Open 10am to 5pm, Tues-Fri, Apr-Oct (excl Easter and Bank Hols) Located in the lovely North Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Hill, Bourton House Garden is a hidden treasure. It is a relatively ‘new’ garden; having been created over a twenty year time frame in the 80’s and 90’s but is now recognised as one of the finest gardens in the UK. Beautiful all year round, it is absolutely glorious in the
summer and autumn months, when the deep herbaceous borders amaze visitors with their colour and the wide variety of unusual plants. Many groups from all over the world visit the garden each year and day visitors return time after time. For many, it is their favourite garden; its tranquil atmosphere providing peace and its planting providing inspiration. Surrounding a fine 18th century Manor House and Grade I listed 16th century Tithe Barn, the three acre garden features imaginative topiary including a secluded knot garden, a topiary walk and a flamboyant parterre. Spring-fed water features include a raised Basket Pond from the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Fountain courtyard and a pond in the White Garden complete with koi carp. A unique Shade House tucked away in a quiet corner provides shelter for novel shade-loving plants. The White Garden, with creative planting to engage the interest from spring to autumn, is flanked on either side by sculpted yew hedges topped with an ‘ogee’ arch; a repeated theme throughout the garden in hedging, trellis work and metalwork. Magnificent wide herbaceous borders lead to a raised terrace with extensive views of the rolling Cotswold countryside. Head Gardener Paul Nicholls is responsible for the planting schemes; his use of tender and exotic plants coupled with an imaginative colour palette will excite the interest of the dedicated plantsman, the garden enthusiast and the casual visitor. In 2006, Bourton House Garden won the prestigious HHA/Christie’s ‘Garden of the Year’ award and in 2013 won Cotswolds Tourism’s silver award for ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’. In 2015, the garden won a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for receiving consistently good reviews from visitors. In the seven acre field opposite the garden, a walk has been created around the groups of specimen trees planted in 1994/95. An informative leaflet, written by the Head Gardener, is available and admission to the walk is free to all visitors to the garden. Delicious home-made cakes, tea, coffee and soft drinks are served in our splendid 16th century Tithe Barn, where you will also find a small selection of gifts and greetings cards and the occasional art exhibition. There is also seating in the old orchard behind the barn, a delightful place to enjoy tea in clement weather! Bourton House Garden is open from Tuesday to Friday from April to the end of October (excluding Easter and Bank Holidays). Groups are welcome Monday to Friday but advance booking is essential. The Tea Room is open from May to the end of September.
