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Sezincote House & Garden: An Indian Palace in the Cotswolds

Discover Sezincote, a breathtaking Mughal-style Indian palace and romantic garden nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds.

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Sezincote House & Garden is a unique Mughal-style Indian palace nestled in the Cotswold Hills near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. Built in 1805, the estate features a copper onion dome, minarets, a curving orangery, and a picturesque water garden with spring-fed pools, canals, and rare plants. The romantic gardens, designed with input from Humphrey Repton and later restored by Graham Stuart Thomas, evoke the Persian Garden of Paradise and include a temple to Surya, grottoes, and wildflower meadows.

A brief summary to Sezincote House & Garden

  • Moreton-in-Marsh, Sezincote, GL56 9AW, GB
  • +441386700444
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Book house tours online in advance as they have limited capacity and are popular during opening days.
  • Garden-only visitors can pay on arrival without pre-booking, allowing flexible exploration of the grounds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the walk from the car park to the house involves some uphill terrain.
  • Enjoy tea and cakes in the Orangery Tearoom, open during house visiting months from May to September.
  • Visit during spring or early summer to see the gardens in full bloom, including rare plants and wildflower meadows.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Moreton-in-Marsh takes approximately 15-20 minutes via the A44; free parking is available on-site with disabled parking spaces near the entrance. Note that the roads are rural and narrow in places.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Moreton-in-Marsh to nearby villages; from Moreton-in-Marsh station, a taxi or a 30-minute walk on country lanes leads to Sezincote. Bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.

  • Taxi

    Taxi services from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station to Sezincote take about 10 minutes and cost approximately £10-£15. Pre-booking is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

Sezincote House & Garden location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Sezincote House & Garden

A Unique Architectural Gem in the English Countryside

Sezincote House stands as a singular example of Mughal Indian architecture in northern Europe. Constructed in 1805 by Charles Cockerell, a former East India Company official, the house was designed by his brother Samuel Pepys Cockerell with artistic guidance from Thomas Daniell, a painter renowned for his depictions of Indian architecture. The house’s copper onion dome, minarets, and peacock-tail windows create an exotic silhouette against the rolling Cotswold landscape. Its design notably influenced the later Brighton Pavilion, blending Hindu and Muslim architectural elements into a harmonious whole.

The Romantic Gardens and Water Features

Surrounding the house is a romantic garden laid out in the Picturesque style, featuring a series of spring-fed pools connected by gentle streams that cascade into the valley below. The gardens include a Persian Garden of Paradise with fountains and canals, framed by a curving orangery that houses tender climbing plants. Notable garden features include the Temple to Surya, dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Indian-style pavilions, grottoes, and the Indian Bridge. The landscape was originally influenced by Humphrey Repton and later enhanced in the 1950s by the distinguished plantsman Graham Stuart Thomas, who introduced serpentine-edged borders filled with perennials such as hostas and astilbes.

Flora, Fauna, and Landscape Harmony

The estate’s grounds combine formal garden elements with naturalistic features, including woodlands and permanent grasslands that support diverse wildlife habitats. The water garden showcases many rare plants thriving in its carefully maintained environment. A wildflower meadow and an avenue of Persian quinces add seasonal color and fragrance, while inscriptions of Sufi poetry on the garden steps deepen the cultural resonance. The estate’s mixed farming enterprise ensures the landscape remains vibrant and ecologically balanced.

A Living Family Home and Cultural Venue

Sezincote remains a family home, animated by the presence of dogs, cats, and children, which adds to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The house and gardens open to the public seasonally, with guided tours available for the house and a tearoom serving refreshments in the orangery during the summer months. The estate also hosts a limited number of weddings annually, taking advantage of its theatrical and romantic setting. Visitors are invited to explore the gardens freely on designated days without pre-booking, while house tours require advance booking.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Visitors can stroll along winding paths lined with mighty oaks, enjoy the serene sound of flowing water, and admire the intricate jali-work railings and architectural details reminiscent of Rajasthan. The gardens are accessible on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Bank Holiday Mondays from March to November, with the house and orangery tearoom open from May to September. Admission prices vary depending on access to the house and gardens, with concessions available for children and Historic Houses members. The estate offers accessible parking, toilets, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Sezincote’s Enduring Legacy

Sezincote House & Garden is not only a rare architectural treasure but also a cultural bridge linking British and Indian heritage. Its preservation and continued care reflect a commitment to maintaining the estate’s historical significance and natural beauty. The garden’s design, blending Eastern motifs with English landscape traditions, creates a captivating environment that enchants visitors and inspires gardeners and historians alike.

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