Manor Cottages

11 Beautiful Cotswolds Gardens to Visit this Year

The Cotswolds offer some of the UK’s most scenic countryside. And if nature is something that you surround yourself in, these Cotswolds gardens are perfect for a day out with your friends and family.

If you are a keen botanist, the gardens in the Cotswolds are a perfect source of inspiration.

These Cotswolds gardens showcase many of the UK’s favourite plants and a variety of trees and plants from around the world.

Among the beautiful golden cottages, find your green fingers among some of these magnificent gardens in the Cotswolds.

Keep reading to see our complete list of Cotswolds Gardens…


List of Cotswolds Gardens


1. Snowshill Manor

Snowshill, Broadway, WR12 7JU; 01386 852 410

Snowshill Manor is one of the most attractive gardens in the Cotswolds.

Designed by Charles Wade, the manor house and gardens are full of objects and plants he found interesting.

The gardens are a selection of magnificent trees and plants. All year the garden showcases bold colours and a rural stone Cotswolds vibe.

The cheapest tickets offer access into the gardens, tearoom and shop. However, spending a little more to enjoy the manor house is well worth it.

Plus, entry to Snowshill Manor is free for National Trust Members.

Why not immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cotswolds with one of these cottages in Broadway.


2. Birdland

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AY; 01451 820 480

In Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland offers a great learning experience for children in the Cotswolds.

The park and garden are home to over 130 different species of birds. And each year, the collection of birds continues to grow.

You can see many of the UK’s native bird species and a selection of world plants.

How many birds can you identify on your visit to this Cotswolds Garden?

Check out some of these other popular things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water.


3. Hidcote Manor

Hidcote Bartim, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR; 01386 438 333

Built in the 17th-century, Hidcote Manor was originally a farmhouse.

In 1907 the farm was taken over by John Tucker.

And since then, the gardens around the manor house have continued to grow.

Nowadays, the garden is home to Tai Chi groups, Easter eggs hunts or try knitting surrounded by the peaceful Cotswold gardens.

You can also tuck into delicious food at the cosy tearoom on your visit.


4. Batsford Arboretum

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AT; 01386 701 441

Firstly arboretums are botanical gardens that specialise in trees.

Batsford Arboretum is one of the Cotswold’s most popular tourist spots attracting thousands of yearly visitors.

At this garden in the Cotswolds, you can see Bamboo, Magnolias and Acers among hundreds of other species.

In the spring, enjoy a blanket of fresh flowering bulbs. Or enjoy the spectrum of autumnal colours later in the year.

Whether you love gardens or want a day out with the family, Batsford Arboretum is perfect if you’re staying in Moreton-in-Marsh.


5. Cerney House Gardens

Cerney House, Cirencester, GL7 7BX; 01285 831 300

The Cerney House Gardens are a set of Victorian gardens near Cheltenham.

Over the years, the Cotswolds Garden has grown into a natural environment that butterflies love to visit in the late spring.

In the winter, Cerney House Gardens is a wonderland of stunning snowdrops. Whilst spring is the perfect time to see a variety of colourful flowers on display.

You can also find inspiration for your garden by heading to the Potting Shed Shop. 

Here you can find a selection of plants and vegetables to take home.


6. Abbey House Gardens

Abbey House, Malmesbury, SN16 9AS; 01666 827 650

Abbey House is a private garden in the historic Malmesbury.

A visit takes around two hours and has wheelchair access in the upper part of the garden.

You can enjoy a beautiful selection of Daffodils, Tulips, Bluebells and Roses. Or take a stroll along the garden river walk.

Whatever the time of year, there are seasonal plants, making the garden a great place to visit year-round.


7. Sezincote House & Garden

Sezincote, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AW; 01386 700 444

If you want to enjoy a unique garden in the Cotswolds, Sezincote is top of the list.

In the 18th-century, John Cockerell wanted a house with Rajasthani influence. The dream to create Sezincote House, a little piece of India, was created.

During WW2, the owners left the garden to overgrow uncontrollably. However, in the late nineties, Sir Cyril and Lady Kleinwort began to restore the Indian garden.

Sezincote now features a variety of streams, pools and statues that all have Indian influence.

There is even a temple for the presence of Surya, the Hindu Sun God.

Why not check out some of these other things to do in Moreton-in-Marsh?


8. Painswick Rococo Garden

Gloucester Road, Painswick, Stroud, GL6 6TH; 01452 813 204

As the UK’s only Rococo Garden, Painswick is a must-visit for any keen gardeners in the Cotswolds.

Rococo was a fashionable style throughout the 1700s. It incorporates a strict layout with plenty of lavish garden furniture.

In the 1800s, the Rococo Garden was quickly forgotten. That was due to many people opting for a more English landscape garden style.

The owners left the Painswick Garden to grow wild until the late 1900s.

The challenge to restore the garden to its original glory began in 1988. The Painswick Rococo Garden Trust now maintain the garden.

The best time to visit Painswick Rococo is in spring. Keep an eye out for the blossom of many of the garden’s unique flowers.


9. Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS; 0300 067 4890

Like Batsford, Westonbirt Arboretum is a collection of world trees.

There are over 2,500 species of tree and five collections from the UK.

If you are having a family day out, why not walk along the treetop walkway?

The experience at Westonbirt is immersive for many visitors. There are walks, sensing nature tours and access for mobility scooters.

Each year the Westonbirt Garden hosts events, from live music to children’s birthdays. Take a look at the Forestry England website to see more about your visit to Westonbirt Arboretum.


10. Highgrove Gardens

Highgrove House, Tetbury, GL8 8TN

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, Highgrove Gardens is a magnificent garden in the Cotswolds.

Highgrove’s residents are the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. And between April and October, you can enjoy the royal gardens.

The grounds are split into different sections, and each highlight a different style of garden.

Focusing on upturned tree trunks, The Stumpery is a peaceful garden that provides a thriving environment for more than just trees.

The clever use of old tree trunks provides a world for plants and insects to live.

You can also find a cottage garden, sundial garden, thyme walk and wildflower meadow throughout royal grounds.

Although access into Highgrove House isn’t permitted, there is a charming tearoom and estate shop to enjoy on your visit.


11. Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle & Gardens, GL54 5LP; 01242 604 244

At Sudeley Castle, you can find ten unique and charming gardens to explore.

Whether you are looking for a romantic spot or a journey through history, there is something for any keen botanist at Sudeley Castle.

A variety of flowers decorate each garden to shine throughout the year. You can find Tulips, Roses, Orchids, and many more attractive plants.

There is also an adventure playground and fort to keep the children entertained on their visit.


Gardens in the Cotswolds highlight some of the area’s most beautiful attractions. 

The best times to visit these gardens is in spring or autumn. However, you can enjoy them all year round.

Whether you are an avid gardener or enjoy being outdoors, these Cotswold Gardens are full of beauty. It is a great day out for the family. 

Make the most of your visit to these Cotswolds gardens with a visit to one of these Cotswold Cottages.


Image Credits – Feature Image: Michael Garlick – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Mark – (CC BY 2.0); JR P – (CC BY-NC 2.0); Anguskirk (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0); Gordon Robertson – (CC BY 2.0)