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Hidcote Manor Garden

A world-famous Arts and Crafts garden in the North Cotswolds, where intimate 'garden rooms' and seasonal planting create a timeless horticultural masterpiece.

4.7

Nestled in the North Cotswolds, Hidcote Manor Garden is a world-renowned Arts and Crafts-style garden created by Lawrence Johnston. Divided into a series of intimate ‘garden rooms’, each with its own character and planting scheme, it’s a masterpiece of 20th-century garden design. The garden features formal terraces, herbaceous borders, a red border, a long walk, and a beech allee, all set within a gently rolling landscape. Managed by the National Trust, Hidcote offers a peaceful retreat for garden lovers, with a café, shop, and seasonal sculpture exhibitions.

A brief summary to National Trust - Hidcote

  • Chipping Campden, Hidcote Bartrim, GL55 6LR, GB
  • +441386438333
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit mid-afternoon in summer to avoid the busiest coach groups and enjoy a quieter stroll through the garden rooms.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – the garden is extensive, with gravel paths, steps, and uneven surfaces, especially in the outer areas.
  • Check the National Trust website before your visit for current opening times, any special exhibitions, and whether the Manor House is open.
  • Bring a light jacket or umbrella; the Cotswolds can be changeable, and some seating areas are exposed to wind and sun.
  • Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the main garden, plus extra time if you plan to visit the Manor House, café, and shop.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Chipping Campden, follow local signs to Hidcote Bartrim. The drive takes about 10 minutes on narrow country lanes. There is a gravel and grass car park on site with designated spaces for blue badge holders; campervans over 5m must pre-book.

  • Public Transport

    From Chipping Campden, take a local taxi or pre-booked minicab to Hidcote Bartrim, a journey of around 10–15 minutes. There is no direct bus service to the garden, but Chipping Campden is well connected by bus to nearby towns.

  • Walking

    From Chipping Campden, a scenic walk of about 2.5 km (30–40 minutes) follows country lanes and footpaths to Hidcote Bartrim. The route is undulating with some narrow sections and can be muddy in wet weather; sturdy footwear is recommended.

  • Cycling

    Cyclists can reach Hidcote via quiet country lanes from Chipping Campden in about 15–20 minutes. There are cycle racks on site, but the paths within the garden are gravel and uneven, making them less suitable for bikes.

National Trust - Hidcote location weather suitability

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A Garden of Rooms and Surprises

Hidcote Manor Garden is one of the most influential Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain, conceived in the early 20th century by Lawrence Johnston, a passionate plantsman and designer. Rather than a single sweeping vista, Hidcote unfolds as a sequence of intimate ‘garden rooms’, each separated by hedges, walls, and pergolas, creating a sense of discovery with every turn. Some rooms are formal and geometric, others wild and romantic, but all share a careful balance of structure, colour, and texture. The famous Red Border, the White Garden, the Lime Walk, and the Long Walk are just a few highlights that showcase Johnston’s eye for detail and seasonal drama.

Design and Legacy

The garden’s layout reflects the Arts and Crafts movement’s love of craftsmanship, order, and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Johnston used local stone, traditional materials, and strong architectural elements—terraces, steps, pools, and pavilions—to frame views and create rhythm. Over decades, he refined the planting, introducing rare and exotic species alongside classic English perennials. The result is a garden that feels both timeless and innovative, a place where structure and spontaneity coexist. Hidcote’s influence can be seen in countless gardens across the UK and beyond, making it a must-see for anyone interested in garden history and design.

Exploring the Grounds

Beyond the formal garden rooms, the estate extends into orchards, meadows, and woodland walks, offering a more relaxed, naturalistic experience. The Long Walk leads through a beech allee towards a distant viewpoint, while the old orchard and surrounding fields provide a quieter, pastoral counterpoint to the structured heart of the garden. Seasonal changes bring their own rewards: spring bulbs, summer roses and herbaceous borders, autumn foliage, and winter structure. Sculpture exhibitions and special displays are often woven through the garden and Manor House, adding another layer of interest and surprise for repeat visitors.

Visitor Experience

A visit to Hidcote is as much about atmosphere as it is about horticulture. The garden invites slow, thoughtful exploration, with plenty of benches and quiet corners to pause and absorb the surroundings. Winthrop’s Café, located in the garden, offers light lunches, cakes, and drinks, while the National Trust shop and plant centre provide a wide range of gifts, books, and plants inspired by the garden. The Manor House is often open, giving insight into the life and tastes of its creator. With its combination of formal design, natural beauty, and thoughtful curation, Hidcote offers a deeply satisfying experience for garden enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape in the Cotswolds.

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