Kiftsgate is an unusual garden, set on the side of a Cotswolds escarpment with commanding and spectacular views through to the Malvern Hills.  Due to its location, however, it can be challenging for some to navigate with a few rather steep and uneven paths, especially down to the lower gardens.

Its topography and shape do not lend themselves to a natural and flowing garden layout but the generations of intrepid gardeners have managed to create some quite extraordinary elements which are well worth a visit.

Most call in before or after a visit to Hidcote, which is just up the road. 

Allow around an hour and a half or so to cover all aspects along with some extra time for a cuppa and slice of delicious cake.

Starting with the Four Squares Terrace you'll find plenty of attractive shrubs and perennials here, set out in a formal style. Its best to look out to enjoy the view beyond as the house behind has to be one of the ugliest anywhere.

The Wide Border is deep and choc full of summer bedding plants, as is The Yellow border which features stronger and warmer colours throughout summer. 

Crocosmia, Dahlia and Lilium lancifolium in particular make a splendid sight.

Thanks to Sissinghurst, many gardens these days feature a White Garden and Kiftsgate also squeezes in a very pleasant Rose Garden too that has the largest Rosa filipes in England and has been named after the garden.

But it is the spectacular Water Garden that surprises the most, revealing itself, as it does, from behind a tall and thick Yew hedge to very striking effect. 

Up to this point the gardens have seemed very conventional and even quaint, albeit they are fitted into a difficult and narrow space. But then the Water Garden takes you by real surprise. 

This is grand garden architecture, surrounded by massive Yew hedging with a starkly graphic rectangular pond in the centre featuring stepping stone squares and artful sculpted leaves on stalks.

Take time to sit and take this in - very good zen garden design we think.

Now its time to put on your hiking boots and clamber down the rocky pathway to the Lower Garden. 

You will pass plenty of interesting plants and wonderful Monterey Pines along the way but the lower terrace with its half moon pond looking out to the breath-taking views to the Vale of Evesham are the other really powerful feature of Kiftsgate. 

A little micro-climate of its own allows some unusual and tender shrubs to thrive here and we recommend lingering in this very attractive setting before setting off to climb back to the summit and a cup of welcome tea.

As a visit after Hidcote, Kiftsgate is an interesting garden, in that it is unlike any other you'll see. Though it does suffer from lack of continuity and ease of navigation, it makes up with a few very rewarding elements and some truly great views that are worth the entrance fee alone.