This is for people (budget-minded)interested in visiting gardens but wish to be carfree(and stress free?).

On the way back from a 13 days walking trip in Sicily to North America, I had a 10 nights layover in U.K. -Oh,to be in England,now that April is there-

Southampton is a short(frequent) bus ride from Heathrow, since my flight from Rome arrived in early evening, it made a convenient first stop;found a B&B north of rail station without any problem.

-Exbury Gardens-

Two routes from Southampton: One direct bus; the other, ferry(10 minutes) from Town Quay To Hythe,then bus(10 minutes). Hythe is an old market town with a tiny victorian train took passengers from ferry landing along the pier to bus stop. Both buses pass the juncion to the Gardens,then about 2 miles walk.

This is in New Forest where ancient animal grazing right still in place. Ponies,sheep and new-born lambs wandered freely every where. From time to time, I stopped to let them pass,as they seemed oblivious to cars and people.

Exbury Gardens have more than 200 acres woodland by the river,famous for the collections of Rhododendrons and azaleas. It was still early to be in full glories, but miles of camelias walk and endless daffodils meadow were in their best.

A steam-engine train runs through part of the estate- with rock gardens,ponds and summer flowerbeds.

In its restaurant,I had an old-fashion chicken and leek pie for lunch, and nice tea after the visit.

-Winchester-

20 minutes train from Southampton. Magnificent cathedral and old town centre,pictureseque walk along the river.

-New Forest-

Stayed in Lyndhurst(30 minutes bus),a nice B&B 3 minutes walk from bus top. Despite the busy one-way traffic,it is still a nice village with many interesting old buildings-such as the red brick St.Micheal's Church.

Local Information Centre carries many walking and cycling maps. Plus the help of good bus network, I enjoyed two days' walks in the moors,forests and old villages. The part of immense ancient woods were very impressive.

One afternoon,by bus off to Christchurch-riverside town with most beautiful 900 years old Priory Chruch. Good walk along the river and Red House Garden.

-Dorchester-

One hour train from Brockenhurst to Dorchester-another ancient market town with Roman ruins and fine old buildings.
Found an room at Chesterbridge Hotel-the best in this trip.

The tree-lined walks along (now off) Roman walls,winding alleys and riverside all made delightful morning walks.

-Athelhampton Gardens-

10 minutes bus from Dorchester. Fine 14th century house. The gardens reminded me of Sissinghurst-small,tranquil and refined-a little gem.
The pyramid Garden is an unique feature,White garden and Cloister Garden were very enjoyable also.

Most gardens offer traditional meals reasonably priced (no gastro pub food), I had a good afternoon tea.

-Lyme Ragis and Portland-

Through rolling green hills and old villages,a short bus ride from Dorchester. It is an old wool port and seaside resort,famous for the fossil-filled coast,this is part of World Heritage Site.

Took long walke eastwards along the cliff,quite a few fossile-hunters on the beach,I wasn't able to find anything. Wastwards,Undercliff Coast Path was a nice walk too,with many wildlife and plants.

Since the weather was very good,I took the return bus all way to Weymouth (fine Regent's buildings),another short bus to Portland-with another section of beautiful Dorset Coast Path for walking.

Did you happen to find out when the Rhodies and Azaleas are at their peak?

I've always wanted to get there for that as I grow some of the Exburys here in CT.

Thanks.

-Salisbury-

From Dorchester bus less than 2 hours. The city still keeps medieval layout,many fine old buildings and the Cathedral,all made walkabout delightful.

Bus to Stonehange. It was quite windy,huge dark clouds flying in the wide-open sky over Salisbury Plain. With few visitors around,the site was very impressive for my first visit.

10 minutes return bus to Old Sarum-grassy castle and cathedral ruins. Then along the hills and River Avon walked back to town.

-Wilton House-

10 minutes bus from Salisbury. Fine house with many old masters' paintings. The gardens are quite different others-flat immaculate expansive lawns dotted with few huge trees,some gentle woodland walks along the river and little streams by flowerbeds.

The site has been in some movies and TV series,it is easy to picture vividly some 17th,18 century ladies strolling around.

-Stourhead-

20 minutes train to Gillingham-old town with interesting red brick houses,then 20 minutes bus to the garden.

Stourhead is the ideal English landscaping garden at its finest. IMHO, this is it if one could could visit one English garden.

The estate is more than 1000 hectares,ponds and a lake surrounded by green hills,with old trees rhododendrons and countless daffodils. Perfect picture alike views were whichever way one turned. Many long and short walks suit every taste.

Get a tree list from the shop before starting,since many species of trees from over the world have been planted here from 17th century. One couldn't keep wondering what this beautiful tree was.

-General-

7 days unlimited busabout ticket 26.5 pounds covers most areas. 6 pounds for one day explorer,or 5 pounds for First Day Pass. Short train rides about 3-4 pounds for cheap day return. Bus timetables from most Tourist Centres and bus companies.

To Lynfrance,some of the early species are blooming now,but the peak will be in the middle of May this year.

But those in Cornwall are much earlier,it is almost at the peak already.

Thanks for that Judy - I hardly ever feel 'homesick' (I'm in Australia!) but spring is beautiful in the English countryside - and Dorset (where my family now is) is a gorgeous county.

Chuffed that you can get such a good value bus pass. And that not everyone feels the need to hire a car. Having said that - having your own transport for just a day is worth it to explore the byways of the hinterland of Poole. Just get an OS map and pick out the smallest roads, esp if they travel up/down a steep gradient. You will be rewarded with magnificent views. And there are, as Judy says, gardens to visit - also pubs in old villages for lunch - and lone churches.

Thanks again.

Thank you Judy.

To Alice13, Thank you for the note. Yes, it is most beautiful English contryside in the spring. Some people go for cruise,or beach vacaion for relaxing; but to me, walking in England spring countryside is most incomparable.

Certainly, it is more convenient to hire a car. But,being a solo traveller,it seems easier to go by bus/train;besides, I would have more chance to chat with locals. There have been quite a few interesting conversations with fellow passengers and drivers.