Name: Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Rating: 5.0

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a stunning Cotswold garden created and nurtured by three generations of women gardeners. Located near Mickleton, close to Chipping Campden, it offers breathtaking views towards the Malvern Hills and the Vale of Evesham. The garden is renowned for its rich planting, dramatic terraces and peaceful countryside setting.

Visitors can explore a wide variety of garden areas including the famous Kiftsgate Rose, believed to be the largest in England, the colourful Rose Border and the elegant Four Squares and Terrace. Other highlights include the White Sunk Garden, the Water Garden created from a former tennis court, the Banks and Lower Garden, Bluebell Wood and the Wild Garden and Orchard. Workshops and seasonal events are also held throughout the year, and there is a tearoom for drinks and light snacks.

Admission costs £12.50 for adults and £5.00 for children under 16, while a season ticket is £32.00 for unlimited visits during the season. Group visits (more than 20 people) are priced at £11.50 per person.

With its mix of formal planting, wild spaces and panoramic views, Kiftsgate offers a memorable garden experience. It is perfect for plant lovers, photographers and anyone looking to relax in beautiful surroundings. A visit here combines horticultural excellence with peaceful Cotswold charm.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Kiftsgate Rose: Taking up half the space on one side of the Rose Border is Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’. The vigour shown by this rose, which we claim to be the largest in England, produces huge growth each year and three trees have been smothered by its spreading habit. In early to mid July it is a remarkable sight when it is covered in panicles of white blooms and resembles a cascading waterfall amongst the trees
Wild Garden, Orchard, Mound & Avenue: A new area has recently been created to extend the experience of garden visitors. It is still being developed but we hope you might enjoy walking round these new spaces. Entry is through the gate from the fern garden beyond the rose border. Over recent years we have experimented in the small wild flower plot with both annual and perennial seed mixes. Sometimes it works but frequently not!
The Four Squares and Terrace: In front of the house are four rectangular beds planted with a mixture of rare shrubs and perennials that give interest throughout the gardening year. From the sun dial in the middle one can look back to the fine Georgian portico on the house that was transported by light railway from the manor house in Mickleton, a mile away. Down some steps to the Terrace, there is a spectacular view towards the Malvern Hills and also down to the steep banks to the lower garden and swimming pool.
The Wide Border: The double border on either side of the grass path is planted with a mixture of shrubs, small trees and herbaceous plants. The main colour tones in this summer border are pinks, mauve and purple with abundant grey foliage. The smaller portico overlooking this border was added in the 1920s by the Muirs. Several clumps of the ‘Burning Bush’ Dictamnus albus purpureus are to be found. On a still summer evening one can ignite their oily seed heads in a spectacular pyrotechnic display without harming the plant.
The White Sunk Garden: The principal shrubs in this small sunken garden all have white flowers, but the under planting is unrestrained in colour and in form. Spring flowering plants such as erythronium and trillium give way to a succession of summer flowering anenomes, helianthemums, dieramas and santolinas. The large headed allium christophii self seeds throughout this garden. The main white flowering shrubs that give the garden its name are deutzia, carpentaria, hoheria and staphyllea.
The Rose Border: The double rose border is filled with a mixture of old fashioned, specie and modern roses. The scent in high summer is overpowering. The path running down the middle is edged with the pink striped Rosa mundi, many of which have reverted to its parent, the Apothecary’s rose. To extend the interest throughout the year, plantings of astilbes, asters and grasses add further texture and form.
The Water Garden: The latest addition to the garden is a new water garden created from an old tennis court. In this enclosed space, a restrained design in black, white and green provides a striking contrast to the abundance and colour elsewhere. Gilded bronze leaves float over the water providing slight movement in the wind. The sound of water trickling off the leaves refreshes the senses on a hot afternoon.
The Banks and Lower Garden: The path to the Lower Garden passes beneath the spreading boughs of vast Monterey pines that shade the Banks and make them difficult to garden. However tough drought tolerant plants such as cistus, rosemary and ceanothus manage to grow here. In the Lower Garden the temperature is noticeably warmer and many tender shrubs have naturalised in this protected area. The view is magnificent from the swimming pool lawn.
The Drive and Bluebell Wood: The Drive to the house and car park is edged with some very old lime trees, the oldest of which date back to the original planting in the first half of the 18th century. More recent replacement of weeping limes produce a sweet scent in late summer that permeates the whole garden and which the bees find irresistible. The rough grass underneath these trees is yellow with daffodils in spring. The other side of the drive is the Bluebell Wood, a spectacular sight in early May.
Workshops & Events: Join us for a season of inspiring workshops and unforgettable events. Led by talented artists and makers, our workshops invite you to slow down, learn a new skill and leave with something truly personal. Our events are the perfect way to relax and unwind with friends and family while soaking up the breathtaking gardens and views.

Facilities

Parking: We have a large car park situated near the main entrance with plenty of space for coaches
Food & Drinks: Following last year’s success we are opening the tearoom for anyone who wants to enjoy a drink or a snack but doesn’t have the time to go round the garden. Some tables and seats are available outside the tearoom for those wanting to enjoy the open air as well as the seating inside.
Toilets: The toilets are located in the courtyard, the entrance to which is on the right as you leave the main car park (it may be hidden behind the coaches if there are any on the day you visit). Please retain your ticket if you need to leave the garden to use the toilets as you will need to present it again on re-entry.

What to see

please see details above and the venue's website

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £12.50
Children (under 16): £5.00
Season ticket: £32.00 (visit as many times as you like through the season)
Group visit: £11.50 (more than 20 people)

Pricing URL: https://www.kiftsgate.co.uk/opening-times

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

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August (12pm – 6pm)

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Address: Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden, UK

Post Code: GL55 6LN

Council: Cotswold

County: Gloucestershire

Stratford-upon-Avon: Take the B4632 towards Broadway and Cheltenham. After 6 miles you reach Mickleton. At the second mini roundabout, at the end of the village, turn left and climb a steep hill. At the junction at the top, turn left and the entrance to Kiftsgate is 0.5 mile on your left.
Chipping Campden: Take the B4081 signposted Mickleton. 2.5 mile out of Campden, turn right towards Mickleton and 200 yards later turn right again following the brown Tourist signs for Hidcote NT. After 1 mile turn left at crossroads and continue for 1 mile. The entrance for Kiftsgate is on the left.
Nearest train station from: Honeybourne is the nearest station which is on the Hereford line from London Paddington, however there is not a taxi rank there and taxis need to be pre-booked. Alternatively get off the train at Moreton in Marsh where there are usually taxis available. The train journey usually takes 1hr 50 mins and a taxi from the station to Kiftsgate takes 15 to 20 minutes.