Garden Enthusiasts Read On...
Batsford Arboretum
One of the jewels of the Cotswolds and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. The arbetorium consists of a variety of habitats with a huge and fascinating collection of plants from around the world. Serenity and tranquility; pure Cotswold magic.
Address: Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos, GL56 9QB
Contact No: +44 (0) 1386 701441
Opening Times: 1st February to 15th November weekends in winter, 10.00 - 17.00
Website: http://www.batsarb.co.uk
Berkeley Castle
Completed in 1153 by Lord Maurice de Berkeley at the command of King Henry II, view our timeline and the history surrounding twenty-five generations of Berkeleys.
Address: Berkeley, Gloucestershire
Contact No: +44 (0) 1453 810332
Opening Times: Open April - October & regular special events and concerts.
Website: http://www.berkeley-castle.com
Birdland Park & Gardens
A great day out in the Cotswolds. Penguin cafe, childrens play area, picnic area, gift shop, disabled toilets, bird adoption scheme, season ticket and family ticket available.
Address: Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos, GL54 2BN
Contact No: +44 (0) 1451 820480
Opening Times: Open All Year
Website: http://www.birdland.co.uk
Blenheim Palace
Winston Churchill's birthplace, 2100 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, Guided tours of the Palace State Rooms with their priceless portraits and tapestries, pleasure gardens with miniature train and maze. Indoor cinema and special exhibitions. Spectacular events all year round.
Address: Blenheim, Woodstock, Oxon, OX20 1PX
Contact No: +44 (0) 8700 602080
Opening Times: Please see our website
Website: http://www.blenheimpalace.com
Bourton House Garden
We first opened to the public on a single Sunday in 1987 under the auspices of the National Garden Scheme. This was an exciting time; we had only just begun to take on a neglected wilderness with the hope of turning it into a cared for setting. Little did we think that with the help of a great team, we could achieve what is enjoyed today.
Address: Bourton on the Hill, Moreton in Marsh, Glos, GL56 9AE
Contact No: 44 (0) 1608 650881
Opening Times: 23rd May - 31st August, Wed - Friday; Sept & Oct Thurs & Fri only; Bank Holidays Sundays & Mondays at the end of May & August. 10am - 5pm
Website: http://www.bourtonhouse.com
Eastnor Castle
Inside this family home you'll find richly decorated Gothic interiors, fine art, armour and much more. Adventure playground and assault course, knight's maze, children's fun sheets, tree trail, lakeside & woodland walks and special events. Plus an arboretum which contains the finest collection of cedars in Britain. Tea room serving light lunches, tea, cakes and ice cream.
Address: Eastnor, Near Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL
Contact No: +44 (0) 1531 633160
Opening Times: Open Easter Weekend, 5-9th April, Every Sunday and & BH Mondays, from 15th April - 30th September. Also open Sunday - Friday from 16th July - 31st August 11am - 4.30pm.
Website: http://www.eastnorcastle.com
Hidcote Manor Garden (National Trust)
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF HIDCOTE. Internationally renowed, this memorable garden is in reality a series of smaller gardens. Each has its own special atmosphere and leads on to the next surprise. 4 miles NE of Chipping Campden, 1 mile E of B4632, (originally A46)off B4081.
Address: Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, Glos, GL55 6LR
Contact No: +44 (0) 1386 438333
Opening Times: Open 24th March - 4th November 2007, daily except Thursday & Friday, 10am - 5pm. Also open Fridays in July & August. Last admissions 5pm (4pm from 1st October)
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Kelmscott Manor
'The loveliest haunt of ancient peace' The country home of William Morris, poet, craftsman and socialist from 1871 - 1896.
Address: Kelsmcott, Lechlade-on-Thames, Glos, GL7 3HJ
Contact No: +44 (0) 1367 252486
Opening Times: Open Days: House & Gardens: Wed, April - Sept, 11am - 5pm and some Saturdays 2-5pm. Garden only: Thursdays June - September 2-5pm.
Website: http://www.kelmscottmanor.co.uk
Mill Dene Garden
Mill Dene Garden has captured the spirit of the Cotswolds. Tranquil and peaceful are just some of the comments about this relaxed family run garden. Laid out to build up anticipation with surprises round each corner, from mill pond and brook at the bottom to the herb potager at the top with views over the hills. Lunches, teas, plants and garden related gift sales.
Address: School Lane, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos, GL56 9HU
Contact No: +44 (0) 1386 700457
Opening Times: Open 3rd April - 31st October Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Open BH Mondays (except Easter) and occasional weekends. Please see our website.
Website: http://www.milldenegarden.co.uk
Owlpen Manor
Romantic Tudor manor house 1450 - 1616 with Cotswolds Arts & Crafts associations. Remote wooded valley setting with 16th & 17th century formal terraced gardens and magnificent yews. Contains unique painted cloth wall hangings. Licensed restaurant in medieval Cyder House. Conference and event facilities, weddings, birthday celebrations. Victorian church.
