The best gardens to visit in Warwickshire
Visit Warwickshire and tour countryside estates with stunning gardens that offer a peaceful retreat for visitors
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Charlecote Park
Located near Stratford-upon-Avon, Charlecote Park is a beautiful countryside estate with stunning gardens that offer a peaceful retreat for visitors. The park boasts picturesque views of the River Avon and is home to a variety of woodland walks and rolling lawns. The gardens are meticulously maintained and feature charming flower beds, vibrant borders, and a walled garden with an array of fragrant roses.
Charlecote Park holds historical significance as the ancestral home of the Lucy family. It is said to have inspired William Shakespeare in writing his famous comedy play, 'The Merry Wives of Windsor.' A visit to Charlecote Park allows you to explore the grand mansion, stroll through the art-filled rooms, and admire the Elizabethan architecture.
Address: Charlecote, Warwick CV35 9ER
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily from 10am to 5pm
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens provide an enchanting experience for all who visit. Located in Stratford-upon-Avon, this picturesque cottage is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens that exude romance and charm. The cottage was the childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway and offers visitors a glimpse into their enduring love story.
The gardens surrounding the cottage feature traditional English flower beds, herb gardens, and a delightful orchard with apple and plum trees. Visitors can wander along the winding pathways, relax on the rustic benches, and take in the fragrance of the blooming flowers. The gardens also provide a scenic backdrop for picnics or traditional games.
Address: Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily from 9am to 5pm
Compton Verney House and Gardens
Situated on 120 acres of stunning parkland, Compton Verney House and Gardens offer a fantastic day out for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The gardens, designed by Capability Brown, feature serene lakes, sweeping vistas, and diverse flora, making them the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
The garden's notable feature is the restored Ice House, a unique underground structure used to store ice in the 18th century. Compton Verney House is also renowned for its art collections, including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Canaletto which are showcased inside the grand mansion.
Address: Compton Verney, Warwick CV35 9HZ
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily from 10am to 5pm
Coughton Court Gardens
Located near Alcester, Coughton Court Gardens are known for their quintessential English charm and historical significance. The gardens are a mix of formal and informal spaces, including a walled garden, a rose garden, and a tranquil orchard. Visitors can admire the variety of blooming flowers and delight in the peaceful ambiance.
Coughton Court has strong connections to the notorious Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It was the home of the Throckmorton family, who were linked to the conspiracy against King James I. The house itself is a fascinating Tudor building with stunning architecture and is open for exploration.
Address: Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5JA
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily from 11am to 4pm
Upton House and Gardens
Upton House and Gardens, situated near Banbury, offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore the lavish interiors of a 1930s country house. The gardens surrounding the house provide a tranquil sanctuary with sweeping lawns, vibrant flower beds, and an impressive kitchen garden that supplies fresh produce to the onsite tearoom.
The gardens at Upton House are further enhanced by their impressive collection of modern sculptures, which are strategically placed throughout the grounds. Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions and installations while taking in the stunning natural surroundings.
Address: Banbury, Warwickshire OX15 6HT
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily from 10am to 5pm
Ryton Pools Country Park
Ryton Pools Country Park, located near Coventry, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Offering an extensive network of walking trails and cycling paths, this park is an ideal destination for outdoor activities and exploration. Its enchanting gardens consist of a tranquil lake, wildflower meadows, and thriving woodlands.
Visitors to Ryton Pools can participate in various recreational activities such as fishing, bird watching, or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature. The park also provides educational programs and events for children and families to learn more about conservation and wildlife.
Address: Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3BH
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Arbury Hall Gardens
Arbury Hall Gardens, located near Nuneaton, offer visitors a glimpse into the past with their stunning Jacobean architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. Nestled within the Arbury Estate, these gardens showcase a wide range of horticultural delights, including a Secret Garden, a Victorian rockery, and a vast Walled Garden.
Arbury Hall has connections to famous literary figures such as George Eliot, who was born on the estate. The gardens, therefore, hold significance as an inspiration for her famous novels. The estate also hosts regular events, including open-air theatre performances and garden fairs.
Address: Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7PT
Opening Times: Gardens - Open on select days, please check website for details
Hill Close Gardens
Hill Close Gardens in Warwick present a unique opportunity to experience restored Victorian gardens. This site features a collection of 16 summerhouses, each with its own private garden, allowing visitors to step back in time to the late 19th century. The gardens are brimming with colorful flowers, fruit trees, and traditional vegetable plots.
The summerhouses provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the Victorian gardeners who owned them. Visitors can explore the themed gardens and enjoy the tranquility away from the bustling city. The gardens also offer various workshops and events throughout the year.
Address: Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 6HF
Opening Times: Gardens - Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Baddesley Clinton Gardens
Baddesley Clinton Gardens, near Solihull, transport visitors into a world of history and intrigue. This moated medieval manor house is enveloped by beautifully maintained gardens with a mix of formal and wild spaces. Wandering through the gardens, visitors can discover a delightful orchard, a stunning herbaceous border, and tranquil lakeside walks.
Baddesley Clinton Gardens have a fascinating history and were once a refuge for persecuted Catholics during the Elizabethan era. The house and gardens boast secret hiding places and priest holes, providing an in-depth look into this turbulent period of British history.
Address: Solihull, Warwickshire B93 0DQ
Opening Times: Gardens - Daily from 10am to 5pm
Chesterton Windmill Gardens
Chesterton Windmill Gardens offer visitors a chance to discover a unique landmark and enjoy panoramic views of the Warwickshire countryside. Set atop a hill, this iconic 17th-century cylindrical windmill is surrounded by wide open fields and rolling hills, providing a picturesque backdrop.
The windmill itself is no longer operational but stands as a symbol of the county's agricultural heritage. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, a brisk walk, or simply to enjoy the stunning sunsets that paint the skies over Warwickshire.
Address: Leamington Road, Harbury, Leamington Spa CV33 9LG
Opening Times: Gardens - Open all year round