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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.

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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
  • Environment icon 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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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.

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