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UK, EUROPEAN & WORLDWIDE GARDEN HOLIDAYS 2016/2017

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2 visit rhsgardenholidays.com To obtain a full day-by-day itinerary of all our tours please see back cover for contact details

UK,

EUROPEAN

& WORLDWIDE

GARDENHOLIDAYS

A warm welcome to our brand newRHS Garden Holidays brochure,featuring a unique collection of UK,European and Worldwide holidayscreated especially for garden lovers.

This is the first time we havecombined these destinations inone brochure and I’m sureyou’ll agree, the choice is verytempting! We have workedclosely on creating all the tourswith garden holiday specialistsBrightwater Holidays, as well asdrawing on the expertise of RHSstaff and Committee membersfrom curators and gardeners toour advisory and science teams.

The result is a collection ofexciting garden holidays, allindividually developed toshowcase each destinationthrough its horticulture, in thewidest sense of the word. FromCarl Linnaeus’ research gardenin Uppsala to Lady Walton’s

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Call today on 01334 657155 UK, European & Worldwide Garden Holidays 3

garden on the island of Ischiaand Beverley McConnell’sAyrlies Garden in New Zealand,we want to celebrateinspirational and pioneeringgardeners and horticulturalistswho changed the face ofgardening through theirpersonal vision anddetermination.

Itineraries encompass privategardens and garden festivals,wild landscapes and nationalparks as well as vineyards,nurseries and charitableprojects. You can expect tomeet Curators, Head Gardenersand the owners of privategardens where available.Additionally, RHS hosts will

accompany many of the toursgiving you the opportunity tobenefit from their insight aswell as get answers to yourpersonal gardening questions.

Our European tours includeItaly, France, Spain, Portugaland Sweden and featurerenowned, lesser knownclassical gardens and botanicalgardens, while our worldwidetours offer the chance toexperience the magnificentflora of the Fynbos on our‘Gardens and Wildflowers ofSouth Africa’s Western Cape’tour; undertake a botanicaladventure in Chile or visit thebeautiful spice island of SriLanka – a personal favourite ofmine. There are also some

fabulous tours to New Zealandand Japan.

Closer to home, there is a richchoice of itineraries. Someencompass the RHS’s worldfamous flower shows andgardens such as RHS GardenWisley, as well as classics suchas Highgrove and Tresco’sAbbey Gardens. We have alsocreated a special ‘Capability’Brown tour to mark thetricentenary of the birth of thisprolific and influentiallandscape gardener, which sitsalongside the popular ‘Legacyof Gertrude Jekyll’ tour.

With such rich inspiration, wehope that you find a tour that

appeals to you and look forwardto welcoming you on one of ourRHS Garden Holidays very soon.

If you need any furtherincentive, remember that acontribution from every bookinggoes towards supporting thecharitable work of the RHS,from the Campaign for SchoolGardening to our invaluablescientific research.

With warm wishes and happytravels,

Sue Biggs

RHS Director General

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Departure points

& further

informationFor our far away destinations all groups will assemble atHeathrow Airport in time to comfortably check in for theoutbound flight. Our European packages will include a flightfrom a London airport however since many regional airportsoffer good connections using the low-cost airlines there maywell be a more convenient departure point at an airportcloser to your home – do ask for details and confirmation ofany applicable supplement. The same applies to our UK andIrish holidays if, for example, you would like to participate inone of our Scottish tours and you live in the south of Englandor vice versa, do ask us to quote for connecting travel, eitherby rail or air. Remember it is your holiday, so why not treatyourself to a first class upgrade?

Pick-up points and approximate departure times for everyholiday are detailed in our full day-by-day itineraries,available on request by contacting our office on 01334657155 or by download from our websitewww.rhsgardenholidays.com

As a guideline – tours heading west from London commencein central London (Westminster) and pick up in Reading,Swindon and Bristol.

Tours heading north from London commence in centralLondon (Westminster) and usually pick up in Luton (Parkway),Northampton and Birmingham.

Scottish Holidays pick up from Dundee, Perth, Kinross,Dunfermline, Edinburgh (Marriott Hotel) and Glasgow.Occasionally Montrose, Arbroath and Aberdeen are availabledepending on coach routing – check with our ReservationsDepartment or ask for the detailed day-by-day itinerary.


