In Gardens

Here in the Cotswolds we’re home to a fantastic number of world-class gardens, bringing colour, interest and floral inspiration throughout much of the year.  But it’s at the height of summer they really come into their own, providing stunning places to explore.  So grab your camera and the sun cream and make a beeline for our beautiful gardens this summer.

Roses at Sudeley Castle
The breath-taking gardens at Sudeley Castle are a horticultural gem in the heart of the Cotswolds.  From the tranquillity of the Knot Garden, the intimacy of the Secret Garden, or the grandeur of the Queens’ Garden, there are an array of flowers, trees and herbs to delight the senses. Throughout the summer they are awash with colour, the highlight being the 80 varieties of roses in bloom.  The Castle’s 10 charming gardens have been restored and redesigned to compliment the elegance of the castle and its ruins - an ever-evolving showcase of the best of what each season has to offer.
More information

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
The stunning gardens, exuberant hanging baskets and themed borders, make a beautiful backdrop to the animals at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - from the cacti beds next to the Meerkats, a feel of the rainforest in the Tropical House, through to the bananas and fabulous flower displays in the Old Walled Garden.  Around the Rhino paddock there is a feel of the savannah with graceful grasses. There’s plenty of space to relax and picnic on their spacious lawns with traditional herbaceous borders around the Gothic Manor House.
More information

Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum is the perfect place to escape the crowds and soak up the natural beauty of the surrounding Cotswold countryside.  Relax and unwind in the sunshine on the lawns; follow the meandering waterways or simply stroll beneath the cooling tree canopy.  If visiting the arboretum inspires you, chances are you’ll find most of the plants available to buy at Batsford Garden Centre; a haven for garden and plant lovers.
More information

Berkeley Castle
With eight acres of gardens and grounds, there’s something for everyone at beautiful Berkeley Castle.  You’ll discover walls adorned with highly perfumed roses, a tranquil lily pond, borders of rare and unusual shrubs, as well as a kitchen garden bursting with fruit and vegetables.  The kids will love the woodland timber play area and butterfly house with brightly coloured butterflies, flowers and a pond of huge koi carp to keep you entertained for hours!
More information

Hidcote (NT)
The beautiful gardens at Hidcote Manor reach their flowering peak during the summer months, with striking colours, scents and relaxing spaces, perfect to take in the views.  Different flowers will reach their peak at various periods throughout the summer, creating a river of blooms which flow through the season.  From roses to campanulas and salvias (among many others) you’ll be blown away by the incredible colour and scent.
More information

The Garden at Miserden
The Garden at Miserden is a lovely, timeless walled garden with spectacular views over a deer park and the rolling Cotswold hills beyond.   Winner of Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2018, the garden is well known for its magnificent mixed borders – some of the longest in private ownership, and a notable topiary yew walk designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.  Other magical features include a unique Sycamore tree that has grown through a Cotswold stone wall, charming grass steps, an ancient mulberry tree planted in 1620 and a quaint arboretum with individually labelled trees.
More information

Westonbirt Arboretum
The definition of arboretum is a botanical garden devoted to trees – which means Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the most beautiful and important gardens in the world!  Hosting 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the world, Westonbirt Arboretum is unlike any garden you’ve ever experienced!  With 17 miles of path to explore why not get lost this summer in a garden like no other and remember to walk on the grass, play ball games, touch the trees and take photos!?
More information

Bourton House Garden
Award-winning Bourton House Garden is a spectacular summer treat - a magnificent Cotswold garden with a very special atmosphere.  Created as a series of garden rooms, it is planted with style and creativity.  Serene green spaces with imaginative topiary and the shimmer of water offer peace and tranquillity - a dramatic contrast to exuberant herbaceous borders positively fizzing with colour and excitement.  The intensive use of tender planting ensures this garden is full of interest right up until first frosts and the many rare and exotic plants are guaranteed to excite the interest of the most dedicated plantsman.
More information

Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle Hotel is a hidden treasure with gardens dating back to the sixteenth century.  They’re beautiful all year round, but glorious in spring and summer when the deep herbaceous borders provide continual colour. The five acre garden features prominent topiary hedges, a secluded rose garden and a summerhouse, as well as a small vineyard which produces a white wine available in the hotel.  Don’t miss the new organic kitchen garden which supplies chemical-free vegetables to the kitchen and restaurant as well as a home for a friendly flock of chickens and quails!
More information

Highgrove
Few Cotswolds gardens beat the extraordinary Royal Gardens at Highgrove, the private residence of HRH The Prince of Wales.  Over 25 years the gardens have been transformed into a truly inspiring space with sustainability at its core.  Working with Highgrove, Orion Holidays has created a unique “Royal Gardens Experience” break.  It includes accommodation in a lakeside lodge in the Cotswold Water Park and a glimpse into the life of HRH The Prince of Wales and his inspiration behind the incredible gardens with a private tour of The Royal Gardens at Highgrove.
More information

Dyrham Park
Discover the formality of 17th century style planting in borders set against pool gardens, informal orchards and rich wildflower meadows at Dyrham Park.  The shady wooded terraces walk takes visitors up into the wider landscape of the deer park with its breath-taking views over the Welsh hills.  Dyrham’s tea garden is a pretty outdoor area is a sun trap with plenty of umbrellas for those preferring a bit of shade and the chance to take part in regular talks and craft sessions.
More information


For more information about all the gorgeous gardens the Cotswolds have to offer
 - visit www.cotswolds.com/gardens
 - view our Glorious Gardens of the Cotswolds guide

Related

0 Comments

Comments

Comments are disabled for this post.