A historic manor garden on the southern edge of the Cotswolds in Wiltshire has been named has having the best garden in the area.

The Iford Manor Gardens near Bradford on Avon won Best Garden/Arboretum in the Cotswolds Slow Travel Awards 2024.

The award recognises the beauty, tranquillity and design of Iford Manor’s gardens, largely created by influential architect and landscape designer Harold Peto who lived there from 1899 to 1933.

Now home to the Cartwright-Hignett family since 1965, the 2.5-acre garden which has been built on a hillside has been lovingly restored and extended over the decades.

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Wiltshire Times: May at Iford Manor GardenMay at Iford Manor Garden (Image: William Cartwright-Hignett)

Owners William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett took over the garden in 2018, with a 10-year plan in mind to reinvigorate the historic garden.

William said “We’re very proud that the efforts of our exceptional gardening team have been recognised by this prestigious award.

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“We’re about halfway through a 10 year restoration plan and I cannot think of a better encouragement to press on with the second half of the programme and hope that people enjoy coming with us on that journey.”

Wiltshire Times: Early May on the Great Terrace at Iford Manor Garden.Early May on the Great Terrace at Iford Manor Garden. (Image: William Cartwright-Hignett)

Iford Manor Gardens also plays host to an annual jazz festival, taking place this year in June.

The gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm until the end of September.