What makes RHS

garden holidays

different?

Sabatino Urzo

Sabatino comes from a farming familywhere his passion for gardening startedat a very young age. Followinguniversity he trained at the BotanicGardens of Kew and Edinburgh and hasbeen at RHS Wisley since 2010, wherehe is currently involved in trials.

Enrico Mailli

Enrico has always had a love of naturebut only turned to professionalhorticulture in 2004. Along with hisgreat passion for plants, he is very keenon garden history, design, art andarchitecture. He joined the staff at RHSWisley in 2013.

Evelyn at Brightwater HQ

Mike Grant

Mike is editor of The Plantsman andwas a senior botanist at RHS Wisley for10 years. He is looking forward toreturning to the spectacular TerraNostra Garden on the Azores, with itslush green landscapes and diversity ofplants.

Dawn Edwards

Dawn trained in botany at theUniversity of Reading and for her PhDspent six months in South Africa,fulfilling her childhood desire to studyplants. She started work as a botanistat RHS Wisley in 2006 with a focus onhorticultural taxonomy.

Wherever possible, RHS holidays offer exclusive access,private openings and a welcome from the garden owner orcurator. All of our holidays will be led by one of ourexperienced tour managers, who make the tours come alive.

In addition, on certain overseas departures there will be anRHS host with expert horticultural knowledge, some of whomfeature below, who will be on hand to answer your personalgardening queries. Our hosts come from across the RHS andinclude gardeners, botanists, plant committee members andhorticultural journalists.

With a group size limited to a maximum of 28 passengers wehope that your every wish will be catered for. Tours with RHShosts are indicated on each tour package and more will beannounced in due course on the RHS website.

Start your

holiday a day

early or extend

your stay

If the transfer to your chosen pick-up point is tight ontime, why not consider adding an extra night eitherbefore or after your holiday? From as little as £55ppwe can offer bed and breakfast accommodation inhotels convenient to all our departure points – whynot ask us to arrange this on your behalf?

For travellers from outside the United Kingdom we arehappy to help with arrangements should you requireadditional accommodation and transport services – itmay be possible to combine two tours together tooffer a longer gardening holiday – please ask fordetails.

RHS Membership offerEvery booking qualifies for a reduced RHS membership rate of 12 months for the price of 9.Membership benefits include:� Enjoy more than 150 great family days out for free at RHS gardens and

Partner Gardens� Get priority on RHS Show tickets� A monthly copy of the RHS magazine, The Garden� Free, personalised garden advice just for you from the RHS – by phone, email or in personFor full details of this membership offer contact RHS Membership on 020 3176 5820, quotingyour special offer code.

Peace of mind when you bookATOL All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays inthis brochure are financially protected by theATOL scheme. When you pay you will besupplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask forit and check to ensure that everything booked(flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it.Please see our booking conditions on ourwebsite www.brightwaterholidays.com/bookingconditions for further information or for moreinformation about financial protection and theATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

5020

ABTOT As a member of the Association of BondedTravel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), anAssociation approved by the Department ofTrade and Industry, Brightwater Holidays Ltdhas provided a Bond to meet the requirementsof the Package Travel, Package Holidays andPackage Tours Regulations 1992 in respect ofnon-flight inclusive packages.

AITOThe Association of Independent TourOperators represents Britain’s leadingindependent tour operators and encourageshigh standards of quality and service.Brightwater Holidays abides by theAssociation's code of conduct and adheres tothe AITO Quality Charter which can be viewedat www.aito.com


