Background

Bourton House Garden: A Tranquil Cotswold Haven of Horticultural Elegance

Explore the tranquil elegance of Bourton House Garden, a historic Cotswold gem with exquisite topiary, a White Garden, and stunning countryside views.

4.7

Bourton House Garden is a beautifully maintained 3-acre garden set around an 18th-century manor house and a Grade I listed 16th-century tithe barn in Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire. Open Tuesday to Friday from April to October, it features exquisite topiary, a serene White Garden, water features, a Shade House with tender perennials, and a scenic Tree Walk through a seven-acre field. The garden offers stunning views across the Cotswold countryside and a welcoming café in the historic tithe barn.

A brief summary to Bourton House Garden

  • Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Hill, GL56 9AE, GB
  • +441386700754
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the garden paths and Tree Walk cover varied terrain.
  • Enjoy refreshments at the café housed in the historic tithe barn, open during the garden’s season.
  • Bring a camera to capture the iconic topiary and panoramic views across the Gloucestershire countryside.
  • Check opening days carefully as the garden is open Tuesday to Friday only, from April to October.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton House Garden takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Parking is available opposite the garden free of charge. Note that the garden is open Tuesday to Friday only during the season, and parking can fill during peak times.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Hill with a journey time of around 20-30 minutes. Service frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance. From the village, a 10-minute walk on country lanes leads to the garden entrance.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying in Bourton-on-the-Hill village, the garden is accessible by a pleasant 10-15 minute walk along quiet rural roads and footpaths. Terrain is mostly flat but may be uneven in places, so suitable footwear is recommended.

Bourton House Garden location weather suitability

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

Unlock the Best of Bourton House Garden

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bourton House Garden

Historic Roots and Architectural Charm

Bourton House Garden is nestled beside an 18th-century manor house and the Grade I listed 16th-century tithe barn, which adds a rich historical context to the garden’s serene setting. While the manor house remains a private residence and is not open to the public, the tithe barn serves as a charming focal point and houses a popular café and plant sales area. The garden’s layout and features reflect a harmonious blend of historical architecture and carefully curated horticulture, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional English country estate aesthetics.

Distinctive Garden Features and Plantings

Spanning three acres, the garden is renowned for its exquisite topiary walk, where sculpted shrubs create elegant shapes that delight the eye. The White Garden is a standout feature, showcasing a palette of white and silver foliage and blooms that evoke a sense of calm and purity. Water features add gentle movement and sound, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The Shade House shelters tender perennials in a slatted greenhouse structure, creating a microclimate for more delicate plants. Throughout the garden, colorful borders and creatively planted pots introduce vibrant contrasts, while a herb and vegetable garden adds a touch of productive greenery.

A Scenic Tree Walk and Countryside Vistas

Beyond the formal garden lies the Tree Walk, a seven-acre field planted with specimen trees since the mid-1990s. This gently meandering path invites visitors to enjoy a peaceful stroll amid mature trees, offering seasonal changes in color and texture. From various points in the garden and the Tree Walk, visitors can admire sweeping views across the rolling Gloucestershire countryside, making it a favored spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. A free tree guide is available to enrich the experience.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The garden is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, from April through the end of October, with admission priced at £10 per adult and free entry for under-16s. The historic tithe barn café offers a welcoming place to relax with tea, cakes, and light refreshments during the open season, typically until the end of September. The garden’s compact size means visitors can comfortably explore in a few hours, yet its rich plant diversity and design detail offer plenty to discover. Dogs are not permitted except for assistance animals, ensuring a peaceful environment.

Seasonal Highlights and Horticultural Excellence

Bourton House Garden is celebrated for its immaculate maintenance and seasonal displays. It is particularly spectacular in late summer when many gardens are past their peak, yet Bourton House bursts with color and interest. The garden’s plant combinations are often unusual and exciting, appealing to both casual visitors and serious gardeners. The blend of formal and naturalistic elements, combined with the historic setting, creates a unique garden experience that reflects the best of the Cotswolds’ horticultural heritage.

Location and Surrounding Area

Situated in the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Hill near Moreton-in-Marsh, the garden benefits from a tranquil rural setting. Parking is available opposite the garden, and the area is known for its charming Cotswold stone architecture and rolling landscapes. Visitors can combine a visit with exploring the surrounding Cotswold villages and countryside, making Bourton House Garden a delightful destination for a half-day or full-day outing.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Bourton House Garden

Popular Hotels near Bourton House Garden

Select Currency