Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

Peto Garden at Iford Manor, Bradford on Avon

Peto Garden at Iford Manor

Iford Manor
Bradford on Avon
Wiltshire
BA5 2BA
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 863146
Fax: +44 (0) 1225 862364
Email: click here
Peto Garden at Iford Manor online: information and bookings

Iford has been occupied since Roman times and the manor house sits idyllically by the Frome river in this steep-sided valley. Iford Manor is mediaeval in origin, the classical facade being added in the eighteenth century when the hanging woodlands above the garden were planted.

In 1899, Harold Ainsworth Peto discovered Iford and the individuality of the garden owes everything to his inspiration and eye for combining architecture and plants.

For a few weeks in the summer, you can picnic and hear Baroque or Mediaeval ensembles, chamber music and jazz groups, Japanese drummers and gypsy violinists. Candlelit opera performances take place in the cloister.  The house is built into the steep hillside, so terracing forms an important element of the design. Peto was particularly attracted by the charm of old Italian gardens, where flowers occupy a subordinate place amongst the cypresses, broad walks, statues and pools. The current owners have restored the design and planting in accordance with Harold Peto’s vision and over the years, have transformed the area of the Oriental garden.

A visit to the Peto Garden at Iford includes delightful features such as the Loggia, the Great Terrace, the Casita and the largest of Peto’s garden buildings, the Cloisters. This building is the location for most of the recitals and operas that take place throughout the summer as part of the Iford Arts programme.

Set in 2.5 acres this steep hillside Italian style garden affords the visitor wonderful views of the valley. A number of original plants remain: the standard Wisteria sinensis; Phillyria angustifolia; Buxus sempervirens which also grows in tree form in the woods; Cupressus sempervirens; Hemerocalis citrina, the scented day lily and, in the long grass by the Cloister, naturalised Martagon lilies.

The Peto Garden at Iford Manor in Wiltshire won the Historic Houses Association/Christie's 1998 Garden of the Year Award given in recognition of a garden, outstanding both for its horticultural and public interest.

Peto Garden at Iford Manor, Bradford on Avon

Facilities
• Gardens
• Tea Room at weekends
• Tea
• Picnic Area
• Children
• Car Park
• Group refreshments on request
• School Tours Available on request
• Dogs on leads in garden
• The Historic House, Iford Manor is not open to the public.

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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