by Tony Russell

Dyrham Park

The National Trust’s Dyrham Park contains a William and Mary mansion set in an Edwardian garden and surrounded by 263 acres (106 hectares) of ancient deer park dotted with fine mature beech, sweet chestnut, oak and black walnut.

There are spectacular views to Bristol and the hills of South Wales. Remnants of an earlier and extensive London and Wise Baroque water garden (recorded in a Kip engraving of 1710) can be seen close to the house and include an original, fully functioning, cascade.

The garden to the west front of the mansion is pleasant and tranquil with terraces, fishponds, herbaceous borders and trees which provide attractive autumnal colours. There is also an orchard of old perry pear varieties and a recently-restored, magnificent 30 metre (100 feet) Talman’s 18th century orangery full of myrtles, oleanders and citrus. There are way-marked walks across the park, from which one can enjoy the deer, ancient trees and an early Hill Fort. 

Location: Just south of M4 Junction 18 on the A46 Bath road.
For admission prices and opening times, please check with the garden direct.
Telephone: 0117 9372501
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Westonbirt School Gardens

The Grade I listed gardens of Westonbirt School were designed by Robert Holford (1808-1892), best known as creator of the National Arboretum, Westonbirt, which lies less than a mile away. Both were originally part of the same private estate, with Westonbirt House (now the main school building) at its heart. As you might expect, the School Gardens include many notable and rare specimen trees as well as extensive terraced ‘pleasure grounds’ containing Italianate walled gardens, pools, water fountains, an ornamental lake (which was once the local village pond) statuary, a grotto, a grass amphitheatre and woodland walks, seen at their very best in autumn.

Many of the structural features within the garden were designed by the architect Lewis Vulliamy. Visitors who also go to the National Arboretum can observe the similarities and differences between the formal, highly architectural School Gardens and the natural informality of the Arboretum. Please note: the National Arboretum at Westonbirt is owned and operated by the Forestry Commission and is therefore subject to a separate admission charge. 

Location: Three miles south of Tetbury on the A433
For admission prices and opening times, please check with the garden direct.
Telephone: 01666 880333

Batsford Arboretum

Batsford was originally designed and created in the late 1800s by Lord Redesdale. A diplomat, he spent much of his career in China and Japan, where he fell in love with the plants and planting styles he encountered.

On his return to England in 1890 he began to create a wild garden with an oriental theme at his Batsford home. He imported bronze statues, including a Buddha, and some Japanese Sika Deer, planted hundreds of Asian trees and shrubs, and designed features such as a Japanese Rest House, Hermit’s Cave, rockeries and a 600 metre artificial stream.

Today, Batsford’s overall character is created by a stunning combination of vistas, topography, water and plants. The grounds, covering 20 hectares (50 acres), roll gently down a southeast-facing limestone escarpment and provide spectacular views to Moreton-in-Marsh and the Evenlode valley beyond. One of the finest times of year to visit Batsford is October, when its collection of trees (believed to be the largest private collection in Britain) produces a spectacular kaleidoscope of autumn leaf colour. 

Location: One mile west of Moreton in Marsh on A44.
For admission prices and opening times, please check with the garden direct.
Telephone: 01386 701441