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Escorted Gardens Tours Of Britain - 2001
The easiest way to visit the Chelsea Flower Show. This package includes your accommodation and a ticket for entrance to the Flower Show on a Royal Horticultural Society Members' Day. Our hotels are situated close to the Showground and in addition there is a full day tour to the Cotswolds including a visit to Hidcote Manor Garden. You also have a ticket to ride on British Airways London Eye one of London's most popular new attractions.
Monday 21st May to Friday 25th May - 4 nights.
This tour can be combined with:
A Garden Gem tour to Yorkshire & The English Lake District -
18th May and/or a Garden Gem tour to Wessex & The Cotswolds - 25th May.
Monday 21st May
Arrive London and check-in to hotel independently
Tuesday, 22nd May
The morning at leisure for personal sightseeing and shopping and a ticket for an afternoon flight on British Airways London Eye billed as the world's highest observational wheel. The Eye stands 135 metres high on the South Bank between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges, right opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and provides stunning views over central London and beyond.
Wednesday, 23rd May
Today you have a ticket for the Chelsea Flower Show which is held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This is the most prestigious event in the English horticultural calendar and presents a combination of breathtaking beauty, horticultural excellence and the very latest design ideas.
Thursday, 24th May
Depart from Victoria Coach Station at 9am for a Gentle Journeys' Garden Day to the Cotswolds including Hidcote Manor Garden. (Return approximately 6.30 pm)
Friday, 25th May
Check-out and depart.
HOTELS:
The Sloane Square Moat House – 4star.
Situated in one of the most fashionable areas of Londonclose to the Kings Road and within walking distance of Harrods, Hyde Park and the Victoria and Albert Museum, and 5 minutes from the Chelsea Flower Show. Nearest tube station: Sloan Square
The Thistle Westminster Hotel – 4star.
Located close to Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station from where courtesy busses run to and from the Chelsea Flower Show, which is about 15 minutes walk from the hotel. Nearest tube station: Victoria
PRICE: $ 895 Per Person. SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: $ 350
Extra nights at either hotel: $ 320 per night for a twin/double room. $260 per night for a single room.
This tour can be combined with either or both of the Garden Gem Tours.
THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
THE GARDENS OF CORNWALL
ENGLAND’S WEST COUNTRY
Join us on a visit the world's most prestigious Flower Show then tour to England's West Country and enjoy the beautiful scenery together with a wonderful selection of gardens from the fascinating Lost Gardens of Heligan to small private gardens in lovely settings. Your route takes you over mysterious Dartmoor to the rugged cliffs of Land's End and back to London via the elegant city of Bath.
Tuesday 22nd May - Wednesday 30th May. (9 days / 8 nights)
Tuesday, 22nd May
Check-in to your London hotel and join your guide for a 'Welcome' drink and briefing this evening.
Over-night, London.
Wednesday, 23rd May
Full day at Royal Horticultural Society Members' Day at the Chelsea Flower Show. Transfer to the Show - return to your hotel at leisure.
Over-night, London. B
Thursday, 24th May
Depart London for Devon visiting the idyllic riverside Heale Gardens, the famous 18th century landscape gardens at Stourhead and the Margery Fish cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor.
Over-night, Exeter. BD.
Friday, 25th May
Across the wild moors of Dartmoor before visiting the Garden House with its stunning displays of plants. Visit Plymouth and see the Mayflower Steps and harbour from which Captain Cook sailed then into Cornwall and a visit to Trewithen with its internationally famous collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias.
Over-night, Falmouth. BD.
Saturday, 26th May
Today's program includes views of St. Michael's Mount and the stunning cliff scenery of Land's End together with visits to two delightful private gardens one in a lush valley and the other a plantsman's garden set around a Georgian house.
Over-night, Falmouth, BD.
Sunday, 27th May
Begin with a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan where there is so much to see including the productive vegetable gardens and glasshouses. Next to the Eden Project which will be the largest greenhouse in the world when completed in spring 2001 before visiting a fascinating private garden. Over-night, Falmouth, BD.
Monday, 28th May
A little time to shop in Falmouth before visiting Trebah, a ravine garden full of colour then on to explore the high Victorian country house and stunning collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias at Lanhydrock. Leave Cornwall this afternoon and drive to your hotel in Somerset.
Over-night, Wells. BD.
Tuesday, 29th May
Explore and shop in Wells before visiting the private, terraced garden of Milton Lodge which has wonderful views over the Vale of Avalon and Wells Cathedral. Later spend some time in the elegant city of Bath before driving to London to check-in to your hotel where your guide will bid you au revoir.
Over-night, London. B
Wednesday, 30th May
The tour ends after breakfast
HOTELS:
The Regency Hotel - London
4 star. Privately owned traditional hotel located in South Kensington a pleasant stroll for Knightsbridge. 198 bedrooms.
