Snowshill Manor & Garden
A unique National Trust property showcasing Charles Wade's vast, eclectic collections in a 16th-century manor and charming gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Snowshill Manor & Garden
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique National Trust property showcasing Charles Wade's vast, eclectic collections in a 16th-century manor and charming gardens.
"An amazing National Trust site and unlike any other I've visited."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your entry time slot online to guarantee your visit. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Explore the gardens and manor comfortably. Lots of nooks to discover! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charles Wade's Collections
A vast, eclectic display of global treasures, from Japanese art to quirky curiosities, curated with passion.
Arts and Crafts Gardens
Charming 'rooms' separated by gateways, offering secret views and a peaceful escape.
+1
Costume Exhibition
Discover Wade's fascinating collection of historical costumes and accoutrements, once used for social gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eccentricity
+1Book Your Time Slot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your entry time slot online to guarantee your visit. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Explore the gardens and manor comfortably. Lots of nooks to discover! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Quirky
The manor's unique displays offer endless photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Wander the Gardens
Enjoy the peaceful, arts and crafts style gardens with their hidden views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your entry time slot online to guarantee your visit. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Explore the gardens and manor comfortably. Lots of nooks to discover! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Quirky
The manor's unique displays offer endless photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Wander the Gardens
Enjoy the peaceful, arts and crafts style gardens with their hidden views.
💡 Chat with Volunteers
Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Wade's collections. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Snowshill Manor for its unique and eclectic collections, a testament to Charles Wade's passion. The gardens are also highlighted as beautiful and peaceful. While the house can be dark, the knowledgeable and friendly volunteers enhance the experience, making it a highly recommended and unusual National Trust visit.
"An amazing National Trust site and unlike any other I've visited. Charles Wade, who left Snowshill to the Trust, had gathered an eclectic collection in his Manor House which he curated with great care using colour and light. The house was used simply to exhibit his finds, not to live in! He lived nextdoor in a cottage which visitors can also see. There are several buildings to wander around along with the beautiful gardens and grounds. When I visited, a special exhibition of the many varied costumes and accoutrements Wade had collected were on display. He and his family and friends used to dress up in them! Social gatherings must have been interesting! As usual with a NT property, all the volunteers were brilliant in explaining the background to some of the quirky items. A great day out!"
Mimi Villaret
"When I went there, I didn't expect such wonderful, diverse, and unusual exhibits. The garden also deserves recognition. But the people working there deserve the greatest praise. Everyone is incredibly kind and helpful, and the guides who explain the individual rooms deserve 10 stars for their knowledge and passion for this place."
Gaga J
"First time visiting Snowshill, and it's a great place to visit... the collection in the mansion is incredible, has a massive Japanese influence, although there are some really quirky bits and bobs throughout the whole place from allover the globe.
I could have spent a few more hours there investigating all the corners of the rooms to see what treasures were tucked away."
Dave Bethwaite
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Snowshill Manor is a short drive from Broadway, often mentioned as part of a Cotswolds itinerary. Many visitors combine a trip to Snowshill Manor with Broadway, Chipping Campden, or Bourton-on-the-Water. Driving is the most convenient way to reach it, with ample parking available. +1
Public transport options to Snowshill Manor can be limited. While buses may serve nearby villages like Broadway, it's often recommended to have a car for exploring the Cotswolds. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Snowshill Manor offers a large parking lot for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Yes, Snowshill Manor can be part of a day trip to the Cotswolds from London, though it's a long day. Many visitors opt for a weekend trip to fully explore the region and its attractions like Snowshill Manor.
Absolutely! Snowshill Manor is frequently featured in Cotswolds itineraries, offering a unique experience alongside charming villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway. +3
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your two-hour time slot in advance, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry. Check the National Trust website for the latest booking requirements.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for Snowshill Manor for the most current opening times and any special event closures.
Yes, Snowshill Manor is a National Trust property, so members can usually enter for free.
Admission prices are set by the National Trust and can vary. It's advisable to check their website for the most up-to-date ticket costs.
