Hoghton Tower Gardening Fair

£1.00 in aid of Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust (charity number 508357)

A new venue full of history and beauty and the only Plant Hunters' Fair in Lancashire

Hoghton Tower, a Grade I listed building, is the ancestral home of the de Hoghton family. The de Hoghtons are descended directly from Harvey de Walter, one of the companions of William the Conqueror, and through the female line from Lady Godiva of Coventry, wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. Re-created in 1565 by Thomas Hoghton, this ancient, fortified, hilltop manor house occupies a commanding position, 650ft above sea level. The Tower lies mid-way between Preston and Blackburn, with magnificent views of Lancashire, the Lake District and North Wales. Hoghton Tower is the only true baronial hall in Lancashire.

The gardens (optional at extra cost) follow the winding escarpment lined with giant beech trees, ancient moss-covered walls and spring s daffodils along the north side of the Tower. Look right to find the stonemason’s name concealed in the randomly-sized stones. As you pass through the ancient doorway, notice the oak trees planted by royalty on either side of you. Discover now three separate, very different walled gardens as narrow openings lead from one to another, almost as if you are walking into different open-air rooms. The Wilderness Garden, with its large expanse of perfectly maintained lawn, herbaceous borders and topiary is the first garden you will encounter. Spot the romantic Dorothy Steps leading to the East Wing and take in the view over the parapet walls to the ancient woodland. Through another narrow doorway and you are in the Rose Garden, the most formal and intimate of the three with its abundance of colourful roses, formal flowerbeds, terracotta vases and lines of clipped yews. An ancient wooden doorway leads you on to the striking Ramparts Garden.