Highlights
- Generous flower borders, roses and clematis through summer
- A water garden fed by a spring-fed pond, and a rill between two orchards
- A bluebell wood, at its best in late April
- A wildflower meadow in early summer
- The plant nursery and Stableyard café
About Coton Manor Garden
There has been a manor at Coton since the Domesday Book, but the garden is much younger. It was laid out in the 1920s by Harold and Elizabeth Bryant, grandparents of the current owner, who added terraces, borders, a rose garden, a water garden fed by a spring-fed pond, and two orchards linked by a rill. Later generations extended it considerably.
Susie Pasley-Tyler has looked after the garden since 1991, now joined by her younger daughter Imogen. In 2019 it was voted the Nation's Favourite Garden in a poll run by The English Garden magazine with the National Garden Scheme.
What to see
- Borders and rose garden: flower-filled borders with roses and clematis in summer.
- Water garden: streams and pools across the sloping site.
- Herb garden, lawns and old yew and holly hedges.
- Bluebell wood and wildflower meadow: bluebells in late April, and meadow flowers in early summer.
- Nursery: a plant nursery next to the garden.
Planning your visit
Coton Manor is near Guilsborough, north-west of Northampton. The main season runs from April to late September, with extra autumn opening into October. There are two car parks; steps lead down from the main car park to the road opposite the garden entrance, and elderly and disabled visitors should follow signs for accessible parking. Take care crossing the road.
The site slopes and has many ponds and waterways, so paths are uneven and can be slippery when wet. Accessible toilets are in the stableyard. The café serves lunches until 2:30pm and drinks and cakes until 5pm. Picnics are allowed in the car park but not in the garden.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Coton Manor Garden?
At the gate in 2026, adults pay £12.50 and children aged 5 to 17 pay £5. A season ticket costs £20 for adults, and groups of 15 or more pay £11 each.
Can I bring my dog to Coton Manor?
No. Apart from guide and assistance dogs, dogs are not allowed in the gardens, nursery or Stableyard café.
When is Coton Manor open?
The main 2026 season ran from 1 April to 26 September, Tuesday to Saturday and over bank holiday weekends, 12pm to 5pm. The garden and nursery are also open Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 4pm, through October 2026.