Kiftsgate Gardens, Gloucestershire

Kiftsgate Gardens

Next-door-neighbour to the more well-known Hidcote, this 20th century garden is blessed with colour and an informal atmosphere. The inspiration for Kiftsgate came from Heather Muir, who, along with her husband JB Muir, bought the manor in 1917.

Mrs. Muir was famous for her work with shrub roses, and developed several new varieties, including the Kiftsgate rose (Rosa filipes). Pride of place at Kiftsgate must go to the rose garden, lovingly bounded by beech hedges.

Another innovative feature of Kiftsgate is the Mediterranean garden, where Mrs. Muir took advantage of the exposed location and good drainage to plant species that are startling to find in this area of England, including cistus, phlomis, ceanthus, and other tender plants. There are an enjoyable variety of other garden areas, including a White Sunken Garden, Water Garden, Yellow Border, and Summer House.

The garden siting is arguably more attractive than next-door Hidcote, with excellent views over the Vale of Evesham from the hillside site. The sunken garden is at its best when the the bulbs bloom in spring, but the roses peak in June and July. There are plantings of large hydrangea, Japanese maples, and a delightful bluebell wood.

The manor of Kiftsgate was built in 1887-91 by Sydney Graves Hamilton, owner of the manor of Mickleton. Hamilton took the unusual step of removing the Georgian facade of Mickleton and transporting it up the hill to his new house at Kiftsgate, with the aide of a purpose-built light railway. An avenue of elm trees used to run between the two manors, but this is unfortunately now gone, a victim of elm disease.

Best in: spring and early summer.

Notes
Don't see Hidcote and miss Kiftsgate!

LOCATION
Chipping Campden
Gloucestershire
GL55 6LN
Tel. 01386 438 777
Web site: http://www.kiftsgate.co.uk/
E-mail: info@kiftsgate.co.uk

Accommodation

Gloucestershire

Harvest, Shire & Cider Apple

Eldersfield
Self catering cottage

Three cottages in the same converted barn offering accommodation to sleep up to 16 people. 4 double, 4 twin, 3 bathrooms. Saturday start date not … more >>
Sleeps 16

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Gloucestershire

Apple Tree Cottage

Blockley
Self catering cottage

Apple Tree Cottage offers downstairs cloakroom and toilet with wash basin, diner/kitchen. 1st floor sitting room second floor double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with bath … more >>
Sleeps 2

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Chipping Campden (Hotel)

Volunteer Inn

This locally owned 17th century inn, is crammed with history, traditional local cask ales and plenty of character, and stands at the lower end of Chipping Campden's historic High Street. The inn is set in the small Cotswold town of Chipping Campden, an area renowned for its … more >>

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Chipping Campden (Hotel)

Red Lion Inn

The Red Lion is a traditional Cotswolds inn with 5 rooms, located on one of the most beautiful High Streets in the UK. Oozing history and character, the Red Lion provides cosy overnight accommodation. A fine old Cotswold Inn full of character & charisma, with a … more >>

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	Gloucestershire Travel Guide A guide to Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds of England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.

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