From outside Hampton Court

 

Home Park occupies 750 acres of ancient parkland, as stunning as it is diverse. Supporting a remarkable mosaic of acid and neutral grassland, woodland and wetland habitats. Home Park is residence to many grand and enduring veteran trees - the dominant species being Tilia (lime trees). 

       The Long Water

Longwater Canal - known today as The Long Water - is a beautiful stretch of water completed in 1660 by King Charles II. In a spectacular show of affection - the king dedicated this water feature, complete with its double row of lime trees as a wedding present to his bride-to-be, Catherine of Braganza.

The 12-mile Longford river - commissioned by King Charles to bring fresh water to Hampton Court Palace - was dug by a royal tenant farmer by the name of Edward Manning in just nine months. 

The Long Water is towards the end of the river, flowing in to the River Thames.

Oliver Cromwell extended and improved river flow. Following his death, King Charles II contracted famous French landscape gardener, Andre Mollet, to design something breathtaking. Mollet diverted the old course of the Longford River at Hampton Court, pouring it into the magnificent canal of today.