One of the RHS’s flagship gardens, Hyde Hall sits on an exposed hilltop above Rettendon and spreads across some 360 acres. The best-known corner is the Dry Garden, planted with drought-tolerant species that get by without watering even on the thin, windswept ridge; elsewhere there are roses, herbaceous borders and newer woodland and meadow planting. Open daily with an admission charge (free to RHS members). South Woodham Ferrers station is about 3km to the south-east.
