Touring the most beautiful parks and gardens in the Cotswolds
destination
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire
bourton-on-the-water-winter-cotswolds
The Cotswolds: it’s designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why. From formal gardens to wild meadows, bookmark these horticultural gems for your next visit.
Our favourite parks and gardens

It’s well worth visiting Bicester Village for our extraordinary collection of restaurants and boutiques. Yet, right on our doorstep lies the unmatched allure of the Cotswolds. Explore the natural beauty of limestone hills and pebbled rivers on foot, with numerous family-friendly walks to choose from. While the unspoilt landscape is breath-taking, over centuries those lucky enough to call the Cotswolds home have tamed corners of the countryside and created some of Britain’s most exquisite parks, gardens and estates.

Take an extra day in your itinerary to discover these living masterpieces – you won't regret it.

A beautiful corner of England
Sandro Enrika printed dress from Bicester Village

RRP

£309

Village

£207

Sandro

Enrika printed dress
Did you know?

Bicester Village is home to more than 2,500 different varieties of trees, flowers and plants. A mini haven, created to support our small Buckfast honey bee population. You may see them buzzing around gathering pollen from our beautiful flowers and the surrounding countryside.

Hunter Men's travel trainer from Bicester Village

RRP

£125

Hunter

Men's travel trainer
Top tip

Looking for an adventure? Walk through the canopy on the Tree Top Walkway, enjoy a self-guided woodland trail, or if you have your little ones in tow, see if they can spot the Gruffalo and his friends.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

A 30 minute drive from Bristol and a 90 minute drive from Bicester Village

Westonbirt, is among the most remarkable parks in the Cotswolds and renowned as the UK's best-known Arboretum. The sprawling 600-acre site, dedicated to rare and beautiful plants since 1829, now showcases around 15,000 individual specimens, including notable champion trees marked with blue labels.

Regardless of the season, garden enthusiasts and horticulturists will be captivated by Westonbirt's vibrant greens in spring and summer, breath taking burnt oranges and fiery reds in autumn, and enchanting winter light displays.

Explore the world of trees
Painswick Rococo Garden

A 20 minute drive from Gloucester and a 90 minute drive from Bicester Village

Nestled in Painswick House grounds, The Painswick Rococo Garden exudes grandeur, history and playfulness. With roots dating back to the 1700s, the garden epitomizes the rococo style, known for its elaborate ornamentation and intricate designs.

Once the setting of extravagant parties and adorned with flamboyant guests, it’s been lovingly restored by Lord and Lady Dickinson, inviting visitors to wander through lush flower beds and charming follies – all of which delight now as much as they did more than 250 years ago.

While in Painswick, make a reservation at The Painswick Hotel, home to one of the Cotswolds' must-visit restaurants.

A garden for adventure
Anne Fontaine Laley from Bicester Village

RRP

£363

Village

£263

Sale

£192

Anne Fontaine

Laley
Top tip

Reimagine the Baroque period as you explore the garden by picking up something striking from Dior or Anne Fontaine.

Jil Sander Stripe dress from Bicester Village

RRP

£1,070

Village

£642

JIL SANDER

Stripe dress
Insider tip

More than a garden, Hidcote Manor offers everything from Tai Chi, mindful well-being walks, nature-themed family crafts and summer lawn games – there’s something for all the family, whichever season you visit.

Hidcote Manor Garden

A 20 minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon and an hour’s drive from Bicester Village

Hidcote Manor Garden was created by Lawrence Johnston in 1910. Rooted in the region's heritage and inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the garden showcases traditional materials and techniques, blending beauty and functionality.

Unlike typical manor grounds, Hidcote consists of themed garden rooms, offering visitors long herbaceous borders, delicately scented roses and a host of rare trees and shrubs. Beautiful topiary lines the paths and the soothing sound of trickling water emanate from the garden’s ponds and fountains – it’s a delight to the senses.

A picture-perfect backdrop
Cerney House Gardens

A 10 minute drive from Cirencester and an hour’s drive from Bicester Village

Cerney House Garden is a genuine hidden treasure of the Cotswolds. Dating back to 1660, the garden reflects the love and passion of its origins. Step into the secluded Victorian walled garden, where you can wander among herbaceous borders adorned with nostalgic blooms like rambling roses and companion climbers. Don’t miss exploring the impressive working Kitchen Garden before relaxing at The Bothy, a charming self-service tearoom. You’ll find tickets at the house for the whole family, not forgetting the dog.

A green retreat
Hunter Men's balmoral tall neoprene hybrid boot from Bicester Village

RRP

£185

Village

£123

Hunter

Men's balmoral tall neoprene hybrid boot
STYLE TIP

A nature lover’s paradise. Slip into your favourite Hunter wellies and Barbour jacket to walk the grounds of this spectacular countryside garden.

Tommy Hilfiger Floral shirt from Bicester Village

RRP

£90

Village

£63

Tommy Hilfiger

Floral shirt
TOP TIP

Kiftsgate Court is just over the road from another of our favourite gardens in the Cotswolds, Hidcote Manor. So, set yourself up in Stratford-upon-Avon to explore both magnificent gardens.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

A 20 minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon and an hour’s drive from Bicester Village

Created out of a family’s shared love for unique plants, Kiftsgate Court has been delighting visitors for years. Since 1920, three generations of women gardeners have carefully tended the gardens. In each corner, the past, the present – and at times the future – are blended effortlessly together. For example, the modern and minimalist Water Garden is juxtaposed with the textured and bright Yellow Border, which only intensifies into summer with its collection of lilies, crocosmia, dahlia and helenium.

Reconnect with nature

Best of the region

Want to explore? We've chosen our favourite attractions and things to do in beautiful Oxford and the surrounding areas – from storied colleges, museums and libraries to regal parklands and wild meadows.

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