Welcome to the Notgrove Estate Blog – This is where we talk about places to visit, news, events and things going on in the Cotswolds as well as on the Farm. Sometimes we talk about one of our favourite subjects…. cake!

With it being the week of ‘National Gardening’ we thought we would celebrate it and share some local gardens for you to visit.

  1. Batsford Arboretum – Just a 20 minute drive from Notgrove Batsford Arboretum is set in 56 acres of lovely Cotswold Countryside and contains over 1500 trees with species from all over the world. The arboretum is also home to a whole host of flora and fauna, from moths to badgers, rare fungi to interesting birds – it’s a nature-lovers dream. Also included is a garden cantre, gift shop and café. http://www.batsarb.co.uk/
  2. Hidcote gardens – Located near the pretty town of Chipping Campden, Hidcote gardens are now run by the National Trust and are well known for being some of the prettiest. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston it’s colorful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It’s a must-see if you’re on holiday in the Cotswold’s. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote
  3. Westonbirt – Westonbirt Arboretum, the National Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission and is one of the finest arboretums in the world. With over 18,000 trees from all over the world, planted since 1829 and plantings continue today. The arboretum is in 2 areas with 17 miles of way-marked trails. They regularly have activities for children as well as live music and also a lovely café, shop and restaurant. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
  4. Painswick Rocco Gardens – Designed in the 1740s as a flamboyant pleasure garden for Benjamin Hyett to entertain his guests in a time when gardens were fashionable theatrical sets.  Instead of a flower garden, you will happen across a stunning vegetable garden, beautifully-framed views of the surrounding countryside and fanciful garden buildings.  You can lose yourself amongst the lofty trees of the leafy woodland walk and watch friends and family battle to find the center of the unusual maze.  Afterwards, enjoy delicious homemade cakes or a light lunch in the cosy cafe. http://www.rococogarden.org.uk/
  5. Stanway House and Gardens – Stanway is an outstandingly beautiful example of a Jacobean manor house featuring its 18th-century water-garden which has been lovingly restored designed by the greatest of British landscape gardeners, Charles Bridgeman. The formal Canal, on a terrace above the house, the striking Pyramid and eight ponds have been reinstated, and a single-jet fountain, at 300 feet the highest fountain in Britain and the highest gravity fountain in the world, has been added. http://www.stanwayfountain.co.uk/
Hidcote Gardens
Stanway Fountain
Painswick Rococo Gardens