THECOTSWOLDSGARDEN ROUTE

Visits to gardens areoften associated withsummertime, but herein the Cotswolds, gardensbloom and burst withcolour throughout the year.

There is something for every seasonhere – winter is often overlookedwhen it comes to gardens, but wehave some of the best snowdropsin the country as well as the bestautumn colour displays too.

Use this guide (and the handy mapinside) to take you through theseasons of our Cotswold gardensso that you can create your ownCotswold Garden Route. Stay fora little longer and visit somefascinating places, from hiddengems to the better known gardenssuch as Highgrove or Hidcote.

The Cotswold year begins withthe first flush of snowdrops –make sure you take a look atour spring guide to see the bestsnowdrop locations. As the daysbegin to warm and daffodils makea welcome appearance, gardensall over the Cotswolds startbursting into life.

Historic woodland such asWoodchester Park, and theGloucestershire Wildlife NatureReserve offer lovely walks forbluebell spotting while the arboretaat Batsford and Westonbirtbecome awash with blossom.

In late spring and summer, theherbaceous borders at NewarkPark, Hidcote, Snowshill Manor,Sezincote Gardens and BourtonHouse Garden will delight.Kiftsgate Court and SudeleyCastle’s Queens’ Garden –named after the four EnglishQueens that walked within –

become beautifully fragrantwith roses.

As summer turns to autumn andthe trees take on a golden hue,dramatic colours can be seenthroughout the ancient beechwoodlands of the Cotswolds.Be sure not to miss the spectacularleaf displays at Batsford andWestonbirt.

2016 is the Year of the EnglishGarden and there are plenty ofcelebrations taking place to markthe 300th anniversary of ‘Capability’Brown. With many other gardensto explore in the towns andsurrounding area, make sure youcome to the Cotswolds to celebratethe English Gardens.

Use our websitewww.cotswolds.com to finda wide variety ofaccommodation for yourgarden break.

Rousham is abeautiful 18th

century gardenwhich sparked off

the age of thelandscaped

garden.

The Lawnmowerwas invented in Stroud

by Edwin Budding.It came from the

cross-cuttingmachines that were

used to finishwoollen cloth.

We have put together this great littleguide to the gardens of the Cotswoldsfor you so that you can plan your visitat any time of the year.

YOURYEAR ROUNDGUIDE TOCOTSWOLDSGARDENS

CHECK OUT GREATGARDEN EVENTSNaTIONaL GaRdEN OPEN GaRdENSSCHEME Cotswold gardens openthroughout the year

WINTERSnowdrop Season – Colesbourne Park,Painswick Rococo Garden, BatsfordArboretum, Newark Park

APRILFritillary Sunday, Ducklington Mead

Fritillary Guided Walks,North Meadow, Cricklade

The Garden Celebrated,Royal Gardens Highgrove

Spring Homes & Garden Fair,Sudeley Castle

MAYThe Big May day Garden Party,Chipping Campden

RHS Spring Festival, Malvern

Barnsley Village Garden Festival

MAY–JUNEaffordable Garden art Exhibition,Showborough House

JUNEBlenheim Palace Flower Show

Festival of Nature, Stroud

Garden Week, Sudeley Castle

JULYWitney Festival of Flowers and Fabrics

Stroud Country Show

AUGUSTBBC Countryfile Live, Blenheim Palace

Treefest, Westonbirt

Stratton & Baunton annualHorticultural Show, Cirencester

ducklington & Hardwickannual Flower Show

deerhurst Flower Festival

SEPTEMBERCotswolds Living Landscape Festival,Lodge Park, Aldsworth

OCTOBERapple days throughout area includingSnowshill Manor, Chadlington and Stroud

See thelargest rose inthe country at

Kiftsgate Garden –Rosa filipes‘Kiftsgate’.

