Highgrove Gardens
Experience the organic beauty of King Charles III's private gardens, a masterpiece of sustainable design and horticultural passion.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Autumn colors and trees
Highgrove Gardens
Best Time
Autumn colors and trees

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the organic beauty of King Charles III's private gardens, a masterpiece of sustainable design and horticultural passion.
"Magical, beautiful, artistic, and peaceful gardens – a privilege to access."
Book Garden Tours Early
Tickets sell out fast! Book online well in advance, especially for seasonal walks.
Respect Photo Restrictions
No photos allowed in most garden areas during tours. Enjoy the moment!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Carpet Garden
Next to Highgrove Shop
Inspired by a Turkish carpet sketch, this garden features geometric symmetry and a central water feature, echoing Islamic garden design.
The Stumpery
Within the gardens
A unique and fascinating area showcasing tree stumps and ferns, offering a different texture and atmosphere to the manicured sections.

The Thyme and Yew Hedge Pathway
Framing the house
An iconic view of the house framed by fragrant thyme and meticulously sculpted yew hedges. A truly picturesque and regal sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Garden Tours Early
Tickets sell out fast! Book online well in advance, especially for seasonal walks.
Respect Photo Restrictions
No photos allowed in most garden areas during tours. Enjoy the moment!
Consider the Tea Room Prices
Scones and cake can be pricey. Enjoy a pot of tea or plan your budget accordingly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Garden Tours Early
Tickets sell out fast! Book online well in advance, especially for seasonal walks.
Respect Photo Restrictions
No photos allowed in most garden areas during tours. Enjoy the moment!
Consider the Tea Room Prices
Scones and cake can be pricey. Enjoy a pot of tea or plan your budget accordingly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Check Seasonal Highlights
Different seasons offer unique blooms and foliage. Plan your visit for what you want to see most!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the beauty, artistic design, and peaceful atmosphere of Highgrove Gardens, highlighting the organic and sustainable ethos. While the guided tours are informative and engaging, some find the ticket prices and refreshment costs to be on the higher side, and photography restrictions can be a drawback for some.
"From the moment we met the gate guard til the moment we left the staff treated us warmly and looked after us superbly.
The tour started at the Hall by the Orchard Restaurant and from this point no photos allowed ( apart from the courtyard)
The day was sunny and warm and we were given detailed facts about the eclectic mix of plants, pots and follies throughout the garden. The ethos of the king was comprehensively conveyed that the garden is entirely organic and sustainable. It was April 17th so all the daffodils had gone but azaleas, cowslips and fritillary were in abundance. The topiary is stunning, the sound of birds can be heard and water fountains dotted around add to the ambience. The stumpery was the most interesting for me that day as the azalea/ hydrangea walk was not in flower. I thought we would see more of the garden than we did but there was no wandering allowed as armed police are watching your every move.
You are allowed to see the iconic thyme / yew hedge pathway that frames the house but not allowed down it.
75mins went by very quickly but it was enjoyable.
I was looking forward to a pot of tea and a scone in the Orchard tea room but the price of this was £12.50. Although the tea is a reasonable £3.50 per pot I was shocked by the price of a slice of cake for £9 !
The waitress however was very attentive and we enjoyed a pot of tea only. As the ticket was £32 each for the tour we thought this was a tad overpriced. I have seen reviews from 2 years ago that cakes were individually priced at £3.95 and this would have rounded off the visit nicely. Please bring this back.
The shop is smaller than expected but beautiful Highgrove produce was available to buy.
All in all a good visit but I’d recommend coming in early August as the wild flower meadow may be in full bloom and this year maybe spectacular.
If you are being dropped off as we were, note to the driver to drive all the way to the carpark although the signs indicate otherwise."
Susan Rooke
"WOW, what a wonderful place to visit, beautiful gardens, fantastic tour and the staff have amazing knowledge about the different plants and how King Charles developed the gardens over the many years he's lived there.
Must go back again, we were so lucky to visit on such a sunny hot day, would love to see it at a different time of the year."
Stephen Clayton
"Beautiful, artistic and peaceful gardens. Magical!!
We were able to visit King Charles III Private Residence and Gardens courtesy of Burberry.
We were guests of Burberry, who made this tour and day visit happen. Thank you to Burberry and Highgrove Gardens. Thank you as well to His Majesty King Charles III for providing this opportunity to visit his private gardens at his residence. His creativity and passion he continues to create at Highgrove is inspiring and beautiful."
David Brady
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highgrove Gardens are located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. The best way to reach them is by car. If you are being dropped off, ensure your driver goes all the way to the car park, as signage can be a bit confusing.
Public transport options are limited. While trains run to nearby stations like Kemble, you would likely need to arrange a taxi for the final leg of the journey. Driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
There is a dedicated car park for visitors. Drivers being dropped off should be directed to drive all the way to the car park, even if initial signs suggest otherwise.
Cycling is possible, but be aware of rural roads and potential traffic. It's a beautiful area for cycling, but ensure you have a safe route planned.