Overseas Garden Holidays 7

Gardens of the French Riviera 8

Architecture and Gardens of Andalucia 9

Naples and the Gardens of the Amalfi Coast 10

Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes 11

Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo 12

Gardens of the Loire including the Chaumont Garden Festival 13

Gardens of Lisbon and the Azores 14

Sweden and Gotland: the Legacy of Carl Linnaeus 15

Seasonal Gardens of Japan 16

Gardens and Wildflowers of South Africa’s Western Cape 17

Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean 18

Gardens of New Zealand including Singapore 19

Chile: A Botanical Adventure 20

RHS

Garden Holiday Collection


UK and Irish Garden Holidays 21

Tresco’s Abbey Gardens 22

Gardens of Devon and Cornwall 23

The Legacy of Gertrude Jekyll 24

The Landscape Gardens of Capability Brown 25

Highgrove and the Gardens of the Cotswolds 26

Malvern Flower Show and the Gardens of Herefordshire 27

RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Classic English Gardens 27

Gardens of Cheshire and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 27

Gardens of North Wales 28

Gardens of West Wales 28

In an Irish Garden 29

Scotland’s West Coast Gardens 30

Gardens of the Far North 31

Protea at Cape Point

Overseas

garden holidaysA peaceful reflection comes into viewas you are escorted through the coolrooms of the Alhambra; outside theheat shimmers. The blur of a halcyonbird darts from tree to tree inKirstenbosch and a strange andrather large furry animal stops thecoach in its tracks and will not budgein one of Chile’s National Parks.Anything can happen on an RHSworldwide garden tour andfrequently it does, but mostly it isabout plants and flowers, from wildflora in stunning natural settings tocultivated flowers in sublime gardens.


Kirstenbosch

Gardens of the

French RivieraThe Menton Lemon Festival, one ofthe largest and most colourful eventson the south coast of France, is awonderful tonic at the start of thegardening year.

Elaborate floats and imaginative sculptures indazzling shades of orange and yellow areparaded through the Promenade du Soleil inMenton, bringing huge bursts of colour and alemony zest to the early spring, with a carnivalspirit and joie de vivre that is typically French.In addition to a full day of fruity fun inMenton, we visit some of the finest gardensthat were created here in this sun-kissedplayground of the rich in the 19th century.

Clos du Peyronnet, also in Menton, is a privategarden reflecting the passion of its owner whotakes full advantage of the climate to nurtureexotic plants, South African bulbs being aspeciality. At St Jean Cap Ferrat we visit theexquisite gardens of the Fondation Ephrusside Rothschild which contain many interestingplants and are surrounded by marvellous seaviews. We shall also visit Jardin Exotique d’Èze,which offers the chance to discover exoticplants and the history and traditions of thevillage of Èze. Just over the border in Italy arethe incomparable Hanbury Gardens, arguablythe greatest of all the Riviera gardens, in therichness of their collection and theunforgettable power of their presence.

Our final day takes in visits to Villa Thuret atCap d’Antibes, Château de Gourdon andFondation Maeght, one of France’s foremostcentres for contemporary art.

On our May departure, the Menton LemonFestival is replaced with a visit to theInternational Rose Festival in the pretty hilltown of Grasse, a truly magical event filledwith colour and fragrance, and the celebratedprivate botanical garden of Les Cèdres.


Exotic Gardens of Monte Carlo

Menton

Feb 18, 25, May 5, 2016

Five nights from £1,175pp

Single room supplement £325

� Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-starHotel Grimaldi, Nice

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening

� Return scheduled flights between London andNice (other airports on request)

� Visits to the gardens of Clos du Peyronnet,Jardin Exotique d’Èze, Fondation Ephrussi deRothschild, Exotic Gardens of Monte Carlo andHanbury Gardens (La Mortola), visits toChâteau de Gourdon, Villa Thuret andFondation Maeght

� Visit to the Menton Lemon Festival including agrandstand seat (replaced with a visit to theGrasse Rose Festival and Les Cèdres in May)

� Services of a professional tour manager

What’s includedDepartures

Villa Rothschild

Architecture and Gardens

of AndaluciaAndalucia is unrivalled in Europe for its wealth of history, culture, Moorisharchitecture and gardens, all set against the backdrop of the snowcappedmountains of the Sierra Nevada. Visit the classical gardens which complementthe adjoining palaces and churches perfectly and discover the wild mountainlandscapes.

More famous for its busy, popular coastline,Andalucia has a wonderful hinterlandscattered with exotic palaces and gardens leftbehind by the Moors, the most famous ofwhich are the Alhambra and the Generalife.On a tree covered slope it commandsexceptional views down towards the old city,the Albaicin, and the great snow-fringedmountain range of the Sierra Nevada.

Indeed, in addition to a full day in Granadawe will enjoy a day out from the heat andhubbub of the city as we tour these highlyscenic mountains.

