Westbury Court Garden, Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire
It’s fair to say that Westbury Court Garden is one of the National Trust’s not so well known properties but that’s not to say it isn’t worth visiting. The setting is wonderful, on the banks of the River Severn in Gloucestershire, and the gardens themselves are very unique.
There is no grand house at Westbury Court Garden anymore, but the rare Dutch Water Gardens survive and are the only such example in the whole country. They were laid out between 1696 and 1705, and after painstaking hard work now look more or less as they would have then. There are canals (the main one is 450ft long), fountains and statues set amidst neatly clipped yew hedges and traditionally planted flower borders. Admire the views from the Tall Pavilion, see the 17th century vegetable gardens and the historic apple and pear trees. Westbury Court Gardens are also home to possibly the oldest holm oak in the country, with a whopping girth of 9m, so check that one out whilst you’re there.
These gardens are a delight, so do go and see them; to think the land was nearly built over in the 1960s – but the NT came to the rescue. You can take the dog, but keep him on a short lead. There are loos and parking on site but no café or shop, so take a picnic.
Check the website for the latest opening times
T: 01452 760461 All information correct at the time of writing