Gardens with stories to tell

Beautiful places to visit with an interesting history

Deserving to be more widely appreciated, the Courts Garden, near Bradford on Avon, is a delightful seven-acre English garden. Originally created between 1900 and 1921, it was inspired by the influential Hidcote garden and under the ownership of the National Trust since 1943, it’s now superbly planted and maintained; a mix of topiary, hedges, pools and plants.

The garden is based around an 18th-century house (not open to the public). Beside the house is an elegant conservatory looking out over lawns and a formal garden. The design is primarily Arts and Crafts-inspired, with separate ‘rooms’ in different styles.

The sections tend to flow from one to another, offering little surprises as you turn corners, and the spacious lawns set off the floral planting perfectly.

Closest to the house are the terraces, stricter arrangements of beds and colourful borders of the tranquil formal garden, including some wonderful topiary. Look out for a hedge trimmed to look like puffs of cloud and a formal pool which is an oasis of calm. The garden is wilder at the edges – take a stroll through the ever-changing arboretum, home to tree species from all over the world.

But perhaps the most interesting feature is a water garden and pond, graced with irises and lilies, crossed by bridges and twisting trails. Follow the pathways and you’ll come across the classical-style stone temple.

Don’t forget to stop by the delightful kitchen garden and orchard.

Address Holt, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA14 6RR.

Opening times Open every day except Wednesdays, 11am-5.30pm. Prices Adult, 10; child, £5; family, £25. For more info and to book*, visit national trust.org.uk/the-courts-garden