Typically, admission grants access to both the manor house and the gardens. Specific ticket options for garden-only access may not always be available, so check the National Trust's policy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Snowshill Manor, you'll find Charles Paget Wade's vast and eclectic collections, including Japanese art, antique toys, musical instruments, and a remarkable display of costumes. The house is arranged as a 'cabinet of curiosities' rather than a traditional home. +1
The garden is designed in the Arts and Crafts style, featuring distinct 'rooms' created by gateways, hedges, and walls. It offers beautiful blooms and peaceful, secluded areas for wandering.
While the collections are fascinating, the manor's layout and delicate items might require close supervision for very young children. The gardens offer more space for them to explore.
Many visitors find they could spend several hours exploring the manor's collections and gardens thoroughly. A typical visit might last 2-3 hours, but you could easily extend it if you're a keen collector or history enthusiast.
While not always formal tours, volunteers are often on hand to share their knowledge and passion for the collections, offering insights into Charles Wade's life and his acquisitions. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Snowshill Manor typically has a tea-room or cafe offering light refreshments, cakes, and drinks. It's a pleasant spot to relax after exploring.
Picnic areas may be available, but it's always best to check the National Trust's policy for specific rules regarding bringing your own food onto the grounds.
The nearby village of Broadway offers a selection of pubs and restaurants. Snowshill village itself also has a charming pub.
Expect typical cafe fare such as sandwiches, cakes, scones, and hot and cold beverages. It's a good place for a light lunch or afternoon tea.
The onsite dining is usually limited to lighter options. For a full meal, you would need to visit a restaurant in a nearby village like Broadway.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Snowshill Manor for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate collections. Always check for specific signage.
The eclectic interiors offer unique photo opportunities. The Arts and Crafts gardens, with their 'rooms' and seasonal blooms, are also very picturesque.
Drone usage is typically not permitted at National Trust properties to ensure the peace and safety of visitors and wildlife.
Yes, you can photograph the costume displays, but remember to avoid using flash to preserve the fabrics.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the manor's interior. For the gardens, a versatile lens that can capture both wide landscapes and close-up details of flowers would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the manor's delicate items require supervision, the volunteers are often happy to engage children with interesting facts about the collections. Consider focusing on the more visually striking or unusual items to keep their attention. The nearby village of Broadway also offers family-friendly activities, making it a good complement to a visit to Snowshill Manor.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Take your time to delve into the details of the collections. The volunteers are a fantastic resource, brimming with knowledge about the provenance and stories behind many of the items.
📸 Photographers
The gardens are equally photogenic, especially during spring and autumn. Capture the 'rooms' created by the garden's design, the seasonal blooms, and the interplay of light and shadow.
+1 Remember to check photography guidelines, particularly regarding flash usage inside the manor, to protect the delicate exhibits. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Charles Paget Wade
+1 He didn't just collect objects; he curated them, arranging them with a keen eye for color, light, and narrative, creating what is often described as a 'cabinet of curiosities'. His passion was for the joy and stories these items held, rather than their monetary value. Wade's collections are incredibly diverse, spanning centuries and continents. Visitors can marvel at Japanese prints, antique toys, musical instruments, scientific instruments, and a significant array of historical costumes and accoutrements.
This approach makes Snowshill Manor unlike many other National Trust properties. It feels less like a preserved aristocratic home and more like a personal museum, meticulously arranged by a passionate individual. The sheer volume and variety of items mean that every corner of the manor holds a potential surprise, inviting visitors to look closely and discover hidden treasures.
Exploring the Arts and Crafts Gardens
+1The garden's layout is a key feature, with gateways, hedges, and walls artfully dividing spaces and revealing new perspectives as you wander. This creates a sense of discovery and encourages a slower, more contemplative pace. You might stumble upon a secluded seating area, a vibrant flowerbed, or a charming architectural feature.
The gardens are particularly lovely in spring when the blooms are at their peak, but they offer beauty throughout the seasons, with autumn foliage also providing a stunning backdrop. While perhaps not as grand as some other National Trust gardens, Snowshill's charm lies in its intimate scale and thoughtful design. It's a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful stroll, appreciate the seasonal flowers, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
The gardens also provide a wonderful space for artists, like those who find inspiration for painting, as the environment itself can be a muse. 
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