It’s not often you find gardens with the local community and sustainability firmly at their heart, but we’ve got some right here in the Cotswolds! Lovely and utterly timeless Miserden is one of the best to visit, with spectacular views over a deer park and rolling Cotswold hills.

Designed in the 17th Century, the gardens have stunning flower beds, yew hedges and an amazing topiary yew walk designed by Edwin Lutyens, as well as mixed borders of roses, clematis, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Bring the kids to see the ancient mulberry tree, believed to be planted in 1620, and a stone summer house built to commemorate the Millennium.

Miserden is a previous winner of the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year with a variety of designated walks through woodland, valleys, farmland and even a lake hidden in the heart of the estate. For 2024 don’t miss The Cotswold Sculptors Association returning for their major summer exhibition. Explore the carefully-curated trail of sculptures and wonderful planting, and the indoor exhibition, in the Clubroom, from 18 May – 18 Aug 2024, Wed-Sun, 10-5pm (includes bank hols).

You can also stay on site at the pretty Miserden Park Flat – a spacious one bedroom flat in this gorgeous Grade 2* listed Jacobean manor house – or other properties on the site. The kitchen diner, living room and bedroom all benefit from lovely views and high ceilings, and you even get to visit the Garden at Miserden for free.