Westbury Court Gardens for Kids. Westbury Court is home to the best example of a Dutch water garden in the UK. Many like gardens were lost at the hand of Capability Browns English Landscape School in the eighteenth century. However, this one that was initially designed and built between 1696 and 1715 has survived. After being restored by the National Trust in the late 60s. Unfortunately, Westbury Court was not so lucky. Being ripped down the land where it once stood is now home to some 1960s style flats. These look very out of place next to the splendour of the garden and not something you expect to see as you pull into the carpark. If it has not been for the sign we may have thought we were in the wrong place!
What is a Dutch Water Garden
A Dutch Water Garden we are lead to believe is a formalised garden. Existing of long canals, surrounded by yew hedges with ornate topiary. It was regarded by many during its time as an overly fussy and intricate gardening style. A far cry from the faint herbaceous borders we see in many formal gardens today. And yet when we arrived at Westbury Court you could not help but be hit with an immediate sense of tranquillity. Despite the children pulling us in various directions to feed the fish that now reside in the long canals.
Where is Westbury Court Gardens
Westbury Court Gardens are nine miles South West of Gloucester on the A48 road. We used the postcode from the National Trust website – GL14 1PD. The A48 is a fast road with the gardens set back a little way. But it does have the usual brown National Trust signs and so should be easy to find.
Gloucester is the nearest station and it can also be reached by Stage Coach Red & White number 30 and 31. Along with the local bus service. More information can be found around timetables from the Country Bus Line 01452 425543
Parking at Westbury Court Gardens
There is a small free carpark at the entrance to the gardens. When we visited we managed to find a space easily but it only holds around fifteen or so cars. On the website, it does make reference to additional parking available in the lay-by. Unlike many other National Trust gardens, we have visited there is not enough to spend all day there. So I would anticipate a high turnover of cars and so the smaller car park not really being a problem.
What amenities are at Westbury Court Gardens
As mentioned above it is a relatively small garden although beautiful. So do not expect a large National Trust cafe. But there is a small shack in the carpark selling hot drinks, water and very limited snacks. Comprising of mainly crisps and biscuits. So if you are travelling over lunchtime bring a picnic. There is a large area on the other side of the river with plenty of picnic benches. They also only take cash. So bear this in mind as family entry costs £18.50 (free to National Trust members). There is also the opportunity to buy second-hand books.
The garden does have toilet facilities under the tall pavilion. There is only one unisex toilet but it does have good baby change facilities.
What can I expect to see at Westbury Court Gardens
Although small it does pack a punch and definitely worth visiting as a stop-off. There are beautiful canals lined with yew bushes which have recently been replaced. Along the walls, fruit espadrilles grow with flower beds full of Spring bulbs and annuals. With fountains and pavilions to add interest.
In addition, there is a small walled garden which has masses of country style planting. Combing both annuals and perennials. In August there also some historic Asters that flower. Much of the planting has been recreated as it would have been in the 1700s. Using historic versions where possible. This is down to the extensive planting records that were available.
There are also several smaller formal gardens with topiary. There are also several vegetable beds again with heritage varieties. Along with the most splendid tulip tree. Which has the most stunning flowers I have ever seen on a tree. It is the largest tulip tree in the UK. In the same area, you will find what is also thought to be the oldest evergreen oak in England planted in the 1700s.
What is there for kids to do at Westbury Court Gardens?
Although there is no natural play area there is a lot for kids to do. In fact much more than some of the larger gardens we have visited. Both boys were handed some free fish food on entry to the gardens. There is plenty of fish too so no matter how many children go before there will always be fish that want feeding. This definitely kept the boys entertained while walking around the canals.
When we visited in early June the Gooseberries were just coming into season. So we brought a punnet for £2 and were free to pick our own in the vegetable gardens. They have several different fruits and so I anticipate do something similar throughout the year. In October they hold an apple day where you can buy and taste all the different varieties in the gardens.
In the little river that runs along by the picnic area, you can even try your hand at pooh sticks.
How long do you need at Westbury Court Gardens?
I would allow between an hour to an hour and a half to explore fully.
Have you been to any National Trust properties lately that you loved? Please let me know about them in the comments. As we really do need to try and finish our National Trust Passports this year.
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2 Responses
The size of those gooseberries! I must keep Westbury Court Gardens in mind when we next visit Gloucester. Nices pictures.
What a beautiful place – can’t believe I’ve never heard of it – would love a visit