Gloucestershire is home to some of country's most unique National Trust properties, from grand Roman villas to world-famous gardens.
With so many places to inspire history and horticulture enthusiasts in the county, SoGlos handpicks some of the best National Trust properties to visit in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds in this hot list.
Hidcote Manor and Gardens
Spend a day wandering around the wild gardens of Hicote Manor near Chipping Campden, taking in the abundance of plants and discovering something new around every corner.
Planted by celebrated horticulturalist, Major Lawrence Johnston, the gardens are world-famous and always changing through the seasons, so no two visits are ever the same, making it a perfect place to visit again and again with a National Trust membership. Hidcote is usually open to visitors from March to December.
Woodchester Mansion and Park
The spellbinding Woodchester Mansion is shrouded in mystery after workers building the Victorian Gothic property downed tools never to return. The building remains unfinished to this day, giving it a haunting feel and storied history which has attracted ghost hunters from across the world.
The mansion sits within beautiful parkland surrounded by a wooded valley, with a lake and a boathouse to seek out, too. Woodchester Mansion is open to visitors at weekends from April to November, while Woodchester Park is open all year round.
Snowshill Manor and Garden
Home of the famously eccentric Charles Wade, Snowshill Manor and Garden near Broadway is an extraordinary place to explore, full of drama, colour and quirky collectibles – including more than one suit of armour!
Its Arts and Crafts garden is an extension of the house, set out as a series of rooms, with spectacular views over the Cotswolds countryside. The garden is as unconventional and surprising as the house itself, with its very own model village, Wolf's Cove, which replicates a Cornish fishing village and harbour. Snowshill Manor is open daily from March to October, and weekends only in November.
Chedworth Roman Villa
Nestled in a Cotswold valley between Cheltenham and Bibury, Chedworth Roman Villa is one of the grandest Roman villas in the country, featuring intricate mosaics, bath houses and complex heating systems, and even a water shrine.
This active archaeological site is a wonderful day out for families and history buffs, with an on-site museum where visitors can see some of the items discovered at the villa, from hair pins to household goods, with regular tours and family-friendly events taking place at the site, too. Chedworth Roman Villa is usually open February to November.
Newark Park
This imposing country house sits within a secluded, Grade II-listed estate near Wotton-under-Edge and is surrounded by glorious gardens and woodland walks. Built as a grand hunting lodge in 1550, it was designed for entertaining – and each of its owners has put their own stamp on this unique place, such as the dramatic stained glass window installed by the Clutterbucks.
As well as three levels of gardens, Newark Park has a woodland adventure play area that's ideal for little visitors. It is generally open from February to November, with some selected weekends in December, too.
Westbury Court Garden
Westbury Court Garden on the edge of the Forest of Dean is England's only restored 17th century Dutch-style water garden, with a series of canals, a circular pool, and Tall Pavillion created by Maynard Colchester. As well as yew trees and holly bushes planted in geometric patterns, the original garden featured vegetable patches and fruit trees, with the canals stocked with fish, so it was as productive as it was pretty.
It is also home to one of the National Trust's largest collections of black poplar trees and some of the oldest and rarest trees in the country, including the holm oak – and is open to visitors from March to October.
Hailes Abbey
The enchanting ruins of Hailes Abbey near Winchcombe are a must-visit for history lovers. Founded by Richard of Cornwall, the 13th century Cistercian Abbey was an important pilgrimage site due to its relic 'the Holy Blood of Hailes' – a vial of what was believed to be Jesus Christ's blood.
Hailes Abbey is only open for guided tours on selected dates, usually on the first weekend of every month, with its current opening dates and times available on the English Heritage website.
Ashleworth Tithe Barn
The 15th century Ashleworth Tithe Barn on the banks of the River Severn near Gloucester is the only barn owned by the National Trust, and has sat beside the church of St Andrew since the medieval era.
The unique double barn features a vaulted ceiling, two wagon entrances, and two threshing floors, all under one Cotswold slate tiled roof. Ashleworth Tithe Barn is open all year round during daylight hours.
Dyrham Park
One of the most notable stately homes of its age, Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire is a wonderful example of a Baroque mansion. The house has a fascinating and controversial history, with close links to the British Empire and the early transatlantic slave trade, which has influenced its decor, artwork, and artefacts, many of which make for an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience.
Outside of the mansion, Dyrham Park sits within 270 acres of parkland, with ponds, a wildflower orchard, flowering borders, and breathtaking views. It is open daily all year round, excluding Christmas.
