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The Garden at Miserden: A Timeless Cotswold Sanctuary

Historic 17th-century walled garden in the Cotswolds featuring Lutyens design, tranquil walks, and stunning Golden Valley views.

4.5

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds near Stroud, The Garden at Miserden is a historic 17th-century walled garden renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, exquisite topiary, and scenic views over the Golden Valley. Featuring Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed grass steps and yew walks, alongside ancient trees and a rill with a fountain, the garden offers a peaceful retreat with seasonal floral displays and a charming café trailer for refreshments.

A brief summary to The Garden at Miserden

  • Miserden, Stroud, Miserden, GL6 7JA, GB
  • +441285821303
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in spring or summer to enjoy the garden’s full floral displays and the wisteria-covered park backdrop.
  • Bring a camera for picturesque views of the Golden Valley and unique features like the sycamore through the stone wall.
  • Enjoy refreshments at the Little Ginger Café & Deli trailer offering snacks, cakes, and drinks within the garden grounds.
  • Wear comfortable footwear as some paths include gravel, grass, and steps, though accessible alternatives exist.
  • Plan ahead for group visits by contacting the garden via email to arrange bookings.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Cirencester, take the A417 towards Gloucester for approximately 9 miles, then follow signs to Birdlip and Miserden. The journey typically takes 25 to 35 minutes. Free parking is available onsite, but coaches must book parking in advance.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Stroud to nearby Birdlip village; from there, a taxi or a 30-minute walk on rural roads leads to the garden. Bus journeys take about 45 to 60 minutes; check local timetables for service frequency.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying nearby in Miserden village, walking to the garden is possible via country lanes and footpaths, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes over uneven terrain. Suitable footwear is recommended.

The Garden at Miserden location weather suitability

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

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Discover more about The Garden at Miserden

A Heritage Garden with Architectural Elegance

The Garden at Miserden is a beautifully preserved 17th-century walled garden located within the Miserden Estate near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Its design reflects centuries of horticultural tradition combined with architectural touches by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who crafted the distinctive grass steps and the topiary yew walk. The garden’s backdrop is Miserden Park, built in 1620, whose historic presence enhances the garden’s timeless charm, especially when cloaked in springtime wisteria.

Floral Richness and Botanical Highlights

Visitors are greeted by some of the longest privately owned mixed borders in the region, where roses, clematis, herbaceous plants, and shrubs bloom from spring through autumn. The garden also features a tranquil rill with a fountain, a stone summerhouse, and an ancient mulberry tree believed to date back to 1620. A unique sycamore growing through a Cotswold stone wall adds to the garden’s enchanting character, while the parterre and arboretum provide further botanical interest.

Experience and Atmosphere

The Garden at Miserden offers a peaceful and contemplative environment, ideal for leisurely strolls and quiet reflection. Gravel and grass paths wind through the grounds, some including steps and uneven terrain, but alternatives ensure accessibility. The garden’s setting overlooking a deer park and the rolling hills of the Golden Valley creates stunning vistas that enhance the visitor experience. Benches scattered throughout provide restful spots to absorb the serene ambience.

Estate Walks and Wider Grounds

Beyond the walled garden, the Miserden Estate encompasses 850 acres of woodland, farmland, and parkland. Several marked walks, including the Lake Walk, Farm Walk, and Valley Walk, invite exploration of the estate’s diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats. Dogs are permitted on these estate walks but must be kept on leads due to livestock presence.

Visitor Amenities and Practical Information

Refreshments are available from the Little Ginger Café & Deli, located in a café trailer within the garden grounds, offering snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. The garden is open from spring through autumn, typically Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, from 10am to 5pm, with an admission fee of £12 for adults and free entry for children under 16. Assistance dogs are welcome, but other dogs are not permitted inside the garden. The site provides accessible parking and toilets, with most paths suitable for wheelchair access, though some routes include steps.

Cultural Significance and Events

The Garden at Miserden is part of the Historic Houses network and accepts membership cards for entry. It hosts seasonal exhibitions such as the Cotswolds Sculptors Association’s ‘Creating Spaces’ and offers group visits by prior arrangement. The garden’s blend of historic horticulture, architectural features, and natural beauty makes it a cherished cultural and natural landmark within the Cotswolds.

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