When visiting Warwickshire, have you ever wondered where to find an exquisite rose labyrinth, a favourite picnic spot, ideas for a wildlife garden, magical topiary, seductive summer scents, food at its freshest, or even cricket on the ‘lawn’? Well… wonder no more, as WithinWarwickshire has published its top 10 garden visits for the county.
1. Best picnic spot
Unpack your hamper of locally sourced goodies in the attractive lakeside or woodland picnic areas at Compton Verney, near Warwick, then set off to explore the ‘Capability’ Brown footpaths of this Grade 2*-listed park. After spotting birds and wildlife, ambling past lakes and through ancient trees, you could well be peckish again – which is a good excuse to head for scrumptious cakes and tea in the award-winning cafe. Open 16 Mar- 11 Dec, Tues-Sun and Bank Hol Mon, 11am-5pm.
2. Best rose and walled garden
The historic whiff of gunpowder, treason and plot at Coughton Court, Alcester, is seductively entwined in modern times with the fragrance of the Throckmortons’ award-winning gardens. Centrepiece is the Walled Garden of themed rooms and the Rose Labyrinth – over 200 glorious varieties to crown the summer. Gardens open from 12 Mar. See Coughton Court website for specific days and times.
3. Best vegetable garden
Check out what’s growing in the vegetable garden at Baddesley Clinton and whet your appetite for a tasty seasonal meal in the restaurant. Asparagus, artichokes, calabrese, herbs, salads and juicy summer strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants all grace weekly changing menus, and in autumn there’s butternut squash pie. Orchard apples (more pie!) and pears, as well as quinces and grapes flourish, too. With just a hop from plot to plate, here’s food at its freshest. Open 1 Feb-31 Dec (excl. 24-25 Dec), Tues-Sun and Bank Hol Mon, 11am-5pm.
4. Best garden walk
Tradition says Shakespeare scurried through Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, poaching deer. It’s much better to linger and savour the scenes. Wander the formal parterre, woodland and park, and enjoy beautiful views across the River Avon, with possibly a glimpse of a dazzling kingfisher. Check in advance for guided walks to learn more about ‘Capability’ Brown landscaping or features like the ha-ha. Park and gardens open all year (excl. 23-25 Dec), 10am-5.30pm (4pm/dusk winter).
5. Best scents of summer
Stroll through fields and gardens full of lavender, rosemary and other nose-twitching culinary and medicinal herbs at The National Herb Centre, Warmington. Aromatherapy for the soul! On a sunny summer’s day, butterflies, bees and dragonflies will be revelling here, too. Discover the versatility of herbs in the demonstration garden and then browse the hundreds of varieties on sale. If you want further inspiration, tuck into a snack in the Herb Bistro. Open daily through the year.
6. Best for Jane Austen and cricket fans
Something for him and her? Head to Stoneleigh Abbey and follow the lovely Pleasure Garden Walk, past the formal garden and alongside the River Avon. It includes one of Jane Austen’s favourite ambles – her 1806 visit to the abbey inspired scenes in Persuasion and Mansfield Park. Get your timing right and you can also watch Stoneleigh Cricket Club (founded 1839) playing on a pitch once voted by Wisden as the prettiest in the country: where else does a magnificent abbey stand at one boundary? Abbey grounds open Good Fri-end Oct, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Sun and Bank Hols, 10am-5pm.
7. Best open-air gallery
It’s not just flowers and a fumpary (reclaimed tree stumps) that flourish at Ragley Hall, Alcester! Follow the 2.5-mile Jerwood Foundation Sculpture Trail through garden and woodland and you will encounter all sorts of curious sights: Antony Gormley’s pensive Insider VIII, Dame Elisabeth Frink’s Walking Man, a galloping bronze Crusader, and rocket-like Green Fuse. Whether you’re into art for garden lovers or gardens for art lovers, this is the place. Gardens open from 21 Feb; see Ragley Hall website for specific days and times.
8. Best topiary adventure
Lose yourself amid a multitude of giant topiary ‘figures’ in the evocative Yew Garden at Packwood House, Lapworth. The oldest yew dates back 350 years and the imposing throng is said to represent the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Gardener’s Evening Tours’ (20 July at 7pm, tickets £12 incl. a glass of wine) shed light on diverse aspects of this magical garden, which also includes a gentleman farmer’s kitchen garden dating from 1723. Open 1 Feb-30 Oct, Tues-Sun and Bank Hol Mon, 11am-5pm.
9. Best garden for gourmets
Treat yourself to an exquisite lunch or dinner complemented by equally exquisite views, over Italian gardens and elegant water features with rolling hills and open countryside beyond: at Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club. On warm days you can dine al fresco on the terrace. Choose from English and European dishes featuring fresh seasonal produce, relax and be romanced by your surroundings.
10. Best for environmentally friendly ideas
Garden Organic Ryton near Coventry puts the green into green fingers, and yours will be itching to try some of the fantastic environmentally friendly ideas showcased in more than 30 gardens here. Vegetable Inspirations, the Cook’s Garden, Bee Garden and RSPB Wildlife Garden, plus Flowers for Pleasure, the World’s Biggest Flowerpot, and tips on composting and conservation will have you rushing home to have a go. Visit the shop and award-winning organic restaurant before you do! Open seven days a week, 9am-5pm.
Useful links:
Hotels in Warwickshire
B&Bs in Warwickshire
Self-catering in Warwickshire
Tourist attractions in Warwickshire
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