Suburban Safari: Townhill Park House 

By Katie Isham. 

Some Suburban Safaris are available to relish every day, to wander freely. Others are a little more exclusive. Not every green space in the suburbs is open to general exploration. It might seem restrictive, but actually there’s a sense of occasion, an excitement in the air when a rare opportunity arises. 

This weekend said opportunity presents itself to wander through time and to visit the gardens of Townhill Park House. The house and grounds now belong to The Gregg School and this Sunday (13th September) they shall fling open the gates, welcoming all to enjoy the landscaped gardens and historic buildings as part of the Heritage Open Day. 

The beauty begins on passing through the grand gates; a magnificent monster of a sweet chestnut tree fills the view across the lawn. It unfurls its branches from the heavens and sprawls onto the grass. Keep an eye out for the resident squirrels treating it as their personal playground.

Beyond the tree, the white grandeur of the house hovers behind. Step closer and take the side gate through to the back of the house. The Italianate style opens onto the grounds like a Mediterranean masterpiece. This Grade II listed building deserves appreciation in conjunction with how it works with the landscape.

This must be the grandest of all the Southampton suburbs. It dates back to the 1700s but was redesigned in 1911 when Gertrude Jekyll took control of the garden plans. The rooted designs of the pioneering horticulturalist are still growing throughout these gardens. 

From the back terrace, stroll down into the gardens. Pause to peek through at the ancient orchard on the left; word has it that apples will be available on the open day. 

Amble down the lawn flanked on either side by borders and geometrical wonders of hedges. A gate opens down into the sunken garden. We have all suffered through the summer heatwave, perhaps none more so than the gardens of our world, but there are positive signs after a little recent rain. Yet some species have positively flourished. The black-eyed Susans stand proud providing vibrant colour. Their bedfellows are the scented stems of rosemary and lavender. Wander through the channels and delight as the bees do. 

At the far end of the sunken garden runs a grand pergola dripping with wisteria (sadly not the season for its full glory) but also with grapes. Another species enjoying the summer sun as they are bountiful on the vine. Find a moment to pause in one of the seating corners to appreciate the serenity of being cocooned by such greenery; the sunshine illuminates the tunnel of foliage. 

At the end of the herb garden, head left and into the woodland walk. This leads past many wonderful tree specimens in the arboretum accompanied by glimpses of the homes built on the neighbouring estate through the canopy. 

Meander along the trail and through the outside learning area, a joy for educators and students alike. Deer are often spotted roaming through the undergrowth and watch out for evidence of badgers. 

Once out of the woods, the house offers a glorious vista, especially if set against the late summer blue skies. Listen for screeching overhead and catch sight of the resident parakeets. Sometimes larger birds fill the skies in the form of planes from the nearby airport or buzzards circling on the winds. 

Townhill Park House is a true oasis nestled in the suburbs. Seize the occasion and take a ramble through Gertrude’s gardens. She may have designed over four hundred gardens and influenced the world of horticulture but she also shaped our little world in the suburbs of Southampton. Wander through her creation on Sunday for the open day. And don’t forget the refreshments! Raise a cup of tea in her memory and delight in the beauty and occasion of a timeless English garden. 

Cost: Free Heritage Open Day on Sunday 13th September 2-5pm. Free parking onsite. 

Accessibility: Townhill Park House is part of The Gregg School off Atlantic Park View off Townhill Way in Townhill Park. Bluestar 6, 16, and 20 routes pass through Townhill Park. The routes around the garden are varied. Some paths, some grass and a few uneven steps to the sunken garden. 

Facilities: There will be refreshments available on Sunday and toilet facilities available. 

More information: townhillparkhouse.co.uk