Lakeland Gardens
5 days from £649

Varied but always terrific, the gardens of Cumbria match the idyllic Lakeland landscape. A favourite spot, and not just for the gardens alone. Marvel at the superb scenery. Stay at the 3* Grange Hotel in Grange-over-Sands overlooking Morecambe Bay. We’ll look in detail at matching gardens to home and landscape.

Departs
27 July 2009
5 days from £599
Single room supplement none on limited availability, thereafter £150
Last date for bookings 25th May 2009.

Dinner, bed and full English breakfast basis included at our hotel. All rooms with private facilities. Comfortable coaching throughout. Porterage included.
Garden expert throughout.

Pick ups: Sheffield, Manchester, Preston.

Itinerary

Day 1: Our first visit today is to Rydal Mount, once the home of Wordsworth followed by lunch on your own in Grasmere (don’t forget the gingerbread) before making our way to our hotel.

Day 2: Today we’ll visit Levens Hall and gardens with its world-famous topiary in the morning followed by Sizergh Castle (NT) in the afternoon with its collection of ferns. We’ll make a stop at Low Sizergh Barn, tea rooms, local produce and craft centre.

Day 3: Two fabulous gardens are in store for us today. The essentially Victorian layout, is brought into the present at Holker Hall. The private garden at Yewbarrow is a modern Mediterranean tour de force. We’ll take lunch individually in Grange over Sands.

Day 4: Today we visit Winderwath where rare trees grow. We’ll make a stop for lunch at Dalemain gardens with its dramatic plantings and a guided tour of the house. Our last garden stop today is Hutton-in-the-Forest, an 18th century walled garden.

Day 5: We check out of our hotel and visit the house and garden at Brantwood, once the home of John Ruskin for a memorable morning before beginning our journey home.