Spring is one of our favourite times of the year in the Cotswolds with the countryside bursting into life and looking absolutely beautiful. We really are spoilt for choice of places to visit locally to immerse ourselves in the beautiful nature that surrounds us, so where are the most beautiful gardens in the Cotswolds?
1. Rococo Gardens
The Rococo Gardens in Painswick, Cheltenham are just stunning. You first enter the gardens from above with a lookout that allows you to see all over the gardens, then you meander down into them via several routes. Explore the maze and the tulip beds or mooch around the lake and into the woodland and look out for the interesting sculptures. People of all ages will enjoy a trip here with wildlife spotting for keen animal lovers, carvings to find, and many nooks and crannies to explore. The gardens are such a beautiful, peaceful spot with a place to picnic as the weather heats up and a lovely cafe for food and drinks.
2. Cerney House Garden
Cerney House Gardens are like beautiful, secret gardens. The large Victorian walled garden mixes tumbling plants with glorious, colorful flowers with butterflies darting amongst the gardens. You’ll also find an organic vegetable garden, lovely woodland, and an orchard with a resident pig named George. If you are lucky enough to visit Cerney House Gardens during snowdrop or bluebell season then be sure to head for the woods where the ground is carpeted with these amazing wildflowers.
3.Hidcote Manor Garden
Hidcote Gardens in the north of the Cotswolds was created by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston and the garden was designed as a set of different and beautiful ‘rooms defined by Yew, holly, and beech hedges. The gardens are a narrow maze of paved pathways and beautiful plants from all over the world. Sit and relax on one of the perfectly placed benches to take in the scenery around you or wander into the tall trees and out into the countryside beyond which offers more gorgeous walks and Cotswold scenery.
4. Cotswold Lavender
The Cotswold Lavender company opens its doors to visitors to see the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom, and it is just glorious. For a small charge, you can take in the lavender, smell the beautiful aromas, and visit the gorgeous gift shop to stock up on your Cotswold Lavender products which you’ll be dying to buy once you’ve seen the fields! Lavender started growing in this location in 1999 with just a few plants. It loves the free-draining limestone soils 1000 feet above sea level and has thrived. There are now over 40 different varieties, some 140 miles of rows, and over 500,000 plants in total. There is also chamomile growing here which almost looks like a field of tall dasies in the summer. It produces a sky blue oil used in many products and, along with lavender is renowned for helping with a peaceful night’s sleep.
5. Blenheim Palace
Aside from the incredible grandeur of the palace itself here at Blenheim, the gardens are an absolute treat. The formal gardens reflect a journey through the styles of the ages and surround the Palace. They include the gorgeous Water Terraces, the Duke’s Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden with all of its hidden treasures, the Churchill Memorial Garden, and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden. Alongside the formal gardens, you’ll find the Marlborough Maze, some gorgeous woodland walks, and even a miniature train. If you’ve got kids with you they will love the family forest school where they can get up close and personal with nature.
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