For further events check out www.cotswolds.com/whats-on

BOURTON-ON-THE-WaTERTel 01451 820211 • info@visitbourton.com

BURFORdTel 01993 823558 • burford.vic@westoxon.gov.uk

CHELTENHaMTel 01242 237431 • info@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk

CHIPPING CaMPdENTel 01386 841206 • info@campdenonline.org

CIRENCESTERTel 01285 654180 • cirencestervic@slm-ltd.co.uk

LECHLadETel 01367 252631 • info@lechladelibrary.co.uk

MORETON-IN-MaRSHTel 01608 650881 • moreton@cotswold.gov.uk

NaILSWORTHTel 01453 839222 • TIC@nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk

PaINSWICKTel 0750 3516924 • painswicktourist@gmail.com

STOW-ON-THE-WOLdTel 01451 870998 • stowvic@gloucestershire.gov.uk

STROUdTel 01453 760960 • tic@stroud.gov.uk

TETBURYTel 01666 503552 • tourism@tetbury.org

TEWKESBURYTel 01684 855040 • tewkesburytic@tewkesbury.gov.uk

WINCHCOMBETel 01242 602925 • winchcombetic@tewkesbury.gov.uk

WITNEYTel 01993 775802 • witney.vic@westoxon.gov.uk

VISITOR INFORMATIONCENTRE DETAILS

For more information:www.cotswolds.com/plan-your-trip

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Our friendly staff are here to help you getthe most from your time in the Cotswolds.

Chastleton isconsidered to

be the birthplaceof croquet as a

competitive sportfollowing the publication

of rules by WalterWhitmore-Jones who laid

out the croquet lawnsat Chastleton.

Produced by Cotswold District Council,Tewkesbury Borough Council,West Oxfordshire District Council andStroud District Council in associationwith Cotswolds Tourism. All detailscorrect at the time of going to printApril 2016.

SIGNS OF SPRINGSnowdrops in the Cotswolds are simply spectacular andwith the long winters passing it is such a relief to see thefirst signs of life in those little white drops falling from thebeautiful green leaves. The Cotswolds has some of the bestsnowdrop displays in the country and from as early asJanuary these little flowers bring hope for the new-year.

Some of the best places to see these wonderful displays are:Cerney House Gardens, Colesbourne Park (open forweekends only in January and February), Newark Park,Painswick Rococo Garden, Rodmarton Manor and theNational Trust Sherborne Estate.

Let’s not forget other beautiful spring flowers – themagnolias look simply stunning usually from Marchonwards and our two Cotswold arboreta at Batsford andWestonbirt show fantastic displays. There are also lovelyspring flower banks and a gorgeous bluebell wood atKiftsgate. Many Cotswold woodlands have carpets ofbluebells to seek out. SUMMER SPECTACULAR

Summer in the Cotswolds is simply stunning and the displays ofsummer colours are quite spectacular. All of our gardens havesomething lovely to offer in the summer months but there are somewhich really shine through. Here are some great ideas for a summergarden visit.

Hidcote was created by the talented American horticulturalist MajorLawrence Johnston. Its colourful and intricately designed outdoorrooms are always full of surprises. Snowshill Manor also has a lovelyseries of garden rooms – we love the fact that the Cotswolds takesits gardens as seriously as the home.

Sudeley Castle has one of the most spectacular displays of summerroses you will ever see. Berkeley Castle too specialises in scent andthe roses are a particular delight in June.

The organic Royal gardens at Highgrove have been over 30 yearsin the making and are some of the most creatively inspiring andinnovative gardens in the UK. The display of delphiniums is a mustsee during the summer months but must be booked in advance.

Bourton House Garden is an award-winning three acre garden withluxuriant terraces and wide herbaceous borders with stunning plant,texture and colour combinations.

Snowshill Lavender is one to visit in June and July when the lavenderflowers are in bloom. With over 70 miles and 35 different varietiesof lavender, it’s worth a visit to see the spectacularly colourful fieldsreminiscent of the Dutch bulb fields – well almost!

AUTUMNCOLOURThe Cotswolds comes alive once againduring the season of autumn colours.Our two arboreta at Batsford andWestonbirt have a display of reds,oranges and yellows which arerivalled by no other.

Batsford is home to the country’slargest private collection of trees andshrubs. Wander through the uniquecollection which is inspired byplantsmen of old. Westonbirt’s autumnhappens with a bang with one of thebest natural fireworks displays inBritain! Their famous Japanese maplesin particular are ablaze in reds, orangesand yellows.

