Highnam Court Gardens

The very extensive grounds of Highnam Court are a really splendid venue for the annual Spring Fair. The fascinating gardens were originally laid out by the Victorian artist Thomas Gambier Parry and have been brought back to life by Mr Roger Head DL. The garden will be open free of charge to all visitors to Highnam Court Spring Fair.

The gardens surround several large lakes, one of which recreates the concept realised by Monet's garden in France. The lakes are bordered by beds planted to give colour and interest throughout the seasons.

In Spring, there are thousands of daffodils, tulips and other spring bulbs throughout the grounds giving a really spectacular show.

The large oval Rose Garden has been planted with over 2,000 roses and 60,000 spring flowering bulbs.

There are many other sections of the garden, including the Broad Walk, Knot Garden, Wisteria Walk, Fernery and Bog Garden.

Holy Innocents Church

Holy Innocents Church, Highnam, was built by Thomas Gambier Parry, owner of Highnam Court, in 1851 in memory of his wife Isabella and the children of their marriage. Both she and the children died of tuberculosis. Thomas was an enthusiastic member of the High Church movement in the 19th century and built this church as an example piece for others to follow. He poured into it an enormous amount of his time and energy; the cost was considerable but was not to be considered. The architect was Henry Woodyer and the whole building was completed in 21 months, followed shortly by the village school, lodge house and parson’s house.

The church is a perfect time capsule of the period, having been very little altered. Soon after completion, Gambier Parry devised a wall painting technique and used it to stunning effect by painting scenes on the walls of the church. These have recently been cleaned and conserved, making the interior a riot of richness and colour. The building is considered one of the most important Victorian churches in this country.

In Simon Jenkin’s book "1,000 Best Churches", Holy Innocents Church gets a four-star rating.