Snowshill Manor and Garden
Charles Wade embodied his family motto 'Let nothing perish', spending his life and inherited wealth amassing a spectacular collection of everyday and extraordinary objects from across the globe. He bought objects because of their colour, craftsmanship and design, restoring the ancient, golden-yellow Cotswold manor house to display them. Laid out theatrically according to Mr Wade¿s wishes, the Manor is literally packed to the rafters with 22,000 or so unusual objects – from tiny toys to splendid suits of Samurai armour. The Manor is surrounded by an intriguing terraced hillside garden designed in the Arts & Crafts style
The Garden
This south west sloping site was transformed by Charles Wade into individual garden rooms, each with their own style. Being unable to see the whole garden at once lends it a certain mystery and intrigue. The garden contains various architectural features and a profusion of colourful and scented flowers and plants. Most of the gates and garden furniture are painted in ‘Wade Blue’, a colour Charles himself developed. He believed there was no green paint to better nature’s own greens.
Wildlife
Wildlife at Snowshill has increased tremendously over the last 8 years for two reasons:
Planting
Areas along the visitor route to the manor have been planted with British native shrubs; sloe, hawthorn, wild privet, Guelder Rose, wild roses, hazel, random yew and holly, field maple, dog wood, spindle berry, elderberry and many more. All are beneficial either because they produce early blossom, nuts or fruits or provide habitat. With this area so close to the manor garden itself the wildlife must also find the natural food reserves there.
Habitat provision
Insect boxes have been provided for solitary bees, ladybirds, lacewings and any other insects in need of shelter. Old clay drainage pipes situated around the medieval fish pond and damp areas contain the frogs and toads. Piles of stone provide shelter and cover for all sorts of small mammals and invertebrates. Fallen ash trunks are left as habitat and food sources for more animals and insects.
Don't miss
Be fascinated by the story of collector Charles Wade.
Be amazed by his vast and astonishing collection.
Be intrigued by stunning examples of craftsmanship.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Prices:
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets):
adult £9 (£8.10), child £4.60 (£4.10), family £22.80 (£20.70).
Garden, restaurant and shop only: adult £4.90 (£4.40), child £2.50 (£2.20), family £12.10 (£11).
Visitors arriving by bicycle or on foot offered a voucher redeemable at Snowshill National Trust shop or restaurant
Facilities
Shopping & eating
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch in the restaurant. Try one of our legendary cream teas on the terrace. Treat yourself to local produce in our gift shop. Pick up a bargain in the second-hand bookshop.
Parking
Free, 500 yards. Walk from car park to manor and garden along undulating country path. Transfer available
Families & children
Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats for loan. Children's play area and maze. Children's quiz/trail. Tracker Packs. Children's activity days
Mobility information
Contact in advance
Parking
Designated parking in main car park. House and garden along undulating path. 2 manual wheelchairs. Transfer available
Building
Steps to entrance. Ground floor has steps, very limited turning space. Stairs to other floors. Floors uneven. Visitor Reception, shop and restaurant fully accessible
WCs
By visitor reception area
Grounds
Limited access: undulating paths, some steep slopes, uneven surfaces, access to terraces via steps
Getting there
Bus services
Castleways 559, Evesham–Broadway, then 2½ miles uphill
Cycling
View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website
By road
2½ miles south west of Broadway; turn from A44 Broadway bypass into Broadway village; at green turn right uphill to Snowshill
By train
Moreton-in-Marsh 7 miles, Evesham 8 miles
On foot
Cotswold Way within ¾ mile
Ordnance survey reference
150:SP096339
Address :
Snowshill Manor and Garden
Snowshill,
near Broadway,
Gloucestershire
WR12 7JU