Moving on to Córdoba we will visit the GreatMosque, one of the most ancient continuouslygardened sites in the world, and the Alcázarde los Reyes Cristianos with its characteristicterraced pools.

Our tour then takes us to the beautiful city ofSeville, where we visit the Cathedral and theOrange Tree Courtyard that belonged to theold mosque; the amazing Royal Palaces of theAlcázar; the Patio de la Yesería, the Old JewishQuarter of Santa Cruz and some of itsbeautiful courtyards; the Maria-Luisa Park, the

Plaza de España and the Gardens of Murillo.There is also a free day here, an opportunityperhaps to enjoy some ‘tapas’ in a local bar,attend a spectacular Flamenco show or take agentle cruise along the Guadalquivir river,which once shimmered with gold and silverfrom the Americas.

We conclude in the dramatically situated townof Ronda, with visits to the Alameda del TajoGardens and the old Palace of the MoorishKing, set high on a cliff on the edge of aspectacular gorge, with stunning views allaround.

On our May departure we have the addedbonus of a visit to the Patio Festival inCórdoba, a highly colourful local event.

As we all know it can get unbearably hot inthe high summer months, so our departuredates should be at a time when the climate isat its most comfortable for enjoying afascinating collection of gardens andarchitecture.

Departures

Apr 5, May 11, Sep 20, 2016

Seven nights from £1,245pp


Flight supplements: Manchester £50, Glasgow £85

What’s included

� Seven nights’ accommodation on a bed andbreakfast basis: three nights at the four-starSenator Granada Spa Hotel, Granada; threenights at the four-star Tryp Macarena Hotel,Seville; one night at the four-star HotelMaestranza, Ronda


� Return flights from Luton or London Gatwick toMálaga. Manchester and Glasgow are availableat a supplement (other airports on request)

� Visits to Alhambra Palace, Great Mosque andRoyal Palaces (Córdoba), Cathedral, Alcázar,Maria Luisa Park and Gardens of Murillo(Seville), Alameda del Tajo Gardens (Ronda)

� Services of Michael Gill as tour manager

Córdoba patio

Alhambra reflections


What’s included

Departures


Caption

Naples and the

Gardens of the

Amalfi CoastSouthern Italy has a beautifullywarm climate which, combined witha rich and fertile soil, is ideally suitednot only to olives, oranges andlemons but to a wide range of tenderexotics. This has led to the creationof some fantastic gardens, the bestof which we will explore on this tour.

We will be based in Ravello on the Amalficoast for the first three nights where we willvisit the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Theseare the classic Amalfi gardens laid out interraces where umbrella pines and cypressesshade classical geometric beds edged withbox and filled with modern flowers. The site ofVilla Cimbrone on a clifftop promontoryoverlooking the sea is beyond compare. Wewill also include a free day where you canrelax or join our optional tour to Pompeii andHerculaneum.

The largest island in the Bay of Naples isIschia and here we will visit La Mortella, adazzling garden of lush exotics and tendertrees, which was created by Susana, wife ofthe composer William Walton. Umbrella pines,groves of ilex and arbutus, Italian cypressesand myrtles thrive here in gloriouscompanionship – simply a wonderful gardenand a wonderful day.

We then move to the pulsating port of Naplesitself where we enjoy a tour of the historicbotanical gardens and view Caravaggio’sgreat painting at the church Pio Monte dellaMisericordia.

We will also visit a local family-run vineyardand travel out to the north of the city to spenda day at the impressive palace and gardens ofLa Caserta. This huge palace, with equallygrand and impressive gardens, wasconstructed for the Bourbon Kings of Naplesand on completion in the 18th century it wasthe largest royal residence in the world.

Bay of Naples

Ravello

Apr 12, Sep 26, 2016

Six nights from £1,595pp


� Six nights’ bed and breakfast: three nights atthe four-star Hotel Graal, Ravello and threenights at the four-star Hotel Santa Lucia, Naples

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening plusone lunch

� Flights from London to Naples (other airportson request)

� Exclusive guided tour of the University ofNaples Botanic Gardens

� Visits to the gardens of Villa Rufolo, VillaCimbrone and La Mortella; the Palace of LaCaserta, the Museum of Pio Monte dellaMisericordia and the Vigna Mirabella



RHS host: Sabatino Urzo (Apr)La Caserta


Villas & Gardens of the Italian LakesThe fabulous scenery and benign climate of the northern Italian lakes haveattracted aristocrats and the wealthy for years, and today their elegant villasand lush gardens perfectly complement the natural landscape.