Address: Nr Uley, Gloucestershire
Contact No: +44 (0) 1453 860261
Opening Times: House: start of May - end of September, Tues, Thurs & Sundays 2-5pm.
Website: http://www.owlpen.com
Painswick Rococo Gardens
A unique 18th century pleasure ground set in a hidden Cotswolds Valley. Licensed restaurant serving home made lunches and teas. Gift shop and plant sales, Children's Nature Trail. Anniversary Maze.
Address: Painswick, Gloucestershire. GL6 6TH. (Situated on B4073 1/2 mile from Painswick.)
Contact No: +44 (0) 1452 813204
Opening Times: Open from 10th January - 31st October, daily 11am - 5pm
Website: http://www.rococogarden.co.uk
Snowshill Lavender Farm
We are a third generation family farm set in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold Hills. The lavender plant loves our free draining limestone soils 1,000 feet above sea level giving the best growing conditions for the highest quality English Lavender Essential oil. Our crops are steam distilled on the farm and made into our unique range of lavender toiletries including Soap, Shower gel & Bath oil.
Address: Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JY
Contact No: +44 (0) 1386 854821
Opening Times: Open: from Easter 2007
Website: http://www.snowshill-lavender.co.uk/
Snowshill Manor (National Trust)
The Manor is the stage for Charles Paget Wade's life's works; a large and eclectic collection insipred by craftsmanship and design. There is something to intrigue and inspire everyone; musical instruments, clocks, toys, bicycles and even Japanese armour. The Manor is set within an intimate and colourful Arts and Craft garden which Wade designed as a series of outdoor rooms.
Address: Snowshill, Nr Broadway, Worcs. WR12 7JU. (2 1/2 miles SW of Broadway from A44 Broadway Bypass into Broadway.)
Contact No: +44 (0) 1386 852410
Opening Times: Open 24th March - 28th Oct, Weds - Sun & Bank Holiday Mons, 11am to 5.30pm (last admission: Manor 4.20pm, garden, shop & restaurant 5pm) Shop & restaurant open until 9th December 12 - 4pm
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Stanway House & Fountain
Britain's highest fountain and the world's highest gravity fountain. Stanway House, called by Fodor's Guide, 'as perfect and pretty a Cotswold manor house as anyone is likely to see'. Stanway's beautiful architecture, furniture, parkland and village are now complimented by the restored 18th century water garden and the magnificent fountain - 300 feet high. Teas and local bottled beer available.
Address: Stanway, Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 5PQ. (Stanway is on the B4077 between Toddington & Stow-on-the-wold.)
Contact No: +44 (0) 1386 584528
Opening Times: Open June: House & Garden, Tues & Thurs 2-5pm. July & August: House & Garden, Tuesday & Thursday 2-5pm. Garden only, Saturday 2-5pm
Website: http://www.stanwayfountain.co.uk
Sudeley Castle Gardens & Exhibitions
Nestled in the Cotswold hills, Sudeley Castle Garden & Exhibitions not only celebrates its rich history but also explores the new. Various exhibitions give an insight into Sudeley throughout the ages, and are surrounded by 14 acres of magnificent gardens. The groundbreaking contemporary art exhibition returns with internationally renowned artists. Connoisseur Tours of the Castle Apartments.
Address: Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 5JD
Contact No: +44 (0) 1242 602308
Opening Times: 31st March - 28th October, daily 10.30am - 5pm
Website: http://www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Thistledown - New! Opening 2007
A secret valley with the environment at heart. Unique visitor and discovery centre, themed sculpture trails in stunning landscape, farm animal collection, organic and local food cafe / gift shop, woodland and wildflower meadow walks, educational activities and events.
Address: Nymsfield, Nr Stroud, Glos.
Contact No: +44 (0) 1453 860420
Opening Times: Please see our website for the latest information.
Website: http://www.thistledown.org.uk
Westonbirt Arboretum
Home to some of the rarest, most beautiful trees in the world, including the National Japanese Maple Collection. Six hundred glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres. An unforgettable experience in all seasons. "One of the best places in England for autumn colour". Anna Pavord, The Independant, 2005.
Address: Westonbirt, Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
Contact No: +44 (0) 1666 880220
Opening Times: Throughout the year.
Website: http://www.forestry.co.uk/westonbirt
Winchcombe Railway Museum & Garden
There are lots of things to do in half an acre of Cotswold gardens. Have a hands on experience with working signals. The garden is full of old and rare plants, a Victorian vegetable garden, herbs and a medieval medicinal herb garden. Something for all the family.
Address: 23 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Glos.
Contact No: +44 (0) 1242 609305
Opening Times: Open Good Friday - end of October 2006, Sat, Sun & school holidays 1.30 - 5.30pm. Wed, Thurs & Fri in school term time 1.30 - 5pm.
