Hidcote Manor Garden
This world-famous Arts and Crafts-style garden sits high in the Cotswold Hills and is a lush English country garden overflowing with seasonal blooms. Created by the talented American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, Hidcote’s colorful and intricately designed outdoor spaces are full of wonder and transform in harmony with the changing seasons. When you visit this special place you will walk among the garden rooms, discover rare shrubs and trees, and get to know one of England’s most influential gardens as Hidcote is considered to be one of the greatest gardens in England and quite possibly the finest example of an Arts and Crafts style garden in the world. Many of the rare and unusual plants found growing in the garden were collected from Johnston’s plant-hunting trips around the world. As you wander along the narrow pathways you will come across secret gardens, unexpected views, and plants that burst with color.
The Hidcote Manor Garden should not be missed even for its lovely location as it is situated in the picturesque Cotswold countryside amongst hills, rolling valleys, and beautiful stone walls. As the garden was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, you will see that Hidcote comprises of a series of small gardens within a garden, but also with long avenues bordered by different plantings. There are water features, wildflower areas and pools with plenty of places to sit and relax while you take in the atmosphere.
Quite possibly the best time to visit is July when you will see the long herbaceous borders in full bloom and walk amongst the old scented roses along the walkway and small garden houses. During our visit to Hidcote this July on our Britain in Bloom: The Cotswolds tour, you will be treated to an introduction to the gardens by one of Hidcote’s expert staff which will give you a full appreciation for the history and splendor of this beautiful garden. Vita Sackville-West wrote a piece on the garden for the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and said of Hidcote:
“This place is a jungle of beauty. I cannot hope to describe it in words, for indeed it is an impossible thing to reproduce the shape, colour, depth and design of such a garden through the poor medium of prose; I express only the hope that gardeners and garden lovers will visit Hidcote in their thousands.”
Visit Hidcote and you will experience for yourself this jungle of beauty! Hidcote can be easily included on any tour of the Cotswolds or a tour of England's great gardens. It is near many other lovely gardens and points of interest, so would be an ideal day out for any trip to the area. It is also convenient to William Shakespeare's home, the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, so could be included on a rail journey through the region if a driver is hired for the day. If you want to visit Hidcote, contact us today to start planning! If a small group tour is more your style, then take a look at our Britain in Bloom: The Cotswolds tour.