Coton Manor Garden was originally laid out in 1925 and covers an area of ten acres. It is a wonderful place to spend a sunny day and has been featured in The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated and a number of local and national TV programmes.
The gardens are situated in Northamptonshire between the villages of Ravensthorpe and Guilsborough.
What is There to See at Coton?
Coton is an expansive garden with meandering secret pathways and large open lawns. The gardens provide the grounds of the main house which was built in the seventeenth centaury.
Some of the main seasonal attractions include:
- Five acre bluebell wood, usually in flower late April and early May.
- Wildflower meadow, at its best in June and July
- Over a thousand varieties of plants available through the nursery
- A range of animals including pigs, rare-breed hens, flamingos and the resident blue macaw
The gardens were originally the idea of the present owner's grandparents and have been passed down through the Pasley-Tyler family.
The Good Garden Guide 2009 lists Coton Manor Garden as:
"...a beautifully maintained garden of exceptional charm.This garden could not fail to inspire."
Coton Manor Café & Plant Shop
As well as the extensive grounds there is also a café situated in the old stables which serves home-made lunches, teas and a range of traditional cakes and refreshments.
There is an outside seating area in the stable yard to enjoy meals with ample shade beneath a large black walnut tree. Groups can also phone in advance for special catering arrangements, though picnics are not allowed within the gardens themselves.
Coton Manor also hosts an impressive nursery with over one thousands plants propagated and available for sale. They boast a collection of hard-to-find and rare plants as well as more familiar names.
Coton Manor Gardening School
In 1994 the Coton Manor Gardening School was opened, with teaching rooms at the back of the house. The school provides a range of courses on horticulture by well-known lecturers. Details of courses are available at www.cotonmanor.co.uk or e-mail pasleytyler@cotonmanor.co.uk / tel: 01604 740219.
Entry Prices and Opening Times
Coton Manor Gardens are open from 1st April - 2nd October, daily.
From April - May the gardens are closed on Mondays.
From June - October the gardens are closed on Sundays and Monday.
However, the gardens remain open on bank holiday weekends.
Opening hours are 12pm - 5:30pm - last admissions at 4:45pm.
Admission prices:
- Adults £5
- Concessions £4
- Children under 18s £2
Annual season tickets are also available which provide unlimited visits throughout the season:
- Adults £16.50
- Concessions £14
- Family £35
There is no admission charge for the nursery, but groups of over 20 are advised to phone in advance for concessional rates on 01604 740219.
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