Westbury Court Garden is one of those National Trust properties that feels rather different from the grand houses and sweeping landscapes you might expect. Tucked away in Westbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire, this beautifully restored garden is England’s only restored 17th-century Dutch-style water garden, with long canals, clipped topiary, a circular pool, productive kitchen gardens and some wonderfully old trees. There’s a huge sense of calm here. It’s the sort of place where you can take your time, wander along the water and actually stop to look at what’s growing. There are some fascinating details to discover too, from the 400-year-old holm oak to the Tall Pavilion and the garden’s carefully recreated historic planting. If you’re looking for a peaceful National Trust garden in Gloucestershire, particularly one with a bit of history and something genuinely different to see, Westbury Court Garden is well worth a visit.
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National Trust Westbury Court Gardens
On our recent staycation, I needed a stop-off location. Somewhere to park up, stretch our legs in Westbury Gloucestershire. As we have a National Trust Membership, I always look for somewhere nearby so we can have free parking and free entry to enjoy one of the wonders the National Trust is preserving. The historic Westbury Court Gardens in Gloucestershire, next to the River Severn, is a rare but beautiful Dutch water gardens.
Westbury Court Garden History
The Dutch-style garden was initially laid out in the 17th Century by Maynard Colchester. He designed the Long Canal, Tall Pavilion, Circular Pond and the framework of the walls. Thousands of yew trees and holly bushes were planted.
As well as being visually stunning, it was also designed to be productive. Flowers such as tulips and hyacinths were planted alongside vegetables and fruit trees. The canals were stocked with fish. Plus, a warren (a network of interconnecting burrows) to supply rabbit meat. This still exists today.
In the late 18th Century, the formal gardens were out of fashion. The Colchester family demolished the house and moved to the Forest of Dean. The garden remained but faced destruction in 1960. Developers planned to build homes on the land, but the local council purchased the garden.
The National Trust purchased a portion of the land in 1967, aided by an anonymous donation. The garden was in a poor state, and work began to restore it to its original design. This is what can now be seen if you visit.
What can you see and do in the small walled garden?
– Stroll around
The garden consists of two long canals. Follow the one-way system, and you won’t miss a thing. Behind the formal garden is a lawn with an oak tree – which is supposed to be the oldest in Britain.
– Feed the fish
At the ticket office, we were offered a bag of fish food. Even as we approached the edge of the water, the fish knew they were in for a treat. Giant Koi Carp scrambled for the pellets, hungry for their dinner. It was an entertaining sight.
– Enjoy the wildlife
You may be lucky to spot a rabbit or two. There were many different coloured birds, but not being a twitcher, I couldn’t tell you what they were. Our dog, Ivan, was very intrigued by the dragonflies and the ducks.
– See what’s growing
Even today, the garden is used to grow flowers and vegetables. On our visit, we saw rows of cabbages, garlic, spring onions – to name only a few. All of the plants have labels on, to inform you what is growing.
– Summer house
In the summer house is a collection of old prints. It also has the engraving of Westbury Court, which was used by the National Trust in their restoration. The viewing room offers spectacular views of the tranquil estate.
– Pavilion
In the corner of the garden is a red brick pavilion. It is an informal room for guests to look over the canals and across the garden.
– Take a picnic
There are plenty of tables and benches if you wanted to take a picnic. Instead, we went to The Lyon Inn, which is a 5-minute walk from the car park. Dogs are welcome, and the burgers were top notch.
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Church of St Mary, St Peter and St Paul
Next door to the gardens is the large Church of St Mary, St Peter and St Paul. In fact, it is the length of two cricket pitches. The church dates from around 1300. It has a 150-foot spire that was added in the 14th Century, and it is made entirely of wood. A few yards away from the main building is a stone tower containing six bells.
The church has a lot of history. The nave is filled with Elizabethan pews. Cromwell’s soldiers stabled their horses here at one point during the Civil War. It was damaged by storms in the 17th Century and was repaired by using wood from cider casks. A mechanical clock was also added in 1720.
Where is Westbury Court Garden?
You can find the Westbury garden rooms in Westbury on-Severn in Gloucester, England. Its postcode is GL14 1PD. There is a small car park at the end of a driveway, right next to the entrance. You will pass Westbury Court Nursing Home, which is on the right-hand side. It is just over 50 miles from Cardiff and took us an hour to get there.
