Winter walks at Cliveden

Visitors are invited to explore Cliveden’s winter highlights, beginning in the Japanese-inspired Water Garden. Seasonal interest includes the striking white bark of Himalayan birch, peeling Acer griseum bark, red-berried cotoneaster and carpets of bright yellow winter aconites beneath the trees. Along Dog Walkers’ Path, the newly renovated cascade waterfall is framed by acers, ferns and bamboo. The Water Garden is also rich in winter fragrance, with shrubs such as sarcococca, wintersweet, daphne and flowering mahonia filling the air, alongside the first hellebores coming into bloom. Elsewhere on the estate, the Long Garden’s freshly cut topiary creates strong winter structure, complemented by purple beautyberry, fiery cornus stems and a new perennial planting scheme left standing for seedhead interest and wildlife habitat. Additional winter silhouettes can be seen in the herbaceous borders in front of the house. Snowdrops and cyclamen are scattered throughout the estate, particularly around the Rose Garden entrance and the Water Garden. Walkers can also enjoy the contrasting atmosphere of the hanging gardens near the Blenheim Pavilion. A winter visit can be rounded off with the colourful seasonal display of heuchera by the Conservatory Café.