Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxfordshire">OXFORDSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rousham-gardens-bicester"><a href="https://rousham.org/about/">Rousham Gardens</a>, Bicester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/439071382_965777955163806_476248354572241568_n-800x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/439071382_965777955163806_476248354572241568_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/439071382_965777955163806_476248354572241568_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/439071382_965777955163806_476248354572241568_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/439071382_965777955163806_476248354572241568_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>There are said to be a thousand ways to walk around William Kent’s largely untouched 18th Century landscaped haven, Rousham Gardens. A favourite horticultural hangout of Monty Don, the best place to start is the sweeping bowling green with its vast hedges and lion statue before marvelling at the gorgeous espaliers, herbaceous borders and roses of the Walled Gardens. Then there’s the arched colonnade, modelled on the ruins of Palestrina in Italy, overlooking the river Cherwell. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to stop and enjoy the view of the river and the primroses cascading down the riverbanks towards it. Unspoilt, uncommercialised (so bring provisions) and well worth a visit. Good enough for Monty, good enough for us!</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily from 10am, tickets £10pp and bought on arrival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broughton-castle-banbury"><a href="https://www.broughtoncastle.com">Broughton Castle</a>, Banbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="632" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/The-South-Border.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159911" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/The-South-Border.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/The-South-Border-800x506.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/The-South-Border-400x253.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No matter how many times I bang on about it, the ancestral home of the Fiennes family remains a largely total under-the-radar gem and well worth a snoop. Surrounded by a three-acre moat which is pretty impressive in itself, you&#8217;ll find colour-coordinated floral borders and pretty stone arches. The walled garden is particularly inspiring: its fleur-de-lys shaped beds are a masterclass in precision pruning. And though you may not see Ralph hiding among the lavender, you&#8217;ll come away with plenty of garden inspiration for your own plot.   </p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: It&#8217;s open Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 2-5pm until Mon 30 Sep. Tickets are purchased on arrival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waterperry-gardens-nr-oxford"><a href="https://www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/explore/">Waterperry Gardens</a>, nr Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/360157550_750944833707895_3266297413187633989_n-667x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159916" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/360157550_750944833707895_3266297413187633989_n-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/360157550_750944833707895_3266297413187633989_n-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/360157550_750944833707895_3266297413187633989_n-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/360157550_750944833707895_3266297413187633989_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>This eight-acre garden was once home to Beatrix Havergal&#8217;s fabulously-named School of Horticulture for Ladies. While gardening courses are still offered here, the gorgeous gardens are the big draw. Ornamental fruit trees, mazes, vast flowerbeds and a wooded stream at the far end of the site means there&#8217;s plenty to see year-round. There&#8217;s also a plant shop, gift shop, art gallery, museum and a tea shop where everything is made on site. This includes the cakes, scones, sandwiches and mini quiche that make up the <a href="https://www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/tea-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterperry Tea</a>, right down to the homemade jam. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily 10am-530pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buscot-park-faringdon"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/buscot-park">Buscot Park</a>, Faringdon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Pages-22-41_Page_19_Image_0001.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159929" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Pages-22-41_Page_19_Image_0001.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Pages-22-41_Page_19_Image_0001-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Pages-22-41_Page_19_Image_0001-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you enjoy art as much as gardening then a trip to Lord Faringdon&#8217;s stomping ground will be right up your street. Wander through the Four Seasons Walled Gardens blooming with spring bulbs, wisteria, climbing roses and drifts of multi-coloured day lilies, and the Swinging Rose Garden with its impressive bordered avenues. You&#8217;ll also find an extravagant water garden, art installations and, new this year, an outdoor glass sculpture exhibition by artist Jackson Fawkes. The exhibition, called <em>Exhale</em>, celebrates the positive effects nature and art have on our mental health. Muddy&#8217;s mood would certainly be boosted by a sculpture or two on our lawn.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily from 2-6pm until October.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broughton-grange-nr-banbury"><a href="https://www.broughtongrange.com/visit">Broughton Grange</a>, nr Banbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/bgrng67.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159914" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/bgrng67.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/bgrng67-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/bgrng67-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s plenty of inspo for every type of gardener at Broughton Grange. This privately owned garden and arboretum stretches over 25 acres and was created by lauded garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith. Spring brings a show of blousy bulbs and blossom amid clipped topiary, while the perennial centrepiece is a large terraced walled garden alongside a pretty parterre and rose garden. Take plenty of notes. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: It&#8217;s open from Sun 28 April and then every Weds 10am-5pm May to Sept plus the odd weekend. Check the <a href="https://www.broughtongrange.com/visit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> or <a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/18449/broughton-grange" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NGS</a> for details.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greys-court-henley-on-thames"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/greys-court">Greys Court</a>, Henley-on-Thames</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/wisteria-greys-court-oxfordshire-1321407.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/wisteria-greys-court-oxfordshire-1321407.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/wisteria-greys-court-oxfordshire-1321407-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/wisteria-greys-court-oxfordshire-1321407-400x225.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The gorgeous gardens of Greys Court are all the more impressive when you discover they were virtually derelict when the Brunner family, the current incumbents, arrived in 1937. (No excuse not to get your own borders up to scratch then). The roses are particularly stunning, from the ramblers scaling the brick and flint exterior of the house to the rose garden room, which traces the history of the rose from early damask varieties to modern hybrids. Bonus points for the wisteria arch and crowd-pleasing peonies.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily from 10am-5pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buckinghamshire">BUCKINGHAMSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ascott-house-amp-gardens-nr-leighton-buzzard"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ascott" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ascott House &amp; Gardens</a>, nr Leighton Buzzard</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/dutch-garden-aerial-view-2-667x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159917" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/dutch-garden-aerial-view-2-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/dutch-garden-aerial-view-2-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/dutch-garden-aerial-view-2-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/dutch-garden-aerial-view-2.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>Ascott House, a 17th century Rothschild estate near Wing in North Buckinghamshire, is one of the lesser-known National Trust properties. But Muddy reckons it’s worth a trip. The gardens are a mix of traditional and modern and in spring, the Dutch Garden is the place to head for the classic formal bedding and (natch) tulip displays. Head to the Lynn Garden, designed by Jacques and Peter Wirtz, for blossom trees framed by a striking water feature. Look beyond to wild daffodils and fritillaries growing among the oaks, cedars and horse chestnuts.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ascottestate.co.uk/your-visit/ascott-visitor-map">This map</a>&nbsp;show the extent of the grounds.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily from 11.30am-5pm, tickets must be booked ahead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waddesdon-manor-aylesbury"><a href="https://waddesdon.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waddesdon Manor</a>, Aylesbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/garden-parterre-summer-homepage-header-3000-1875-hugh-mothersole.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/garden-parterre-summer-homepage-header-3000-1875-hugh-mothersole.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/garden-parterre-summer-homepage-header-3000-1875-hugh-mothersole-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/garden-parterre-summer-homepage-header-3000-1875-hugh-mothersole-400x250.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Now is the time to visit Waddesdon Manor, the National Trust’s jewel in the crown when it comes to spring colour. It all starts&nbsp;when the first daffodils wave their yellow heads across the high banks to the right of the house and around the rose garden. Then the formal bedding in the Parterre by the house comes into its own with hyacinths and crocuses in a blue and white pattern and wallflowers on either side.&nbsp;Later in spring, it’s tulip time – all 30,000 of them!  Don&#8217;t even get me started on the lilacs and deutzias in the Water Garden. It&#8217;s all just  bloomin’ lovely.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open Wednesday-Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10am-5pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hughenden-park-high-wycombe">Hughenden Park, High Wycombe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/spring-garden-hughenden-buckinghamshire1652517.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159926" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/spring-garden-hughenden-buckinghamshire1652517.jpg-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/spring-garden-hughenden-buckinghamshire1652517.jpg-copy-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/spring-garden-hughenden-buckinghamshire1652517.jpg-copy-400x225.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You’re spoilt for choice if you’re after a spot of botanical bathing in Hughenden. The 25-hectare&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-and-sports/parks-and-open-spaces/find-a-park-or-play-area/hughenden-park/">Hughenden Park</a>, to the north of High Wycombe, is something of a mecca for daffodil and blossom lovers in early spring and &#8211; what a win &#8211; it’s free to explore. There’s also blossom galore at the National Trust-owned&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hughenden Manor</a>, which borders the park. It’s known for its apple blossom, with more than 50 varieties of old English apple trees in the orchard and walled garden plus pear, Morello&nbsp;and sweet cherries. You’ll need to book a ticket in advance but it’s worth it for those blooms.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily 10am-5pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stowe-gardens-buckingham"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/stowe-gardens">Stowe Gardens</a>, Buckingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/temple-and-lake-at-stowe-buckinghamshire-1121452.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159935" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/temple-and-lake-at-stowe-buckinghamshire-1121452.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/temple-and-lake-at-stowe-buckinghamshire-1121452-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/temple-and-lake-at-stowe-buckinghamshire-1121452-400x225.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another sweeping NT stunner with over 250 acres to explore. Originally designed by Charles Bridgeman, William Kent and Capability Brown, the 18th century landscape boasts gorgeous views, lakes, rivers and more than 30 temples and monuments. The Labyrinth, Sleeping Wood and Lamport Garden have been recently restored and are well worth a look. Another grand garden to tick off your list &#8211; just be thankful you&#8217;re not in charge of the mowing, pruning and the weeding.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit</strong>: Open daily from 10am-5pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-gardens">Secret Gardens</h2>