The Old Rectory,Quenington, marks

70 years in 2016of opening for theNational Gardens

Scheme.

There areover 70 milesof lavender

plants at theSnowshill

Lavender Farm.

At StanwayHouse & Garden

watch the highestgravity fountainin the world rise

300 feet.

HIDDEN GEMSThe Cotswolds does quirky really well and we have some fantastichidden gems for you to visit. Here are just a few.

Sezincote is unique – a 200 year old Mogul Indian palace, set ina romantic landscape of temples, grottoes, waterfalls and canalsreminiscent of the Taj Mahal.

dr Jenners’ tranquil garden was the refuge of Edward Jenner,pioneer of vaccination with lots of unusual and medicinal plants.

Stanway House has a water garden, which is one of the finest inEngland, and a 300ft single jet fountain – the highest in Britainand the highest gravity fountain in the world.

Herbs for Healing at Barnsley House was created using plantswith healing properties – a small but very relaxing space to sitand ponder.

YEAR ROUND GARDENSAnd then there are the gardens which look amazing all year round! We have quitea selection here in the Cotswolds which means that you can visit off season too.

Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage Site surrounded by over 2,000 acres ofbeautiful ‘Capability’ Brown parkland with lakes, fountains and formal gardensproviding a wealth of interest throughout the year.

For one of the country’s most important gardens, Rousham is relatively littleknown – completely un-commercialised with no shop or tea rooms. Dating tothe first phase of English landscape design, this is one of the few 18th centurygardens to have escaped major alteration.

Kiftsgate garden is the wonderful creation of three generations of women gardenersand looks stunning at any time of the year.

Again, the arboreta look great at any time of the year – they are well known for theirautumn displays but the spring magnolias, evergreen colours in many of the treesmake them year round places to visit. Nearer to Christmas Westonbirt becomes anenchanted magical place with an illuminated trail or you can sample Batsford onBoxing Day with a mulled wine experience. Kids (and big kids) can experience breathtaking views from the new walkway in the trees at Westonbirt from April 2016.

STAY & LEARNIf you fancy learning gardening tipsthen why not book into one of themany rural courses available aroundthe area including hedge laying viawww.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk,or an advanced planting course atwww.cotswoldgardeningschool.co.ukor join a guided walk exploring some ofthe seasonal ‘Wonders of Westonbirt’with the local guides.

Many of the gardens also have regulartalks including Highgrove, Batsford andHidcote or why not book into a lectureby Tony Russell, TV presenter and authorof The Cotswolds Finest Gardens.

The Cotswolds Garden Route experienceis further enhanced by fields of summerpoppies, wonderful garden centres, localnature reserves and of course spectacularrural views as you drive from one gardento another. To see all the gardens you willneed to spend a week or more so makesure you book to come back again.www.cotswolds.com/gardenbreaks

ACCOMMODATIONWith so many gardens to visit, whynot stay a while to give you plentyof time to explore? The area hassuch a variety of accommodationfrom manor house hotels with formalgardens, to bed and breakfast andself-catering cottages that havetraditional country gardens burstingwith flowers, colours and scents.

To check out places to stay visitwww.cotswolds.com/accommodation

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Cirencester hasover 400 varieties ofHemerocallis and hasopened for the NGSfor over 35 years!

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BatsfordarboretumBatsford Arboretum is hometo one of the country’s largestprivate tree collections set within56 acres of beautiful Cotswoldscountryside. With colour andinterest all year round, thearboretum contains more thanfifteen hundred tree speciesfrom all over the world.

Batsford GL56 9adTel 01386 701441www.batsarb.co.uk

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Berkeley CastleBerkeley Castle sits within eightacres of landscaped gardens,including the bowling green ofQueen Elizabeth I, sweepinglawns, terraced gardens and the8th Earl’s swimming pool – now anornamental lily pond. There is adelightful Georgian walled gardenand a tropical butterfly house.

