Gardens of the Cotswolds

Upon arrival in Birmingham, we travel together to Sudeley Castle & Gardens where we can walk in the footsteps of past kings and queens including Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I. There are 10 magnificent, award winning gardens that sweep around the castle including the Tithe Barn Garden, Queens’ Garden, the White Garden and the Secret Garden.

This afternoon we transfer to our hotel in Cheltenham where a welcome meal has been arranged this evening.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we visit Hidcote Manor Garden, created by Lawrence Johnson and now managed by the National Trust and is one of the best known Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain - it contains hedges, rare trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders. There will be a short stop en route in Broadway, a delightful Cotswold village - free time for coffee.

In the afternoon, we will visit the renowned Cotswold garden of Kiftsgate Court Gardens; the creation of three generations of women gardeners and includes a Water Garden, a White Sunk Garden and is known for its famous Kiftsgate rose. Evening free to experience one of the many restaurants in Cheltenham; Frances will advise/escort.

This morning we will have some free time in Cheltenham at leisure. Enjoy time exploring the Regency architecture of this spa town in the heart of the Cotswolds or perhaps stroll the tree lined Promenade.

Our afternoon will be spent together at Bourton House Garden with its luxuriant terraces and wide herbaceous borders. Highlights include the topiary walk, the White Garden, several spring-fed water features and a raised 18^th century walk offering extensive views of the Cotswolds countryside.

We check out of our hotel this morning for our first visit of the day to Rodmarton Manor, a house built and furnished according to Arts and Crafts ideals. The 8 acre gardens were designed originally as a series of outdoor rooms with a wide selection of planting.

Then we visit Coughton Court, now National Trust but still occupied by the Throckmorton family who have lived on the estate since the early fifteenth century. This Tudor house is surrounded by a garden largely made since 1992. Christina Williams as a gift to her mother, Clare McLaren-Throckmorton, created the Rose Labyrinth garden in the magnificent grounds of this historic house in 1996. 

Recognised as one of the finest rose gardens in the world and situated within the Walled Garden, the Rose Labyrinth has over 200 different varieties of shrub, climbing and rambling roses which include Damasks, Albas, Teas & Noisettes, Floribundas and many old-fashioned English Roses. They grow in mixed borders with herbaceous under-planting including hardy geraniums, violets and achilleas. 

Our afternoon visit is to Stone House Cottage Nurseries, a romantic garden set in an old walled kitchen garden. Brick follies, covered with a multitude of climbing and twining plants adorn the walls here.

Following our visit we will transfer to Birmingham airport for our return flight to Dublin.