<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://ngs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Garden Scheme</a>&nbsp;invites visitors to snoop around over 3,500 private and public gardens every year across the UK. It raises money for charity and promotes the physical and mental health benefits of fresh air and green space. Win win! Here are some Bucks and Oxon gardens taking part this year that caught my eye&#8230;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6101-05.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159936" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6101-05.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6101-05-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6101-05-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stoke-poges-memorial-garden-stoke-poges-sun-12-may"><a aria-label="Stoke Poges Memorial Garden (opens in a new tab)" href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/19644/stoke-poges-memorial-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stoke Poges Memorial Garden</a>, Stoke Poges, Sun 12 May</h3>



<p>A whopping 22 acres of Grade I-listed greenery, Stoke Poges is actually made up of 500 gated family gardens, including rock and water gardens, rose gardens and a sunken colonnade. A gorgeous spot for a peaceful stroll.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-kites-bledlow-ridge-tue-14-may"><a aria-label="Red Kites, Bledlow Ridge (opens in a new tab)" href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/21752/red-kites" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Kites, Bledlow Ridge</a>, Tue 14 May</h3>



<p>This 1.5 acre garden is worth it for the countryside views alone &#8211; although the wildflower orchard, pond, woodland walk and vegetable patch aren&#8217;t too shabby either. Once you&#8217;ve taken a turn around the borders, you can stretch your legs on one of the many rural walks nearby. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-old-rectory-farnborough-nr-wantage-sun-12-may"><a aria-label="The Old Rectory (opens in a new tab)" href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/6101/the_old_rectory_farnborough" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Rectory</a>, Farnborough, nr Wantage, Sun 12 May</h3>



<p>This property was once the home of local poet John Betjeman. While the house itself isn&#8217;t open, you can potter around the four-acre garden&#8217;s herbaceous borders, pool and tennis courts and wait for the muse to strike.</p>


Top of the plots! 13 blooming lovely local gardens to explore

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