Badminton House

There’s something truly special about visiting a grand country estate, even if you only get to explore its magnificent gardens. Our recent t...

There’s something truly special about visiting a grand country estate, even if you only get to explore its magnificent gardens. Our recent trip to Badminton House in Gloucestershire was one of those perfect days – glorious weather, stunning scenery, and a generous helping of history (and even a touch of Hollywood!).

From the moment you drive onto the estate, you get a palpable sense of its immense scale and grandeur. It’s not just a house; it’s an entire world, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Beaufort for over 300 years. While we didn't venture inside the house on this occasion, its imposing presence dominates the landscape, a true testament to centuries of aristocratic heritage.

With the sun high in the sky, we spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the meticulously kept gardens. They’re a masterclass in classic English design, blending formal elegance with picturesque charm. The topiary was particularly impressive, sculpted into whimsical shapes that added a playful touch to the grand surroundings. We wandered through vibrant rose beds, their scent hanging sweetly in the warm air, and admired the stunning Orangery – a beautiful glasshouse that glinted in the sunlight, brimming with exotic plants.

One of the real highlights was the magnificent fountain, which also doubles as a swimming pool. It’s a truly grand feature, reflecting the sky and the surrounding architecture, and imagining a refreshing dip there on such a hot day was very appealing! Every corner of the garden offered a new vista, a new perspective on the house, and a chance to appreciate the incredible effort that goes into maintaining such a historic landscape.

Of course, Badminton House isn't just known for its beauty; it's also world-famous for hosting the renowned Badminton Horse Trials each year, an event that draws crowds from all over the globe. Walking the grounds, you can almost feel the thrill and excitement of the competition, even on a quiet sunny afternoon.

Another remarkable sight, nestled right beside the main building, is the estate's church, St. Michael and All Angels'. It’s a striking building because it doesn't look like a traditional, quaint English parish church at all. Instead, its grand, classical facade was designed to perfectly complement the house, looking more like a Roman temple. While it serves the local parish, it's also the private chapel for the Beaufort family, and inside it holds some spectacular marble monuments to the various Dukes. This makes it a breathtaking and powerful testament to the family's enduring legacy and their deep connection to the land.

Adding to the fun of our visit was our recent binge-watching of Guy Ritchie's TV series, The Gentlemen, which was filmed right here at Badminton! It was such a blast trying to spot familiar locations from the show – the main drive, certain garden paths, and glimpses of the house that featured prominently. It added a really fun, modern twist to our historical day out.

All in all, a visit to Badminton House Gardens is an absolute treat. It’s a place where history, horticulture, and even a bit of pop culture beautifully intertwine. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a glorious walk on a sunny day, Badminton offers an experience that’s both grand and utterly charming.