The English Gardens Tour (2 nights/3 days)
''Three days in paradise!'' At least that's how one visitor summed up the experience of spending three days in some of the finest gardens she'd ever seen ...... Day 1: We leave your hotel for a short drive to West London for the first of our garden experiences: The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew - possibly the most famous garden in the world, and certainly one of the most pleasant parks. Kew was founded primarily as a scientific institution for the accurate identification and classification of plants and plant materials, and for the dissemination of that material and knowledge. Thousands of botanists and gardeners have trained here and gone out into the world. From Kew we drive to Savill Garden, in Windsor Great Park. This world-renowned woodland garden belongs to the Crown. (It was laid out by the head gardener of our late King, George VI). We'll take lunch here, then give you a 'siesta' opportunity, as we make a 75 minute drive to our final garden today, Stourhead. Laid out in the mid 18th century, Stourhead is an outstanding example of the English Landscape style of garden. A rewarding walk around the beautiful lake reveals a hidden grotto, various follies and many fabulous specimen trees and shrubs, not to mention fine examples of classical statuary and structures. It's not a long drive to our overnight accommodation, so we can stay here at Stourhead until dusk if you wish. (If taking the Inclusive tour: DB&B). |
Day 2: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking a scenic drive to Hampshire to Exbury Gardens. Exbury's 200 acres of landscaped woodland gardens overlook the Beaulieu River in the New Forest. The gardens contain the world famous Rothschild plant collection which includes spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas and many rare and magnificent trees. Fine rockeries, cascades, ponds, the Water Garden, the Rose garden and Heather Garden will keep you busy for an hour or two. If tha's not enough, there are themed walks, seasonal trails and a pleasant River Walk. Superb throughout the year, but specially in spring when the rhododendrons, maples, azaleas and camellias create a superb display of colour. The autumn (fall) is also a good time to visit. The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum claim the greatest collection of wild and cultivated woody plants in the world. This 180 acre garden provides a wonderful range of seasonal colour and holds 11 National Plant Collections, Champion Trees, plus the largest Winter Garden in Europe. Lunch will be taken here. |
We spend the remainder of the day at Hinton Ampner Garden or Houghton Lodge, (subject to the day of the week). Hinton Ampner is a fine example of a formal design combined with an informal planting scheme which produces charming walks and some 'surprise' vistas. Colourful through most of the season, highlights include a dell and sunken garden. Houghton Lodge is aptly described by its owners as, 'a garden of the future in a garden of the past'. Fine topiary, a traditional walled kitchen garden and ancient fruit trees contrast with the Hydroponicum where you can learn how to garden at home without soil and how to control insect pests without chemicals. (Hydroponic kits are sold here). It's late afternoon now, so time to head off for our accommodation for tonight, across the county boundary in Sussex. It's rather special, and so is the setting! (If taking the inclusive tour: DB&B). Day 3: Leonardslee Gardens is first up today. The 240 acre valley is famed for its display of azaleas and rhododendrons around 7 lakes, giving some beautiful views and reflections. Other highlights: the Rock Garden, Bonsai exhibition, Alpine House, wallaby and deer park and Victorian motor-car collection. Then we're off to Nymans Garden, one of the great gardens of Sussex. It houses rare and beautiful plants and trees from all over the world. There's a walled garden, hidden sunken garden, pinetum, laurel walk and some romantic ruins. By now we should all have an appetite, so its time for afternoon tea - in a lovely setting! Finally, we visit Sheffield Park Garden, truly a garden for all seasons. Sheffield's 120 tranquil acres contain 4 lakes linked by cascades and there are snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells in Spring; spectacular azaleas and rhododendrons in early summer; cool pathways through the trees in summer time make for a perfect stroll, and in autumn the trees and shrubs put on a wonderful show of colour. Our return journey to London takes just one and a half hours from here. PRICES: EITHER: You pay just £1300, to cover the cost of your Minivan which carries up to 8 persons, your driver-guide's services and all miles driven. Complimentary drinks and occasional snacks are provided along the way. The driver-guide's hotel/subsistence expenses are included, but not your own. We can arrange guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £70 per twin or double room, £90 a family room per night including breakfast, or you can go on-line and choose your own with our help. Please note that entry fees to the sites visited and gratuities (discretionary) are not included. Total luggage handling throughout. This is the most economical way to go, costing just £162 per person for a family or group of 8 to £324 per person for a family or group of 4, for all your travel and guiding. OR: A fully-inclusive, more luxurious option. Prices include quality accommodation with private bath and full English breakfast, entrance fees & taxes, lunch on 2 days, dinner on 2 nights and high tea on 1 day, your own driver/guide and minivan for 3 days: |
No of People |
Total Price in £'s |
Cost Per Person (pp) in £'s |
4 People |
£2,120 |
£530 (pp sharing twin/double rooms) |
5 People |
£2,550 |
£510 (pp sharingtwin/doubles & 1 single room) |
6 People |
£2,700 |
£450 (pp sharing twin/double rooms) |
7/8 People |
£3,150 |
£393 (pp sharingtwin/doubles & 1 single room) |
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Copyright © Ruddick Tours - 2005 - All rights reserved - Last up-dated: April 4, 2008