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Downton House

Plant enthusiast and author’s walled ⅓ acre garden in heart of historic Painswick. Planted for year-round foliage colour and interest with particular focus on plants that thrive on thin limey soil in a changing climate. Garden features unusual trees, shrubs and peonies associated with owner’s interest in plant introductions from China.

Owner Info

  • Jane Kilpatrick
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House
Downton House

About Downton House

The garden lies in the heart of Cotswolds and the owner has made the most of the stony fast-draining soil to grow a number of unusual drought-tolerant plants. Peonies flourish in the dry conditions and the owner has planted several species. Particular attention has been paid to the pleasing effects obtained when contrasting plant forms are interspersed with a variety of foliage shapes and colours, thus ensuring that the borders are attractive all year round.
The owner is the author of Gifts from the Gardens of China (2007), Fathers of Botany (Kew, 2014) and (with Jennifer Harmer) The Galanthophiles (2018).
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Downton House features

Location details

Downton House,
Painswick,
Gloucestershire,
GL6 6QN

Directions to Downton House
Entry to garden is via Hollyhock Lane only. Pls do not park in Lane. Park in Stamages Lane Car Park off A46 below church, or in Churchill Way, 1st L off Gloucester St B4073.

Downton House openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Light refreshments. Afternoon teas in the garden.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 10:30-15:30

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Light refreshments. Afternoon teas in the garden.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 10:30-15:30

Accessibility

  • Steep ramp provides access to path and paved area.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Downton House at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Downton House. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Downton House, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Downton House are accessible to wheelchair users.

Downton House is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.