Iford Manor Gardens

About

Tucked away at the bottom of a tranquil valley, just 15 minutes from Bath, a visit to the romantic, award-winning, Grade I listed Iford Manor Garden is like no other. Famed Edwardian landscape designer Harold Peto designed the unique, Italianate gardens when Iford Manor was his home, from 1899 to 1933. Drawing inspiration from his travels all around the world, the garden blends Italian, Byzantine, Ancient Roman and Oriental garden designs together with architecture and classical sculpture.

Over the past 50 years today's owners, the Cartwright-Hignett family, have lovingly restored the garden and continued to develop it, including finishing the Japanese Garden, extending the woodland walks and redesigning areas of the garden as they age - over 200 new trees were planted this spring, 100 years after Peto's original plantings. Our new Head Gardener; Steve Lannin (formerly Head Gardener at Mapperton Gardens) is working closely with the family to continue the gardens journey, ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Paths twist and turn around ancient statues, columns, terraces and architecture which, combined with ebullient planting schemes, draw you on in anticipation of the next delight. After each step a new view is revealed, allowing visitors to marvel at the clever nature and beauty of the design. Steeped in history and located on the last hill of the Cotswolds, with the Wiltshire/ Somerset border running through the garden itself, visitors often say a visit to Iford Manor Garden is like stepping into another, timeless world.

Regularly providing design inspiration to many, the garden often features in international publications and in film, most recently in The Secret Garden (2020). A visit to Iford Manor Gardens should leave you feeling refreshed, uplifted and inspired. Dogs are welcome. 

A fantastic new cafe and restaurant; the Iford Manor Café & Kitchen, opened onsite in 2021. Serving lunches and afternoon teas, as well as tea, coffee, cakes and snacks (dogs and children welcome). 

Subscribe to their newsletter for updates and visit Iford Manor Gardens website for the latest information, news and events.