One of The Cotswolds' best kept secrets, Miserden estate, is about to launch a programme of experiences inspired by nature and its rich woodland heritage.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the hospitality and outstanding natural beauty of the family-run rural estate from Saturday, May 28.

A new café, workshop space, craft and garden shop, and nature walk forms the new heart of the estate, providing the ideal base from which to explore the stunning 17th century walled garden and 850 acres of expansive woodland, farmland, and lakes, bursting with wildlife and unrivalled countryside.

On Saturday, visitors will be offered complimentary access to the ancient Garden at Miserden (normally £9 per person for entry) where a 'Creating Spaces' sculpture exhibition will be running by the Cotswold Sculptors Association - with a live string quartet providing the atmospheric sound track to the quintessentially English garden setting.

The estate is also opening its newly reinvigorated The Glasshouse Café, where freshly prepared lunches, delicious refreshments and cakes can be enjoyed in beautiful atmospheric surroundings - where muddy boots and dogs are welcome.

Taking dining alfresco to a whole new level, exclusive woodland and garden afternoon tea experiences are now available; uniquely presented on a rustic carved wooden table sourced from the Miserden woodland.

A brand-new venture, The Potting Shed craft and garden shop, will also open to the public for the first time, showcasing local crafts.

The Miserden estate has long been known for its local craftsmen. Since the 1600s carpenters, blacksmiths and stone masons have all worked within the village and estate, benefiting from the natural surroundings of the woodland and local resources.

Furthermore, the estate is launching a schedule of workshops run by local artisan craftsmen and women at their renovated Peach House - a glasshouse boasting an abundance of natural light.

Courses will range from wood carving, jewellery making, pottery, floristry, metalwork, foraging and cookery and can be booked by individuals or for groups of friends and family.

The surrounding Miserden woodland, which has been nurtured and cultivated over many generations, provides the inspiration and raw materials for many of the courses. The vision is to inspire a better understanding of the surrounding landscape and woodland, helping to keep ancient skills relevant in a modern world.

A visit to The Garden at Miserden is an experience not to be missed. This award-winning 17th century garden boasts spectacular views over the deer park and rolling Cotswold hills beyond, and still retains a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity.

From spring through the autumn, the topiary Yew walk (influenced by Lutyens) and impressive display of roses, clematis and mixed borders provide an abundance of colour and interest. An ancient mulberry tree, believed to be planted in 1620, and a fountain and stone summerhouse add to the magic of the garden.

On display throughout June and July, The Cotswold Sculptors Association hosts 'Creating Spaces' exhibition. Using the natural backdrop as the canvas, over one hundred pieces will be dotted around the walled garden, with several sculptures designed for indoors exhibited at the quaint Club Room in Miserden village.

The Cotswold Sculptors Association has grown in prominence since it began in 2017, with previous exhibitions showing at Berkeley Castle and Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury.

The estate is introducing its first official Nature Walk, a picturesque 50-minute family-friendly lakeside walk, where QR codes along the way uncover the mysteries of the woodland with its many specimen trees, birds, and local wildlife. Children will especially love looking out for the bluey hues of a Kingfisher on route.

Estate owner Nicholas Wills said: "We've been busy developing new ways for visitors to enjoy Miserden that will help tell the story of the woodland and what makes this place so special.

"We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to The Glasshouse Café and introducing them to The Peach House, and we look forward to relaunching our very successful pop-up restaurants to support local and rising talent.

"Our hope is that with these new additions we'll put the estate on the map, pique locals' interests and attract people from further afield who want an authentic Cotswolds experience."

The Miserden estate is in the scenic village of Miserden, Stroud, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, located south of Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Opening times and the details:

• The Miserden estate, including access to The Glasshouse Café and The Potting Shed shop, is open 10am - 5pm Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays and free car parking is available on site.
• Workshops at the Peach House launch from Saturday 18th June and prices will start from £50 per person.
• The Garden at Miserden admission is £9 per adult, children under 16 years are free of charge. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into the garden.

All signposted walks around the estate, including the new Nature Walk are open to the public throughout the year with no charge.

For bookings and further information visit: www.miserden.org  / email hello@miserden.org