Spetchley Park Gardens

This lovely 30-acre garden is owned by the Berkeley family, the other home is the historic 12th Century Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Spetchley has belonged to the family since 1606, but the greatest extension to the garden took place at the turn of the 20th Century when Mr. Berkeley's grandmother, Rose Berkeley, assisted by her sister that great Victorian gardener, Ellen Willmott of Warley Place in Essex, enlarged and enhanced the garden. 2006 marked the 400th anniversary of Spetchley Park.

Here you will find most aspects of gardening, the formal and informal, woodland and herbaceous. A garden full of secrets, every corner reveals some new vista, some new treasure of the plant world, whether it be tree, shrub or plant. The exuberant planning, the peaceful walks, make this an oasis of enjoyment and quiet. The visitor will find a vast collection of plants, many of which are rarely seen outside the major Botanical Gardens. A special Millennium Garden was created in 2000 comprising both a sunken garden and Italianate-style covered walkways.

April and May produce a wonderful display of spring bulbs, especially daffodils, as well as flowering trees and shrubs. The large collection of roses, both old-fashioned and modern, come into their own in June and July, whilst July, August and September reveal the great herbaceous borders in all their glory. Late September sees the start of the Autumn tints. This is indeed a garden for all Seasons, and has been described as one of horticulture's best-kept secrets.

Close by is the Deer Park with its fine herds of red and fallow deer. This has changed little since the 17th Century and makes a delightful walk.

A specialist plant fair is held each April in the Gardens and various events/concerts are organised during the opening season, culminating in the spectacular 'Illuminated Trail' in December.

The garden is open in 2007 from 21 March to 30 September from Wednesdays to Sunday (and on Bank Holiday Mondays) and also on Saturdays and Sundays in October. For further details including admission charges, telephone 01453 810303 or 01905 345213. Teas and light refreshments are available in the Tea Room. Coach parties are welcome and guided tours are available, both by prior arrangement. Disabled toilet facilities are available. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the environment, wheelchair access is limited.