Yes, there are several charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the nearby Cotswolds towns like Tetbury and Cirencester, offering a comfortable stay after your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Garden tour tickets are priced at £32 per person. While this includes access to the gardens and a guided tour, some visitors find the overall cost, including refreshments, to be a bit high.
Absolutely! Highgrove Gardens are a private royal residence, and tours are strictly by pre-booked ticket only. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, as tickets are limited and popular dates sell out quickly.
Opening hours vary depending on the season and specific tours. It's essential to check the official Highgrove Gardens website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability when booking your tickets.
No, tickets for Highgrove Gardens tours cannot be purchased on the day of your visit. All visits must be pre-booked online in advance.
Information on discounts is not widely advertised. It's best to check the official Highgrove Gardens website or contact them directly for any potential concessionary rates or group booking information.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is restricted in most areas during the guided tours. You are generally allowed to take photos in the courtyard and around the Highgrove Shop.
The photography restrictions are in place because Highgrove Gardens is a private royal residence. This helps maintain the privacy and security of the estate.
Yes, you can typically take photos in the courtyard area and around the Highgrove Shop. These areas are usually designated for visitor photography.
While you can see the house, you are generally not allowed to walk down the iconic thyme/yew hedge pathway that frames it, and photography of the house from this specific vantage point may be restricted.
Even with restrictions, the visual beauty of the gardens is immense. Focus on experiencing the sights and sounds, and capture memories in the permitted areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highgrove Gardens features the Orchard Room Restaurant, offering afternoon tea with scones and cakes, as well as savoury options. You can also purchase Highgrove produce from the shop.
Afternoon tea, including a scone and a pot of tea, can be around £12.50, with a slice of cake priced at £9. While the tea itself is reasonably priced, the cakes are noted as being on the expensive side.
It is generally not permitted to bring your own food and drinks into the gardens or the restaurant area. It's best to enjoy the offerings provided on-site.
While specific menus can change, the focus is often on traditional afternoon tea items. It's advisable to contact Highgrove Gardens directly in advance to inquire about specific dietary requirements.
The Highgrove Shop offers a range of beautiful produce, including jams, honey, preserves, and spreads, reflecting the estate's organic ethos.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The guided tours are approximately 75 minutes long and provide detailed facts about the eclectic mix of plants, pots, and follies. The organic and sustainable ethos of the gardens is comprehensively conveyed.
You'll see stunning topiary, hear birdsong, and enjoy water features. Highlights include the Carpet Garden and the Stumpery. While you can see the house, access to certain areas like the iconic thyme/yew hedge pathway is restricted.
While children can visit, the experience is more geared towards adults appreciating the horticultural and historical aspects. The photography restrictions might also be challenging for younger visitors.
The tour involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential. The terrain is generally manageable, but be prepared for a 75-minute exploration.
Visitors describe the gardens as beautiful, artistic, peaceful, and magical. The organic and sustainable approach creates a serene and inspiring environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during seasons with more vibrant colours or if your children have a particular interest in nature. The Highgrove Shop offers some charming produce that might appeal to younger tastes. It's best to manage expectations and perhaps focus on the visual aspects and the general atmosphere rather than expecting a highly interactive experience for very young children.
👑 Royal Enthusiasts
While you won't be entering the private living quarters, the guided tour provides a deep dive into the philosophy and design behind the gardens. Seeing areas like the Carpet Garden, inspired by His Majesty's own sketches, offers a direct connection to his creative input.
🌿 Garden & Nature Lovers
Explore diverse areas like the Stumpery, the Carpet Garden, and the arboretum, each offering unique horticultural delights. The guided tour provides in-depth knowledge about the plants, their origins, and the sustainable methods employed. Be prepared to be inspired by the beauty and the thoughtful design that harmonizes with the natural environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Organic and Sustainable Ethos
The gardens are designed to work in harmony with the environment, showcasing how beauty and ecological responsibility can coexist. This includes features like rainwater harvesting and the promotion of native species. The overall experience is one of peace and natural abundance, allowing visitors to truly connect with the principles of sustainable living.
This commitment extends to the produce sold in the Highgrove Shop, which features items grown on the estate, further reinforcing the connection between the gardens and their sustainable output.
Seasonal Beauty and Blooms
Visitors often recommend visiting in early August to witness the wildflower meadow in full bloom, which can be spectacular. Autumn walks in September and October highlight the historic apple orchard and the arboretum, home to part of the national beech collection.
Each season offers a different perspective on the gardens' design and planting. Whether it's the fresh growth of spring, the lushness of summer, or the autumnal hues, Highgrove provides a continuously evolving and captivating experience for return visitors.
The Royal Connection and Private Residence
While tours offer a glimpse into this special place, it's important to remember that it is a working royal estate. This means that while you can see the house and certain iconic views, access to some areas is restricted, and security is present. The experience is a carefully managed one, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and the King's personal touch on the landscape.
Some visitors have had the opportunity to visit through special arrangements, such as those hosted by brands like Burberry, highlighting the exclusive nature of access to these royal grounds.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit