Bourton House Gardens

What a gem this garden is!

It is situated just outside Moreton in Marsh, yet I was unaware of it until I spotted a listing in the 2024 Gardeners' World 2 for 1 booklet. Set in 3 acres, I think it may be overshadowed by its larger and better known close neighbours, Seizincote House and Batsford Arboretum, but it really does have a charm all of its own. The description in the booklet mentioned that it is particularly colourful in late Summer when most gardens are past their best, so when I had a spare day during a visit to see family in early September, we agreed that it was worth a trip out to see it.

We were certainly not disappointed. There are a series of garden rooms to walk through with the beautiful manor house at the centre. I think we all loved the 'white' garden with its ornamental pond. I've never seen so many varieties of white flowers, and the overall effect was spectacular. The rose walk was delightful, and the flower borders around the lawned area were a riot of colour. At the far end of the lawn, there is a lovely paved walkway with seats. From here, you can see across the surrounding Gloucestershire fields towards the Cotswolds, and back through the borders to the house. This is built from the lovely golden Cotswold stone, so characteristic of the nearby villages.

There had been rain overnight, so the foliage was dripping with moisture when we first arrived. However, the sun soon put in an appearance and we were able to enjoy a delicious cake and cup of tea sitting under the apple trees in the orchard after our wander round. There is a well stocked shop for gifts and plants from the garden itself.

Adjacent to the car park is a woodland walk. We didn't have time to explore this, but then again, we now have a valid excuse to return very soon.