Are you looking for a unique garden experience?
Hidcote Manor is a National Trust property that was created by Lawrence Johnston in the early 20th century. It’s known for its large cottage garden, which features over 1,000 different plants and flowers. The garden has been featured in many books and magazines as well as on television programs like BBC’s “Gardens Through Time.” In fact, it inspired a trend of overscale cottage gardens throughout England during the 1920s and 1930s. Nowadays, it remains one of the most visited properties at the National Trust.
There are also plenty of activities available at Hidcote Manor, so you can have a great time while learning more about gardening. You could take part in one of their workshops or even book a private tour if you want something more personalized! They offer tours year-round, so there’s no excuse not to visit this beautiful location today!
What is Hidcote Manor Garden
Hidcote Manor Garden is a public garden in the United Kingdom. It is known for its Arts and Crafts gardens, which were designed by Lawrence Johnston. The garden also contains areas of plants from around the world, including a Japanese garden and an Italian garden.
The History of Hidcote Manor Garden
The Hidcote Manor Garden is a notable garden in the United Kingdom that has a rich history. The garden was established in the early 20th century by Lawrence Johnston. Johnston was an American who relocated to the United Kingdom and purchased the property in 1906. The garden was created with the intention of displaying various styles of gardening. The garden is unique because it features American, English and Dutch gardens. It was officially opened to the public in 1939. Since then over 500,000 people have visited the location to see its many structures, seasonal flowers and varieties of fruits and vegetables that are grown. The land used for the Hidcote Manor Garden was purchased by Lawrence Johnston in 1906. Johnston was an American who had relocated to the UK and wanted a new home on some land. He bought the property known as Hidcote in 1909 and began creating his garden shortly after that purchase.
Prior to Johnston’s ownership, the land had been owned by the Goldney Family since 1620. They were one of the wealthiest families in the United Kingdom at that time and had a number of different properties. The Goldney Family sold Hidcote to Johnston with an agreement that they would be allowed to continue living there for as long as they wanted. Sadly, four years later Mr Goldney died and his family ended up leaving the property. That same year Lawrence Johnston began developing his garden. He used a number of different structures from around the world to design and create the space that has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people since it was officially opened in 1939. One notable structure is a Chinese Chippendale style summerhouse that was imported from China in 1931. The structure was built to house a large bronze Buddha statue. When Johnston purchased the home, it was not yet included in his plans for the garden, but he made room once he saw how impressive it looked.
Another great structure in the garden is a replica of Montacute House that was built in 1934. It sits on top of an ancient man-made mound that Lawrence used to find inspiration for his garden. The structure is built in the Jacobean style and was meant to reflect some of England’s great homes that date back centuries. Some people believe Johnston used the home as a way to show off his own wealth while others suggest he did it to remind other wealthy people of their place in the world so they wouldn’t try to outshine him. As time went on, Lawrence continued to add new structures and even began importing trees from all over the world. He also imported lions, eagles, tigers, and pumas that he kept in his expansive garden. He was known for spending a lot of money on these pursuits but it is said they were not done with the intention of attracting visitors or making money. He simply enjoyed his animals and seeing them happy in their new home.
In the 1950s, Johnston passed away and the property was then passed through a number of different owners. The garden began to fall into a state of disrepair during that time but its reputation for being an extraordinary space prevented it from going away completely. Eventually, the Hidcote Manor Garden Preservation Trust took over in 2003 and has been taking care of the space ever since. They continue to work hard to maintain and improve the property and make it a place that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Hidcote Manor Garden was purchased by Lawrence Johnston in 1906 and he began developing his garden shortly after that purchase. He imported structures from around the world as well as plants and animals, and some claim he did it to remind other wealthier people of their place in the world. Today, the Hidcote Manor Garden is a great place for visitors to walk around and enjoy history as well as nature. source
The Grounds at Hidcote Manor
The Grounds at Hidcote Manor are a sight to behold. The well-manicured gardens, with their intricate designs and carefully placed plants, are a testament to the skill of the gardeners who work there. The Grounds are also home to a wide variety of plants and animals, which can be seen wandering around or perched in the trees. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing day out.
There is an excellent gift shop on-site, which provides a wide range of plants and gardening-related gifts. I particularly liked the stationery on offer here, as a lot of it is themed around plants and nature. All prices are reasonable and there is something to suit all budgets! You can access the gift shop from inside or outside the Gardens, so it’s worth checking out either way!
How to get to Hidcote Manor
By car
Off B4081, 1 mile east of B4632 (formerly A46), close to Mickleton village.
By train
Station Honeybourne is 412 kilometers away. Because the station lacks a dedicated taxi queue, it is recommended that you reserve a cab ahead of time.
By bus
Mickleton is 112 kilometers away on a difficult uphill trail.
