Gardens of Wiltshire

Discover a selection of English country gardens, including a day spent with designer Tania Compton, with exclusive access to some of the county’s finest private gardens

The southern English county of Wiltshire contains many World Heritage Sites including Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury Cathedral. Almost half the county is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, so it is not surprising to find a collection of outstanding gardens.

Our trip includes visits to The Courts, a country garden of perfect harmony with lots of late-summer interest. There’s also the iconic Italianate garden at Iford Manor, designed by Harold Peto. Nestled on the hillside overlooking the River Frome, this is an exceptional garden and one that invites lingering. At Bowood House we have an invitation to view Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s private walled garden with its formal borders and productive kitchen garden. There’s also Cantax House, Ridleys Cheer and an inspiring visit to renowned plantswoman Derry Watkins’ garden and nursery Special Plants.

Particular highlights, though, come when we are joined by Tania Compton, garden designer and author of the recently published The Private Gardens of England. Together we visit two gardens designed by Tania: Fonthill House, the home of Lord and Lady Margadale, and Spilsbury Farm where Tania lives with her husband the botanist Dr James Compton. Then it’s on to Moor Hatches, a contemporary family garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith. Such access is a rare treat.

We are accommodated for three nights at The Manor House hotel, set in the heart of Castle Combe – frequently referred to as the prettiest village in England – this is a stylish, comfortable hotel offering fine food and a peaceful ambience.

Special Plants. Iford Manor. Bowood House. The Courts Garden.

TOUR LEADERS Tania Compton’s garden design career began at The English Gardening School. She is a trustee of the Garden Museum and a writer. Her latest book is The Private Gardens of England. Dr Sophie Piebenga trained as a gardener at the National...