Stately Homes and Beautiful Gardens

Snowshill Manor

Snowshill Manor is a typical, traditional Cotswold house, built of golden yellow local stone and set on a hillside above the Vale of Evesham. The Manor is packed with extraordinary treasures collected over a life time by Charles Wade. Explore the beautiful Gardens and perhaps enjoy a snack in the Tearoom.   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor/

Stanway House and Fountain

Stanway is an outstandingly beautiful example of a Jacobean manor house, owned by Tewkesbury Abbey for 800 years then for 500 years by the Tracy family and their descendants, the Earls of Wemyss. Stanway House is currently the home of Lord and Lady Neidpath. Stanway House has a beautiful watergarden and the fountain rises magnificently to over 300 feet, making it the tallest fountain in Britain. The Estate watermill has now been restored to full working condition. Powered by a 24ft diameter waterwheel, it is producing wholemeal and sifted flour from wheat grown on Stanway Estate. www.stanwayfountain.co.uk

Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle, situated on the outskirts of Winchcombe (8 miles from Broadway), has a varied and interesting history. Rebuilt in the 15th Century, it was later owned by Sir Tomas Seymour who married Catherine Parr, the widow of Henry VIII. She is buried in the chapel which is one of the few parts of the original building to survive. Standing in delightful grounds Sudeley Castle was later restored as a manor house and is open to visitors. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

Charlcote Park

Superb Tudor House - The home of the Lucy family for over 700 years, the mellow brickwork and great chimneys of Charlecote seem to sum up the very essence of Tudor England. The balustraded formal garden opens onto a fine deer park landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park/

Coughton Court

Coughton Court is one of England’s finest Tudor houses. Home of the Throckmorton family since 1409, the house has fine collections of furniture, porcelain and family portraits, as well as a fascinating exhibition on the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The family has created and developed the grounds over the past 12 years so they are now totally in keeping with the period setting.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court/

Chastleton House

One of England’s finest and most complete Jacobean houses.The gardens have a typical Elizabethan and Jacobean layout with a ring of fascinating topiary at their heart and it was here in 1865 that the rules of modern croquet were codified.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house/

Blenheim Palace

Home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and one of Britain's greatest houses. Blenheim Palace is the Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill voted BBC2's Greatest Briton of all time, and has many attractions for the whole family. www.blenheimpalace.com

Warwick Castle

A stunning Medieval Castle, Warwick Castle is over a thousand years old and has been well maintained with magnificent towers and ramparts. The splendid grounds are an ideal venue for a picnic. There are many attractions at Warwick Castle from dungeons to the Great Hall, State Rooms and the Royal Weekend Party of 1898. Visitors can climb some of the towers and visit the well laid out exhibitions, many have wax figures. www.warwick-castle.co.uk

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Experience the Tudor world of William Shakespeare by spending time in the house where, in 1564, he was born. Shakespeare's Birthplace provides an insight into his childhood. Family rooms have been faithfully recreated with furniture, utensils and wall hangings from the period. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Holst's Birthplace Museum

Cheltenham's musical gem - the Regency terrace house where Gustav Holst, composer of The Planets was born in 1874. holstvictorianhouse.org.uk

Batsford Arboretum

Batsford Arboretum is one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. Situated one and a quarter miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh (Gloucestershire), Batsford Arboretum is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills. www.batsarb.co.uk

Sezincote House and Garden

Sezincote is a unique Indian house designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell. A stunning example of Mogul architecture, the house was the inspiration for the Brighton Pavilion. Sezincote Garden and Sezincote House are open to the public on selected days. www.sezincote.co.uk

Bourton House

The ornamental garden with its late 17th century raised walk overlooking rolling hills, its original kitchen garden and orchard has been transformed in these last 20 years. The gardens surround a delightful 18th century Cotswold manor house and 16th century tithe barn. www.bourtonhouse.com

Hidcote Manor Gardens

A visit to Hidcote Manor Garden is not just a study in an historic and important garden, but an enriching and inspiring experience. Wander through contrasting "rooms" of the garden, ever changing through the seasons of the year and sense the beauty and serenity of this very special place. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote/

Kiftsgate Court

Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets. Let them share their secrets with you.  www.kiftsgate.co.uk

Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum is a wonderful world of trees and shrubs. There are 18,000 of them from all over the world, producing 600 acres of beautifully landscaped countryside. This makes Westonbirt one of the finest tree collections in the world today. However it is the combination of wild flowers, fungi, birds and animals as well as the trees themselves that make Westonbirt such a special place to so many people. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt