Park & Gardens
Robin Hill is home to acres of spectacular open parkland leading to ancient woodland trails that weave their way through beautifully landscaped gardens; perfect for a relaxing day out. One of the Isle of Wight’s most enchanting outdoor areas, the park provides space for both exciting adventures and a tranquil wander.
Planted over a century ago, the sprawling woodland and beautiful gardens were once a part of the large Willis-Fleming family estate. Now the grounds are enjoyed by the guests of Robin Hill.
Enriched by over 100 years of flora and fauna expertise, the park showcases a number of horticultural delights. Meandering paths reveal glorious sculptures, tumbling water features and a procession of ponds and bridges which border an extensive botanical collection.
Woodland Ponds
Weave your way into the Woodland Ponds at the heart of Robin Hill’s 88 acres. Immerse yourself in an oriental style garden with its winding walkways, tumbling waterfalls, moon style bridges and Asian planting. The spectacular cascading bridge forms a central feature point, ideal for taking in the sights and sounds. Take a moment for reflection beneath the marble pagoda among the towering bamboo. The perfect place to relax and listen to the peaceful sounds of the woodland.
If you have children with you, keep an eye out for the marble zodiac benches – there’s one for each sign! Will you spot them all?
Canopy Sky Walk
Discover 100 metres of glorious treetop walkways, suspended above the forest floor. This raised woodland trail comes complete with forest floor viewing platforms just beneath your feet. Experience the beautiful colours, twists and turns of the natural habitat and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for our fluffy red squirrel friends!
The Parting
One of Robin Hill’s architectural highlights is The Parting, a sunken walkway finished with a magnificent marble arch. The walkway takes you below the waterline of the Lower Valley pond, giving you the sensation of the waters parting around you.
During the summer months, with your eyeline at or even below the water level, you have an intimate view of the exquisite water lilies beginning to bud and bloom. They also provide shelter to a number of aquatic creatures.
Sitting proud above the walkway is the park’s 60 tonne oriental marble archway. It frames the woodland valley view, providing an impressive doorway for guests to venture back beneath the shelter of the trees.
Gardens for all seasons
The changing seasons make every visit to Robin Hill unique. With swathes of bluebells and daffodils carpeting the forest floor in spring, the dazzling beauty of the many rhododendrons light up the woodland bushes in a blaze of colour.
Exotic palms, brackens and ferns flourish throughout the summer, casting their dappled shade and decorative shadows across the park, providing important habitat for nesting birds and cover for other birds and mammals.
Later in the year, the leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and red, painting the woodland and walkways with a spectrum of golden tones for Autumn. The snowdrops emerge as winter sets in, and frost coats the park in a blanket of glistening crystals just in time for the festive season.
Horticulture
The gardens and woodlands were landscaped with glades, ponds, and pathways after the Second World War, when the grounds became wildly overgrown and untamed. Now, the various trails boast exotic sights and smells from across the globe, from the giant North American redwoods that tower at the top of the canopy, to the many fast-growing Asian bamboos that grace the Woodland Ponds.
More recent additions to the gardens include a selection of tropical jungle plantations, including large leafed banana trees and soaring palms. These palm groves provide contrast to the traditional old Corsican pines and the ancient oak trees. Many of the oldest oaks in the park can now be seen in their full glory within the Falconry Centre, keeping watch over our resident birds of prey.