Tyntesfield and Cotswold Gems

We depart Sussex and make our way westwards. Having made a suitable comfort stop we break our journey in the historic  town of Cirencester where  there are plenty of place to find lunch. We then continue to Misarden Park Gardens. This lovely timeless garden, with spectacular views over both deer park and rolling Cotswold hills beyond, was created in 17th C and still retains a wonderful sense of peace and gentleness. One of the highlights is the large walled garden that boasts extensive double borders, which are 92 metres long and 5 metres wide and are amongst the largest in the country. These borders contain a wide range of roses, clematis and other wonderful shrubs all arranged in individual colour sections divided by rose pergolas. There are extensive yew hedges with topiary designed by Lutyens. Later in the afternoon we continue to our hotel.

Today we journey to visit two of the true gems of The Cotswolds. Our first visit is to Hidcote Manor  Garden  NT. In fact Hidcote is one of Britain’s most famous and influential gardens, created in the early years of 20thC by Major Lawrence Johnston. The 10 acre garden is divided in to hedged rooms and green corridors  that lead to areas of intensive colourful planting. There is the famous White Garden with topiary birds and an equally famous red borders featuring seasonal red flowers and bronze foliage. Johnston went to endless trouble and expense to find unusual varieties that would bring colour, scent, shape and texture to the garden. He travelled a lot, visiting faraway places like the Alps, South Africa and China. He also exchanged plants with gardeners in far-flung countries from Australia to Japan. He carefully selected only the finest varieties to bring back to Hidcote.  Later in the day we cross the road to visit the equally stunning Kiftsgate Garden. Set in the most lovely position on the edge of a steep escarpment with views to The Vale of Evesham. Probably most famous for it’s rampant Kiftsgate Rose, which effortlessly clambers through large trees and will hopefully be looking at it’s best during our visit. The garden runs downhill in a series of terraces and zig zag walks, with enclosed areas at the top padded out by lush plantings of shrubs and seasonal flowers.

This morning we head south past Bristol to visit Tyntesfield NT . We last visited eleven years ago at which time the house was undergoing the first stages of restoration.  Tyntesfield NT, was not built as a bold and extravagant statement of wealth, power or politics. Its purpose was simple; to serve as a family home. Once hidden and inaccessible, the ordinary and extraordinary lives and possessions of four generations of the Gibbs family are ready for discovery.  The garden and estate balance faded beauty and function with an abundance of nature; celebrated in ornate Gothic carvings that decorate the house. Flower filled terraces, an empty lake, woodland, champion trees and productive kitchen garden give further opportunities for exploration.

Today we are visiting the rather unique gardens at Westbury Court NT. Originally laid out between 1696 and 1705, this is the only restored Dutch style water garden in the country. You will be able to explore canals, clipped hedges and working 17th-century vegetable plots and discover many old varieties of fruit trees.  After our visit we drive in to the centre of Gloucester where you will be able to obtain lunch.  We then collect our Blue Badge Guide who will take us on an orientation tour of the City pointing out some of the most historic and interesting places  before setting down in the historic dock area. There will be free time here to shop or you may like to visit the very interesting National Waterways Museum and the Mariners Chapel.

After breakfast we make our way to Chavenage House near Tetbury. Those of you who are fans of the TV series Poldark  may well recognise Chavenage as being Trenwith The Poldark family home …alas it’s not in Cornwall at all ! Chavenage is a wonderful Elizabethan house of mellow grey Cotswold stone and tiles which contains much of interest for the discerning visitor. The approach aspect of Chavenage is virtually as it was left by Edward Stephens in 1576. Only two families have owned Chavenage; the present owners since 1891 and the Stephens family before them. A Colonel Nathaniel Stephens, MP for Gloucestershire during the Civil War was cursed for supporting Cromwell, giving rise to legends of weird happenings at Chavenage since that time. There are many interesting rooms housing tapestries, fine furniture, pictures and relics of the Cromwellian period. Of particular note are the Main Hall, where a contemporary screen forms a minstrels’ gallery and two tapestry rooms where it is said Cromwell was lodged.  After our visit we make the short drive in to the delightful town of Tetbury where you will be able to find lunch before we commence our journey home. Having made a suitable comfort stop en route we expect to be back in the Maresfield area by approximately 18.30