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The Garden at Miserden: A Timeless Cotswold Sanctuary

Historic 17th-century walled garden with serene views, exquisite topiary, and vibrant borders overlooking the Cotswold Golden Valley.

4.5

Nestled near Stroud in Gloucestershire, The Garden at Miserden is a historic 17th-century walled garden renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, exquisite topiary yew walk designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and expansive herbaceous borders. Overlooking the Golden Valley and deer park, it offers visitors peaceful strolls, stunning views, and a charming café experience amid heritage and natural beauty.

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 fullest display of flowers and the wisteria-clad backdrop of Miserden Park.
  • Take time to explore the estate’s marked walks beyond the garden for varied scenery and wildlife spotting.
  • Refresh yourself at the Little Ginger Café & Deli food trailer offering light lunches, snacks, and drinks within the garden grounds.
  • Wear comfortable footwear suitable for gravel and some uneven paths; wheelchair access is mostly available with some alternative routes.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome in the garden, but other dogs are only allowed on estate walks and must be kept on a lead.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Stroud, the journey to Miserden Garden takes approximately 20-30 minutes via the A417 and local roads. Free parking is available onsite, but coach parking requires advance booking. The route involves rural roads with narrow sections.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Stroud to nearby villages, but no direct bus stops at Miserden Garden. Visitors can take a bus to Birdlip or Whiteway, then use a taxi for the remaining 3-4 miles. Bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from Stroud or nearby towns can reach Miserden Garden in about 20-30 minutes. This is a convenient option if public transport is unavailable or for groups. Costs vary but expect around £20-£30 one way.

  • Walking

    Walking to the garden from Miserden village involves rural paths and minor roads, taking approximately 30-45 minutes. Terrain includes gravel and some uneven ground, so suitable footwear is recommended.

The Garden at Miserden location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about The Garden at Miserden

Historic Roots and Architectural Elegance

The Garden at Miserden is a remarkable example of a 17th-century walled garden that has been carefully preserved and nurtured through generations. Its design reflects a blend of classic garden architecture and the creative influence of Sir Edwin Lutyens, who contributed the iconic grass steps and the topiary yew walk. The garden is set against the backdrop of Miserden Park, a manor house built in 1620, whose presence adds a stately charm despite being closed to the public. The estate’s history is palpable throughout the garden, from the ancient mulberry tree planted in 1620 to the vintage glasshouses and stone summerhouse, all of which evoke a sense of timelessness and heritage.

Flora and Garden Features

Visitors can explore some of the longest privately owned mixed herbaceous borders in the UK, featuring a rich variety of roses, clematis, delphiniums, hydrangeas, and other shrubs that provide vibrant color from spring through autumn. The garden’s layout includes a tranquil parterre, a rill with a fountain, and a pergola of climbing roses, creating a series of intimate spaces for reflection and enjoyment. Unique botanical curiosities, such as a sycamore tree growing through a Cotswold stone wall, add character and intrigue. The garden’s design balances formal elements with naturalistic woodland and arboretum areas, offering diverse landscapes within its grounds.

Scenic Views and Estate Walks

Beyond the garden walls, the estate encompasses 850 acres of woodland, farmland, and parkland, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a scenic escape. The garden overlooks the deer park and the rolling hills of the Golden Valley, offering panoramic views that change with the seasons. Visitors can extend their visit by exploring marked walks around the estate, including the Lake Walk, Farm Walk, and Valley Walk. These trails wind through varied terrain and habitats, inviting nature lovers to experience the broader landscape of the Cotswolds.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The Garden at Miserden welcomes visitors primarily from spring to autumn, with opening hours typically from 10am to 5pm on Wednesdays through Sundays and Bank Holidays. Admission is £12 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free. The garden is mostly wheelchair accessible, with gravel paths and some routes featuring steps or uneven ground but alternative paths available. Dogs are not permitted inside the garden except for assistance dogs, though they are allowed on estate walks with a lead due to livestock. Refreshments are available from the Little Ginger Café & Deli, which operates a food trailer within the garden grounds offering light lunches, snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Several benches and sheltered seating areas are scattered throughout the garden, providing restful spots to enjoy the surroundings. The garden also hosts special exhibitions, such as the Cotswolds Sculptors Association’s ‘Creating Spaces,’ enriching the cultural experience.

Conservation and Sustainable Practices

Miserden Garden is managed with a focus on sustainability and conservation, maintaining a low-impact environment that supports local wildlife habitats. The estate’s extensive grounds are a protected area, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and preserving the natural beauty of the Cotswold landscape. Visitors are encouraged to respect the Leave-No-Trace principles to help sustain this tranquil haven.

Planning Your Visit

The garden is located near the village of Miserden, close to Stroud in Gloucestershire. Visitors should check current opening times on the official website as the garden closes for the winter season and reopens in spring. Group visits require advance booking via email. Free parking is available onsite, with coach parking arranged in the village by prior arrangement. Mobile reception is generally strong, and the garden offers a peaceful retreat suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and garden enthusiasts alike. With its blend of historic charm, horticultural beauty, and serene landscapes, The Garden at Miserden offers a quintessential Cotswold experience that invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature and heritage.

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