evening with Heidi and yourself. I am so pleased that you contacted us, and I dearsay a lot of other people will feel the same way as well after visiting your garden.

Sylvia

"Thank you for showing us your fantastic garden"

Just a note to say thank you for showing us your fantastic garden. Michael and I thought it was amazing and puts ours to shame in its current condition. However, we came away with many ideas for plant changes suitable for a more sunny climate. I know our members enjoyed the visit as well so thank you once again.

Sandra

"Your beautiful garden is such a credit to you!"

Thank you very much for your email. We were delighted to meet you and explore your beautiful garden. It is such a credit to you.

All the ladies thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to come again. I hope we can be a larger group next time. As you can imagine many of them are rather nervous about driving on unfamiliar roads. Many thanks for your hospitality and patience answering all the questions!

Really hope to see you next year.

Linda

 

Directions

If you are travelling from Newbury along the A339, once you are in Headley, turn left immediately after Headley Tyres and before the central traffic island onto a gravel track. Take the right hand track and drive to the end through the gates and into Old Camps.

If you are coming from Basingstoke along the A339, once you enter Headley look out for Cheam School on the left, continue past and up the hill and turn right after the central traffic island onto a gravel track. Take the right hand track and drive to the end through the gates and in to Old Camps.

 
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BBC's Gardeners' World

It all started with an email out of the blue from the wonderful Camilla Bassett-Smith. At first I thought it was an email from a private group wishing to visit the gardens, but as I read on, it soon dawned on me that this request was different! You always dream of being on GW, but to have the BBC approach you is quite sublime.

Throughout the whole process, from initial contact to filming, the team were fantastic - clear communications, prompt responses and above all else, highly professional and as equally supportive.

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Gardens at Old Camps | Gardens to Visit in Newbury, Berkshire

Visiting Old Camps

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