The Southgate Hotel - Exeter
4 star. Attractive modern, country house style, hotel situated close to the historic city centre and Cathedral. Indoor swimming pool. 110 bedrooms
The Greenbank Hotel - Falmouth
4 star. Recently refurbished traditional waterfront hotel with wonderful sea views and excellent restaurant. 61 bedrooms.
The Market Place Hotel - Wells
3 star with 2 AA rosettes for cuisine. A 15th century building that has recently been restored and refurbished providing stylish accommodation while retaining much character and charm. 24 bedrooms.
PRICE: $ 1660 - Supplement for single room $ 365
B = Full English breakfast. D = Table d'hote dinner.
A GARDEN GEM TOUR TO YORKSHIRE
& THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
Come north with us on this new itinerary and experience the dramatic scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks whilst visiting some of England's most spectacular gardens. Sail across Coniston Water in a steam-yacht, see the countryside that inspired James Herriot to write 'All Creatures Great and Small,' but, most of all enjoy the very special and diverse gardens.
Friday to Monday (4 days / 3 nights)
Departures: 18th May, 15th June, 6th July & 7th September
Day 1, Friday
The tour begins at Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station where your guide will be waiting to greet you at 11.45 am. Begin with a visit to wonderful Victorian gardens at Tatton Park. From here a scenic drive to Yorkshire and a visit the private garden of the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society before reaching your hotel
Over-night, Shipley, West Yorkshire. D
Day 2, Saturday
Stop in Harrogate to see the superb floral displays before visiting Newby Hall, a famous Adam house surrounded by 25 acres of award-winning gardens. Now drive across the Yorkshire Dales, setting for the vet stories of James Herriot, and into the Lake District National Park. Here we visit Holehird situated on a hillside with wonderful views the garden is dedicated to the study of plants suited to Lakeland conditions.
Over-night, Windermere, Lake District. BD
Day 3, Sunday
Explore the picturesque village of Hawkshead then cruise on an original Victorian steam-yacht across Coniston Water to visit Brantwood. This was the home of John Ruskin where the fascinating gardens with their stunning views are being restored. On now to visit Levens Hall and gardens where the famous topiary garden was laid out in 1694.
Over-night, Windermere, Lake District. BD.
Day 4, Monday
A little time for shopping before visiting Holker Hall and gardens. The home of Lord and Lady Cavendish where the acclaimed and beautiful gardens have been developed by the family over the last 200 years. This afternoon drive through Lancashire to Manchester Piccadilly railway station. The tour ends at 3pm. B
HOTELS:
The Marriott Hollins Hall, Shipley
4 star. Country House hotel situated within its own grounds in a elevated position overlooking the Esholt Valley. Indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium, gym, Jacuzzi/spa. 122 bedrooms.
The Low Wood Hotel, Windermere
3 star with 1 AA rosette for cuisine. Traditional hotel with stunning views of Lake Windermere and the fells beyond from the public rooms. Indoor swimming pool, sauna. Solarium, gym, putting green. 117 bedrooms.
B = Full English breakfast. D = Table d'hote dinner.
Price: $ 950.00 - Supplement for single room $ 130.00
This tour can be combined with both our Chelsea Flower Show London package and Garden Gem to Wessex & the Cotswolds. Departure Date - 25th May.
A GARDEN GEM TOUR TO WESSEX AND THE COTSWOLDS
The itinerary for this ever-popular tour now offers even more garden delights set in the relaxing countryside of the South West of England and the Cotswolds. From a private garden set around a thatched cottage to the grand landscaping of Stourhead, the wonderful potager and plantings at Barnsley House and the garden 'rooms' at Hidcote, this tour offers the classic English garden tour experience. Time too for a little exploring and shopping and even a glimpse of Stonehenge.
Friday to Monday (4 days / 3 nights)
Departures: 25th May, 29th June, 13th July & 31st August.
Day 1, Friday
Depart London, Victoria Coach Station at 8.30 am and travel to West Green House Garden in Hampshire. A traditional formal garden with an exciting variety of plant combinations and colour. This is the English garden of Australian gardener Marylyn Abbot. Stop to view Stonehenge before visiting Heale Gardens. An idyllic riverside garden with natural plantings, terraces designed by Harold Peto and a walled kitchen garden. Afternoon visit to a delightful cottage garden for a tour with the owner and afternoon tea. Drive through Thomas Hardy country to your hotel on the outskirts of the beautiful and historic Dorset town of Sherborne.
Over-night, Sherborne.
D
Day 2, Saturday
Time to sightsee, visit the ancient Abbey and shop in Sherborne then a visit to Hadspen Garden. A classic country-house garden where the owners have a romantic approach to colourist planting. A short drive to visit Stourhead one of the most famous 18th century English landscape style gardens and nearby Stourton House Flower Garden a colourful, privately owned 5 -acre garden.
Over-night, Sherborne. BD.