Westbury Court Gardens Map
Plan your visit and use the Westbury Court Garden map to find your way around.
Westbury Court Gardens Parking
Westbury Court Garden has limited free on-site parking at the entrance. There is additional free parking around 300 yards further up the main drive, with further spaces available in the roadside lay-by and in the village.
Westbury Court Gardens Opening Times
Westbury Court Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays, from 11am until 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. It’s worth checking the National Trust website before travelling.
Westbury Court Gardens Prices
Admission to Westbury Court Garden is free for National Trust members. For non-members, tickets are currently £11 for adults, £5.50 for children aged 5–17, and £27.50 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) when paying without Gift Aid. With Gift Aid, the prices are £12.10 for adults, £6.10 for children and £30.30 for a family ticket. Children under five enter free.
Westbury Court Gardens Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on arrival, and pre-booking is not currently required for general admission.
Is National Trust Membership Worth It?
A National Trust Membership gives you unlimited access to hundreds of historic houses, beautiful gardens, and stunning nature reserves across the UK. It’s totally worth it if you love days out, discovering hidden gems, and getting free parking at most locations. Plus, you’ll help conserve these incredible places. I love our couples membership; it’s only £13.40 per month, and most locations are dog-friendly.
Membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking is available in most car parks. Some National Trust car parks are located in other natural areas, such as beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- You’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties annually. However, the website is easy to navigate, and you can find places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members’ magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £10 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or cafe.
Use Top Cash Back when Purchasing Your Membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £2,000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 7% back on your National Trust membership.
Westbury Court Garden Reviews
Westbury Court Garden receives consistently positive reviews, with visitors particularly praising its peaceful atmosphere, beautifully maintained gardens and unusual Dutch-style water features. Reviewers often describe it as a small but charming National Trust property. The main criticism is that facilities are limited, with reviewers mentioning the small car park and basic refreshments/toilet facilities. However, this seems to be outweighed by the quality of the gardens and the friendly staff.
You can read further Westbury Court Gardens photos or reviews on TripAdvisor.
Westbury Court Gardens Cafe
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat during your visit, it’s worth noting that Westbury Court Garden does not have an on-site café.
Westbury Court Gardens Dogs
Westbury Court Garden is dog-friendly and rated two pawprints by the National Trust. Dogs are welcome throughout the garden and its garden buildings, but they must be kept on a short, fixed lead at all times. There are water bowls and a dog bin near Visitor Reception, and you can also enjoy dog-friendly walks on the public footpaths through the surrounding 90 acres of farmland. The garden has open canals with no fencing, so dogs need to be kept under close control around the water.
Where to Stay
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise as you get closer to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
National Trust Holidays
There are camping and glamping sites, caravan parks, guest houses, inns, homestays and bed and breakfasts. National Trust Holiday cottages sleep 2-15 guests; they have everything you could possibly need, including gardens to relax in during warmer evenings.
Hatherley Manor
Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa is just a short drive away. I spent a morning here trying out the pool, vitality pool and thermal facilities, followed by afternoon tea – and it turned out to be exactly the sort of place where you can slow down and do very little for a few hours. There’s even an outdoor garden with loungers, so when the sun is shining, you can take your relaxation outside.
National Trust Vs English Heritage
If you are weighing up getting a National Trust Membership or English Heritage Membership, I’ve done the leg work for you. If you want to explore more historical sites, you might be wondering which is better? Here’s all you need to know: National Trust Vs English Heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westbury Court Garden worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy historic gardens and quieter National Trust properties. Westbury Court Garden is England’s only restored 17th-century Dutch-style water garden, with long canals, clipped topiary, a circular pool, productive kitchen gardens and historic buildings. It’s a peaceful place to wander and is particularly appealing if you’re looking for something a little different from the larger National Trust estates.
What is Westbury Court Garden famous for?
Westbury Court Garden is famous for being England’s only restored 17th-century Dutch-style water garden. The garden features two long canals, a circular pond, a red-brick pavilion, historic planting and productive kitchen gardens, all restored to reflect its original design.
Where is Westbury Court Garden?
Westbury Court Garden is in Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, close to the River Severn. The postcode is GL14 1PD.
How long do you need at Westbury Court Garden?