Berkeley GL13 9BHTel 01453 512999www.berkeley-castle.com

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Bird and deer ParkCharming follies adorn the parkand a wide variety of waterfowlwander freely for families toenjoy and interact with. The parkis well known for its tame fallowdeer, resident reindeer andcheeky pygmy goats.

Prinknash GL4 8EXTel 01452 812727www.thebirdpark.com

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Birdland Parkand GardensIn a natural setting of woodland,river and gardens, Birdland ishome to over 500 birds of 130different species. Follow the trailsthrough Marshmouth NatureReserve where there’s alwayssomething new to spot from anumerous range of indigenousspecies as diverse as otters,dragonflies, kingfishers, toadsand many birds.

Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BNTel 01451 820480www.birdland.co.uk

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Blenheim PalaceOne of England’s finest houses,this picture-perfect Britishstately home sits among morethan 2,000 acres of CapabilityBrown landscaped parkland andformal gardens. From great openspaces punctuated by maturetrees, through intricate formalgardens like the water terracesto more peaceful areas, there’ssomething for everyone to enjoy.

Woodstock OX20 1PPTel 0800 849 6500www.blenheimpalace.com

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Bourton HouseGardenClose to Moreton-in-Marsh,Bourton House Garden is anaward-winning three acre gardenhigh on the Cotswolds withwonderful views over thesurrounding countryside. Thegarden has imaginative anddramatic topiary, a unique shadehouse and wide herbaceous borderswith many rare, unusual and exoticplants and is beautiful year round.

Bourton-on-the-Hill GL56 9aETel 01386 700754www.bourtonhouse.com

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Broadway TowerAn iconic landmark, on top of thebeautiful Cotswolds escarpment,Broadway Tower has enjoyeda colourful history. The toweris a unique Capability Brownfolly with outstanding views,surrounded by a deer park andwonderful countryside walks.

Broadway WR12 7LBTel 01386 852390www.broadwaytower.co.uk

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Cerney HouseGardensLeave the hustle and bustle oftoday’s world and visit CerneyHouse Gardens, where time seemsto stand still. Let old-fashionedscents and colour surround youin this romantic secret gardenwith Victorian features. Explorethe working organic kitchengarden amongst the overflowingherbaceous borders. Discoverwildlife and woodland walks too.

North Cerney GL7 7BXTel 01285 831044www.cerneygardens.com

Chastleton House& GardensA rare gem of a Jacobean countryhouse, whose garden has featuresfrom several periods. Strollthrough the garden and discoverthe Jacobean garden, kitchengarden, stunning topiary andeven some bee hives. With freeguided tours of the garden seethe mulberry tree believed to benearly 400 years old.

Chastleton GL56 0SUTel 01494 755560www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house

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Colesbourne ParkColesbourne Park has been called‘England’s greatest snowdropgarden’ by Country Life. Nowwith a collection of 250 varieties,visitors can enjoy the snowdropsthroughout the ten acre gardenwith its woodland and lakesidepaths, the Spring Garden andFormal Garden, alongside driftsof cyclamen, hellebores andother winter plants.

Colesbourne GL53 9NPTel 01242 870567www.colesbournegardens.org.uk

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Cotswold WildlifePark & GardensThe park has wonderful gardenswith plants aiming to demonstratethe wonder and diversity of theplant kingdom alongside that ofthe animal kingdom. With theVictorian manor house at thehub, a large walled garden anda wonderful collection of maturetrees form the backbone of thelandscape.

Burford OX18 4JPTel 01993 823006www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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dragonfly MazeThe Dragonfly Maze is atraditional yew hedge maze witha twist. Find the 14 clues dottedaround the footpaths. Once youhave found them all, you shouldbe able to discover the GoldenDragonfly hidden inside theornate central pavilion.

Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2EETel 01451 822251www.thedragonflymaze.com

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dr Jenner’s House,Museum and GardenThis tranquil garden was therefuge of Edward Jenner, pioneerof vaccination. Discover someunusual plants alongside Jenner’svines and Temple of Vaccinia.A new physic garden is currentlybeing created featuring medicinalplants on the site of Jenner’skitchen garden.

