Historic Gardens

53 sites across Gloucestershire are recognised by Historic England as heritage assets of exceptional or special importance. The Trust has documented several hundred more of regional or local importance. Every spring and summer our members have the opportunity to visit a selection of these gardens, many of which are in private hands. We are frequently shown round by their inspired owners and skilful and knowledgeable gardeners.

The Trust also continues to discover more and more about this county’s gardening heritage through its own research. We are particularly rich in gardens created during the early 18th century, the years in the run up to the WWI and the later decades of the late 20th century. ‘Capability Brown’s’ influence is less obvious; possibly because of the natural drama that the Cotswold escarpment brings to the landscape. We were also generally beyond the reach of Victorian urban entrepreneurs seeking a weekend country estate even after the expansion of the railway network, although a notable exception laid out by Robert Holford at Westonbirt just outside Tetbury continues to be recognised for it’s international horticultural excellence.

Click here for the complete list of Gloucestershire parks and gardens registered by Historic England.