Badminton brings together a Grade I-listed manor house with churches, landscaped gardens and the medieval dovecote in Little Badminton. The history of the buildings and the gardens sit side by side: Badminton House is a country house and the seat of the Duke of Beaufort; the churches preserve their own architectural and artistic details. When planning a visit, take account of the seasonal garden opening dates and the different access arrangements for the churches.
Manor House and Architectural History
Badminton House is a country house and the seat of the Duke of Beaufort. The building is Grade I listed and includes an early 17th-century manor house on its south-west side. The history of the house therefore includes an older part of the building, while its present-day description also identifies its role as a country house and the seat of the Duke of Beaufort. Those interested in historic architecture can consider both aspects together: the origins of an early manor house and its later incorporation into the larger house.
Churches and Access
The Church of St Michael and All Angels in Great Badminton is the Anglican parish church in Badminton Park and is Grade I listed. It was built in 1785 in the style of a miniature version of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Inside, there is also a monument by Grinling Gibbons, which was moved here from St George’s Chapel in Windsor. The design and the monument offer two distinct points of interest: the church’s architectural style and an artwork with a specifically named origin.
This church is normally closed to the public, except on days when services are held. Tours can be arranged for groups of at least ten people. The church in Little Badminton has its own access arrangements: it is open only on days when services are held; tours can be arranged for groups of at least ten people, but individual visits are not available. Check the information for the relevant church when planning a visit.
Little Badminton lies within the Badminton Estate, north of Great Badminton. A medieval Grade II*-listed dovecote survives there. It is considered probably the finest early dovecote in the country. This historic estate building adds another distinct part of the area’s architectural history alongside the churches and the manor house.
Gardens and Deer
The formal beds on the east side of the gardens at Badminton House were designed by Russell Page. The Walled Garden contains the estate’s kitchen garden, which supplies fruit, vegetables and cut flowers for much of the year. The greenhouse is used for propagation and features pelargoniums. Together, the different areas combine formal garden design with practical cultivation and the display of plants.
The Deer Park is also among the landscape features described as part of the Badminton Estate. It is home to a herd of red deer, which is otherwise managed like a wild herd. This deer management is a distinct aspect of the estate alongside the flower beds and kitchen garden.
Garden Visits and Event Information
The gardens at Badminton House open three times a year, in April, June and September. Dates may change in future seasons, so check the information for the period of your visit.
The RHS Badminton Flower Show also offers a garden-related event with clearly specified dates: the 2026 edition was scheduled for 8 to 12 July in the historic grounds of Badminton Park. At this now-past edition, the Floral Marquee featured four Plant Heritage displays and more than 70 exhibitors. Talks, demonstrations and expert insights were scheduled for the Main Stage. These programme items show the event’s range, from displays and exhibitors to stage presentations.
Discover more destinations: Hinton, Westerleigh, Tortworth, Thornbury, Chippenham, Brockworth, Filton, Wickwar.
For the wider travel overview: South Gloucestershire.