Opening times at Hidcote Manor
- Garden (11:00 am – 4:00 pm)
- Winthrop’s Café (11:00 am- 3:00 pm)
- Shop (11:00 am – 16:00 pm)
- Barn Café Closed
- Plant sales Closed
- Second-hand bookshop (11:00 – 4:00)
Entry Prices for Hidcote Manor Gardens
Under Gift AId
- Adult is £16.50
- Child is £8.30
- Family is £41.30
- 1 adult, 2 children is £24.80
- Group Adult Minimum group size 15 is N/A
- Group Child Minimum group size 15 is N/A
Under the Standard
- Adult is £15.00
- Child is £7.50
- Family is £37.50
- 1 adult, 2 children is £22.50
- Group Adult Minimum group size 15 is £13.50
- Group Child Minimum group size 15 is £6.75
What to See and Do at Hidcote Manor Garden
1. Percy the Park Keepers winter wander trail at Hidcote
The Percy the Park Keeper’s winter wander trail at Hidcote Manor Garden is a delightful attraction for visitors of all ages. The trail winds its way through the gardens, and is full of fun facts and activities for children to enjoy.
2. Tai Chi at Hidcote with Swan School of Tai Chi & Chi Gung
Tai Chi at Hidcote Manor Garden is a wonderful opportunity to improve your health and well-being. The Swan School of Tai Chi & Chi Gung offers classes every weekend, which are open to all levels of experience.
3. Volunteering at Hidcote
If you’re looking to make a difference in your community, then volunteering at Hidcote could be the right opportunity for you. Look up the ‘Hidcote Community Nursery’ and find out about ways you can help.
4. Eating at Winthrop’s Cafe
The best place to stop for a tasty bite to eat, is Winthrop’s Café at Hidcote. With an extensive menu and a wide variety of drinks, there’s something for everyone!
5. The shop and the chapel secondhand bookshop
Visit the Shop & Chapel Secondhand Bookshop at Hidcote. The shop sells a range of beautiful gifts, including flowers, cards and items specific to Hidcote Manor Garden.
The secondhand bookshop is where all the profits go to charity, so you can pick up some great reads while knowing that you’re helping others! source
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Hidcote Manor Garden
1. Plan your visit in advance
To get the most out of being at Hidcote Manor Garden, it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance so you know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. Keep in mind that this garden is very popular and should be planned for accordingly. If you have small children who need a break from the garden, you should consider bringing a lunch and eating in the garden.
2. Arrive early to get the best parking spots
For the best experience at Hidcote Manor Garden, arrive early. The first visitors of the day can get free parking onsite with overflow parking available in the village of Locking Road (parking fee does apply). If you don’t arrive until later in the day, consider taking a tour which will include full access to the garden.
3. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the garden
If you are looking for ideas, there are plenty of places to buy BBQs, tables and chairs that can be delivered directly to your location in the garden so you don’t have to carry heavy items such as these all day for a picnic lunch before or after your tour of the gardens.
4. Take a guided tour or explore on your own
Whether you decide to take a guided tour or explore on your own, the staff at the garden are more than happy to help and answer any questions that visitors may have.
5. Visit in different seasons to see the changes in the garden
Hidcote Manor Garden has an impressive variety of plant life and styles, with the best time to visit being between March and November when all of the flowers are blooming and at their peak.
6. Stop by the gift shop for souvenirs
If you are looking for a unique souvenir from your trip to Hidcote Manor Garden, consider stopping by their gift shop for a one-of-a-kind trinket. Not only will you find gifts and small trinkets, but there is also food and drinks available as well as an outdoor café located in the gardens.
7. Follow Hidcote Manor Garden on social media for updates and more ideas on how to enjoy your visit
If you are looking for new ways to enjoy Hidcote Manor Garden, following them on social media is a great way to get the latest update of what’s happening in their garden.
Other Places Nearby
1. Market Hall
A market hall is a building where a variety of goods are sold. The Market Hall in Hidcote Manor is a beautiful example of a traditional British market hall. It is a Grade II listed building, and it was built in the 18th century.
2. Dover’s Hill
Dover’s Hill is a beautiful location that offers stunning views of the Cotswold Hills. It is also home to the Dover’s Hill folly, which is a 19th century folly that was designed by James Wyatt.
3. The Fleece Inn
The Fleece Inn is a historic pub that dates back to the 16th century. It is located in the village of Bretforton, which is located four miles from Hidcote.
4. Middle Littleton Tithe Barn
A tithe barn is a building where the owner of the land gives some of their crops as a gift to those in charge, as a form of tax payment. The Middle Littleton Tithe Barn is an example of this type of structure that was built in the 14th century.
5. Chastleton
A stately home, with a limestone façade, Chastleton is also an example of Cotswold architecture. It was constructed in 1612 for Hugh Fortescue, and it is now owned by the National Trust.
Conclusion
While visiting Hidcote Manor Garden continue conclusion all italiHidcote Manor has a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. The gardens offer plenty of space to explore, but if you want more than just the garden there are other places nearby that may interest you as well. Whether it’s looking at Medieval architecture from an ancient tithe barn or exploring the Cotswold Hills on Dover’s Hill, Hidcote Manor is one place where all types of people will find something they love.
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