The garden is relatively small, so it doesn’t require a full day to explore. You can take your time walking around the canals, looking at the planting, visiting the pavilion and summer house, seeing the wildlife and stopping for a picnic. It works particularly well as a shorter stop when exploring Gloucestershire. Typically people visit for 1 hour.
Are dogs allowed at Westbury Court Garden?
Yes. Westbury Court Garden is dog-friendly, with a two-pawprint rating from the National Trust. Dogs are welcome throughout the garden and garden buildings but must be kept on a short, fixed lead. There are also dog-friendly walks on public footpaths through the surrounding farmland. Because the canals are unfenced, dogs need to be kept under close control around the water.
Is there a café at Westbury Court Garden?
No, there isn’t an on-site café at Westbury Court Garden. However, there are tables and benches where you can enjoy a picnic. When visiting, we instead walked to The Lyon Inn, which is around five minutes from the car park and welcomes dogs.
Is parking free at Westbury Court Garden?
Yes, parking is free for visitors, although the main car park is limited. There is additional free parking around 300 yards further up the main drive, with further spaces available in the roadside lay-by and village.
How much does Westbury Court Garden cost?
National Trust members can visit free of charge. At the time of writing, admission for non-members is £11 for adults, £5.50 for children aged 5–17 and £27.50 for a family ticket covering two adults and up to three children, without Gift Aid. Children under five enter free.
What can you see at Westbury Court Garden?
There is plenty to see despite the garden being relatively compact. Highlights include the two long canals, circular pond, red-brick pavilion, summer house, historic planting, kitchen garden, topiary and mature trees. You can also feed the fish, look for wildlife and enjoy views across the garden.
Can you feed the fish at Westbury Court Garden?
Yes. Fish food is available at the ticket office, and you can feed the giant koi carp in the canals. They’re particularly entertaining when they realise visitors have food!
What is the history of Westbury Court Garden?
The Dutch-style garden was laid out in the 17th century by Maynard Colchester, who created the Long Canal, Tall Pavilion and Circular Pond. The garden later fell out of fashion and the house was demolished. In the 1960s, the garden was threatened with development before the local council purchased it. The National Trust acquired part of the land in 1967 and began restoring the garden to its original design.
What’s special about Westbury Court Garden?
Westbury Court Garden is special because it is England’s only restored 17th-century Dutch-style water garden. The garden features long canals, a circular pool, clipped topiary, productive vegetable gardens and historic buildings. It was originally laid out between 1696 and 1705 and has been carefully restored to reflect its historic design.
What happened to Westbury Court?
Westbury Court’s formal garden eventually fell out of fashion as landscape gardens became more popular. The Colchester family demolished the house in 1805 and moved to the Forest of Dean, although they continued to maintain the garden. In 1960, the garden was threatened with destruction when developers planned to build houses on the site. The local council purchased it, and the National Trust later acquired part of the land in 1967 with help from an anonymous donor. The garden was subsequently restored to its historic design.
What is the most visited National Trust property in England?
Attingham Park in Shropshire was the National Trust’s most visited property in its 2022–23 figures, with 560,423 visitors. It has consistently ranked among the Trust’s most popular properties, although visitor rankings can change from year to year.
What are the best tourist attractions in Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire has a wide range of attractions, from historic houses and gardens to countryside and cultural landmarks. Popular places to visit include Westbury Court Garden, Gloucester Cathedral, the Forest of Dean, Westonbirt Arboretum, Berkeley Castle, Sudeley Castle and the Cotswolds. Westbury Court Garden is particularly worth adding to a Gloucestershire itinerary if you enjoy National Trust properties and historic gardens.
How much is National Trust Membership?
National Trust membership currently starts at £8.40 a month (£100.80 a year) for individual adult membership aged 26+. Joint membership for two adults is £14 a month (£168 a year), while family membership for two adults and their children is £14.70 a month (£176.40 a year). Membership includes free entry to more than 500 places and free parking at most National Trust car parks.
Is National Trust Membership instant?
Yes, you can join the National Trust online, allowing you to become a member without waiting for a traditional membership application to be processed. However, if you’re joining specifically because you want to visit a property immediately, it’s sensible to check the current membership and entry arrangements before travelling.
Why was the National Trust founded?
The National Trust was founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley to protect important natural and historic places from the effects of industrialisation and development. Their aim was to preserve these special places and make them available for everyone to enjoy, helping ensure they would be protected for future generations.
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