Five of the most renowned English gardens to visit this spring.
Laurie Lee in Cider with Rosie, wrote “The Cotswolds, with their honey-coloured stone cottages and rolling hills, are a place where time seems to stand still,” and while we may be biased, we wholeheartedly agree.
With its rolling hills, honeycolored stone cottages, charming villages, and designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds’ allure is evident no matter the season. However, there is truly something enchanting about the Cotswolds in the springtime.
As winter’s chill begins to fade, the county awakens with the first signs of spring. New blooms flicker to life, filling the landscape with vibrant colours and delicate fragrances. We invite you to embrace these warmer days with us, where the sky is painted in the brightest shades of blue, and the gentle sunshine hints at the promise of summer.
Across The Cotswolds, English gardens and the rolling hills come alive, adorned with clusters of bluebells, daffodils and magnolias. Read on to discover our selection of the most stunning gardens that the Cotswolds has to offer which we encourage you to explore.
NUMBER ONE
This world-famous Arts and Crafts-inspired Garden, created by the talented designer Major Lawrence Johnston, spans 10.5 acres and takes visitors on a journey through various phases of garden layout.
Each area, imbued with its own character and personality, features newly discovered plants and exotic rarities gathered from around the globe. Lawrence Johnston’s name, along with that of ‘Hidcote,’ has become synonymous with the best forms of many plants, including Hypericum ‘Hidcote,’ Lavandula ‘Hidcote,’ and Rosa ‘Lawrence Johnston.’
In 1948, Lawrence Johnston gifted Hidcote, now a Grade I listed garden, to the National Trust, making it the first garden-only property in the Trust’s care. The gardens you see today have been meticulously maintained using contemporary photographs and accounts to guide their vision.
NUMBER TWO
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Kiftsgate Court Gardens, situated in Gloucestershire, England, is a stunning horticultural haven renowned for its diverse plant collections, including the world-famous Kiftsgate Rose. This enchanting garden owes its creation and meticulous maintenance to three generations of women gardeners: starting with Heather Muir in the 1920s, followed by Diany Binny from 1950, and currently tended by Anne Chambers and her husband.
The garden boasts a variety of rare plants and shrubs, complemented by breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can wander through a series of garden rooms, each possessing its unique character and planting scheme. Additionally, the garden features a charming swimming pool, a legacy from Diany Binny’s time at Kiftsgate.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is open to the public during specific times of the year, offering a delightful experience for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
NUMBER THREE
Highgrove Royal Gardens
Discover the enchanting allure of Highgrove Royal Gardens, the private residence of King Charles III. Renowned for its commitment to organic gardening and sustainable practices, Highgrove offers a unique and serene escape for nature lovers.
In spring, Highgrove truly comes alive with a spectacular display of daffodils, tulips, magnolias, and early azaleas, painting the landscape in vibrant colours. The breathtaking wildflower meadow, the first of the Coronation Meadows initiated by King Charles III, becomes a vibrant tapestry of native plants. The serene atmosphere of Highgrove in spring provides a perfect escape, offering tranquillity and inspiration.
Experience the personal touch of King Charles III throughout the gardens and gain fascinating insights from expert-led guided tours. With its stunning views, rare plants, and peaceful ambiance, Highgrove Royal Gardens is a must-visit destination that promises inspiration, tranquillity, and a delightful experience for all visitors.
NUMBER FOUR
Painswick Rococo Garden
Discover the whimsical charm of Painswick Rococo Garden, the UK’s only complete surviving rococo garden. Designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden, Painswick Rococo Garden offers a unique and enchanting escape for visitors. Wander through its serpentine paths, deceptive vistas, and magical follies, each with its own distinct character.
In spring, Painswick Rococo Garden truly comes alive. The display of over 9,000 spring bulbs in the Exedra Garden is especially stunning as we come into spring with the display of cowslips and bluebells in the wooded areas and meadows. The garden’s whimsical features, such as the Eagle House and the Red House, add to its enchanting atmosphere.
Experience the garden’s rich history and captivating beauty through expert-led guided tours, which provide fascinating insights into its creation and restoration. With its breathtaking views, rare plants, and peaceful ambiance, Painswick Rococo Garden is a must-visit destination that promises inspiration, tranquillity, and a delightful experience for all visitors.
NUMBER FIVE
Batsford Arboretum
Discover the natural beauty of Batsford Arboretum, a 60-acre haven in the Cotswolds. Renowned for its diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and bamboos from around the world, Batsford Arboretum offers a unique and serene escape for nature lovers. Wander through its picturesque landscapes, enjoy stunning views across the Evenlode Valley, and explore the enchanting oriental-influenced statues hidden in glades around the grounds.
In spring, Batsford Arboretum truly comes alive with a spectacular display of early colour from snowdrops, followed by spring-flowering bulbs and the breathtaking Japanese flowering cherries. The vibrant and colourful landscape creates a mesmerizing spectacle that is not to be missed.
Experience the arboretum’s rich history and captivating beauty through self-guided tours, which provide fascinating insights into its creation and evolution. With its stunning views, rare plants, and peaceful ambiance, Batsford Arboretum is a must-visit destination that promises inspiration, tranquillity, and a delightful experience for all visitors. Plan your visit this spring and be captivated by the beauty of Batsford Arboretum.
Our curated list of The Cotswold’s finest gardens is just the beginning—there’s a plethora of beautiful green spaces waiting to be discovered throughout our charming region.
If any of these gardens have caught your eye and you’re in search of a welcoming retreat to base your adventures from, we invite you to enjoy a stay in one of our cosy ensuite bedrooms. With several of our rooms being dog-friendly, you can bring the entire family along for the journey.
Book directly with us and enjoy a 15% discount on your stay.