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Hidcote Manor Garden – A Cotswold Garden of Rooms

Step into a world of garden rooms at Hidcote, where Arts and Crafts design meets vibrant planting and hidden sculpture in the North Cotswolds.

4.7

Nestled in the North Cotswolds, Hidcote Manor Garden is a National Trust masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design. Its famous ‘garden rooms’ unfold in a sequence of intimate, themed spaces, each with its own character, from vibrant borders to tranquil lawns and hidden courtyards. Sculptures, seasonal planting, and a charming manor house add depth to a visit, while a café and shop make it a full day out. Best explored at a leisurely pace, it’s a haven for garden lovers and peaceful wanderers alike.

A brief summary to National Trust - Hidcote

  • Chipping Campden, Hidcote Bartrim, GL55 6LR, GB
  • +441386438333
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit in mid-afternoon during summer to avoid morning coach tours and enjoy a quieter, more peaceful experience in the garden rooms.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes – the garden is extensive with gravel paths, slopes and uneven surfaces, especially in the outer areas.
  • Check the National Trust website before your visit for current opening times, any special exhibitions, and whether pre-booking is required, especially at weekends and in peak season.
  • Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the main garden and house; if you want to see the outer areas and enjoy a meal or tea, plan for a full half-day.
  • Dogs on short, fixed leads are welcome on certain days; check the current dog policy and designated routes to plan your visit accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Chipping Campden, follow local signs to Hidcote Bartrim. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes on narrow country lanes. The car park is gravelled or grass, with Blue Badge parking near the visitor reception. Campervans over 5m must pre-book, and groups need advance booking to guarantee space.

  • Public transport

    From Chipping Campden, take a local taxi to Hidcote Manor Garden; the journey is about 2–3 miles and takes 10–15 minutes. There is no direct bus service to the garden, so a taxi is the most practical option for those without a car.

  • Walking

    From Chipping Campden, a scenic walk of about 2–3 miles along country lanes and footpaths leads to Hidcote. The route is on quiet roads and paths but includes some inclines and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

  • Cycling

    Cyclists can reach Hidcote from Chipping Campden via quiet country lanes in about 15–20 minutes. There is space to leave bikes near the visitor reception, but the garden paths are not suitable for cycling.

National Trust - Hidcote location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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A Garden of Intimate Rooms

Hidcote Manor Garden is celebrated for its revolutionary ‘garden rooms’ concept, where high hedges, clipped yews and stone walls create a series of distinct outdoor spaces, each with its own mood and planting scheme. Designed in the early 20th century by Lawrence Johnston, a passionate plantsman and designer, the garden feels like a sequence of secret chambers opening one after another. Some rooms are formal and geometric, others wilder and more romantic, but all are carefully composed to surprise and delight as you turn each corner. This Arts and Crafts–inspired layout encourages slow, contemplative exploration. Paths lead through sunlit terraces, shaded alleys and secluded courtyards, with carefully framed views and focal points such as fountains, statues and specimen trees. The design is both structured and naturalistic, blending architectural form with lush planting, and it has influenced garden design around the world.

Seasonal Beauty and Sculpture

The garden’s character changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring, bulbs and blossom bring fresh colour; summer sees the famous red border and herbaceous borders at their peak, with bold combinations of hot pinks, oranges and purples. Autumn brings rich foliage and berries, while winter reveals the garden’s strong bones – the evergreen structure, topiary and architectural details. In recent years, Hidcote has also become a venue for sculpture, with contemporary works placed throughout the garden and in the manor house. These pieces add another layer of interest, creating unexpected encounters and dialogues between art and nature. The interplay of light, shadow and texture between the sculptures and the planting enhances the sense of discovery as you wander.

The Manor and Surrounding Landscape

The manor house itself, a Cotswold stone building, is often open to visitors and complements the garden experience. Inside, changing exhibitions and displays offer insight into the garden’s history, Johnston’s travels and the National Trust’s stewardship. The house provides a quiet contrast to the open garden, with intimate rooms and views back out over the terraces. Beyond the formal garden, the estate extends into orchards, meadows and woodland walks. These areas feel more relaxed and natural, offering space to breathe and enjoy the wider landscape. The beech alleé and long walk are particularly atmospheric, providing shaded avenues and distant views across the rolling North Cotswold countryside.

A Place for Peace and Inspiration

Hidcote is a place to slow down and tune into the details: the scent of lavender and rosemary, the sound of bees in the borders, the texture of stone and foliage. Benches are thoughtfully placed, inviting you to sit and absorb the atmosphere of each room. It’s a garden that rewards close looking, whether you’re a serious horticulturist or simply someone who enjoys beauty and tranquillity. The combination of strong design, rich planting and changing light makes Hidcote a favourite for photographers and artists. It also serves as a peaceful retreat, a place to walk mindfully and reconnect with nature. The garden’s scale is generous but not overwhelming, making it accessible for a relaxed half-day or a more immersive full-day visit.

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