Day 3, Sunday
Begin with a visit to East Lambrook Manor Garden a cottage-style garden created by the late Margery Fish and made famous through her books. Now on to stop in the elegant city of Bath with its well-preserved Roman remains and a unique wealth of Georgian architecture. Quaint, narrow, traffic-free lanes running between picturesque shops and pubs bright with flowers link the compact centre. This afternoon drive into the Cotswolds to visit Hidcote Manor Garden, considered one of England's greatest gardens, famous for its series of 'outdoor rooms' each with a different character. Your hotel is the home of the famous 'Pudding Club' and some samples will be
served at dinner this evening.
Over-night, Mickleton. BD
Day 4, Monday
Explore the village of Chipping Campden before driving through the Cotswolds to visit Barnsley House Garden, Rosemary Verey’s exquisite garden with its emphasis on colour and texture. A short stop in the small town of Burford before visiting the private garden of photographer Andrew Lawson or another special private garden. The tour ends in London at approximately 6:30pm.
HOTELS:
The Sherborne Hotel, Sherborne
3 star. A comfortable, friendly, purpose-built hotel situated on the outskirts of an historic small town of winding streets and ancient, honey-coloured stone houses.
59 bedrooms.
Three Ways House, Mickleton
3 star. Recently re-furbished, privately owned hotel situated in the Cotswold village of Mickleton. 40 bedrooms.
B = Full English breakfast. D = Table d'hote dinner.
Price: $ 950.00 - Supplement for single room $ 130.00.
This tour can be combined with both our Chelsea Flower Show London package and Garden Gem to Yorkshire and the English Lake District departing 18th May.
HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW
AND GARDENS OF THE MOVIES
This is a garden tour with a difference. It takes place while the English roses are at their best and includes a day at the Hampton Court Flower Show. Those whose great passions are gardens, houses, and the English countryside will all love this special tour whose theme is inspired by some of the wonderful classic movies that have been shot in England.
Thursday 5th July - Monday 9th July. (5 days / 4 nights)
Day 1, Thu, 5th July
Depart from Victoria Coach Station at 8.30 am and drive directly to Hampton Court Palace to visit the wonderful gardens where A Man for All Seasons was filmed. The rest of the day is to be spent at the Hampton Court Flower Show, the largest annual gardening event in the world and a highlight of the English summer season. The Show is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and is a friendly and accessible garden event and a showcase for fresh garden-design talent. This afternoon drive to your hotel in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
Over-night, Romsey, Hampshire. D
Day 2, Fri, 6th July
A full day excursion by ferry across the Solent to the Isle of Wight today will take you to visit Osborne House and Gardens. This was the beloved country home of Queen Victoria and her family and was the setting for Mrs. Brown. The gardens have been restored and replanted in the original designs together with new designs in the old walled garden. The visit includes a carriage ride to see the Swiss Cottage in the royal children's gardens. There will also be time to explore and shop in Cowes home
of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Over-night, Romsey, Hampshire. BD
Day 3, Sat, 7th July
View Stonehenge before visiting idyllic riverside Heale Gardens used in Portrait of a Lady. On now to Wilton House and gardens, home of the Earl of Pembroke and used in The Madness of King George, Mrs Brown and Sense & Sensibility. The gardens The 21 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens include the 'North Courtyard' designed by David Vickery in 1971 with its formal pleached limes and box parterre filled with lavender and the Walled Rose Garden containing a large collection of old-fashioned roses. A lovely country drive to Sherborne a time to explore this lovely town setting for the Peter O'Toole version of Mr. Goodbye Mr. Chips.
Sherborne, Dorset. BD
Day 4, Sun, 8th July
Begin with a visit to Montacute House and its formal gardens where scenes for Sense & Sensibility were filmed before driving to the seaside resort of Lyme Regis famous for the scene in the French Lieutenant's Woman when Meryl Streep stood on the quay facing the ocean. Time to explore before driving to visit the splendid private gardens of Mapperton where terraces descend down a steep valley. This garden offered an elegant setting for Restoration.
Sherborne, Dorset. BLT
Day 5, Mon, 9th July
A stop in the elegant City of Bath this morning before driving across the Cotswolds to visit Broughton Castle Gardens, home of Lord & Layd Saye and Sele these magnificent gardens were used in Shakespeare in Love. A light lunch will be served in the gardens before driving on to have afternoon tea in the country hotel which was the location for some of the most romantic scenes in Four Weddings and a Funeral.
The tour ends in London at approximately 6.30 pm. B, L, T.
HOTELS:
The Potter’s Heron - Near Romsey
3 star. This distinctive thatched country hotel retains many original features and has recently been refurbished. 54 rooms.
The Sherborne Hotel
3 star. A comfortable, friendly, purpose-built hotel on the outskirts of an historic Abbey town of winding streets and ancient, honey coloured stone houses, 59 rooms.
B= Full English Breakfast L=Light lunch
T= Afternoon tea D=Table d’hote dinner.
PRICE: $1155.00
- Supplement for single room: $135.00
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