Highnam: Manor House, Gardens and Woodlands

Highnam combines impressive architectural history with garden design and extensive woodland landscapes. Those wishing to plan a trip involving culture, walks and cycling experiences will find various opportunities here for structuring their daily itinerary. When searching for a holiday cottage in Highnam, it is therefore worth clarifying your priorities: should the trip focus primarily on historic buildings, or are paths through woodland and countryside the main attraction?

Highnam Court and the history of the area

An important cultural landmark is Highnam Court in Gloucestershire, north of the A40. The country house is listed as a Grade I building of special architectural or historic interest. It was built in 1658 for William Cooke, the son of Sir Robert Cooke, after the original house had been damaged during the English Civil War. The architectural style of Highnam Court is Artisan Mannerism.

The gardens also tell their own part of the area's history. The gardens of Highnam Court are listed as a Grade II* park and garden of special historic interest; they were first registered on 28 February 1986. The garden ensemble includes a Pulhamite winter garden laid out between 1849 and 1862, with grottoes, rock gardens and waterfalls. It was planted with evergreen plants and ferns.

Holy Innocents and the “Doom” Fresco

The historic surroundings also include Holy Innocents. The church was built in 1849 for Thomas Gambier Parry, the owner of Highnam Court, as a memorial and estate church. After its completion, Gambier Parry began painting a spiritual fresco entitled “Doom” above the chancel arch. It depicts the judgement of the good and the wicked. Those interested in sacred art and the connection between architecture, remembrance and painting can incorporate this aspect into their travel plans.

Woodland Paths, Arboretum and Cycle Route

Highnam Woods reveals another side of the area. The woodland forms part of an extensive ancient forest stretching through the Severn Vale. There are walks through woods characterised by bluebells, as well as woodland trails. Highnam Woods is also home to the rare plant Tintern Spurge; areas of ground are deliberately disturbed there to encourage its population.

Another historic connection with nature is the conifer arboretum in Highnam Woods. Thomas Gambier Parry established it in 1844; by 1863 it contained more than 300 species. For cycling to the area, National Cycle Route 42 is a useful reference point: it leads to the village of Highnam. Those who prefer to plan several shorter walks can find information about five walks around Highnam in the leaflet “Walking Around Highnam”. Copies are available from Highnam Stores & Post Office.

Orientation for Planning Your Trip

Over Bridge is also an interesting detail for local orientation. The section of the single-arch stone bridge spanning the canal has a paved footway for pedestrians on both sides. This means families can combine different ideas for a day in Highnam: historical themes around Highnam Court and Holy Innocents, nature observation in Highnam Woods, or a plan involving the cycle route and walking paths. When choosing your accommodation, decide which of these priorities should determine the rhythm of your trip.

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Highnam, you can also look at Horsley, Notgrove, Nailsworth, Newent, Berkeley, Boddington, Littledean and Longborough.

For the wider travel overview: Gloucestershire.