Sezincote House & Garden
India's most authentic Mughal palace in Western Europe, set within a romantic Cotswold garden of pools, temples, and exotic planting.
Sezincote is an extraordinary Mughal Indian palace set amidst the rolling Cotswold Hills, featuring a striking copper onion dome, minarets, and intricate jali-work railings. Built in 1805 by Charles Cockerell, this unique architectural marvel is surrounded by a romantic Picturesque garden with seven spring-fed pools, cascading waterfalls, a Temple to Surya, and a Persian Garden of Paradise. The curving Orangery frames the gardens, and visitors can enjoy tea and cakes while soaking in the exotic atmosphere. Open March to November on select days.
A brief summary to Sezincote House & Garden
- Moreton-in-Marsh, Sezincote, GL56 9AW, GB
- +441386700444
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- 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 are limited to small groups and sell out quickly. Garden-only visitors can pay on arrival without pre-booking.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—the path from the car park to the house is downhill, but the return journey is uphill. Allow 20 minutes for the walk and any ticket office queue.
- Visit during May to September to experience the house, Orangery Tearoom, and full garden facilities. The garden alone remains open March to November, but the tearoom closes outside the summer season.
- Plan for at least half a day to explore the house, gardens, and enjoy tea in the Orangery. The garden's valley setting and multiple pools reward leisurely wandering.
- Check the official website before visiting, as opening days are limited to Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Bank Holiday Mondays. Weekends are reserved for weddings during summer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Moreton-in-Marsh
From Moreton-in-Marsh town centre, drive northwest on the A44 toward Evesham for approximately 3 miles. Sezincote's entrance is signposted on the right side of the road, opposite Batsford Arboretum. Follow the drive uphill to the car park. Journey time is approximately 10 minutes. Free parking is available at the site.
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Car from Bourton-on-the-Water
From Bourton-on-the-Water, head north on the A429 toward Stow-on-the-Wold for 2 miles, then turn right onto the A44 eastbound. Continue for approximately 4 miles until you reach Sezincote's entrance on the left, opposite Batsford Arboretum. Journey time is approximately 15 minutes. Free parking is provided.
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Coach or Group Transport
Coaches should use the front drive opposite Batsford Arboretum on the A44, then drive 1 mile uphill past the garden entrance to reach the designated coach car park. Disabled parking and drop-off areas are available near the ticket office at the entrance to the house and gardens.
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Public Transport from Moreton-in-Marsh Station
Moreton-in-Marsh railway station is approximately 3 miles south of Sezincote. Local taxi services operate from the station, with a journey time of around 10 minutes and typical fares between £12–18. Alternatively, local bus services may connect the town to nearby villages; check local transport providers for current schedules and routes.
Sezincote House & Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Sezincote House & Garden
An Indian Palace in the English Countryside
Sezincote stands as one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in Western Europe—a fully realized Mughal Indian palace transplanted into the gentle landscape of Gloucestershire. Built in 1805 by Charles Cockerell, a wealthy nabob who had spent formative years in India, the house represents a bold departure from conventional English country house design. The structure is crowned by a weathered-copper onion dome and flanked by slender minarets, while intricate jali-work railings, peacock-tail windows, and pavilions echo the architectural vocabulary of Rajasthan. The south front unfolds with a graceful curve, framing the Persian Garden of Paradise beyond. Samuel Pepys Cockerell, the owner's younger brother and a talented architect, oversaw the design with guidance from Thomas Daniell, the celebrated painter of Indian architectural scenery, ensuring historical authenticity in every detail.A Landscape Inspired by Romantic Ideals
The gardens surrounding Sezincote represent a masterpiece of Picturesque landscape design, created to evoke the romantic ruins and palaces that Daniell had captured in his paintings of India. Rather than imposing rigid formality, the garden unfolds as a series of discoveries—winding paths descend through mature woodland toward a valley blessed with seven spring-fed pools connected by gentle streams and cascading water. The Island Pool sits at the valley's heart, eventually feeding into the River Evenlode below. A graceful Indian Bridge spans the water, while grottoes and follies punctuate the landscape, inviting exploration and contemplation. The Temple to Surya, dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, stands as a focal point of spiritual significance, adding layers of meaning to the garden's design.Twentieth-Century Refinement and Modern Planting
In the 1950s, the renowned plantsman Graham Stuart Thomas brought his distinctive vision to Sezincote, introducing serpentine-edged borders beside the pools and streams. These beds showcase his favorite perennials—hostas, astilbes, rodgersia, and peltiphyllum peltatum—creating a sophisticated tapestry of foliage and texture that complements the water features and architectural elements. More recent additions include a wildflower meadow with an avenue of Persian quinces, while Sufi poetry inscriptions on the Persian garden steps add contemplative depth. The layering of design across two centuries creates a garden that feels both historically grounded and continuously evolving.The Orangery and Tearoom Experience
