A garden in Oxfordshire has secured a place on a compilation of must-visit British gardens created by House and Garden magazine.
Writer Clare Foster has put together what she describes as the most beautiful gardens in the country that any gardening enthusiast should see at least once, including locations such as Sissinghurst and Highgrove.
Among those featured is Rousham Gardens near Bicester, which has been described as a theatrical masterpiece.
Here follows House and Garden’s assessment of the Oxfordshire garden set within the Cotswolds.
Why Rousham Gardens comes highly recommended
The grounds lie roughly half an hour’s drive from Oxford.
House and Garden noted that Rousham frequently surfaces in discussions among garden designers as a major influence.
Designed in the 1700s by William Kent, it represents one of the best-preserved examples from that era, with most of its original features still intact.
The garden reveals itself as a theatrical masterpiece, complete with numerous follies and statues, as well as an attractive, meandering rill running through a shady laurel woodland towards an open water feature.
Visitors are left amazed by its refined simplicity and lasting appeal.
Is Rousham Gardens worth visiting?
Travellers have expressed their views on Tripadvisor, where it boasts a 4.6 rating from 189 reviews.
One visitor recounted proposing at the location and stated that they could not praise a visit to Rousham House highly enough. They had visited the previous weekend to propose to their now fiancée. They thanked Ann and Paul who own and operate Rousham, saying the couple made the moment even more special. The grounds were described as absolutely stunning and even after the initial thrill of the proposal, they spent another hour exploring and taking in the beautiful scenery and gardens. They would strongly recommend making the journey to this enchanting spot.
Another visitor stated they explored the gardens and thoroughly enjoyed them. They could have stayed for hours, particularly in the walled gardens. The lack of a tea room was seen as a positive, keeping the gardens peaceful and allowing visitors to wander without typical tea room crowds. They found it lovely to walk around and would have returned the next day had the weather been better. They definitely planned to visit again when in the area.
On Google Reviews, the garden holds a 4.6 rating from 341 reviews, with one visitor describing it as an absolute jewel of a location.
Another remarked that it was untouched and intriguing, making for a wonderful, relaxing day out. Dogs and children under 15 are not permitted. No café is available. Toilets are on site and clean.
A separate visitor commented on what a beautiful spot it was. With no café, shop or children present, it was wonderfully serene. There was still abundant colour throughout the garden along with benches for resting and picnics. The welcome was warm. They also noted the presence of attractive chickens, possibly bantams. Toilets were available.
Rousham Gardens can be found at Rousham House, Rousham, Bicester, OX25 4QU.