Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh
A rare and beautiful collection of trees, shrubs and wildflowers in 55 acres of Cotswold countryside. Stunning all year, especially in autumn.
Open mid-February til mid-November 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, then mid-November til mid-February 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Tel: +44 (0)1386 701441. www.batsarb.co.uk
Bourton House Gardens, Bourton-on-the-Hill
Surrounding a delightful 18th-century Cotswold manor house and 16th-century tithe barn, this is one of the most beautiful gardens in the Cotswolds. Borders, topiary and herbaceous plants over three acres. Privately owned. Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm end of May to end of August - Wednesday to Friday. September and October - Thursday and Friday only. May and August Bank Holidays - Sunday / Monday.
Tel: +44 (0)1386 700 754. www.bourtonhouse.com/index.htm
Cakes, soups and teas available.
Hidcote Manor Gardens
Historic and famous garden owned by the National Trust. Tumbling borders and woodland walks. Open daily April til November, except Tuesday and Friday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Open Good Friday. May to July 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, except Friday. August to early November daily, except Tuesday and Friday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Tel: +44 (0)1386 438333. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
There is a tea room and plant centre.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
One of the most beautiful privately owned gardens in Britain. Set on a hillside (not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies), it offers wonderful borders, a contemporary water feature and the famous Kiftsgate and Rosa Mundi rose walk. Open during April, May, August, September - Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. During June and July - Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.
Tel: +44 (0)1386 438777. www.kiftsgate.co.uk
Sezincote Gardens, Moreton-in-Marsh
An Indian-style house (1810) with an eastern Hindu garden. The project was inspired by Humphry Repton and led to his 1808 book, Designs for the Pavilion at Brighton. Open January til November - Thursday, Friday and Bank Holiday Monday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm or dusk.
www.gardenvisit.com/g/sez.htm
Stancombe Park Temple, Dursley
One in a series of buildings built in the beautiful Grade 1 listed Folly Gardens at Stancombe Park, in the form of a Greek temple overlooking the lake. Open all year by phone arrangement. Tel: +44 (0)1453 542815. www.thetemple.info
Westonbirt Arboretum, Near Tetbury
One of the world's finest collections of trees and shrubs, created in 1829, in 600 acres on the southern edge of the Cotswolds. 17 miles of pathways through charming landscape. Open daily 10:00 to 8:00 pm or dusk.
Tel: +44 (0)1666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Others
Coughton Court, Alcester
Breathtaking gardens around a Tudor house. 25 acres around a walled garden, with a rose labyrinth with 100 varieties of old-fashioned roses. National Trust. Open March til October 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. April to June and September - Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. July and August - Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tel: +44 (0)1789 400777. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Misarden Park Gardens, Near Stroud
12-acre garden set around a 17th-century manor house (not open) in a stunning situation, 700 feet above sea level at the head of 'Golden Valley'. Noted in spring for naturalised bulbs and flowering trees and in mid-summer for large double herbaceous borders. Open April til September.
Tel: +44 (0)1285 821 303. www.gardenvisit.com/g/mis.htm
Painswick Rococo Gardens, Painswick
The garden combines the formality of long vistas and geometric patterns with informal paths, off-centred design and a number of fascinating architectural building designs. Famous for the snowdrop display in spring. Open daily early January til end of October 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tel: +44 (0)1452 813 204. www.rococogarden.co.uk
To confirm opening times at all National Trust Properties go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk or e-mail enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk