Overview

This unfortunately is not a wheelchair friendly visit, and from what we hear and know, no effort is being made to improve the situation. Hidcote manor was owned by Bradenstoke Priory in Wiltshire, right up to 1539, when King Henry V111 disbanded it. Then in the 17th century the Manor House was turned into a farmhouse, exchanging hands many times until a local farm worker, John Tucker inherited the farm in early 1907. the 1970’s the whole area was mainly agricultural, an attractive scenic area, which encouraged Tucker to put the house and lands up for auction, and advertised in “The Times” on 22nd June 1907 as a “valuable freehold farm comprising 287 acres, with a “very substantial and picturesque farmhouse, with lawns and a large kitchen garden” However, it did not sell at auction in July, but three weeks later, Lawrence Johnston, acting on behalf of his mother, Gertrude Winthrop, purchased the estate for £7,200. He moved into the house in October 1970, and his mother arrived from America in June 1908. Changes appeared quickly, the house being extended to suit their needs, and Lawrence quickly set about working on the gardens, as he had a natural love of plants, and toured South Africa, China and the Alps looking for rare plants, which he bought back to Hidcote, and the estate grew to become a highly regarded collection of national importance, and in the 1920’s and 30’s the garden was opened two or three days each year to help raise money for charity. In 1943, Lawrence, now in his 70’s, approached the National Trust to see if they would take over the gardens, and in 1948 the estate was transferred to the National Trust. ============================================== Let’s take a look around then. PHOTO 1 The car park as far as we could see did not have disabled bays, but it was full, and we just managed to find someone leaving as we pulled in. The bays are big enough to allow space at the boot to get chair out. PHOTO 2 We found the compressed ground a little difficult to push chair along as you head towards the old wooden buildings ahead. PHOTO 3 The sign guides you in, with prices indicated. During 2023 it was £16.00 a person, but if your carer has an official carers card, then they gain free entrance. PHOTO 4 We include a photo of the Accessible details for you to see what is available, such as a map of the garden route, if you can understand it. It shows accessible toilets, and warns of sloping paths, with ramps available where needed, but also reminds you that only one third of the gardens are of use to a disabled person. Is it worth a visit ? Maybe, if you enjoy gardens. We personally will not return. PHOTO 5 You quickly enter the plant shop area. PHOTO 6 and A reasonable selection of plants on sale, but being a gardener ourselves, we thought they could have been better looked after. PHOTO 7 and 8 Disabled toilet was very basic, old wooden shed, just enough room to be of use, with pull cord and grab handles. PHOTO 9 Old buildings provide a bit of interest, with more plants on sale. PHOTO 10 The gate leading towards the old house PHOTO 11 The old house itself, but note the steps. PHOTO 12 An old stone fountain PHOTO 13 Steps needed to get up if you want to see inside house. PHOTOS 14, 15 and 16 House laid out in time period of family living here, interesting enough if you can get up steps. PHOTOS 17 and 18 The old walled garden around the house, with a selection of herbs of note. NOW READ OUR PART SIX REVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE GARDENS.

Transport & Parking

The drive to Hidcote Bartrim is very pleasant as you head towards the gardens, which is situated 600 feet above sea level, in the northern Cotswolds. The address you need is HIDCOTE BARTRIM, CHIPPING CAMPDEN, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL55 6LR. However, this sat NAV direction is wrong, but enter it anyway, then as you approach the area, follow the road signs for Mickleton village, then follow the BROWN SIGNS to Hidcote gardens. On arriving along the drive towards the gardens, take the car park on your right, it’s a lot nearer the entrance.

Access

The car park on right is level enough, a hard core of crushed compressed stone covers the ground, but we did not find it that easy to be pushed across. BEAR IN MIND that this is not wheelchair friendly enough of a visit, narrow paths, uneven with lots of steps, and you will only see one third of the gardens. It will be hard work for your carer, but at least if you enjoy gardens, then you may find it interesting enough. Personally, we won’t bother again, but it’s another tick of a box.

Toilets

Small, basic, but clean and tidy. You will get a chair inside them, with pull cord and hand rails.

Staff

Volunteers, bored, not enthusiastic at all, but at least they are about.

Photos