5 reasons to visit Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Kiftsgate Court Gardens are located in Hidcote, near Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, just a couple of miles from Campden Yurts. They have been open to the public since the 1920s. The gardens have been created by three generations of women, and it is still owned and cared for by the same family today.
This private garden is often overlooked by garden lovers. Many head to Hidcote Manor Gardens owned by the National Trust, which are just 1/2 mile away, but really there is something so special about Kiftsgate Court Gardens. Here are our 5 reasons why you should visit:
The Views
The first thing that will strike you about Kiftsgate Court Gardens is the breathtaking views. Even as you enter through the stone pillars and head down the gravel driveway your eye is drawn to the valley below.
The garden itself is perched on a hillside and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the nearby Cotswold fields, out to the Vale of Evesham and the Malvern Hills beyond.
Whether you’re strolling through the rose gardens or relaxing on the terrace, you’ll be treated to pleasing vistas. The garden’s layout has been designed to maximize these views, so you can enjoy the stunning landscape that is rich in history and natural beauty.
The Gardens
The gardens surround the main house on 3 sides and drop down away into the valley. Covering about three acres of land, it is divided into several different sections that each have their own unique charm.
In the Spring and Summer months the gardens are a riot of colour, with blooming flowers and lush greenery everywhere you look. The garden itself is home to a wide variety of trees and plants, including many rare and exotic species.
For those who love to explore, there are plenty of paths and trails to follow throughout the gardens but these can be uneven and narrow so are not easy for those with mobility problems. The steps down to the lower terrace and pool are uneven and fairly steep so care must be taken.
The Features
Water features in a number of areas at Kiftsgate Court Gardens. Sit just below the house in the ‘white sunk garden’ and enjoy the busy courtyard fountain in the centre. For a quieter experience head to the ‘water garden’ a secluded, peaceful pool with gilded bronze leaf sculptures in a hedged garden. It is somewhere you can just sit and enjoy the sound of water gently falling. There is a small wooden shelter where you can sit out of the sun and enjoy the view.
Down at the bottom of the gardens on the lower terrace is another pool, semi-circular in shape that reflects the big skies above.
There are more sculptures around the garden and more shelters to sit and enjoy the views.
The Plant Stall
Keen gardeners will be delighted to know that there is a plant stall at the entrance/exit so they can take home a little bit of Kiftsgate magic to their own garden.
Plants grown in the garden and propagated in their own nursery are available to buy, but cannot be posted, so leave room in your car for any special purchases. The stock changes regularly, according to the season, and includes ‘Old Fashioned’ roses.
The Tearoom
As soon as you arrive you get the chance to enjoy some refreshments as the tearoom is also at the entrance/exit of the gardens. Light lunches of freshly made sandwiches, cakes and cream teas, hot and cold drinks are available. There is seating both inside and outside. Picnics are not allowed within the gardens.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens Useful Information
The gardens are not open everyday – in summer months of May – August they open 12pm – 6pm everyday EXCEPT Friday and Saturday. In April and Septemeber they open 2 – 6pm on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.
Dogs are not allowed in the gardens.
They do accept coach tours so the gardens can become busy quite quickly.
There is a tearoom serving light lunches and cakes/drinks. There is seating both inside and outside. Picnics are not allowed in the gardens.
There is free car parking near the entrance and overspill in a nearby field.
Many paths are gravel or uneven paving so not suitable for wheelchair users or buggies.
Toilets are in a nearby courtyard but are not adapted for wheelchair users (the nearest one is at Hidcote Gardens 1/2 a mile away)
To find out more: http://www.kiftsgate.co.uk/