Rose Garden and Rose Rope Walk

Hyde Hall has long been known for its flamboyant collection of roses, which flourish in the heavy, clay soil and sunny, open aspect of the Hilltop Garden. Next to the Rose Garden, our historic Rose Rope Walk is undergoing an exciting renovation

Looking its best in...

  • Summer The intoxicating scent and beautiful sight of English roses fills the garden
  • Winter Formal obelisks, clipped yew hedges and attractively trained climbing and rambling rose specimens

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is one of RHS Hyde Hall’s more formally planted areas. It was originally created by the Robinsons in the 1970s, in six rectangular beds that featured a collection of hybrid tea and floribunda roses.

By the mid-1990s, some of the roses were struggling, so the site was excavated, land drains installed and fresh topsoil imported. However, within a few years the roses were suffering once again. The site was re-excavated and replanted – clay soil from another area of Hyde Hall was used to replace the topsoil, and further improvements were made to the drainage.

Colour appeal

Today, the Rose Garden is still arranged in six rectangular beds, each bound by tightly-clipped yew (Taxus baccata) and box (Buxus sempervirens) hedging and surrounded by Hyde Hall’s immaculate lawns. 

The beds feature English roses planted in three colour combinations that harmonise with the adjacent Herbaceous Border – warm oranges and yellows; cool white, cream and soft lemon; and rich, dark pinks and reds. English climbing roses adorn obelisks in the corners of each bed, adding height and further formailty.

Inspiring choices

Noteworthy selections include Rosa Benjamin Britten and R. The Herbalist, both bred to combine the disease resistance and vigour of modern roses with the structure and fragrance of traditional roses. These cultivars repeat flower, providing colour from June right through to November.

To improve the views and vista through the Hilltop Garden, a recently created grass path offers a new approach to the Global Growth Vegetable Garden.

Revitalising the historic Rose Rope Walk

One of RHS Hyde Hall’s most cherished areas, the Rose Rope Walk is undergoing a significant redevelopment. Originally created by former owners Helen and Dick Robinson over 50 years ago, this historic feature has seen better days. Time has taken its toll on both the roses and the wooden frames, necessitating a complete overhaul.

A fresh, modern design with timeless charm

The Hyde Hall team has meticulously designed the new Rose Rope Walk, blending a fresh, modern aesthetic with the charm of the original creation. To ensure longevity, the new design features a sturdy metal framework, replacing the old wooden structures.

Accessibility is at the forefront of the new design. The new pathway will now be open year-round, eliminating winter closures, and will be more accommodating for wheelchair and buggy users. Additionally, the new path layout will extend through the Dry Garden, creating a delightful loop around the Hilltop Garden.

Introducing climate-resilient roses

The redevelopment of the Rose Rope Walk brings the exciting opportunity to introduce new, climate-resilient rose varieties. Several rose experts are collaborating to select the best cultivars for the site, ensuring the garden’s beauty for years to come.

The area has been cleared, and work on installing the new pathways and framework commenced in early 2025. The new roses are scheduled to be planted in the autumn. Stay tuned for updates as we breathe new life into this historic treasure at RHS Hyde Hall.

Plants in the Rose Garden and Rope Rose Walk

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.