Iford Manor: Gardens

The gardens at Iford Manor are a proper surprise if you're wandering through Bradford-on-Avon and fancy something beyond the usual tourist trail. What you get here is an Italianate garden built into a steep Wiltshire hillside - all terraces, stone steps, and carefully placed plants that someone clearly spent decades thinking about. The whole thing feels like stepping into someone's very deliberate vision rather than a grand estate garden trying to impress everyone.

You'll walk through a series of linked gardens that cascade down the slope, with stone balustrades and pergolas guiding you through. It's intimate rather than vast, which works better than you'd expect - there's something rewarding about discovering each new level. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the way the paths are laid to how the planting frames views across the valley.

This appeals most to keen gardeners and design-minded types. You won't find playground equipment or easy access for pushchairs, so it's not the best shout if you've got small kids in tow. Allow a couple of hours to really absorb it properly, though you could dash round faster if you're just passing through.

It's well worth combining with the nearby parks - Stowford Manor Farm and Campwell Farm are both within walking distance if you're camping in the area. Bradford-on-Avon itself is excellent for a half-day wander, and you can easily slot Iford in as an afternoon detour. Check opening times before you head out, mind - it's not always open to visitors.