Hidcote Bartrim

It's easy to overlook if you're not specifically heading there, which suits the place perfectly — Hidcote Bartrim is quiet and understated, home to one of England's most remarkable gardens that sits comfortably away from the main roads.

The draw here is Hidcote Manor Garden, and justifiably so. Lawrence Johnston created it in the early twentieth century, and it's now recognized as one of the most influential Arts and Crafts gardens in the country. Rather than following traditional landscape design, Johnston conceived it as a series of interconnected outdoor rooms, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. You'll encounter hedged enclosures containing rare trees, shrubs, and herbaceous borders that transform with the seasons. It represents a genuinely innovative approach to garden design that shaped how countless gardeners and designers have worked since.

The National Trust manages the property today and welcomes visitors throughout the year. This is the kind of place where you'll happily lose several hours exploring, finding something fresh around every corner. The hamlet itself remains refreshingly rural, which means visiting feels like an actual retreat rather than joining a tourist circuit. If you're spending time in the Cotswolds, the short journey from Chipping Campden is definitely worth making.