A curving Orangery, designed to frame views of the Persian Garden, houses a welcoming tearoom where visitors can enjoy light refreshments while gazing out onto the exotic landscape. Tea and homemade cakes are served during the house opening season, providing a moment of rest and reflection within the garden experience. The Orangery itself is an architectural gem, its curved form echoing the organic lines of the landscape while maintaining the classical proportions that define the estate.Historical Significance and Architectural Influence
Sezincote's influence on British architectural history extends far beyond its own boundaries. The Prince Regent visited in 1807 and was so captivated by the house that it inspired his commissioning of the Brighton Pavilion, one of England's most iconic structures. This connection underscores Sezincote's role in introducing Indian aesthetic principles to the British consciousness during the height of the Raj era. The house remains the only authentically Mughal building surviving in Western Europe, a testament to the vision and resources of its creators and the enduring appeal of its design.A Living Family Home and Wedding Venue
Sezincote functions as a private family residence, full of dogs, cats, and children, lending it an authentic lived-in quality that distinguishes it from purely institutional heritage sites. The estate is managed according to traditional English agricultural standards, with mixed farming, permanent grassland, and carefully managed woodlands that provide wildlife habitat. During summer months, the house hosts a small number of carefully curated weddings, transforming the theatrical landscape into an intimate celebration venue while maintaining the integrity of the gardens and the visitor experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
West Banqueting House
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Old Campden House
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National Trust - Hidcote
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Hailes Abbey
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Hailes Church
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The Rollright Stones
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Bliss Tweed Mill
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Sudeley Castle Gardens
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Sudeley Castle
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Belas Knap Long Barrow
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Explore Gloucestershire
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Church of St Peter and St Paul, Northleach
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Cleeve Hill
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Whittington Court
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National Trust - Lodge Park and Sherborne Park Estate
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cotswold Barn
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Bourton House Garden
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Explore the tranquil elegance of Bourton House Garden, a historic Cotswold gem with exquisite topiary, a White Garden, and stunning countryside views.
Cotswold Falconry Centre
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Discover the majesty of birds of prey through thrilling displays and close encounters at the Cotswold Falconry Centre in scenic Batsford.
Lady’s Well
5.3 km
Discover the tranquil Lady’s Well in Lower Swell, a historic holy spring famed for its healing waters and timeless spiritual traditions.
Market Square
5.6 km
Historic Market Square at the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, where centuries of trade, architecture, and English rural charm converge.
St Edward's Church
5.7 km
Discover the medieval charm and legendary Tolkien Door of St Edward's Church, a historic gem in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Cotswolds AONB
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Explore the Cotswolds AONB: rolling hills, honey-hued villages, and timeless English countryside charm across nearly 800 square miles.
The Porch House
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Cotswold Farm Park
7.2 km
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Cotswold Lavender
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Broadway Tower
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Explore Broadway Tower, a historical landmark in the Cotswolds offering stunning views and rich heritage in a picturesque setting.
National Trust - Chastleton House
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Snowshill
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Discover Snowshill, a charming Cotswold village where historic manor, vibrant gardens, and lavender fields create a serene and captivating escape.
Upper Slaughter
8.1 km
Discover Upper Slaughter, a serene Cotswold village where history, nature, and timeless English charm converge along the tranquil River Eye.
National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden
8.2 km
Discover the enchanting 16th-century manor and whimsical Arts and Crafts garden of Charles Wade’s eclectic collection in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Essential places to dine
Horse and Groom
1.5 km
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The Old Stocks Inn
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The Old Butchers
5.8 km
A family-run gem in Stow-on-the-Wold offering exquisite European cuisine in a warm, historic setting with exceptional seafood and steaks.
Fig Restaurant, Campden
8.3 km
A stylish modern European restaurant in Chipping Campden, serving seasonal dishes and elegant afternoon tea within the Cotswold House Hotel & Spa.
The Shed
8.7 km
A relaxed Cotswold bar and restaurant with roaring fires, local food, and a convivial atmosphere, perfect for drinks, light meals, and easygoing evenings.