Berkeley GL13 9BNTel 01453 810631www.jennermuseum.com

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Frampton ManorThis medieval Elizabethan timberframed manor house withromantic walled garden, unusualplants, 16th century wool barnand dovecote is open a few dayseach year. It is open to groupbookings in May and June.Nearby Frampton Court opensat the same times.

Frampton-on-Severn GL2 7EPTel 01452 740698www.framptoncourtestate.co.uk

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Herbs for Healingat Barnsley HouseThis small and relaxing gardenwas created by Davina Wynne-Jones daughter of the formergardening icon Rosemary Verey.Situated in a rural setting behindBarnsley House Hotel, Herbs forHealing uses plants with healingproperties. The garden is smallbut a charming and relaxingplace to visit.

Barnsley GL7 5EETel 01285 740638www.herbsforhealing.net

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HidcoteOne of the greatest gardens inEngland, Hidcote was created byMajor Lawrence Johnston, whowas passionate about plants.Hidcote is famous as the gardenis divided into a series of‘outdoor rooms’, each with itsown character. The formality ofthe ‘rooms’ melts away as youmove through the garden awayfrom the house.

Hidcote Bartrim GL55 6LRTel 01386 438333www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

Highgrove GardensQuirky and eclectic, the gardensat Highgrove have been heavilyinfluenced by its current owner –HRH The Prince of Wales.Over 35 years in the making,the organic gardens at Highgroveare some of the most creativelyinspiring and innovative gardensto visit in the UK. Booking inadvance only.

doughton, Tetbury GL8 8PHTel 0333 222 4555www.highgrovegardens.com

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Kelmscott ManorHome to the founder of the Artsand Crafts movement, WilliamMorris, the gardens at KelmscottManor have been recreated usingmany of the plants he loved andused in his designs. Visit thegarden with its barns, dovecote,stream, meadow and formalgarden which was a constantsource of inspiration for Morris.

Kelmscott GL7 3HJTel 01367 252486www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

Kiftsgate CourtGardensMagnificently situated and withstunning views, Kiftsgate containsmany unusual plants and shrubsincluding the largest rose inEngland, the stunning Kiftsgaterose. Three generations of womengardeners have produced a seriesof romantic gardens with asurprise at every turn.

Chipping Campden GL55 6LNTel 01367 438777www.kiftsgate.co.uk

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Matara GardensMatara is a spiritual andmeditative garden dedicated tothe full expression of the humanspirit. All set within a 28-acreparkland. Plants on sale NGS daysonly.

Nr. Tetbury GL8 8YaTel 01453 861050www.matara.co.uk

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Misarden ParkGardensThis lovely Cotswold gardencommands spectacular viewsacross the deer park to extensivewoodland. Enjoy the fine topiary(some designed by EdwinLutyens), a walled garden,herbaceous borders, finespecimen trees and a newlyplanted parterre.

Miserden GL6 7JaTel 01285 821303www.misardenpark.co.uk

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Mill deneAn unusual garden created overmany years by the owner, in themagical setting of a Cotswoldsmillpond. In the two and half-acre garden there is a streamwith a grotto, a cricket lawn witha tiny pavilion and herb garden.Listed in the Sunday Telegraph’s‘10 Best Herb Gardens’ list.

Blockley GL56 9HUTel 01386 700457www.milldenegarden.co.uk

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Museum in the ParkStratford Park, location of theMuseum in the Park, is made upof 56 acres including grassy lawns,play areas, a lake, woodland andarboretum. A new walled gardenproject is currently underway toreopen a secret garden to provideenjoyment and learningopportunities.

Stroud GL5 4aFTel 01453 763394www.museuminthepark.org.uk

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Newark ParkThe house has a wonderfulquirky and eclectic character.The surrounding garden andestate provide space to play andcontemplate, with beautiful viewsover the Cotswold escarpmentand as far as the Mendips. Playa game of croquet or spot theresident peacocks.

Ozleworth GL12 7PZTel 01793 817666www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park

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Owlpen ManorThe garden at Owlpen is anunusually complete survival ofan early formal garden on amanorial scale. The manor houseand Stuart gardens are openin the summer months forexclusive group tours by priorarrangement.

