Ilford Manor Gardens, Ilford, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire
If you have a thing for Italianette style gardens, you really, really should go to Ilford Manor Gardens because if you don’t we have a feeling you’ll regret it. These Grade I listed gardens near Bradford on Avon were created by the renowned architect and landscape designer Harold Peto in Edwardian times, and they are utterly romantic, an exquisite blend of planting and architecture that is hard to find words for; to cap it all, the idyllic and peaceful setting on the last hill of the Cotswolds has breathtaking views over the valley. Please go and visit; the Oriental garden and the restored Georgian Summerhouse, the paths that twist and turn with columns and pillars and tightly clipped box hedging – delightful! And go and treat yourselves to a slice of scrummy homemade cake in the Housekeeper’s Tearoom where they serve Ilford Manor loose leaf tea, and Ilford Cider made from apples grown on the estate. You can even book for a Behind the Scenes tour with the head gardener, or a Champagne Evening Tour, led by William Cartwright-Hignett who has lived at Ilford Manor all his life.
Look out for Ilford Manor Gardens in The Secret Garden starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters, to be hitting the big screen in 2020.
Open: April to Sept Weds-Sun & Bank holidays 11.00 am-6.00 pm
T: 01225 863146 No buggies, well behaved dogs on leads, groups by appointment.
All information correct at the time of writing