Iford Manor is the perfect destination for anyone who loves gardens and history.
It was built in 1738 by William Kent, an English architect, and painter, but it’s been restored since then so that it looks like a modern manor house. The gardens are filled with flowers and trees from all over the world! You can even find some of them on display at Kew Gardens in London. And if you love art, there are plenty of paintings inside too.
Other than that, You can spend hours exploring this manor’s many rooms filled with antiques, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture…and even some hidden surprises! There are also plenty of places where you can sit down on your own or with friends and enjoy the view over the river valley below. And if you get hungry while visiting our site be sure to check out our café menu – we serve delicious food all day long!
What is Iford Manor Garden
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Iford Manor Gardens is located in England. It was created by George Iford who inherited the manor in 1737.
The gardens boast to be well-tended flowers and plants, with waterfalls and fountains. Visitors can enjoy picnics, the maze, strolling about the garden trails, or using the facilities to host their own events. The gardens also provide educational opportunities for visitors young and old alike, with guided tours and lectures about horticulture or architecture for those interested in learning more about gardening.
The specific garden area is called the Long Walk Garden. This part of the garden has rows of hedges, with flowers in full bloom throughout the year. There is a pond here with a small island in the middle.
The garden also offers an arboretum of exotic and rare trees, most with historical significance or unique qualities. The Silver Tree, which was planted in the 1860s, is one of its most famous attractions. It’s estimated to be over 300 years old! Its branches are covered in leaves with a silver sheen, making it especially beautiful. There is also a white beech tree that boasts an extraordinary symmetrical structure and leaf patterning that cannot be found anywhere else.
Each area of the garden has its own unique features as well. The formal walled garden has fruit trees that were imported from North America and China. The Orangery was built in the 1700s and is used for an annual display of daffodils, along with hosting daylilies, tulips, and grapevines.
Iford Manor Gardens is located in England. It was created by George Iford who inherited the manor in 1737.
The gardens boast to be well-tended flowers and plants, with waterfalls and fountains. Visitors can enjoy picnics, the maze, strolling about the garden trails, or using the facilities to host their own events. The gardens also provide educational opportunities for visitors young and old alike, with guided tours and lectures about horticulture or architecture for those interested in learning more about gardening.
The specific garden area is called the Long Walk Garden. This part of the garden has rows of hedges, with flowers in full bloom throughout the year. There is a pond here with a small island in the middle.
The garden also offers an arboretum of exotic and rare trees, most with historical significance or unique qualities. The Silver Tree, which was planted in the 1860s, is one of its most famous attractions. It’s estimated to be over 300 years old! Its branches are covered in leaves with a silver sheen, making it especially beautiful. There is also a white beech tree that boasts an extraordinary symmetrical structure and leaf patterning that cannot be found anywhere else.
Each area of the garden has its own unique features as well. The formal walled garden has fruit trees that were imported from North America and China. The Orangery was built in the 1700s and is used for an annual display of daffodils, along with hosting daylilies, tulips, and grapevines.
Iford Manor Gardens is located in England. It was created by George Iford who inherited the manor in 1737.
The gardens boast to be well-tended flowers and plants, with waterfalls and fountains. Visitors can enjoy picnics, the maze, strolling about the garden trails, or using the facilities to host their own events. The gardens also provide educational opportunities for visitors young and old alike, with guided tours and lectures about horticulture or architecture for those interested in learning more about gardening.
The specific garden area is called the Long Walk Garden. This part of the garden has rows of hedges, with flowers in full bloom throughout the year. There is a pond here with a small island in the middle.
The garden also offers an arboretum of exotic and rare trees, most with historical significance or unique qualities. The Silver Tree, which was planted in the 1860s, is one of its most famous attractions. It’s estimated to be over 300 years old! Its branches are covered in leaves with a silver sheen, making it especially beautiful. There is also a white beech tree that boasts an extraordinary symmetrical structure and leaf patterning that cannot be found anywhere else.
Each area of the garden has its own unique features as well. The formal walled garden has fruit trees that were imported from North America and China. The Orangery was built in the 1700s and is used for an annual display of daffodils, along with hosting daylilies, tulips, and grapevines.
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The History of Iford Manor Garden
The manor of “Iford” was a medieval motte and bailey castle. It became a Tudor house in 1591 with a new Great Hall built in stone. A Swiss-style garden was created in the 18th century.
In the late 1800s, an octagonal tower was constructed in the Italianate style. The house retains its form but has been extended by additional wings on either side. The garden surrounds the house and today is open to the public from April to September each year.
In the late 19th century, Iford Manor was owned by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. In 1875, he commissioned a Swiss architect to design an octagonal tower in the Italianate style, for his own use at Iford when not entertaining guests at Mentmore Towers.
The garden walls were built from local limestone and are designed in the Italianate style with clipped yews and topiary.
The garden at Iford Manor is Grade I registered and open to the public from April to September each year. It has been featured in magazines and television programs, such as “The Chelsea Flower Show” and “Gardener’s World”. The garden contains a wide variety of plants and is known for its color and fragrance through the seasons. It also contains a variety of water features, such as pools and fountains.
