The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, honey-stone villages, and quintessential English charm, is not just a destination for countryside walks and historic pubs—it's also home to some of the most breathtaking gardens in England. Whether you're a green-fingered gardener, a lover of romantic landscapes, or just looking for a peaceful day out, the Cotswolds' gardens offer a perfect escape.
Here is my guide to some of the most enchanting Cotswold gardens that I think you should visit. They are all within striking distance of our Cottages – The Chestnuts, Shilton and Culls Cottage, Southrop.
1. Hidcote Manor Garden (Chipping Campden)
Perhaps the most famous garden in the Cotswolds, Hidcote is a masterpiece of 20th-century garden design. Created by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, Hidcote is a Arta and Crafts garden with a series of “ rooms” – each with its own character, planting scheme, and mood.
The garden has so many highlights. I love the long walk and also getting to the very edges of the garden and the views over the neighbouring sheep filled fields. It is managed by the National Trust and because it is so well known and loved booking your ticket is advisable. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/hidcote
2. Kiftsgate Court Gardens (near Hidcote and an easy walk between the two)
The highlight here is the enormous Kiftsgate Rose, believe to be one of the largest rose shrubs in England. It also has a dramatic view over the Cotswold escarpment.
Kiftsgate Court, a gem of a garden created and maintained by three generations of women gardeners. It has a more relaxed, romantic style compared to the formality of Hidcote but it a delight.
This is still a private home and not open every day, so do check before visiting. http://www.kiftsgate.co.uk/home
3. Painswick Rococo Garden (Painswick)
Step back in time to the 18th century at Painswick Rococo Garden, a rare survivor of the brief but flamboyant Rococo garden style. Designed for pleasure and drama, the garden is full of follies, serpentine paths, and theatrical views.
A visit here at any time of year is well worth it but we adore it in spring when it is a carpet of snowdrops. It also has a marvellous kitchen garden and a great café with home-made cakes and a second hand bookshop.
https://www.rococogarden.org.uk
4. Sezincote House and Garden (Moreton-in-Marsh)
Elephants in The Cotswolds? Well, elephant sculpture. I love this exotic surprise in the heart of the Cotswolds, Sezincote blends classical English landscaping with Indian architectural influences. The house is inspired by Mughal architecture, and the gardens mirror this unusual fusion.
This garden has scale with a large curving Orangery, water features and statues. Seizincote manor inspired the design of the Brighton Pavilion.
https://www.sezincote.co.uk
5. Snowshill Manor and Garden (Broadway)
Another garden managed by the National Trust, Snowshill Manor is not just about gardens—it’s also an eccentric treasure trove of collections. Both are wonderful but the garden, is a delight in its own right: beautifully terraced and filled with fragrant herbs, cottage plants, and serene nooks. The manor's interiors are packed with oddities collected by Charles Wade. Quirky and endlessly fascinating.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/snowshill-manor-and-garden
6. Cerney House Gardens (near Cirencester)
Often described as a “secret garden,” Cerney House offers a more natural, wilder feel. It’s a garden for those who love informal borders, wildlife, and old-world charm.
The Victorian walled garden, woodland walks, medical plant section delight and intrique. If you’re staying in February you have to see the snowdrop displays.
One of the very special things I love about a visit to Cerney is the ‘make your own’ afternoon tea, on a trust basis. It is also quieter than many of the larger gardens, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
https://www.cerneygardens.com
7. Batsford Arboretum (near Moreton-in-Marsh)
Not exactly a garden, Batsford is a spectacular collection of trees, shrubs, and seasonal blooms spread across 56 acres. A year-round destination, Batsford is especially beautiful in spring (for cherry blossoms) and autumn (for fiery foliage). It has stunning Japanese maples, rare trees and panoramic views.
It also has a large and excellent garden centre, café, and extensive gift shop.
https://batsarb.co.uk
The Chestnuts and Culls Cottage gardens
Finally after a day out visiting some of these horticultural gems come back to our holiday cottage and relax in their gardens. Managed by our brilliant gardener Iona they have places to sit and relax and filled with flowers and shrubs that give interest all year round. Come and stay with us and you will see. Culls Cottage garden was inspired by the renowned White garden of Sissinghurst, while The Chestnuts’ garden has evolved more free-form to reflect our sustainability ethos. With its own dreamy meadow, potager garden and views over the village of Shilton and the ford. We look forward to welcoming you.