Cotswold Architecture
Prior Park Garden in the Cotswolds – A National Trust Must-See
Prior Park is a must-see landscaped garden built high on a hillside with spectacular views of Bath as just one of its many attractions.
This National Trust Grade 1 listed garden was created by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen and begun in 1734.
Allen, who made his fortune by reorganizing the post office, took advice from the poet Alexander Pope and the garden designer Capability Brown before creating this masterpiece.
There are few flowers and no formal beds in this garden – it is all about breathtaking views, restful green lawns, reflecting water from the lakes and sculptural bridges – creating a mellow mood that is immensely pleasing.
Meandering across the elegant Palladian Bridge, one of only four left in the world, is a joy and there is much more to discover including: a Serpentine Lake, a Cascade, a summerhouse, and a horseshoe walk.
Winding and sometimes steep paths lead to hidden retreats, tranquil lakes, a ruined Gothic Temple, a Grotto and finally, stunning vistas over Bath. Prior Park was the matrix for style that became known as the “English garden”.
The Palladian mansion, which tops one of the garden’s sweeping green slopes and overlooks Bath, now houses Prior Park College and was designed by John Wood, the Elder in 1742. He was commissioned by Ralph Allen to build a house “To see all Bath, and for all Bath to see”.
This house, with its classic symmetry, should be on the list of all the overseas visitors who, caught up in Downton Abbey fervor, are now interested in seeing other examples of the great houses of Britain.
Afternoon Tea can be taken at a tiny, clapboard tea house, with outdoor tables, tucked away in the foliage.
A five-minute walk from the garden leads on to a six mile circular walk around Bath, with amazing views, that passes through woodlands, meadows, an Iron Age hill-fort, Roman settlements, and an 18th-century folly.
Prior Park Garden is south of Bath, Somerset, by Ralph Allen Drive, and 3/4 mile (1.2 km) from the Kennet and Avon canal path. BA2 5AH
Click here for National Trust Link
New! Cotswolds Memoir is now available as an AudioBook in addition to Paperback and Kindle
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A portion of the proceeds of every copy of COTSWOLDS MEMOIR: is donated to Cotswold conservation institutions.
Cotswolds Gorgeous Garden-Stowell Park- Opened For Colbalt Fundraiser
Stowell Park Garden in September
For a wonderful afternoon visit magnificent Stowell Park, near Northleach, surely the best private garden in the country. Stowell House crowns a hill commanding matchless views across the unspoiled Gloucestershire countryside. Velvet lawns carpet one elegant terrace after another as they unfold down the hill below the house eventually merging seamlessly into the rolling hills of the Coln Valley.
This open garden event was the Cobalt charity’s grand finale of their open garden programme for 2014 and they wisely appeared to have saved the best for last.
This traditional garden covers eight acres with many charming features including: three peach houses two vineries, three pot-plant greenhouses and a half acre of cut flowers in addition to an acre of fruit and vegetable gardens laid out in two walled gardens. A perfect parade of pleached limes frame the approach to 14th Century Stowell House and give way to a long rose pergola and wide, plant filled borders containing a fine collection of old-fashioned roses.
A woodland walk – a fountain garden with an almost two metre sturgeon swimming happily in the water feature also grace this beautiful garden.
Tea and delicious home-made cakes were served in the ballroom and taken on one of the sunny terraces. The lovely weather showed off the garden at its best.
This open garden event provided a rare opportunity for a visit in September. Lady Vestey and her head gardener, Neil Hewertson have created a wonderful and surprisingly diverse show of colour for this time of the year.
The tranquility created by Stowell Park Garden’s position and beautiful design make this a must-see garden.
COBALT CHARITY
Support the Cobalt Charity (Diagnostic Imaging for Life) providing faster, safer and clearer medical scans by giving generously. This charity made the Stowell Park open garden event possible.
www.cobalt50.co.uk
fundraising@cobalthealth.co.uk
Photographs by Randall Montgomery ©2014 Available for purchase at PublicityPromo@aol.com
Stowell Park Yanworth, Northleach, Cheltenham GL54 3LE
The Lord & Lady Vestey, http://www.stowellpark.co.uk 8m NE of Cirencester. Off Fosseyway A429 2m SW of Northleach.
Stowell Park is open under the National Garden Scheme usually for two afternoons in June.
Click here for NGS 2015 details
New! Cotswolds Memoir is now available as an AudioBook in addition to Paperback and Kindle
A portion of the proceeds of every copy of COTSWOLDS MEMOIR: is donated to Cotswold conservation institutions.
Click below to order
Cotswolds Views 5 of the Best!
Gotta love those Cotswold Views!
Here (below) are my favourite five – all are included in the Travel Guide of my book
COTSWOLDS MEMOIR:
Discovering a Beautiful Region of Britain on a Quest to Buy a 17th Century Cottage.
Now available on Amazon in Paperback, Kindle and NEW! Audio Book. www.DizWhite.com
Best COTSWOLD VIEW from a MANOR HOUSE
SNOWSHILL MANOR, Broadway, Gloucestershire, WR12 7JU nationaltrust.org.uk
Gorgeous views across the Snowshill Lavender fields and surrounding rolling hills.
This National Trust property houses Charles Wade’s eclectic collection of craftsmanship from all over the world. Charming organic garden.
Best COTSWOLD VIEW from a COUNTRY INN
EDGEMOOR INN, Near Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6ND edgemoor-inn.com
Breath-taking views from the terrace as inn overlooks entire Painswick valley and is situated on the Cotswold Way. Great food and beer. Close to Haresfield Beacon.
Best COTSWOLD VIEW from a CASTLE
WARWICK CASTLE, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU warwick-castle.com
Worth the climb up to the roof for unmatched views of the River Avon, the Castle grounds, the Mill Garden and surrounding countryside.
1,000 years of history. Well constructed tableaux. Great Hall. State Rooms. Jousting. Trebuchet. Great day out with the kids. PeacockGarden. Gives Disney a run for its money.
Best COTSWOLD VIEW from a HISTORIC SITE
BROADWAY TOWER, Middle Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LB broadwaytower.co.uk
Completed in 1798 this folly was built for Lady Coventry on a beacon hill. Spectacular views of more than a dozen counties. Over 17 metres high. Open to the public.
Best COTSWOLD VIEW from a NATIONAL TRUST SITE
HARESFIELD BEACON, 3 miles north west of Stroud (see website for directions) gloucestershire.gov.uk
National Trust site on the Cotswold escarpment with amazing 360 degree views, some reaching as far as Wales. Site of a Roman-British hill fort.
New! Cotswolds Memoir is now available as an AudioBook in addition to Paperback and Kindle
Click below to order
A portion of the proceeds of every copy of COTSWOLDS MEMOIR: is donated to Cotswold conservation institutions.
Diz White 