Milton Lodge Gardens |
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Milton Lodge Gardens are mature Grade 2 listed terraced gardens with outstanding views of Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. There are mixed borders, roses and fine trees. Separate 7 acre arboretum.
The Upper Terrace
The entrance from the drive leads past a huge cedar and onto the terraced lawn overlooking the cathedral and the Vale of Avalon, a magnificent view which is repeated from different angles throughout the garden. Below the terrace a variety of trees are underplanted with naturalised spring bulbs and wild flowers which provide a colourful display from March to May. A variety of climbers clothes the south wall of the house above a narrow border of low growing plants. At the end of the house the stone path merges into a grass walk along the uppermost Charles Tudway's four terraces. At the far end steps lead down past a bank of cornus, rose species, abutilons and the white flowered Hebe salicifolia to the small arboretum which forms the western
extremity of the garden.
The Arboretum
With some later exceptions the majority of trees in the arboretum were planted in 1967.
The Central Terrace
This terrace, consisting of a gently sloping lawn bordered on all sides by mixed planting of shrubs and perennials, can be reached through the wall at the eastern end of the arboretum and also down a flight of steps at the end of the stone path along the upper terrace.
The Sundial Terrace
Here old fashioned roses form the basis of the long border beneath the wall. Viewed from either end, this terrace is finely balanced, the long border of shrub roses contrasting well with the simplicity of mown lawn and yew hedge on the other side of the path.
The Pool Terrace
At the western end of the sundial terrace steps lead down beside the summerhouse to the swimming pool, set at one end of the large lawn. Low growing shrubs and perennials mingle together in the long border below the yew topped retaining wall. A
great oak tree, planted at the same time as the cedar beside the house, shades the eastern end of the lawn and another yew hedge along the southern side masks the extremity of the garden where it merges into the adjoining parkland.
The Combe
Across the Old Bristol Road from the entrance to Milton Lodge car park lies the Combe, a seven acre arboretum and woodland garden which has been developed by successive generations of the Tudway family and which originally formed a natural extension to the garden of the Cedars, the large family mansion in the Liberty in Wells, built in 1760 by Mr Tudway Quilter's ancestor and which now forms part of the Wells Cathedral School. The Combe is a natural peaceful oasis on the very edge of the city and is in pleasant contrast to the formal terraced gardens at Milton Lodge across the road. Both share the advantages of interesting topography, fine trees and lovely vistas if the cathedral and surrounding countryside.
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Opening Times
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(2007 times)
Easter to End October: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 2.00pm - 5.00pm.
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Admission Charges
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(2007 prices)
Adult £4.00; Child under 14yrs Free.Groups by appointment only. |
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Directions
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| ½ mile N. of Wells. From A39 Bristol-Wells turn N. up Old Bristol Road. Car Park is first gate on left. |
| Show map of Milton Lodge Gardens... |
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Nearby Attractions
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Wookey Hole Caves
(1 Mile)*
The great caves of Wookey Hole have been famous since Roman times. Carved out by the mysterious river Axe, the caverns penetrate deep into the beautiful Mendip Hill; some have yet to be explored. |
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Cheddar Caves and Gorge
(6 Miles)*
Cheddar Gorge, a place of wild and rugged beauty, is a karst limestone and calcareous grassland Nature Reserve and home to many rare plants and animals, including endangered Greater Horseshoe bats. |
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Glastonbury Abbey
(7 Miles)*
The Abbey is set in 36 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. It is traditionally the first Christian Sanctuary in Great Britain, |
| more nearby attractions... |
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Nearby Hotels
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A superb Palladian mansion set in one of the West Country's most romantic estates, Ston Easton Park exudes elegance, warmth and comfort. |
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The Holiday Inn Bristol Airport is located in a rural area, just 3 miles from Bristol International Airport, making it the closet hotel in the area to the airport. |
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The quintessential English country house hotel, Hunstrete House is an 18th century Georgian manor house, situated in 71 acres of beautiful woodland, gardens and deer park. |
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Nearby Self Catering
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