The country is starting to breathe a sigh of relief as winter fades away and we can start to look forward to Spring. Glimpses of sun and warmer days, birds singing and flowers starting to think about peeking out, tease us with thoughts of warmer days.

There are some simply beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds and many perfectly manicured gardens that are a feast for the eyes. Check out our favourites below.

1. Batsford Arboretum

Batsford Arboretum is a beautiful example of Cotswold gardens at any time of the year with 56 acres of woodland gardens, a cafe with a children’s play area, and a plant center.

Spring though is a really special time at Batsford with stunning displays of spring flowering bulbs like snowdrops, daffodils, and narcissi.

You’re allowed to bring your pooch along to Batsford as long as you keep them on a lead so dog lovers can enjoy this walk too.

Batsford is great for families and children. There is a children’s trail to keep the kids interested whilst you are walking and once you are done they can have a play in the playground while you enjoy a nice cuppa. Children’s bikes and scooters aren’t allowed in the arboretum though so be sure to leave these at home to avoid grumpy children!

2. Hidcote Manor

Hidcote Manor is a national trust property with glorious gardens in lovely Chipping Campden.

The gardens are divided into four areas, each as gorgeous as the next with winding paths, small gateways, and enclosed garden spaces. There is loads to explore here for people of all ages and in the spring time it reopens for the year with a burst of spring plants and flowers.

There is a cafe, plant center, and shop so you can enjoy a full day out, and with it being a National Trust property there are always people on hand for assistance from finding out your favourite plant names to helping negotiate a wheelchair in the gardens.

3. Painswick Rococo Garden

Painswick Rococo Garden in Gloucestershire is not your normal idea of Cotswold Gardens. Designed in the 1700’s the gardens were meant to entertain guests at Painswick House and were created as a theatrical place hidden in a little valley. The gardens are quirky, arty, and beautiful and are a really tranquil place to visit.

Painswick Rococo Garden is famed for having one of the largest array of snowdrops in the country that come out in bloom for just a few weeks at the beginning of spring which is why it’s such a fabulous time to visit.

Children will love these gardens too with loads to explore, a maze to get lost in, a rustic play area, and loads of space to run around in and explore.  

4. Kiftsgate Court Gardens

You’ll have to wait until April to visit the Cotswolds Gardens at Kiftsgate Court when it reopens for spring, but it’s worth the wait. The gardens are set on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment so you’ll glimpse beautiful views out to the surrounding countryside.

Spring brings a yellow carpet of daffodils and the bluebell wood is simply gorgeous in early May.

With lots of different gardens all beautifully maintained by three generations of women gardeners, a lovely tea room, and a shop you’ll find plenty to do.

Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed at Kiftsgate so you’ll have to leave your furry friends at home for this trip.

5. Malmesbury Abbey

The Cotswold gardens at Malmesbury Abbey are just lovely, with 5 acres of plants, flowers, herbaceous borders, foliage, woodland, and laburnum walks.

There is also a collection of 2000 roses here at Malmesbury Abbey which are just beautiful to see.

With the first King of England buried in the gardens somewhere and two saints thrown down the well, the place has history and the gardens are some of the most beautiful you’ll see in the area.

There is a lovely cafe here too for some refreshments during your visit.

6. Prior Park Garden  

Prior Park Garden is set in dramatic scenery running down a small, steep valley in Bath with views out across the city.

There are many interesting features to be seen in these Cotswold gardens including a palladian bridge, a gothic temple, and three lakes.

The parks make a natural play area for children and the woods will come alive with the sound of music as little ones play with the instruments in the garden that were funded by the Arts Council England and are a UK sound project.

There is also some lovely wildlife to be spotted amid these Cotswold gardens including the beautiful Kingfisher, so make sure to bring some binoculars.