Nestled deep in the Wiltshire countryside lies Iford Manor Gardens, a hillside retreat that feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. These lush 2½-acre terraced gardens were awarded Grade I listed status in 1987 and it’s easy to see why: Italian, Byzantine, ancient Roman and Oriental design elements blend seamlessly across striking steep arches, terraces and stone walkways. And this June, the fairytale-like gardens are hosting an enchanting live jazz festival amid marble statues and Mediterranean flora—it’s the ultimate music-meets-nature day trip from London.
Iford Manor Gardens: what makes these gardens so special?
Designed by Harold Peto—Edwardian architect and owner of Iford Manor House—these gardens were cultivated between 1899 and 1933. As an avid collector of antiquities and artifacts, Peto decided to decorate the gardens with priceless items from his travels abroad, including a bronze sculpture of Romulus and Remus, urns, sarcophagi and terracotta pieces. Architectural highlights of the gardens include the colonnade-lined Great Terrace, the Grade II* listed Cloisters and a breathtaking Italianate courtyard that features heavily in The Secret Garden film starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters.
Iford Manor Jazz Festival 2026: what to expect
From 18-21 June, the gardens will be welcoming a series of jazz shows for the fifth anniversary of Iford Manor Jazz Festival. The festival kicks off on Thursday 18 June with a performance by saxophonist Trish Clowes and pianist Ross Stanley, followed by an Aretha Franklin tribute on Friday 19 by Vanessa Haynes.
Saturday 20 brings the party vibes with Snowboy and the Latin Section performing Afro-Cuban jazz, complete with DJ sets from Mike Vitti on the lawn. If you’re after something more relaxed, the Maddie Martin Duo will provide sublime accompaniment to three-course jazz lunches on Saturday (20) and Sunday (21).
Fancy a jazz show closer to home? These concerts in London journey through the best of jazz’s golden eras and beyond this June—find out more here.
15 October 2026 18:15
25 June 2026 18:15 + more dates
Everything you need to know about Iford Manor Jazz Festival 2026
📅 Date: 18th–21st June 2026
🕐 Time: Evening concerts from 6pm (doors open 5pm); Saturday and Sunday jazz lunches at 12pm.
📍 Where: Iford Manor Gardens, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2BA
🎷 What is it: A four-day jazz festival curated by Claire Martin OBE, featuring world-class musicians performing in the Grade I listed Italianate gardens.
👥 Suitable for: Jazz lovers, garden enthusiasts and anyone seeking a magical summer evening experience.
🚗 Getting there: Just 2 hours from London by car via M4/A36, or take the train to Bath Spa or Bradford-on-Avon station, then a short taxi ride to the estate.
