Cerney House Gardens: A Romantic Victorian Walled Garden Sanctuary in the Cotswolds
Discover the romantic charm and organic beauty of Cerney House Gardens, a Victorian walled garden sanctuary in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Cerney House Gardens, nestled in North Cerney near Cirencester, is a charming 40-acre estate featuring a Victorian walled garden, kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, and woodland walks. Renowned for its organic approach and romantic atmosphere, the gardens bloom with old-fashioned roses, medicinal plants, and seasonal displays such as snowdrops and bluebells. Visitors can enjoy homemade cakes at the honesty-based Bothy Tea Room and explore a potting shed shop offering plants and gifts.
A brief summary to Cerney House Gardens
- Cerney House, Cirencester, North Cerney, GL7 7BX, GB
- +441285831300
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
- Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Bring cash for the honesty box entry and tea room, although card payments are accepted at the cafe.
- Allow at least one to two hours to fully enjoy the gardens and woodland walks.
- Dogs on leads are welcome, so you can bring your pet to explore the grounds.
- Visit in late spring to mid-summer for the best displays of roses, tulips, and herbaceous borders.
- Manual wheelchair users should be aware that some gravel paths and inclines may be challenging.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Cirencester or Cheltenham takes approximately 15-25 minutes via local roads. Parking is available on site but limited, so early arrival is recommended. The roads are rural and narrow in places.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Cirencester to North Cerney with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes. Service frequency is limited, so check timetables in advance. From the bus stop, a short walk on country lanes leads to the gardens.
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Taxi
A taxi from Cirencester or Cheltenham to Cerney House Gardens typically takes 15-20 minutes and costs approximately £15-£25. This option offers flexible timing and direct access.
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Walking
For those staying nearby in North Cerney village, the gardens are accessible by a 10-15 minute walk over gently undulating terrain. Paths are rural and may be uneven in places.
Cerney House Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cerney House Gardens
A Storied Garden Rooted in History and Family Legacy
Cerney House Gardens, located in North Cerney near Cirencester in the heart of the Cotswolds, is a private estate that has blossomed into a celebrated public garden. Originally part of the home of the Angus family, the gardens were extensively developed by Lady Angus and her daughter Barbara. The estate’s Victorian walled garden was transformed over time from a functional kitchen garden and sheep pasture during World War II into a romantic sanctuary that harmonizes with nature. Today, the gardens remain in the Angus family, preserving their vision of organic gardening and natural beauty.Enchanting Garden Spaces and Seasonal Highlights
Visitors to Cerney House Gardens can wander through a variety of distinctive garden areas. The 3.5-acre walled garden features knot gardens, herbaceous borders, and a rose walk filled with old-fashioned, fragrant roses and climbers. The working kitchen garden showcases heritage vegetables grown with organic principles, while the herb garden includes medicinal plants and aromatic herbs. Seasonal highlights include carpets of snowdrops in winter, vibrant tulips and daffodils in spring, and a riot of summer colors with alliums, lavender walks, and late-summer ‘hot’ and ‘contrast’ borders. Bluebell woods and woodland trails add to the garden’s tranquil charm.A Peaceful Visitor Experience with Homely Touches
Cerney House Gardens offers a relaxing retreat from everyday life, where time seems to slow down amid the scents and colors of nature. The Bothy Tea Room operates on an honesty box system, serving homemade cakes, teas, coffees, and light refreshments in a cozy setting with outdoor seating overlooking the garden. The Potting Shed shop provides visitors the opportunity to purchase plants and gifts, also on a payment honesty basis. Dogs on leads are welcome, and accessible parking and electric wheelchair access are available, though some gravel paths may be challenging for manual wheelchairs.Wildlife and Natural Surroundings
The gardens are a haven for wildlife, with bees, butterflies, and birdsong filling the air. The surrounding 40 acres of Cotswold parkland and woodlands invite visitors to explore peaceful walks, including bluebell woods and snowdrop trails. The garden’s organic management supports thriving biodiversity, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.Community and Events
Cerney House Gardens hosts seasonal events such as Easter trails for children, scavenger hunts, and open-air theatre productions, enriching the visitor experience. The garden’s welcoming atmosphere and community spirit make it a special place for families and garden enthusiasts. Entry is typically managed through an honesty box, encouraging a respectful and personal connection with the garden.Practical Information for Visitors
Open daily from 10am to 7pm, Cerney House Gardens invites visitors year-round except Christmas Day and during adverse weather. Admission is approximately £7 for adults and £1 for children, payable on arrival. The garden is best enjoyed with ample time to explore its many features, with a typical visit ranging from one hour to half a day. While parts of the garden are wheelchair accessible, some paths are gravel and inclined. Light refreshments are available, but visitors may also bring packed lunches to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Things To Do In The Cotswolds
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Cleeve Hill
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Organic Farm Shop
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Abbey Grounds Park
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Corinium Museum
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The Cotswold Craft Market
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Handmade treasures from local artisans in a historic Victorian market hall.
Corn Hall Market Place
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Historic 19th-century Corn Hall in Cirencester’s Market Place, vibrant with markets, artisan fairs, and a welcoming café.
The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home
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Colesbourne Gardens
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Cirencester Park
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Cirencester Amphitheatre
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hotcotswolds.uk
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National Trust - Chedworth Roman Villa
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Barnsley Park
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Cotswolds
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Chedworth Nature Reserve
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Essential places to dine
The Garden Restaurant
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MBB BRASSERIE
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The Bell at Sapperton
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The Catherine Wheel
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The Old Smokery
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A lively Cotswolds hub blending rustic dining, vibrant events, and welcoming atmosphere at Far Peak Camping.
The Gallery Restaurant
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Modern European dining in the heart of Bibury, blending local Cotswold produce with elegant country charm at The Swan Hotel.
The Old Boathouse
12.0 km
Charming lakeside gastropub offering hearty British and European dishes with scenic views at Cotswold Water Park.
Le Champignon Sauvage
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A serene Michelin-starred haven in Cheltenham offering inventive Anglo-French cuisine with exceptional service and a celebrated wine list.
The Long Table
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Prithvi
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The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham
15.9 km
Elegant dining in Cheltenham’s historic Montpellier Rotunda, blending modern British cuisine with iconic Ivy style and grand architectural charm.
The Potting Shed Pub
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Discover the charm of The Potting Shed Pub in Crudwell – where hearty meals meet exceptional drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
Petit Coco Bistro
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Purslane Restaurant
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Discover Purslane, Cheltenham’s intimate modern British restaurant celebrating sustainable seafood and seasonal local produce with inventive flair.
Lumiere
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Octavia's Bookshop
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MākerCulture
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Moonstruck
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m.a.d.e.
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Landmark Cirencester
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Surprises
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White Stuff Cirencester
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The Cotswold General Store
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#now_vintage
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Cotswold Candle Hut
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The Cotswold Stores
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Emporium
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Bear Inn, Cirencester
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The Marlborough Arms
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The Keepers Arms
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Popworld - Cheltenham
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Under the Prom
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The 21 Club
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Coco
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Thirteen Degrees
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2 PIGS
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ATIK Gloucester
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Bar Fever Gloucester
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Venue Five-0 Night Club
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Capones
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Historic nightclub in Dursley with legendary ties to Al Capone, offering vibrant weekend nightlife and pulsating music.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly