A visit to the 360 acre estate at RHS Garden Hyde Hall s unforgettable in any season. The developed area of the garden, in excess of 24 acres, demonstrates an eclectic range of inspirational horticultural styles, from the formality of clipped hedges on the hilltop to the naturalistic planting on Clover Hill. The wilder peripheries of the estate comprise sapling woodland, meadows, and a model garden for wildlife, which enhances biodiversity. There is also a comprehensive range of events and educational programmes throughout the year. In spring, the woodland is punctuated by the lustrous blooms of Rhododendrons and Camellias, the Robinson Garden swells with Hellebores and the banks of the Queen Mother's Garden are clothed in flaxen carpets of daffodils. Summer visitors are intoxicated by the quintessential scent of roses on the Hilltop and the fragrant Eucalyptus in the innovative Australian and New Zealand Garden. The colours of the herbaceous borders are breathtaking, whilst the hazy purples of the dry garden with its drought tolerant plants will transport you to distant Mediterranean shores. The immaculate lush green lawns are cool underfoot on a hot summer day whilst the sparkling waters of the two large ponds stocked with fish and water lilies, are a firm favourite with visiting children. Autumn brings an air of tranquility as hundreds of spider's webs strung across seed heads sparkle as the sun cuts through the morning mists, while the mellow tones of the Malus fruits and turning autumnal leaves provide a sumptuous and rich display. The secrets of winter are revealed as you discover the labyrinthine shapes of pruned and trained roses and the colourful surprises of the winter beds. Highlights of the garden Hyde Hall include: a 1600sqm Dry Garden with over 730 species demonstrating the fantastic range and style of plants you can grow to cope with drought and exposure to high light levels. The Robinson Garden showcasing plants that love cool, shady, damp conditions. Colour themed herbaceous borders. Australian and New Zealand Garden. Rose Garden. Garden for Wildlife. Themed vegetable plots. Ponds. The restaurant offers a wide variety of cooked meals and snacks made on the premises, using local produce where possible. It is fully licensed and also serves a selection of soft drinks, teas and coffees. A sheltered tea garden provides a sunny outdoor dining area on warmer days. The plant centre stocks a variety of shrubs, perennials and annuals many of which are found in the garden itself. In the shop there is a good selection of gifts and books and other sundries such as bird feeders and pots. The garden library contains a wealth of books and periodicals that are available for visitor use. In the information centre you will find information boards about the garden. Maps of the garden and free children's trails are also available here. Less able visitors are catered for in the existing areas of the garden and further improvements are being made.