Colesbourne Gardens
One of England’s finest snowdrop gardens, set in a historic Cotswold estate with a blue lake and a world-class arboretum.
Nestled in the Cotswolds near Cheltenham, Colesbourne Gardens is one of England’s finest snowdrop gardens, set within a historic estate with a beautiful blue lake and a remarkable arboretum. Open only on select weekends in late winter and autumn, it offers a peaceful, seasonal escape through parkland, woodland walks, and rare plant collections. The gardens showcase over 300 snowdrop cultivars and champion trees gathered from around the world, all framed by centuries-old landscape design and quiet Cotswold charm.
A brief summary to Colesbourne Gardens
- Colesbourne Park, Cheltenham, Colesbourne, GL53 9NP, GB
- +441242870567
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 1 pm-4:30 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Check the official website before visiting, as the gardens are only open on specific weekends in late January and February for snowdrops, and on select autumn dates for the arboretum.
- Visit on weekdays if possible, as weekends can be busy; aim for mid-morning to mid-afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Wear sturdy footwear, as paths can be muddy in winter and autumn; waterproofs are advisable if rain is forecast.
- Bring a camera or sketchbook – the blue lake, snowdrop carpets and autumn colours make for stunning photos and drawings.
- Allow 2–3 hours to explore the gardens and parkland at a relaxed pace, including time for tea and a stroll around the lake.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Cheltenham, follow the A435 south towards Cirencester; Colesbourne Park is signposted from the village of Colesbourne. On-site event parking is available, with a short walk to the entrance. Allow about 20–30 minutes from central Cheltenham, depending on traffic.
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By public transport
Take a train or coach to Cheltenham, then connect to the local Stagecoach 51 bus to Colesbourne. From the village, it is a short walk to the estate entrance. Journey time from Cheltenham is around 45–60 minutes, including the bus ride and walk.
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From London
Drive via the M40 or M4, then the A34 to Oxford, the A40 west to Cheltenham, and the A435 south to Colesbourne. Typical driving time is 2–2.5 hours, with on-site parking available at the estate.
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From Bristol
Take the M5 to junction 11A, then the A417 toward Cirencester and the A435 north to Colesbourne. Driving time is roughly 1 hour, with event parking signposted at the estate.
Colesbourne Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Colesbourne Gardens
A Cotswold Garden of Snowdrops and Trees
Colesbourne Gardens, part of the Colesbourne Park estate near Cheltenham, is celebrated as one of the best snowdrop gardens in the Cotswolds. Set in a gently rolling landscape of parkland and woodland, the gardens are a seasonal highlight, opening only on select weekends in late January and February to showcase their spectacular snowdrop displays. Over 300 cultivars of Galanthus bloom here, including rare and early-flowering varieties such as Galanthus plicatus ‘Colossus’ and Galanthus elwesii ‘Carolyn Elwes’. These delicate white flowers carpet the ground beneath trees and around the historic lake, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere in the late winter light.The Blue Lake and Historic Landscape
The heart of the garden is the Blue Lake, created in 1922 and fed by one of the country’s first private hydroelectric dams. Its striking blue hue, caused by suspended clay particles and low algal content, reflects the surrounding trees and sky, adding a vivid contrast to the white snowdrops and winter greens. Paths wind around the lake and through the parkland, past the remains of a former Japanese garden near the Ice House and the estate’s grotto, whose origins are now lost to time. The landscape combines formal elements with naturalistic planting, offering a sense of quiet discovery as you explore the different garden areas and mature trees.A World of Champion Trees
The arboretum at Colesbourne Park is a living collection of trees gathered from around the world by Henry John Elwes, a noted botanist and plant hunter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the estate’s rare and notable trees are now champion trees, recognised as the tallest or largest of their species in Britain or Gloucestershire. During autumn, the parkland opens for guided tours, allowing visitors to walk among these remarkable specimens, including a Cryptomeria japonica brought back from Japan. The clear labelling and expert commentary make it a rewarding experience for tree lovers and casual visitors alike.A Seasonal Experience
Colesbourne Gardens is not a daily attraction but a carefully timed seasonal event. In winter, the focus is on snowdrops, with the Spring Garden housing the rarer cultivars and the wider estate offering broad vistas of snowdrop carpets. In autumn, the parkland opens for guided tours, highlighting the changing foliage and champion trees. This limited opening schedule preserves the character of the private estate and ensures a more intimate, uncrowded experience. The estate remains a working family property, with the house not generally open to the public, but the gardens and parkland are generously shared with visitors on these special weekends.Practical Details for Visitors
The gardens are easily accessible by car, with on-site parking and a short walk to the entrance. A tea room operates on open days, often run by local charities, serving hot drinks and light refreshments. Toilets are available, and the site is largely wheelchair accessible, though some paths may be uneven in wet weather. Dogs are welcome on leads, making it a good choice for families and pet owners. Because the estate opens only on specific dates, it is essential to check the official website for current opening times, admission prices, and any access restrictions before planning a visit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
