Historic Houses

Batsford Arboretum
One of the jewels of the Cotswolds and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. The arbetorium consists of a variety of habitats with a huge and fascinating collection of plants from around the world. Serenity and tranquility; pure Cotswold magic.

Berkeley Castle
Completed in 1153 by Lord Maurice de Berkeley at the command of King Henry II, view our timeline and the history surrounding twenty-five generations of Berkeleys.

Blenheim Palace
Winston Churchill's birthplace, 2100 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, Guided tours of the Palace State Rooms with their priceless portraits and tapestries, pleasure gardens with miniature train and maze. Indoor cinema and special exhibitions. Spectacular events all year round.

Eastnor Castle
Inside this family home you'll find richly decorated Gothic interiors, fine art, armour and much more. Adventure playground and assault course, knight's maze, children's fun sheets, tree trail, lakeside & woodland walks and special events. Plus an arboretum which contains the finest collection of cedars in Britain. Tea room serving light lunches, tea, cakes and ice cream.

Hidcote Manor Garden (National Trust)
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF HIDCOTE. Internationally renowed, this memorable garden is in reality a series of smaller gardens. Each has its own special atmosphere and leads on to the next surprise. 4 miles NE of Chipping Campden, 1 mile E of B4632, (originally A46)off B4081.

Kelmscott Manor
'The loveliest haunt of ancient peace' The country home of William Morris, poet, craftsman and socialist from 1871 - 1896.

Mill Dene Garden
Mill Dene Garden has captured the spirit of the Cotswolds. Tranquil and peaceful are just some of the comments about this relaxed family run garden. Laid out to build up anticipation with surprises round each corner, from mill pond and brook at the bottom to the herb potager at the top with views over the hills. Lunches, teas, plants and garden related gift sales.

Out of The Hat
An exciting new Visitor Attraction and Tourist Information Centre based in one of Tewkesbury's oldest historic buildings - The Hat Shop. Enjoy innovative interpretation which will bring alive the characters who lived and worked in The Hat Shop. Explore the heritage of the building and the town. Find out about the Hat Shop story and its restoration.

Owlpen Manor
Romantic Tudor manor house 1450 - 1616 with Cotswolds Arts & Crafts associations. Remote wooded valley setting with 16th & 17th century formal terraced gardens and magnificent yews. Contains unique painted cloth wall hangings. Licensed restaurant in medieval Cyder House. Conference and event facilities, weddings, birthday celebrations. Victorian church.

Painswick Rococo Gardens
A unique 18th century pleasure ground set in a hidden Cotswolds Valley. Licensed restaurant serving home made lunches and teas. Gift shop and plant sales, Children's Nature Trail. Anniversary Maze.

Snowshill Manor (National Trust)
The Manor is the stage for Charles Paget Wade's life's works; a large and eclectic collection insipred by craftsmanship and design. There is something to intrigue and inspire everyone; musical instruments, clocks, toys, bicycles and even Japanese armour. The Manor is set within an intimate and colourful Arts and Craft garden which Wade designed as a series of outdoor rooms.

Stanway House & Fountain
Britain's highest fountain and the world's highest gravity fountain. Stanway House, called by Fodor's Guide, 'as perfect and pretty a Cotswold manor house as anyone is likely to see'. Stanway's beautiful architecture, furniture, parkland and village are now complimented by the restored 18th century water garden and the magnificent fountain - 300 feet high. Teas and local bottled beer available.

Sudeley Castle Gardens & Exhibitions
Nestled in the Cotswold hills, Sudeley Castle Garden & Exhibitions not only celebrates its rich history but also explores the new. Various exhibitions give an insight into Sudeley throughout the ages, and are surrounded by 14 acres of magnificent gardens. The groundbreaking contemporary art exhibition returns with internationally renowned artists. Connoisseur Tours of the Castle Apartments.

Westonbirt Arboretum
Home to some of the rarest, most beautiful trees in the world, including the National Japanese Maple Collection. Six hundred glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres. An unforgettable experience in all seasons. "One of the best places in England for autumn colour". Anna Pavord, The Independant, 2005.