Near Uley GL11 5BZTel 01453 860261www.owlpen.com/home

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Painswick RococoGardenDesigned in the 1740s as aflamboyant pleasure garden, thishidden valley is now the country’sonly surviving complete rococogarden. Enjoy beautifully-framedviews and fanciful gardenbuildings. Lose yourself in themaze and enjoy the delicioushomemade food in the café.

Painswick GL6 6THTel 01452 813204www.rococogarden.org.uk

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Rodmarton Manorand GardensSpectacular Arts and Craftshouse with a beautiful gardendesigned originally as a series ofoutdoor rooms. The large gardencomplements the house andcontains many areas of greatbeauty and character includingthe magnificent herbaceousborders, topiary, roses, alpinesand kitchen garden. Throughoutthe garden there are plenty ofplaces to sit and admire the view.

Rodmarton GL7 6PFTel 01285 841442www.rodmarton-manor.co.uk

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RoushamRousham is one of the gardensfrom the first phase of Englishlandscape design that haveescaped alteration ensuring youcan see many features just as youwould have in the 18th century.One of Monty Don’s favourites,the gardens are dotted withclassical features includingtemples, statues and ponds aswell as a pretty walled garden.

Rousham OX25 4QXTel 01869 347110www.rousham.org

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SezincoteRestored in 1968, the gardensinclude canals and Irish yewsin the south garden which areevocative of Moghul paradisegardens. The gardens are hometo many tender climbing plants,a little Indian style pavilion andoriental water garden, wheremany rare plants can be seen.

Moreton–in-Marsh GL56 9aWTel 01386 700444www.sezincote.co.uk

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Sherborne EstateWoodland, wildlife, wonderfulviews, a sculpture trail and alandscape of rich history arewaiting to be discovered on walksaround Lodge Park and theSherborne Estate. Wonderfulfor snowdrops, Sherborne isa working estate and has anabundance of wildlife, from fallowand roe deer to badgers and foxes.

Sherborne GL54 3PP Tel 01451 844130 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lodge-park-and-sherborne-estate

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Snowshill LavenderVisit the lavender fields in theheart of the Cotswolds. Walk inthe lavender fields and then visitthe distillery to learn how thelavender crop is made into oils,soaps and other toiletries. Withthe widest range of lavenderplants in season for sale you cancreate a stunning display in yourown garden.

Snowshill WR12 7JYTel 01386 854821www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk

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Snowshill Manorand GardenThe garden at Snowshill is theperfect place to unwind andexplore hidden vistas, quiet cornersand unexpected delights includingCharles Wade’s uncomplicatedhome, the Priest’s House. Themanor itself is a Cotswold manorhouse packed with extraordinarytreasures collected over a lifetimeby Charles Wade.

Snowshill WR12 7JUTel 01386 852410www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden

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Stanway House& FountainA wonderful Jacobean house witha jewel-like gatehouse, churchand 14th century tithe barn. The18th century water garden is oneof the finest in England and hasspecimen trees, avenues anda 300ft single jet fountain – thehighest in Britain and the highestgravity fountain in the world.

Stanway GL54 5PQTel 01386 584469www.stanwayfountain.co.uk

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Sudeley Castle& GardensRomantic ruins, award-winninggardens and 1,000 years offascinating royal history areamong the many reasons to visitthe Queen of the Cotswolds.

Winchcombe GL54 5JdTel 01242 604357www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

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Westonbirt,The NationalarboretumWestonbirt is a remarkable placefor people to enjoy and learnabout trees. Borne of a Victorianpassion for plant collecting,around 15,000 trees from all overthe world now offer the perfectsetting to escape, relax or havean adventure in one of the bestarboretums you’ll find.

Tetbury GL8 8QSTel 0300 067 4890www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

NATIONALGARDENSCHEMEThe Cotswolds has over ahundred gardens which openas part of the National GardenScheme, from flagship gardensto private estate gardens andmany more modest gardens –whose gates only open onan NGS open day. A wonderfulday can be had strolling fromcottage to house, marvellingat the personal gardens, onlyto sit and enjoy the obligatorytea and cake!