Westbury Court Garden, Gloucestershire

Westbury Court is the only restored Dutch water garden in England. It dates to the time of William and Mary and was originally laid out between 1696 and 1715 by Maynard Colchester I. He designed the long canal, tall pavilion, circular pond and framework of the walls. He planted thousands of yew trees and holly bushes and began the pattern of topiary and hedges.

Tulips, irises, hyacinths and crocuses were planted along with vegetables and fruit trees. Fish for the table were placed in the canals. A warren was added to provide rabbit meat. One of England’s oldest evergreen oaks resides in the garden.

It was in a severe state of disrepair when rescued in 1967 by the National Trust. The pavilion was rebuilt from scratch. The water canals were cleaned out. Yew hedges were replanting.

The garden presently reflects how it looked in 1720 with authentic to the time plants and garden style. Re-created vegetable plots now grow 17th century varieties. Old varieties of English apples grow in the small orchard.

Visitor Information

Westbury Court Garden
Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire
9 miles south-west Gloucester on A48
Tel. 0 1452 760 461
Open: second week March-end June, Sep and Oct, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm but some close variations so check website before visiting; July and Aug, daily, same times
National Trust property; parking; no food; special events

Photos © by Barbara Ballard