Hook is a civil parish and large village in northern Hampshire’s Hart District that’s famed as the location of St John’s Castle, possibly the home of the evil King John of Robin Hood fame. The ruins of St John’s Castle date to the 13th century and appear to have been a hunting lodge. This area is also home to The Vyne, a National Trust Tudor home with walled gardens and a serene lake. Families can enjoy the rides, parkland and entertainment at Wellington Country Park, or the close-up animal experiences at Miller’s Ark Animals.
A trip to West Green House Garden lets you experience colourful tended flora and catch an opera, while Bassetts Mead, Edenbrook Country Park and Crabtree Plantation are spots to get away from the crowds and back to nature. Stratfield Saye House offers the chance to explore the country estate of the Dukes of Wellington. Minley Manor is a Grade II-listed country mansion and garden in the French Gothic style dating to the 19th century.
