Last updated on 06 February 09
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Cirencester Park

© Will Stubbs
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com

Gardenvisit Editorial

This leading example of the English Forest Style of garden design requires an informed eye and an enthusiasm for walking. The park is 8 km long and 4.8 km wide. Stephen Switzer may have advised on the design. Pope came here over a 30 year period and invested money in the afforestation. Its planting was Lord Bathurst's major achievment. The forest is transected by a goose-foot of avenues, inspired by baroque geometry. But the intention was to make a rural retreat which would be useful and peaceful. It was not designed, like the baroque gardens of Italy and France to impress, visitors with the owner's wealth, power or fashionable taste. By far the best view of the park is from the top of the church steeple in Cirencester.

Address - Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, GL7 2BT
Opening times - All year. Daily. Open dawn to dusk.
Admission - Entrance free
Website - Visit the Cirencester Park website