Apr 3, May 8, Jun 12, Sep 2, 2016



Jun and Sep supplement £50

� Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at a four-star hotel on Lake Maggiore; three nights’dinner, bed and breakfast at a four-star hotel onLake Como

� Flights from London to Milan (other airports onrequest)

� Exclusive visit to the private garden of thePresident of the Italian Camellia Society

� Visits to Isolas Bella, Madre and Pescatori andthe gardens of the villas Taranto, CicognaMozzoni, Carlotta and Balbianello, privategardens and a local plant wholesaler

� Services of Kate Williamson as tour manager

Villa Melzi Spring Camellia

Villa Carlotta

From our bases on the Gulf of Borromeo onLake Maggiore and at the foot of Lake Comowe will explore a succession of villas and theirgardens, all set against the breathtakingbackdrop of snow-capped mountains andglittering water.

We begin with a real treat as we visit theprivate garden of the President of the ItalianCamellia Society, which is home to aremarkable collection of over 500 plants.

Nowhere captures the extravagant spirit of thelakeland gardens better than the threeBorromean islands, Bella, Madre and Pescatori,which feature sumptuous terraced gardens,

shaded woodland walks, flowered terraces andelegant statuary. Other highlights during ourstay on Lake Maggiore include a fascinatingwholesale specialist plant nursery, Villa Tarantoand other gardens around Locarno over theborder in Switzerland.

On Lake Como we will have a private tour withthe owner of Villa Cicogna Mozzoni. Azaleasand rhododendrons will put on a dazzlingdisplay at Villa Carlotta while the manicuredVilla Balbianello, whose garden is impeccablymaintained, will be an undoubted highlight.

In addition we enjoy a free day to relax andshop in Como town, or visit Villa Melzi d’Eril.

What’s included

Departures

RHS host: Enrico Mailli (Sep)

Rome, Ninfa and Castel GandolfoOpen by special arrangement, we are delighted to offer this rare opportunity tovisit the ancient and beautiful gardens of Ninfa. Equally rare is the opportunityto follow in the footsteps of the Popes as we visit the gardens of CastelGandolfo, the traditional papal residence just outside Rome.

The romantic flower-covered ruins at Ninfa,just to the south of Rome, are as close togardening perfection as you can get. Scentedroses, hydrangeas and jasmines curtain whatremains of the walls of medieval buildings andpaths meander beside a crystal-clear river.

Castel Gandolfo is the papal residence to thesouth of Rome, whose gardens Pope Francisonly recently ordered should be opened to thepublic. The view from the balcony overlookingthe Giardino del Belvedere, with its strictgeometric parterres, edged by towering

cypresses and umbrella pines, is a sight thatwill stay long in the memory.

The Villa Lante is a study in geometry andsymmetry dating back to the 16th century,with many water features including a huge,balustraded water fountain which is a superbexample of late Renaissance style. The 16thcentury gardens at Villa D’Este, romanticallyovergrown with tall pines, evergreen oaks andcedars, are renowned for their use of waterand the garden seems to be full of sparklingspray.

Departures

May 10, Jun 7, Sep 6, 2016

Three nights from £1,195pp


What’s included

� Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-starcentrally located Hotel Michelangelo, Rome


� Flights from London Heathrow to Rome (otherairports on request)

� Visits to the gardens of Ninfa, Castel Gandolfo,Villa d’Este and Villa Lante; guided tour ofViterbo


Villa d’Este Gandolfo

Ninfa


Departures

What’s included

Departures


Caption

Gardens of the

Loire including

the Chaumont

Garden FestivalTravelling through the tranquil andtimeless landscape of the Loire Valley,one magnificent château afteranother appears before you, eachone apparently striving to outdo theother for romantic atmosphere ordramatic situation.

Nowhere is this serenity more evident thanamong the immaculately maintained terracesof the Château de Villandry, a faithfulrecreation of a 16th century Renaissancegarden and quite breathtaking in its complexity.

