Cotswolds 3-day itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in the Cotswolds – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Cotswolds’ best gardens
United Kingdom (UK)
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
The rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds are dotted with historic manor houses, castles and estates – and these, in turn, come with some of the most glorious gardens in the country.
Landscapes designed by Capability Brown and William Kent sit alongside contemporary, recently-restored gardens; vast National Trust-owned estates roll out around small, privately-owned gardens that have been a lifetimes work. The affluence of the Cotswolds means that most of the gardens are pristinely kept, and most offer interesting guided tours explaining the garden’s history and current gardening techniques.
Some are dedicated to aesthetics, some to specific species, but there’s also a significant number advocating and showcasing leading thinking on home-grown produce.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Cotswolds 5-day itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in the Cotswolds – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Most gardens are easy to do independently, but there are plenty of local companies offering day (or longer) escorted tours to some of the best-known gardens. Public transport is, however, limited and many gardens often lie some distance from stops. Self-driving is your best bet.
When to do it
The Cotswolds gets packed in late spring and summer – if you want to visit gardens then (when they are admittedly at their most beautiful), go on a week-day or first thing in the morning.
Autumn days, when the foliage blazes and the air is crisp and cool, can be wonderful and less crowded, if you’re not concerned with seeing summer blooms.
Experience
Hidcote Manor Garden
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)
This National Trust property is one of the best known and most influential Arts & Crafts gardens in Britain, with its linked ‘rooms’ of hedges, rare trees, shrubs and herbaceous border.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
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Highgrove Gardens
Tetbury, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)
A beautiful, organic and sustainable garden, Highgrove is also the private home of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Best for ages: 14+ | £2,950
Experience
Painswick Rococo Garden
Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)
Dotted with follies, quirky buildings, colourful borders and unusual shrubs and plants, Painswick dates back to 1799, and is the UK’s only complete surviving rococo garden.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
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Experience
Raymond Blanc Gardening School
Great Milton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Providing much of the home-grown produce for the chef’s world-famous cooking school are 11 enchanting gardens and orchards. These interactive day courses in the gardens offer advice, ideas and inspiration for growing your own produce, from the best in the business.
Best for ages: 16+ | £150 | 1 day
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Barnsley House
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)
A charming 17th-century manor house hotel, with a lovely spa, three restaurants and glorious gardens.
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The Manor House
Castle Combe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A romantic country house retreat set in historic Castle Combe, one of England’s most medieval villages.
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Wild Rabbit
Kingham, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Picture perfect, eco-friendly luxurious village inn, set in the prettiest part of the Cotswolds.
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Cowley Manor & Spa
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)
Multi-award-winning luxury but family-friendly hotel and exceptional spa set in 55-acre gardens, ideally located for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, United Kingdom (UK)
One of England’s most beautiful regions – a patchwork landscape of idyllic countryside, postcard-perfect villages and cosy historic boutique hotels.
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