Westbury Court Garden

Dutch water garden on the banks of the Severn.

The restored 'canal garden' is formally and authentically laid out with plant species dating from before 1700. Having successfully withstood the passing of three centuries, as well as the era of Capability Brown's naturalistic landscaping, it remains a peaceful, intimate retreat surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Maynard Colchester, Westbury Court's original owner, created the garden between 1696-1705. His Dutch neighbour, Catherine Boevey of Flaxley Abbey, may have been partially responsible for his very un-English designs which featured a pavilion and two canals bounded by yew hedges. Sadly, the exotic tulips from the age of 'tulipomania' have long since died out, but the garden still boasts 17th century perennials, an extensive range of old fruit trees and a secret walled garden.

Many horticultural sites assert their superiority as the biggest, the most colourful or the oldest garden in the country. However, Westbury Court can confidently lay claim to being the only restored Dutch water garden in England. In 1971 it also became the first garden to be restored by the National Trust. Unfortunately, facts surrounding the exact age of its' ancient evergreen oak are less assured, but it is reputedly the oldest in the UK.

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