National Trust - Hidcote
Sightseeing attraction | Chipping Campden | England | United Kingdom
Explore Hidcote garden rooms
Hidcote, a National Trust property near Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, England, is one of the most famous and influential gardens in Britain. This approximately 4-acre garden paradise in Gloucestershire was designed in the early 20th century by the American garden artist Lawrence Johnston and is considered a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement. It is located on a hill overlooking the gentle hills of the Cotswolds and offers a harmonious blend of artistic design, lush planting, and a sense of intimate retreat that attracts visitors from around the world.
Influential gardens in England
The history of Hidcote begins in 1907 when Johnston bought the property - then a run-down farmhouse with an overgrown plot. Inspired by the ideas of the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized craftsmanship and natural materials, he transformed the grounds over decades into a garden that is now considered one of the most influential of its time. Johnston was not a trained gardener, but a passionate plant collector who gathered rare species on his travels through Europe, Asia, and Africa, planting them at Hidcote. In 1948, he handed over the property to the National Trust, which has since maintained it and made it accessible to the public.
Historic property National Trust
What sets Hidcote apart is its concept of "garden rooms". The garden is divided into a series of small, secluded areas separated by hedges, walls, and paths. Each of these rooms has its own character and atmosphere, from lush flower beds to quiet contemplative corners. Among the most famous are the Red Border, a vibrant strip of red and orange plants like dahlias and crocosmias, and the White Garden, which conveys a peaceful mood with its monochromatic elegance. The Stumpery, a shady area with fallen tree trunks, ferns, and mosses, demonstrates Johnston's love of naturalistic design and is one of the first of its kind in England.
Garden art Arts-and-Crafts movement
Another highlight is the Long Walk, a long path lined with hedges that leads to a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the Cotswolds. This path connects the intimate garden rooms with the open landscape, creating a balance between culture and nature. The Bathing Pool Garden with its tranquil pond and surrounding planting is a peaceful retreat, while the Theatre Lawn, a large lawn surrounded by hedges, evokes the stage of an outdoor theater. This variety makes every step through Hidcote a journey of discovery, where a new surprise awaits around every corner.
Hidcote visitor experiences
The planting is a central aspect of Hidcote's fame. Johnston was known for his experimentation and ability to integrate plants from around the world - from Japanese maple trees to South African agapanthus to alpine geraniums - into the English climate. The garden blooms year-round in various colors and forms: tulips and daffodils dominate in spring, roses and lavender in summer, asters and vibrant foliage in autumn. This careful selection and arrangement has made Hidcote a model for modern garden art, inspiring gardeners worldwide.
In addition to the gardens, the property also includes the manor house, a charming Cotswold stone building dating back to the 17th century. Although smaller than many other National Trust houses and mostly private, visitors can tour some rooms furnished with simple yet stylish furniture reflecting Johnston's understated taste. The house serves as a complement to the gardens, enhancing the impression of a private sanctuary.
For visitors, Hidcote offers numerous opportunities for exploration. A network of paths leads through the garden rooms, and while the estate is not vast, the diversity invites slow exploration to discover details. The garden is mostly accessible, with main paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, although some narrower paths or uneven sections may pose challenges. Dogs are not allowed in the gardens to protect the delicate planting, but a nearby woodland area provides an alternative for walks with four-legged friends. A café serves homemade food and drinks, and there are picnic areas overlooking the countryside. A plant sale allows visitors to take a piece of Hidcote home, while a shop offers typical National Trust souvenirs.
Hidcote is located near the picturesque village of Chipping Campden, a gem of the Cotswolds with its honey-colored stone houses and tranquil streets. This location makes the garden an ideal starting point for further exploration in the region. The National Trust ensures that Hidcote is preserved as both a historical heritage and a living garden, with a team of gardeners continuing Johnston's vision.
