Bourton House Garden

Origins & Garden Evolution

  • The three-acre garden was created beginning in 1983, when new owners, Mr. & Mrs. R. Paice, transformed what was previously a neglected wilderness into an elegant and thoughtfully designed landscaping surrounding the Georgian Bourton House and its Grade I listed 16th-century tithe barn.

  • It opened to the public for a single National Garden Scheme day in 1987, and later gained significant acclaim, winning the HHA/Christie’s ‘Garden of the Year’ in 2006 and the Cotswolds Tourism ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ (Silver) in 2013

Pasture Walk & Tree Collection

  • In 2013, a seven-acre pasture walk was opened opposite the garden, featuring groups of specimen trees planted in 1994/95.

  • Visitors receive a free tree guide, penned by former Head Gardener Paul Nicholls, offering insight into each species along the mown paths.

Design Highlights & Garden Features

  • The garden blends Arts-and-Crafts planting within a Renaissance-style layout, featuring lawns, topiary walks, knot garden, parterre, potager, herbaceous borders, and a fountain courtyard, all framed by golden Cotswold stone architecture.

  • Key features include:

    • Topiary Walk and knot garden, formed by sculpted box hedging that creates structured pathways and sculptural form.

    • White Garden, edged by ogee-arched yew hedges, creating a serene and elegant planting scheme with seasonal interest.

    • Water features: notably, a raised Basket Pond from the Great Exhibition of 1851, a fountain courtyard, and a koi pond nestled within the White Garden.

    • A Shade House that shelters delicate, shade-loving exotics—creating a contemplative space within the garden.

    • Herbaceous borders designed by Head Gardener Jacky Rae, using rare, unusual, and exotic plant varieties to create bold colour and texture combinations.

    • A raised terrace walk offering sweeping views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside

Visitor Experience & Practical Information

  • Opening season: Tuesdays to Fridays, April to the end of October (excluding certain holidays). Last entry at 4:15 pm; garden closes at 5 pm.

  • Admission: £10 per adult; under 16s free. Cashless payments only; 70% wheelchair access with a disabled WC available.

  • Tea Room: Located within the Grade I listed tithe barn, serving light refreshments and home-made cakes (May–September), with seating available in an adjacent orchard.

  • Free parking on site, and group visits (10+ people) are welcome by prior arrangement, with concessions available

For more information about the Bourton House Garden, you can visit their website here.