Nestled deep in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds lies the peaceful Miserden Estate, which has been providing a quiet sanctuary to wildlife and visitors for over a century.
Encompassing a quaint village, tranquil lake and a winning mix of woodland, farmland and the beautiful 17th century gardens, Miserden Estate isn’t your run-of-the-mill country house.
Ancient trees, stretching views, sumptuous food and an atmosphere of pure tranquillity combine to make a lovely day trip with oodles of idyllic charm. Trust us, you won’t want to leave the camera at home for this one.
History
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and spanning 850 acres, this remarkable estate has a proud history it enjoys sharing with visitors to the enchanting gardens.
Originally built in 1620, The Miserden Estate has been owned by the Wills family since 1913 and enjoys glorious views of the deer park and picture-perfect hills that will probably become your wallpaper after your visit. The Golden Valley, one of the gems of the Cotswolds, runs through Miserden, providing a truly stunning streak of autumnal hues. We know this honey-dipped area of England is known for its golden tones, but this section takes the biscuit!
One of the wings of Miserden park was designed by famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens who also designed the captivating topiary yew walk in the gardens. Although Miserden Park isn’t open to the public, it does provide an impressive backdrop to the gardens so you can still marvel at the beautiful Cotswold stone and remarkable design from afar.
Gardens
One of the top 10 most romantic gardens in the world according to Gardens Illustrated and winner of the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2018, the walled garden at Miserden is certainly racking up its accolades and it’s easy to see why with its timeless beauty.
Whether you have the greenest of thumbs or just appreciate a pretty sight, walking around these ancient gardens will reward you with extensive yew hedges and impressive mixed borders, which are among the longest in private ownership and house a variety of flowers, shrubs and herbaceous plants that blossom, bloom and grow for three seasons a year.
Alongside the herbaceous borders and well-groomed hedges, you’ll find a Sycamore tree that has shed tradition and grown through a Cotswold stone wall because, well, why not! Walk up a set of magical grass steps, pause for a moment of serenity at the beautiful fountain and stone summerhouse, and marvel at the ancient mulberry tree that was planted over 400 years ago and has watched over the Miserden estate ever since.
Nursery
High up in the Cotswolds Hills, this traditional nursery is a mecca for anyone wanting to add to their collection or interested in turning their garden into a hidden sanctuary. Beautiful period greenhouses shelter a superb and unique range of plants that, when paired with this unbeatable location, really set this nursery apart from your everyday garden centre.
Gaze up at their impressive herbaceous perennials, which have been grown on site and now tower at over 800 feet tall, and pick yourself up a hardy plant that has been lovingly grown to superior quality.
While dogs aren’t allowed in the gardens, they are welcome in the nursery so long as they are kept on a lead.
Food and Drink
Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t really be a day out without a warming cup of coffee to sip on while taking in the surrounding pageantry of the gardens. Tucked away in the Miserden Estate you’ll find a fabulously unique converted wagon that sells steaming cups of coffee and delicious snacks and light lunches.
For those wanting something a little more substantial, The Garden Café has been transformed into a pop-up restaurant so that visitors can enjoy a whole host of local chefs and a variety of cuisines. Whether you sit in and make the most of their ‘bring your own booze’ approach or take a fancy to one of the restaurants and decide to get some of their mouth-watering dishes delivered to your luxury Boutique Retreat, this quirky little café is a hidden foodie gem.
Things to Do
Of course, you can simply while away an afternoon strolling through the gardens while pretending you’re living in a bygone era, but that isn’t all there is to do here… not by a long shot.
If you love pulling on the walking boots and setting out for a romp that awakens the soul, then definitely make the most of the beautiful walks that are peppered around the Miserden Estate. From a 40-minute amble that takes you around the peaceful waters of the lake to an hour and 40-minute trek that gives you access to incredible vistas that are only enjoyed by the more determined visitors, there are plenty of routes to enjoy during your visit.
Slow down and make the most of the relaxing atmosphere of the gardens with some yoga or speed up and attempt the challenging off road course that’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping and the mud splattering. Think you know how to really drive a 4x4? There’s only one way to find out!
Miserden has also been known to host a variety of live events, from cosy plays to vibrant festivals, so make sure you keep an eye out on their social media for any upcoming events.
Are you ready to step back in time to enjoy far-reaching views and expertly maintained gardens? Visit Miserden Estate and discover all the secrets this family-owned estate has to offer.
Our luxury retreats in the Cotswolds make a superb base for exploring this stunning area.
