Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic castle, and surrounded by striking views of the Cotswold Hills, 10 magnificent, award-winning gardens sweep around the castle, awaiting your discovery.
The story of Sudeley's gardens began in the 15th century when Ralph Boteler built the castle. In those days, garden plants were useful rather than decorative: fennel, garlic, mint, sage and thyme were grown to flavour food; chamomile, lavender were harvested to scent rooms; and herbs were used to make medicines.
For 200 years Sudeley was largely abandoned and reclaimed by nature. In the Victorian era, two generations of the castle's new owners, The Dents, restored the castle and gardens. Emma Dent must be credited for the luxurious double-planed yew hedges that encase the Queen's Garden and the revival of the gardens. Following the second world war, in more recent times, distinguished gardeners have worked with Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe to re-imagine and maintain their beauty through the seasons and in keeping with the historic and magnificent backdrop of Sudeley Castle.
Guide to our gardens
The Tithe Barn Garden
One of the original Sudeley buildings, the Tithe Barn dates back to the 15th Century. The building was partly destroyed by Cromwell in the Civil War, but the ruins are now transformed into a romantic garden by a koi carp pond, with a spectacular view of the Castle.
Queens’ Garden
The Queens’ Garden is the magnificent centrepiece of Sudeley’s gardens. Named after four of England’s Queens –Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I – the Queens’ Garden is very special indeed. In Tudor times it would have been planted with herbs and possibly also vegetables, and decorative flowers. It has been redesigned many times over the years, but today it boasts more than 80 varieties of roses.
The Knot Garden
The Knot Garden is a sheltered, courtyard garden comprised of 1,200 box hedges which form an intricate geometric design, interspersed with coloured gravel. The design is based on a pattern on a dress worn by Elizabeth I in a famous portrait, The Allegory of the Tudor Succession, which hangs in Sudeley Castle.
The Secret Garden
Arguably Sudeley's most romantic spot. It is so-called for its intimate and sheltered nature. The garden was re-planted in 1979 by the current chatelaine of the castle, Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, following her marriage to Lord Ashcombe. She wished to create a ‘secret garden’ as a celebration of their marriage and to house four 18th century cherub-like garden ornaments from Lord Ashcombe’s own garden – which can still be seen today. When Lady Ashcombe’s son, Henry Dent-Brocklehurst, married Lili Maltese in 1998 more vibrant, exotic colours were introduced to give it a more modern feel. Today its appearance changes throughout the year –springtime heralds over 2,500 of tulips.
The Ruins Garden
Having suffered partial destruction at the hands of Cromwell’s troops during the Civil War, the magnificent remains of the original 15th century Banqueting Hall provide a dramatic backdrop for this understated garden. The ruins have been planted to create a Civil War tableau, with a deliberately wild and untouched appearance.
The White Garden
This garden immediately surrounds St Mary’s Church and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. As a symbol of her purity, all the flowers here are white. This garden is also where Katherine Parr and Lady Jane Grey would have entered the church for their daily prayers.
The Herb Garden
This quiet garden was created by Sir Roddy Llewellyn in 2011 and comprises six garden beds, each focussing on a different aspect of herb use.
The East Garden
The East Garden was inspired by Marvell’s poem ‘The Garden’ and is a calm and peaceful space.
Tudor Physic Garden
This garden is home to the plants that were used to create medicines and cures during the Tudor period, when Katherine Parr lived at Sudeley, before the advent of modern medicine.
The Mulberry Garden
For most of the year, this quiet garden is filled with country flowers and cool greenery. At its heart is an ancient Mulberry tree planted by former Sudeley chatelaine, Emma Dent, in the 19th century. Emma was the daughter of a silk manufacturer so the mulberry tree had special significance as its leaves are the silkworm’s only source of food.
Explore more
There is always something going on at Sudeley…