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Gardens of South West England
Gardens of South West England
A tour especially designed for garden lovers with some real classic gardens both large and small. Discover some of the fascinating collection of gardens and garden landscapes of South West England on this slowly paced tour. Specialist tours based on specific plants, plants men and plants women and garden types are available on request as are tours of other regions of England, Scotland, Ireland and Continental Europe
SAMPLE DAILY ITINERARY BELOW
SOME OF THE TOUR’S SIGHTS.
Day 1 — London Arrival
On arrival meet with your professional tour guide for the short journey to Royal Windsor Great Park and specifically Savill Garden. Since its creation in the 1930s, The Savill Garden has been an inspiration for all. This natural haven of beautifully designed gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone. The 35 acres of interconnected gardens include the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds. Overnight stay in Winchester.
Day 2 — Gilbert White and Sir Harold Hillier
This morning travel to The Wakes associated with Gilbert White and The Oates Collection. The pioneering naturalist Gilbert White wrote The Natural History of Selbourne here over 300 years ago. The plants and features he would still recognise from his writings including "Six Quarters" the kitchen garden and the Ha has. Continue on to The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, an arboretum comprising 72 hectares accommodating over 42,000 trees and shrubs in about 12,000 taxa, notably a collection of oaks, camellia, magnolia and rhododendron. The Gardens were founded by nurseryman Harold Hillier in June 1953 when he acquired Jermyns House and its grounds. The arboretum was given to Hampshire County Council in 1977 to be managed as a charitable trust. Overnight stay in Winchester.
Day 3 — Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens and The Garden House
This morning travel through the New Forest one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror and featured in the Domesday Book. It remains a habitat for many rare birds and mammals including the iconic New Forest ponies. Arrive on England's South Coast and visit the surprising Abbotsbury Sub-tropical gardens. Probably one of the best gardens of its type in the world. Magnificent Victorian walled garden set in 20 acres of woodland valley. The unique micro climate enables rare and exotic species from all over the world to thrive here with a superb colonial style teahouse with a veranda overlooking the sunken garden. Reaching the county of Devon visit The Garden House a real plantsman's paradise. Nick, the head gardener has been responsible for the garden since 2013. His role is to care for and respect the legacies of his predecessors whilst ensuring that The Garden House remains a crucible of new ideas and new plants, at the cutting edge of horticultural excellence and innovation. He has introduced many new plants whilst continuing the principle of using only the best forms and cultivars available Overnight stay in Plymouth.
Day 4— Mount Edgecumbe and Cotehale
Morning visit to the home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe for 400 years. Come and enjoy one of Cornwall's finest country estates. wide ranging parkland, formal gardens, ever changing coastal views and a country house with adjoining workshops and exhibitions. A complete change in the afternoon when a visit is made to Cotehale. An atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on an historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore. overnight stay in Plymouth.
Day 5 — Lost Gardens of Heligan and Eden Project
This morning we visit Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, reaching their zenith at the end of the nineteenth century, only to become overgrown and ‘lost’ soon after. Now see the internationally acclaimed award-winning garden restoration of “The Lost Gardens of Heligan". Later visit The Eden Project, based in a large abandoned quarry crater in which nestle two vast greenhouses (Biomes), and meet a representative who will tell us about the aim of the project and what they hope to achieve in the future. Overnight stay in Plymouth.
Day 6 — Hestercombe
Head north today to Bath and stop en-route at Hestercombe in Somerset to see the famous Edwardian garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jeykll. Continue to Stourhead garden, lying in secluded privacy in its own valley, created in the 1740’s, and one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. The magnificent lake is central to this iconic garden of classical temples and follies. Overnight stay in The Cotswolds.
Day 7 — Ilford, Bowood and Westonbirt
Today see the Grade I Italian-style garden at Iford Manor, famous for its tranquil beauty and as the home of architect and landscape gardener, Harold A. Peto from 1899 to 1933. The garden is characterised by steps, terraces, sculpture and magnificent rural views. Next visit Bowood House which stands in glorious 'Capability Brown' parkland with gently sloping lawns stretching away from the house to the lake beyond. The final stop is at Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world with over 3,000 different tree and shrub species. Meet a representative from the Forestry Commission who will give a talk about the important work the Commission does caring for trees within the National Tree Collection. Overnight stay in The Cotswolds
Day 8 — Hidcote and Kiftsgate
Visit one of Britain’s most famous gardens, Hidcote Manor Garden, this morning. Full of splendid architectural effects from bold planting, it covers 10 acres, but still resembles a series of cottage gardens. Just next door we pay a visit to Kiftsgate Court Gardens which is also a series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets. Depart for London. Overnight stay in London.
Day 9 — Kew and Painshill
Today enjoy a visit to the World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens. This once Royal residence representing nearly 250 years of historical gardens is home to a remarkable collection of over 30,000 types of plants from all over the world. Afterwards, join a local guide for a guided tour of Painshill Park. Located near Cobham, Surrey, Painshill Park was the vision of the Hon Charles Hamilton, a young nobleman who returned from his Grand Tour of Europe inspired by all the art and architecture he had seen. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Overnight stay in London.
Day 10 — Chelsea Physic Garden and Museum of Garden History
Situated in the heart of London, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a ‘Secret Garden' a centre of education, beauty and relaxation. Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it continues to research the properties, origins and conservation of over 5000 species. Housed in a former church next door to Lambeth Palace, the Museum of Garden History has transformed the old churchyard into a replica 17th century knot garden filled with plants authentic to the period. Overnight stay in London.
Day 11 — Departure
An executive motor coach is provided for the transfer to London's Heathrow Airport.