Join
Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.
The Courts Garden
Delightful English country garden
Holt, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA14 6RR
Important notice
The Courts Garden is now closed for the season. We will open again in February 2024 for weekends only, and then every day from the beginning of March.
Opening times for 10 December 2023
Asset Opening time Garden Closed Refreshments Closed The Courts closes for the season from October 29 2023 and re-opens for spring in February 2024 (weekends only) and March (Mon,Tues, Thursday and weekends)
MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedGarden
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £12.10 £11.00 Child £6.10 £5.50 Family £30.30 £27.50 1 adult and up to 3 children £25.50 £19.50 Group Adult £10.40 Group Child £5.20 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Assistance dogs only
Coffee shop
There is a trailer serving takeaway refreshments by the bookshop.
Book shop
Plant shop
Car park
There is free parking in the Holt Village Hall car park.
Toilet
The Courts Garden is mostly accessible with some uneven paths and steps. A drop off point is available outside the entrance to the garden. Assistance dogs are welcome. A hearing loop is available. A manual wheelchair is available to hire.
Accessible route and/or map
Level access/terrain
Accessible toilet
Steps/uneven terrain
Drop-off point
Wheelchairs available
Induction loop
By road
3 miles south-west of Melksham, 2½ miles east of Bradford on Avon, on south side of B3107. Follow signs to Holt
Parking: free (not National Trust), 80 yards, in village hall car park opposite, on B3107. Additional overflow parking: follow signs. Please respect the community and don't park on the village streets.
By train
The closest train stations to Holt are Bradford on Avon (2½ miles away) and Trowbridge (3 miles away). Travel from the stations to The Courts Garden via bus or car.
By bus
The Faresaver 69 Zig Zag bus service from Trowbridge to Melksham passes through Holt Monday-Saturday. Please visit the Faresaver website for up to date timetables and route information.
Planning your visit
Bringing your dog to The Courts Garden
Assistance dogs only are welcome in The Courts Garden. Please ask at reception for details of local walks.
Highlights
Garden
Classic English country garden, with water gardens, herbaceous borders, topiary, arboretum with naturalistic spring bulbs and a kitchen garden.
Shop
Plant sales, seasonal garden produce and a second-hand bookshop.
Spotlight events
Autumn at the Courts
Celebrate the best of the season at the Courts. Watch autumn colour come to life in the arboretum and enjoy the last blooms of the season in each garden room. Find mini wheelbarrows and rakes near the forest school area, perfect for little garden helpers! During October half term collect a leaf spotters guide from Visitor Reception and become a leaf detective. All activities included in normal cost of admission. The Courts garden closes for the season from 31 October.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do in the garden at the Courts
Things to see at the Courts Garden in Holt, Wiltshire. Once the site of a hive of industrial activity, now a relaxed Arts and Crafts style garden with creative garden rooms, ponds and an arboretum to explore.
Eating and shopping
Second-hand bookshop
The second-hand bookshop at The Courts Garden is open and a proper little box of delights. Every sale and every donation helps us stay open. Thank you for your support.
Bring a picnic
While the cafe building is awaiting conservation, takeaway hot and cold drinks, wrapped cakes and snacks are available. You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy at the benches in the orchard, or on a rug under the trees in the Arboretum.
Plant sales
If you've seen a plant you love in The Courts Garden, check the plant sales at the entrance to the property. You might be able to take a little bit of The Courts Garden home with you.
Places to stay
2 High Street
In the centre of Lacock village, this 15th-century cottage is packed full of charm and makes a cosy base for exploring Lacock Abbey and the countryside nearby.
About The Courts Garden
Full of variety, this charming garden shows the English country style at its best.
Peaceful water gardens and herbaceous borders, with organically shaped topiary, demonstrate an imaginative use of colour and planting, creating unexpected vistas.
Stroll through the arboretum with its wonderful species of trees and naturally planted spring bulbs.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with the Courts Garden.