From our comfortable hotel in Angers, we willvisit some of the notable gardens in the region,including the intimate but well stocked Jardindu Petit-Bordeaux; the delightful gardens andmicro-vineyard hidden within the massive wallsof the Château d’Angers and the charmingprivate garden of Plessis Sasnières, where wewill have a guided tour with the owner followedby afternoon tea. At the Château de Valmer wewill enjoy not just a tour of the gardens but ataste of their own wine, with further winetastings in and around Saumur.

Moving on to Tours, we will visit the prestigiousInternational Garden Festival at Chaumont, setin an idyllic location in the grounds of thechâteau, overlooking the Loire, where younglandscape architects present a range ofimaginative and thought-provoking gardens.The Château d’Amboise, which has arguablythe most spectacular location of all the Loirechâteaux, and the Château du Clos Lucé, whichcelebrates the life and works of genius botanist,engineer and artist Leonardo da Vinci, completea wonderful tour.

Taking the strain out of the journey, we travelby Eurostar and TGV from London St Pancras toAngers and back from Tours, a chance to sitback and relax as the French countrysideflashes by.Amboise

Villandry

Jun 14, Jul 5, Oct 4, 2016

Six nights from £1,295pp


� Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-starHotel de France, Angers; three nights’ bed andbreakfast at the four-star L’Univers Hotel, Tours


� Standard class rail travel from London to Angersand from Tours to London (upgrades available)

� Guided tour with the owner of Plessis Sasnières

� Visits to the gardens of Petit-Bordeaux, Châteaud’Angers, Château de Villandry, Plessis Sasnières,Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Château deValmer, Château d’Amboise, Château du ClosLucé and the International Garden Festival atChaumont; cellar tour and wine tasting inSaumur



Chaumont Garden Festival


Caption

Gardens of Lisbon

and the AzoresPortugal’s warm and sunny climate,tempered by rain from the Atlantic,has long been appreciated bygardeners in the region, while theAzores archipelago, a thousandnautical miles from anywhere,benefits from volcanic soil. Theverdant hills, enchanting lakes andstunning gardens have a tranquiland timeless atmosphere.

Our tour starts with three nights in Lisbon,from where we will explore some of mainlandPortugal’s finest gardens. Quinta da Bacalhoais a classic renaissance garden that oncebelonged to the great mariner and viceroy ofIndia, Afonso de Albuquerque. His stylish villaon a peninsula south of Lisbon and the privategardens of Quinta das Torres in Setubal makefor a wonderful introduction to Portuguesegardening style.

The lush wooded heights of Sintra are hometo two fine gardens. Quinta de Monserrate isan English-influenced park dating back to thelate eighteenth century. Later additions ofMexican and Japanese gardens enhance ourvisit. The UNESCO World Heritage site ofQuinta da Regaleira is on the grand scale withgardens containing fountains, terraces, lakesand grottoes resembling something from theHarry Potter stories.

From Lisbon we will fly to São Miguel in theAzores and commence our garden visits at theJosé do Canto Garden and the Garden andPalacio de Sant’Ana before relaxing in ourcomfortable hotel, the Royal Garden in PontaDelgada.

Over the next two days we have included visitsto the best gardens and most interestingsights in the Azores, undoubted highlightsbeing the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden andthe António Borges Garden. As we touraround the island we will enjoy stunningscenery with hot springs, tea plantations andbasalt architecture. The waters around theAzores are world-renowned for observingwhales, which we will spend a morning doing.In addition we will have some free time forindependent sightseeing and shopping.

Lake Sete Cidades, Azores

Sintra

Apr 23, Jun 4, Aug 20, 2016



� Seven nights’ bed and breakfast: three nights atthe five-star Altis Grand Hotel in Lisbon; fournights at the four-star Hotel Royal Garden inPonta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening, twolunches and farewell dinner

� Flights from London to Lisbon, Lisbon to theAzores and the Azores back to London (otherairports on request)

� Visits to the Quintas da Bacalhoa, das Torres, deMonserrate and da Regaleira; the gardens ofJosé do Canto; Palacio de Sant’Ana, TerraNostra and António Borges; whale watchingboat trip



RHS host: John Hughes (Aug)

Post-tour extensions to other Azorean islandsare available on request.

