Cerney House Gardens
A romantic Victorian walled garden where time stands still amid old-fashioned roses, organic kitchen gardens, and woodland trails.
A romantic Victorian walled garden spanning 40 acres in the Cotswolds near Cirencester, Cerney House Gardens is a tranquil escape filled with herbaceous borders, old-fashioned roses, working kitchen gardens, and woodland trails. Operated by the Angus family on an honesty-box system, the gardens showcase seasonal beauty from snowdrops in winter to vibrant summer blooms, complemented by a charming Bothy tea room serving homemade cakes.
A brief summary to Cerney House Gardens
- Cerney House, Cirencester, North Cerney, GL7 7BX, GB
- +441285831300
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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 system, though PayPal is also accepted. Entry is typically around £5–£7 per adult, with reduced rates for single visitors and 2-for-1 offers available through Gardeners' World Magazine.
- Visit from late spring through mid-October for the most vibrant displays; roses peak from mid-June to mid-July, while snowdrops carpet the woodlands in February and early March.
- Allow at least two hours for a leisurely exploration, though half a day is ideal to fully appreciate the walled garden, woodland walks, and Bothy tea room without rushing.
- Pack a picnic or plan lunch at the nearby Bathurst Arms pub; the Bothy offers only light refreshments and homemade cakes, so it is not suitable as a full meal replacement.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as gravel paths and gentle inclines characterise the gardens; bring a camera or phone for photography, as the gardens are exceptionally picturesque year-round.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Cirencester
From Cirencester town centre, drive north on the A435 towards Cheltenham for approximately 5 kilometres. Cerney House Gardens is located at North Cerney on the A435 between Cirencester and Cheltenham. Journey time is roughly 10–15 minutes. Free on-site parking is available. The gardens are well signposted from the main road.
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Car from Cheltenham
From Cheltenham town centre, drive south on the A435 towards Cirencester for approximately 20 kilometres. The gardens are clearly marked on the A435 at North Cerney. Journey time is approximately 25–30 minutes. Free parking is provided at the gardens.
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Public Transport from Cirencester
Cirencester railway station offers connections to London Paddington and other major cities. From Cirencester town centre, local bus services operate towards North Cerney and Cheltenham; journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on service frequency. Check local transport schedules in advance, as rural services may be limited. The gardens are accessible by public transport, though a short walk from the nearest bus stop may be required.
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Walking from North Cerney Village
If staying in North Cerney village, the gardens are accessible on foot via country lanes and footpaths. The walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on your starting point within the village. The route follows quiet rural roads with some inclines; wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for variable weather conditions typical of the Cotswolds.
Cerney House Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cerney House Gardens
A Secret Garden Transformed Through Time
Cerney House Gardens began as a modest garden overlooking the Elizabethan Cerney House, but underwent a profound transformation during the Victorian era into the romantic estate it is today. Originally developed extensively by Lady Angus and her daughter Barbara, the gardens were later lovingly restored and expanded by Sir Michael and Lady Angus, who purchased the property after it had served as a hospital during World War II. The walled garden had even been converted to a sheep pasture during wartime, yet the family's dedication brought it back to its former glory. Now maintained by the Angus family with an organic philosophy, the gardens remain a living testament to generations of horticultural passion and care.The Victorian Walled Garden and Its Botanical Treasures
At the heart of Cerney House Gardens lies a stunning 3.5-acre red brick walled garden, sloping gently across the landscape and offering a sense of intimate discovery at every turn. The Victorian design features a formal knot garden that explodes with colour from spring tulips, followed by summer alliums and a lavender walk that perfumes the air. Herbaceous borders overflow with old-fashioned favourites, their scents mingling with those of climbing roses and heritage varieties trained along trellises. A medicinal herb garden provides educational interest, while newer additions like the 'Hot Border' and 'Contrast Border' ensure late-summer colour when many gardens fade. The working kitchen garden grows heritage vegetables, demonstrating sustainable, organic practices that celebrate nature's rhythms rather than fighting against them.Seasonal Splendour Across the Grounds
The gardens reveal different personalities throughout the year, inviting return visits to witness nature's continuous transformation. Winter brings swathes of snowdrops carpeting the woodlands in February and early March, creating an ethereal landscape when frost and snow dust the ground. Spring arrives with acid-yellow daffodils, purple aconites, and the iconic English bluebell, which flourishes in the woodland areas leading down to the front of the house. Early summer showcases the celebrated rose walk in full bloom, with mid-June to mid-July offering the most spectacular displays. As autumn approaches, the surrounding trees turn to gold and the light mellows, while dahlias provide colour well into mid-October. The entire 40-acre estate encompasses an orchard, fragrant bluebell woods, a beautiful rose walk, and a rockery, each section offering its own character and charm.Woodland Walks and Natural Habitats
Beyond the walled garden, woodland nature trails wind through 40 acres of Cotswold parkland, where visitors can discover wildlife and listen to birdsong from the surrounding woods. These paths lead through bluebell woods in spring and connect various garden sections, allowing for leisurely exploration at a gentle pace. The gardens work in conjunction with nature rather than imposing rigid control, creating habitats where butterflies and bees abound among the flowering plants. This philosophy of working with the landscape rather than against it has resulted in a garden that feels both cultivated and naturally harmonious.The Bothy Tea Room and Visitor Experience
The beautifully renovated Bothy building houses a self-service honesty tea room where visitors can enjoy homemade cakes and light refreshments including coffee, tea, and soft drinks. The cakes are renowned for their generous portions and quality, making this a highlight of many visits. The Potting Shed shop allows visitors to purchase plants and garden-related items, also operating on an honesty system. Seating areas throughout the gardens provide places to rest and absorb the peaceful atmosphere, while picnic areas accommodate those bringing their own provisions. The entire operation runs on trust and honour, reflecting the family's philosophy of creating a welcoming, unpretentious space where visitors feel respected and valued.Accessibility and Practical Considerations
The walled garden is accessible to electric wheelchairs, and accessible parking is available near the entrance. However, visitors using manual wheelchairs may find the gravel paths and inclines challenging in some areas. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the gardens. The honesty-box entry system accepts both cash and PayPal payments, though having cash on hand is convenient. The gardens operate daily from 10 am to 7 pm, remaining open year-round so visitors can experience the full cycle of seasonal change. This accessibility approach, combined with the honesty system, demonstrates the family's commitment to welcoming all visitors while maintaining the garden's intimate, personal character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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The Old Smokery
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The Gallery Restaurant
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Modern European dining in the heart of Bibury, blending local Cotswold produce with elegant country charm at The Swan Hotel.
The Old Boathouse
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Le Champignon Sauvage
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The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham
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The Potting Shed Pub
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Purslane Restaurant
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Lumiere
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Moonstruck
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m.a.d.e.
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Surprises
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Discover unique gifts and local charm at Surprises, Cirencester’s beloved Market Place gift shop open six days a week.
White Stuff Cirencester
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Discover stylish, sustainable fashion for all ages at White Stuff Cirencester, nestled in the heart of historic Castle Street.
The Cotswold General Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
