Westbury Court Gardens were the National Trust's first Garden restoration, completed in 1971. Originally established between 1696 and 1705, the gardens are the only example of a Dutch Water Garden in the UK, and the best preserved example anywhere (including the Netherlands): Apart from largely retaining the original plan, the planting uses only those varieties and species of plants available before 1700.

The result is an intimate but delightful garden. Laid out as a series of long parallel ponds and enclosures, formal topiary and symmetrical beds complement each other, with less formal planting softening the effect. Despite the proximity of the busy A48, it doesn't intrude.

An interesting feature is the two-storeyed Pavilion, which gives an excellent view over the garden. These were originally a feature of most grand country house gardens, and gave their owners a place to entertain and meet, away from the otherwise ever-present hearing and gaze of their servants! A wood-cut from the period shows a bird's eye view of the gardens and the original house (now disappeared) as it looked in the 18th century.

The adjacent church is also well worth a visit, and a path leads from close by to the River Severn footpath at westbury Strand, about half a mile away. One can see the famous Severn Bore from here, when the tidal conditions are right.