Afternoon Tea
in Warnford Park
News!
On the 11th May, for the first time, we will be opening Warnford Park between 2pm and 5pm for “Afternoon tea in Warnford Park”.
You can buy tickets for this late spring event here on this website and come and enjoy the Park at its springtime best.
Visits
Every year since 1971, Warnford Church in Warnford Park has opened its doors to welcome visitors to view the Snowdrops. On the 11th May, for the first time, we will be opening the Park for “Afternoon tea in Warnford Park”. You can buy tickets for this event on this website and enjoy the Park at its springtime best.
As you wander around the Capability Brown designed pleasure gardens of Warnford Park; passing through the ancient ruins of St John's House and the woodland belt, walking past the Momento Mori arch, returning on the formal walk past the Summer House, please rejoice in the beauty of the park in spring, walking the same route you may have done during your visit to see our Snowdrops. Also, for the first time it will be possible to walk completely round the lake seeing untrodden parts and hidden views of the park.
All of the donations, and part of the income from this event will be used to support our local Rosemary Foundation, a local charity organisation dedicated to providing end-of-life care and support for patients and their families in Hampshire. (registered charity number: 1064723)
"Rejoice in the beauty of the park and the humble snowdrop."
The Snowdrop
But what is the true origin of snowdrops in our countryside as these flowers do not originate in England, coming from Southern Europe, and only spread into the wild in the late 18th Century! It is believed that when Norman monks came to our country, they brought with them the humble snowdrop from its natural habitat in Europe and the Middle East.
These are one of the very few flowers that appear in early February, and were gathered at Candlemas on the 2nd February to decorate Churches in this country before the reformation. Candlemas is the feast of the purification of the Virgin Mary and Snowdrops have long been associated with hope and purity.
The Pleasure Gardens
Warnford lies in the heart of the Meon Valley, straddling the river through the park and village. To the west the land rises up to Beacon Hill, a significant local landmark on the Hampshire Downs, while the parkland extends south-eastwards over gently rolling land in the direction of Old Winchester Hill.
Nestling in the valley lies Warnford Park. It is a magnificent late 18th Century landscape park and pleasure grounds designed by Capability Brown as the setting for a country house. Enjoy it as you wander through.
