Down Ampney House Open Gardens
19/06/2026 to 21/06/2026
Down Ampney House is opening its gardens from 10.00am to 4.00pm on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of June 2026.
Entry will be £7.00 for an adult and free to children under 14.
There are other activities over the weekend at Down Ampney House. Please see https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/cirencester/down-ampney-house
The Gardens
Set within eighteen acres of historic countryside our estate offers a rare opportunity to explore gardens shaped by centuries of care, love and craftsmanship.
The house itself dates back to the 1300s and has long played its part in the story of the region. Most notably, it welcomed Queen Elizabeth I in 1562, a visit that still forms part of the estate’s rich heritage. In 1799, the house was thoughtfully redeveloped by the renowned architect Sir John Soane, whose influence helped shape the building that endures today.
Today, the grounds remain lovingly maintained and continue to evolve. Visitors can wander across sweeping formal lawns, discover the sheltered charm of the walled garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our small woodland, where seasonal changes bring constant interest.
At the heart of the gardens, the old walled garden stands as one of the estate’s defining spaces - a place where history and development meet. Within its sheltered brick walls, the atmosphere shifts, warmth gathers, colours deepen and the sense of enclosure allows ornamental planting to thrive in a more intimate setting. Paths draw visitors through richly layered borders, where texture, form and seasonal colour are given centre stage, and where careful management preserves both character and continuity. Just beyond the conservatory garden offers a tranquil setting inviting visitors to pause, linger and discover the subtleties of each season, from delicate foliage to the changing play of light and shadow.
The gardens continue to unfold and deepen with time. Our newly created vegetable garden is already beginning to settle into the landscape, echoing the long tradition of productive growing that has sustained the house for centuries. Close by, a discovery has stirred the imagination: an old mill wheel, recently found on one of the estate’s islands, hidden and weathered by the years beside the water. Its origins remain uncertain, yet it hints at a forgotten industry and the many lives this landscape has quietly held.
Across the estate, a remarkable collection of trees gives the gardens much of their soul and presence. From long established specimens that have watched over the grounds for generations to the more unusual and colourful varieties, each adds its own character to the landscape. Along the boundary, the gentle flow of Ampney Brook adds both beauty and wildlife creating a natural sanctuary that complements the trees. Together they shape the views, mark the passing seasons and lend the gardens a sense of continuity. A living canopy that connects past to present.
