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The Courts Garden, Wiltshire
Holt, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA14 6RR
The Courts Garden was first laid out in 1900-10 by the architect Sir George Hastings and further completed by Lady Cecilie Goff between 1921 and 1943, and her daughter Moyra Goff in the mid and late C20. National Trust gardeners and an army of volunteers continue its care and development. Today The Courts Garden comprises seven acres of both excitement and relaxation for the eyes and nose. You will find exquisite topiary, formal and informal beds, a formal and an informal pool, kitchen garden, and orchard. Divided into sections with softened edges the formal and informal flow from one to the other, seamlessly presenting transition from cottage garden to classical to magical. The Courts Garden offers it all, and when you think that you've discovered it all return just a few weeks later and you'll find fresh delights. Talking of delights there is also a very good tearoom, at the back of the Grade II* Listed Georgian house. The house is not open to the public, but it offers a very attractive backdrop. The origin of the name 'The Courts' refers to the house, as well as always being a home, also serving as the village law court where cloth weavers could settle their disputes, there was an important adjacent mill, long since demolished. Picnics are allowed, which is especially useful as it can be difficult to get a table in the tearoom Disabled Access