Hidcote Manor Garden

What makes it distinctive is the innovative approach to garden design, where hedges and walls divide the space into separate outdoor rooms, each with its own distinct character and planting scheme. As you walk through, you'll discover rare trees and shrubs combined with colourful herbaceous borders, with the layout deliberately crafted to reveal new views around every corner.

Johnston's work embodied principles that were genuinely ahead of their time, and his way of merging formal structure with abundant planting has shaped countless gardens across Britain since then. There's something striking about how deliberately composed the garden is while also seeming to overflow with life, and this impression shifts depending on when you visit.

The garden sits near the hamlet of Hidcote Bartrim in Gloucestershire, just a short way from Chipping Campden, one of the Cotswolds' most appealing market towns where you'll find good restaurants, cafes and independent shops. It fits perfectly into a day exploring the northern Cotswolds. Spring and early summer are particularly rewarding times, when the planting is at its most abundant, though there's plenty to appreciate throughout the year if you plan your visit thoughtfully.