The Back Garden
8.7 km
Elegant garden-inspired dining at Dormy House, blending Cotswold produce with Mediterranean flair in a sunlit, serene setting.
The Halfway at Kineton
8.7 km
A charming 17th-century Cotswold pub blending rustic ambiance with refined seasonal British cuisine and warm hospitality.
MO
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The Ebrington Arms
9.0 km
A timeless Cotswold village pub offering rustic charm, gourmet dining, and cozy country accommodation in idyllic Ebrington.
the scenic supper
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Experience farm-to-table dining in a stunning Cotswold glasshouse with seasonal menus and panoramic countryside views.
Russell’s of Broadway
10.0 km
Elegant boutique hotel and acclaimed restaurant blending historic charm with refined British cuisine in the heart of Broadway, Cotswolds.
Buckland Manor
10.2 km
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The Rose Tree Restaurant
10.4 km
Charming riverside British dining in a historic Cotswold cottage with cozy interiors and scenic garden views.
The Croft Restaurant
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A charming riverside restaurant in Bourton-on-the-Water serving fresh, locally sourced English cuisine in a welcoming and scenic setting.
The Kingham Plough
11.3 km
A charming Cotswold village inn blending traditional character with modern British cuisine and stylish comfort in the heart of Kingham.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cotswold Grey
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Discover rustic elegance and expert interior design at Cotswold Grey, Moreton-in-Marsh’s premier home furniture and décor destination.
The Cotswold Snug
3.7 km
Discover authentic Cotswold crafts and gifts in a cozy, welcoming shop nestled in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh’s historic High Street.
The Cotswold Company (Flagship Store)
5.7 km
Step into a beautifully styled Cotswold home at The Cotswold Company’s flagship store in Stow-on-the-Wold, where timeless furniture and homewares come to life.
Ella's Emporium
5.7 km
A charming Cotswold gift shop with handmade fudge, unique homewares, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Curated Store
5.7 km
Discover unique vintage fashion, artisan homewares, and timeless treasures in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold’s charming market square.
Mooch The Cotswolds - Handmade Homeware & Clothing
8.3 km
Discover handcrafted luxury sleepwear and homeware inspired by Cotswold heritage, crafted with passion and sustainable artistry.
The Attic
8.3 km
Sustainable luxury fashion in the heart of the Cotswolds—designer pieces with character and conscience.
Cotswold Luxe
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Luxury home furnishings and artisanal décor curated for timeless interior inspiration.
Cotswold Food Hampers
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Whatever The Weather
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Cotswold Picture Shop
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Cotswold Trading - Broadway
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Cotswolds Distillery Shop
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Wild at Heart
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Betty & Violet
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Coach & Horses
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The Bakers Arms
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The Fox at Oddington
7.9 km
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Snowshill Arms
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Eight Bells Inn
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Hollow Bottom
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Kingsbridge
10.5 km
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The Watering Hole - Event Bars
12.2 km
Discover The Watering Hole, where exceptional cocktails and event planning unite in the stunning Cotswolds, perfect for weddings and gatherings.
The Howard Arms Ilmington
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The Lion Inn
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The Lamb Inn
17.3 km
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The Cotswold Arms
20.4 km
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The Royal Oak, Prestbury
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The Bull - El Toro | Stratford-Upon-Avon
23.5 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Stratford Upon Avon Bridge Club
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2 PIGS
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Coco
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Fat Cat Comedy Club
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The 21 Club
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Stratford Play House
24.0 km
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MooMoo Clubrooms Cheltenham
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Experience Cheltenham’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic music, VIP vibes, and late-night energy at MooMoo Clubrooms.
Popworld - Cheltenham
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Cheltenham’s lively late-night hotspot where cheesy pop tunes and creative cocktails fuel unforgettable party nights.
Caz Bar Nightclub
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Home and Botanic Nightclub
24.2 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Cheltenham’s Home and Botanic, a multi-room club offering cocktails, live piano, DJs, and unforgettable nights.
Thirteen Degrees
24.2 km
Cheltenham’s late-night hotspot for dancing, cocktails, and private events in a central urban setting.
Under the Prom
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Experience Cheltenham’s vibrant nightlife with premium drinks, three unique bars, and VIP service at Under The Prom nightclub.
ReVA Nightclub
32.7 km
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ATIK Gloucester
35.9 km
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Bar Fever Gloucester
36.0 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
