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Holly Hill Woodland Park started life as the grounds of the grand Sarisbury Court which had a succession of owners throughout the 19th Century.

During that time the gardens were planted with many exotic species, and the Grotto and other rock features were installed around the lake. These were made from made from Pulhamite stone, a type of artificial rock made by the Pulham brothers in the 1800s from Portland stone, cement and rubble.

Although Sarisbury Court was demolished in the 1920s, the smaller Holly Hill Mansion still stands and has been converted into flats. This was built by the then owner of the estate, George Winn, who also created the nearby Sunken Garden.

For further information please see Fareham Borough Council's official site.

These days the site consists of two distinctive areas: Winnards Copse the more formal area around the lakes with ornamental exotic species, and Cawtes Copse which has mix of native woodland species.

There is a long walk down through Cawtes Copse to a, frankly disappointing, viewing platform overlooking the Hamble river.