Colesbourne Gardens

As a private estate, Colesbourne Gardens only opens to the public for limited days each year, usually during late January to February and for a few weekends in autumn when the arboretum of rare trees, privately collected over the past 120 years, is looking its best. You can wander around over 10 acres of private landscaped gardens and enjoy over 300 varieties of snowdrop on display. There’s also a wide array of early flowering shrubs – always a sure sign that spring is on the way.

Beyond the snowdrops, you’ll come across possibly the bluest lake we’ve ever seen in the UK. It was created in 1922 in a deep wooded valley to install one of the first private hydroelectric dams in the country. The spectacular blue colour is believed to be caused by microscopic particles of colloidal clay in the water which reflect blue light. It’s a stunning photo opportunity with the contrast of the snowdrops against the shimmering backdrop.

Dogs (on leads) will love joining you on a stroll of the wider estate, with woodland trails, streams and quirky bridges amongst our favourite spots to seek out. Each weekend, a different charity is invited to provide hot drinks and cakes in order to raise much needed funds for both local and national causes. Do treat yourself at the end of your visit.

Reactive dogs may prefer to visit later in the day when the gardens are a little quieter.

Colesbourne Gardens is only open select weekends of the year. Check the website for the most up to date information on visiting. An entry fee of £10 is payable at the gate.

There’s free parking in the grounds. Use the postcode GL53 9NP. A one-way system operates into the estate; just follow the signage from the main road.