Note: Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons and The Raymond Blanc Cookery School are both temporarily closed for refurbishment with reopening anticipated in 2027. This review reflects experiences from 2011 when I stayed in a suite at Le Manoir, dined in the restaurant, enjoying their tasting menu, and attended the patisserie course. Although many years have passed, these were amongst my most cherished experiences during 15 years writing this website.
Today’s post about the Garden at Le Manoir concludes my recent series about Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s Oxfordshire hotel and cookery school. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a list of other posts in this series covering the accommodation, dinner, breakfast and the patisserie class at Raymond Blanc Cookery School.
A stroll around the garden was just what we needed to recharge our batteries mid afternoon during the Raymond Blanc Cookery School patisserie class.
Since I’m not remotely a gardener, I won’t be giving you insightful details about plants but instead a bird’s eye view of the walk we enjoyed during our half hour break.
The gardens at Le Manoir cover provide an idyllic backdrop to the hotel and produce many herbs and vegetables that will be used in the restaurant.
Even during January the greenhouses were filled with interesting herbs and plants used in the kitchens at Le Manoir. We were also invited to taste a few!
Throughout the garden, vegetables are harvested all year round and there is even an area for growing mushrooms.
But there is also plenty of space for peace and quiet, notably a Japanese garden with a lake. The grounds are dotted with bronze statues ranging from peacocks and a scarecrow to an effigy of Le Manoir’s characterful florist and a little boy playing cricket. In the depths of winter when few bright plants are to be seen, these figures give the garden personality.
The gardens are open to the public, you don’t have to be staying in the hotel or attending the cookery school to visit. Although it would be a shame not to pop in for afternoon tea.
Sincere thanks to Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons for kindly inviting me to stay and take part in their patisserie class at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School.
I do hope you’ve all enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed my trip and putting all of these posts together.
You may also like to read:
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Part 1: The room
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Part 2: Dinner
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Part 3: Breakfast
With thanks to Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.
I love your Raymond Blanc series……..I’m glad you had a great opportunity and time at Le Manoir
Thanks Ozoz, it was a very memorable visit.
The place sounds lovely, and the gardens are beautiful.
They are, and well worth a walk round if you’re in the area as you don’t need to be a guest to be allowed in.
Beautiful photos Sarah and what an amazing stay you had. You are so lucky! I loved Le Manoir and your write-up has done it great justice!
Thanks Ren… I did agonise over whether to do so many posts on it but I had so many lovely pictures I just didn’t want to leave any of it out!
Just gorgeous! I would love to visit there and cook, and garden! In fact, I did some gardening today but it doesn’t look as serious or proper as this.
I’m really no good at serious or proper gardening… I’d like some of these terracotta cloches though!
These pictures make me feel very wistful. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and those gardens are stunning.
Beautiful posts as ever Sarah. Amazing how the garden looks so good even in its resting time of Jan?
So jealous of your stay!
Have loved this whole series Sarah and it has really made me want to go to Le Manoir!
What beautiful photos of a very special place! Looks like you had a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing:)
What a beautiful garden! sigh, I wish that my garden looked this luscious!
I would love to grow herbs and vegetables like that. That greenhouse is amazing. Have thoroughly enjoyed your posts on Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
I’m so glad I’m feeling a bit better so I can read your wonderful Postcard series again, Sarah. 🙂 I’ve missed them!!! Just love these pictures. I’m a rather dreadful gardener too, but I sure love meandering through ones designed and maintained by others!! 🙂
Sigh, I just love these garden pictures, Sarah. 🙂 I could happily stroll there for ages, then find a comfy spot somewhere to rest and just look. 🙂
What a brilliant way to review what must have been one of the most unforgettable experiences. I am so pleased you told me about your posts, which make me feel like I know what Le Manoir feels like to stay in and visit not to mention the added bonus of a patisserie course.
Splitting the posts up was a good idea, I loved going on the journey with you!
Thanks Laura – glad you managed to take a peep after our conversation!