There are about 20,000 trees in the garden including an avenue of Wellingtonia planted close to where Rothschild used to stand at his window to watch them grow. The New York Times even has a feature on the Iford Manor Garden, an excerpt of which is as follows:
“The Iford Manor garden in Wiltshire, England, is one of those places that make you want to weep with joy. Not only because its beauty is so overwhelming, but also because it’s so rare. This is one man-made place where nature has the upper hand, where trees and plants have been left to grow as they will, forming a tangle of beauty that’s both wild and carefully tended.”
The Iford Manor Garden is an oasis of tranquility and a must-see for all visitors to Wiltshire. With its variety of plant life, fragrances, and water features, it has something to offer all visitors.
The Grounds at Iford Manor
The Grounds at Iford Manor are a sight to behold. The well-manicured gardens and pristine lawns are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff. The beautiful setting is the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and enjoyment.
It is home to a variety of different gardens. There is the Italian Garden, with its terraced walls and ornate fountains; the Edwardian Garden, with its formal flower beds and grand arches; and the Japanese Garden, with its serene ponds and delicate bridges.
There are also plenty of areas for exploration. The woodland walks wind their way through the estate, taking in the tranquil nature of the surroundings. The lawns and gardens provide a perfect place to relax and take in the lovely views.
How to get to Iford Manor
By car
You’ll know you’ve arrived at this charming, secluded location when you discover Britannia standing guard atop the medieval stone bridge, which is approached by steep, narrow pathways (6′ 6″ width limitations).
Iford is 2 miles southwest of Bradford on Avon, passing via Westwood on the way.
Follow the A36 south towards Warminster for 5 miles, then turn left onto Iford Road.
The ancient orchard adjacent to the bridge serves as the tourist parking lot.
By train
Freshford Station is a 25-minute walk away, or a short taxi ride from Bradford on Avon station’s taxi rank (simply go to the taxi ‘hut’ there to hire a driver).
By bus
On weekdays, the 94 bus from Bath to Trowbridge stops at “The Pastures, Westwood.” It’s about a 5-minute, extremely steep downhill walk from there to our entrance.
Opening times at Iford Manor
The opening at Iford Manor is from 11 am to 4 pm. Please book in advance to guarantee entry.
Entry Prices for Iford Manor Gardens
- adult is £7.50,
- concessions (students, over 60) is £6.50, and
- groups welcome by appointment only.
What to See and Do at Iford Manor Garden
Iford Manor Garden is a beautiful garden that offers many activities for guests to enjoy. Visitors can journey through the garden and see the different displays, such as the Ghost Garden, the English Rose Walk, and more. The Ghost Garden features sculptures of ghouls, goblins, dragons, witches, skulls, and other scary figures.
In addition to exploring the gardens, visitors can also enjoy other activities at the garden. Visitors can take a break from exploring the gardens and enjoy a cup of tea in the tearoom or purchase a souvenir of their visit in the shop.
Visitors who want to see all that Iford Manor Garden has to offer can take a guided tour with an expert. The tour will show visitors all of the outstanding displays and other features that the garden has to offer.
If the visitors wants a unique experience, they can participate in a glassblowing demonstration or enjoy a cooking class. Glassblowing demonstrations take place on Saturday afternoons, while cooking classes take place four times a year.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Iford Manor Garden
1. Check the website for opening times
2. Plan your visit around events and exhibitions to make it more memorable
3. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time so you have enough time to explore
4. Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved
5. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen with you as there are no food or drink vendors on site
6. Take pictures! You’ll want photos of this beautiful place that will last forever
7. Download the Iford Manor Garden app for a more interactive experience
8. Talk to the staff and volunteers; they can tell you more about the garden and its history
9. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop on your way out
Other Places Nearby
Stanford Bridge
The village is home to the remains of the 12th century Stanford Bridge, which was once one of the largest bridges in England. The bridge crosses over the River Thames and is a popular spot for fishing and walking.
Victorian Homes
The area is known for its Victorian homes, which are some of the most picturesque in the country. The oldest building in Stanford-le-Hope is a Georgian townhouse that dates back to 1736 and is now a public library. It was once a lunatic asylum and later a girls’ boarding school before becoming a library.
Lakeside Shopping Center
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, there’s the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock. The centre is one of the largest in Europe and features over 200 shops, as well as a cinema, casino and several restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or two if you’re looking for some retail therapy.
Adventure Island
Finally, if you’re looking for something to do with the kids, you can visit Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea. It’s an amusement park that features over 30 rides, as well as a waterpark and a zoo. It’s the perfect place to spend a day out with the family.
Conclusion
Ilford Manor is a beautiful garden that offers many activities for guests to enjoy. Visitors can journey through the garden and see the different displays, such as the Ghost Garden, English Rose Walk, and more. In addition to exploring the gardens, visitors can also enjoy other activities at Iford Manor Garden. Visitors who want a unique experience can participate in glassblowing demonstrations or cooking classes four times a year while those looking for something with their kids might visit Adventure Island Southend-on-Sea which features over 30 rides as well as waterpark and zoo. There are also other tourist attractions in the area, such as the remains of Stanford Bridge and Victorian homes. No matter what, visitors will surely enjoy their time at Iford Manor Garden!
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