When Francis Bacon said, “God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures. It is the greatest refreshment to the spirits”, we believe he could have been sitting in one of our favourite Cotswold gardens!
In this Travel Tips blog, we give a brief overview of the gardens we include in our Cotswold Tours and those that have been a point of remark for our guests.
Highgrove Gardens, Tetbury
During your visit to King Charles’ and Queen Camilla’s Cotswold gardens you will discover the history, inspiration and unique organic management behind this incredible series. Highlights at Highgrove Gardens include the Wildflower Meadow, the Stumpery and afternoon tea in the Orchard Room.
It’s always advisable to book in advance as this is an extremely popular attraction on selected dates.
Hidcote Manor Garden, Chipping Campden
Hidcote is an arts and crafts inspired garden, lovingly restored and maintained by the National Trust and created by passionate plantsman and talented designer, Major Lawrence Johnston. Meander through intimate formal areas, smaller ‘garden rooms’ and natural areas blending with the surrounding countryside.
You can pay on arrival at Hidcote.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden
The creation of three generations of women gardeners, Kiftsgate Court Gardens was created in 1920 consisting of paved formal gardens with a field and wooded banks beyond. Today you will wander through Rose Gardens bursting with colours and scent, the Wild Garden, Sunken Garden and tranquil Water Garden.
Cerney House Garden, Cirencester
Near to Cheltenham, the Cerney House Gardens belong to the Angus family, and are set within a Victorian walled garden. The late Lady Angus and her daughter created these grounds to be playful, encouraging bees and butterflies, frogs and dragonflies. The tumbling organic approach was once described as “what most people aspire to in their gardens – and few achieve”, by Country Living Magazine.
Cotswold Lavender, Snowshill
A third generation family farm rather than a garden in the traditional sense, Cotswold Lavender distils and makes the highest quality essential oil, used in a range of toiletries. You’ll be astounded at the vastness of these glorious lavender fields which overlook Broadway and the Vale of Evesham.
Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucestershire
The playful Rococo Garden at Painswick has appeared in previous Travel Tips as a place of flamboyant frivolity, combined with the natural pleasures of water and spectacular views of the Cotswold countryside. This is the UK’s only surviving complete rococo garden.
Sudeley Castle and Cotswold Gardens
To be honest, if you are visiting Sudeley it’s for the Castle before the gardens, but they are truly beautiful. For over 1,000 years Sudeley Castle has been host to English royalty, romance, ruin and revival. Follow in the footsteps of the good, the great and the controversial as you stroll through the award-winning gardens.
Pay on the day at arrival, or pre-book your choice of dates in advance.
Stanway House and Fountain, Cheltenham
Stanway House is most famous for being a stunning example of a Jacobean Manor House and being the home of the tallest gravity fountain in the world. The fountain’s accompanying water garden was created in 1720, probably by Charles Bridgeman, who invented the English style of gardening.
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and world renowned filming location for the likes of Bridgerton and it’s spin off, Queen Charlotte, The Avengers, James Bond and Harry Potter to name but a few, Blenheim Palace also has a most stunning collection of gardens. Visitors easily lose hours exploring the Formal Gardens, Walled Garden, Tree Trail and The Marlborough Maze, with a quick visit to the Butterfly House if time allows…
Bourton House Garden, Bourton on the Hill
And last, but by no means least, Bourton House Garden is our tour guides’ favourite garden to show our visitors. They love the deep and colourful herbaceous borders, the uniformity of the Formal Garden and the intimate ‘garden rooms’ to be discovered at every turn. A very detailed and imaginative Cotswold garden.
Visit a Cotswold garden on your next trip
All gardens belonging to estates and castles in the Cotswolds are now open to the public. Some are larger than others, some are more playful and some a very formal. If you’d like help deciding which ones to take in, we’d be delighted to assist.
Contact us today to talk about your garden wish list and for assistance in reserving tickets. In the meantime, happy gardening!
