Even their website points out that THE Hampton Court you are probably looking for is the one near London, and helpfully provides a link to it.

I wonder just how many people have made the journey into deepest Herefordshire only to realise their mistake. For the record this Hampton Court in near Leominster, which is about 150 miles away!!

Far from being the Royal Palace of Henry VIII, THIS Hampton Court (from now on I think it should be known as the OTHER Hampton Court) is actually predates it.

"Sir Rowland Lenthall built the original quadrangular manor house in 1427, twelve years after he was given knighthood at the battle of Agincourt. In 1434 he was granted a licence to crenellate the house by Henry IV."

Hampton Court is a late medieval castle set in tranquil surroundings on the meadows of the river Lugg, near the Herefordshire market town of Leominster. Sadly the castle itself is not open to the public, but has been lovingly restored most recently the present owners, the Van Kampen family, and is full of picture book charm and character.

The original Victorian garden walls enclose stunning new flower gardens divided by canals, island pavilions and pleached avenues. The kitchen garden is an ornamental garden of fruit and vegetables. It is managed organically, supplying produce to the Orangery Restaurant for its seasonal menu.

The highlight is the maze. Made up of a thousand yews with a gothic tower at its centre, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the gardens or descend underground to a tunnel that leads to a waterfall in the Victorian sunken garden.

Every Hampton Court should have a maze, and although it doesn't quite match the stature of the London one (which was created in the 1650's), once you are lost, you are lost. It has pretty much the same effect, though perhaps more scary if you are under 5ft!

Outside the maze are the formal gardens, whose beautiful herbaceous borders stretch out from a one hundred and fifty year old wisteria tunnel that leads to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the castle. Beyond the lawns are riverside and woodland walks.

Adjoining the castle, in a grand conservatory designed by Joseph Paxton, is the Orangery Restaurant where delicious lunches and teas can be enjoyed.

Finally the garden shop, in the garden bothy, sells plants from the garden, homemade produce from the castle kitchens and local crafts and gifts.

A very tranquil family day out can be had at the OTHER Hampton Court. But be sure to check the map first! And naturally try to avoid the obvious peak summer crowds.

The opening Times for the 2008 season are from
Saturday 22nd March to Sunday 26th October

for more information go to: http://www.hamptoncourt.org.uk/intro.html