Quinta da Bacalhoa

Departures

Jun 7, 2016

Nine nights from £2,295pp


What’s included

� Nine nights’ accommodation on a bed andbreakfast basis: two nights Uppsala, one nightVadstena, one night Oskarshamn, four nightsVisby (Gotland) and one night Stockholm

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening, sixadditional dinners and two lunches

� Return flights from London to Stockholm (otherairports on request)

� Return ferry crossings from the Swedishmainland to Gotland

� Visits to Linnaeus Garden and Museum,Hammarby, Uppsala University BotanicalGardens, Dream Park Enköping, Lake Vättern,Lars Jonsson’s studio; botanising tours ofnorthern and southern Gotland


Lady’s slipper orchid Linnaeus

Uppsala University Botanical Gardens


Departures

What’s included

Departures

Sweden and Gotland:

the Legacy of Carl LinnaeusBotanist Carl Linnaeus is the inspiration and guiding hand behind thisfascinating tour, featuring lakes and gardens in southern Sweden and thewildflowers and seascapes of the Baltic island of Gotland.

We begin on the Swedish mainland, touringhistoric locations with direct Linnaeusconnections in and around Uppsala, includingthe Linnaeus Garden and Museum and hissummer estate at Hammarby. We continue tothe fine open-air museum at Julita Manor andexplore the beautiful Lakeland area, inparticular Lake Vättern, whose beautifulshores are flanked by dense woodland, inplaces carpeted with the elusive twin-flower(Linnaea borealis), named after the greatman himself.

A ferry takes us across the Baltic Sea to theisland of Gotland, to which Linnaeus led anexpedition in 1741. Here we will enjoy someexcellent botanising opportunities and canexpect to see plants such as Globularia(Globularia vulgaris), the local pasque flower(Pulsatilla pratensis) and many of Gotland's 36species of orchid, including Military Orchid(Orchis militaris), Adam & Eve Orchid(Dactylorhiza sambucina) and Bird's NestOrchid (Neottia nidus-avis). We will also explorethe historic port of Visby and visit the studio ofworld renowned bird artist Lars Jonsson.

RHS host: Neil Lancaster

Seasonal Gardens of JapanThere is something uniquely fascinating about Japan, with its mixture ofmodernity and antiquity and, of course, the serenity and perfection of itsgardens. Gardens and nature hold a key place in Japanese culture which we willexplore along with temples and the more modern aspects of life in Japan. Thistour aims to provide a rounded introduction to this truly fascinating country.

Many of the most notable gardens are in andaround Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, andwe will have three full days exploring bothpublic and private gardens here. We haveincluded a variety of different styles: landscapegardens, stroll gardens, pond-and-island, eachwith its own particular charm and beauty. Oneof the best known is Kinkaku-ji, with the threetiered Golden Pavilion at its heart.

From Kyoto we travel by Bullet Train to Tokyo,where there will be further garden visits. Thereis, however, so much more to Japan thangardens and we have also included a widerange of other visits and excursions reflectingthe unique culture of the country. Highlightsinclude the historic town of Omi Hachiman,the Imperial Palace Garden in Tokyo and acruise on Lake Ashi, beneath the snow–cappedpeak of Mount Fuji.

We also offer an optional excursion toHiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park and aday to nearby Hakone National Park.

Our final full day is in Kamakura, whichincludes a visit to the Great Buddha and HaseTemple and is rounded off with a farewellJapanese-style dinner at a local restaurant.

This is a wonderfully balanced escorted tour,ideal for the first time visitor to Japan. Anexhilarating sequence of visits, all set againstthe dazzling backdrop of autumn foliage,provides an unforgettable experience and theuniqueness of the Japanese culture will staywith you forever.

Departures

Oct 25, 2016

12 nights from £4,195pp


What’s included

� Six nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-starANA Hotel, Kyoto and five nights’ bed andbreakfast at the five-star Prince Park TowerHotel, Tokyo

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening, onelunch and farewell dinner

� Flight from London Heathrow to Osaka,returning from Tokyo (regional flightconnections and flight upgrades available at asupplement)

� Transfer by Bullet Train from Kyoto to Tokyo

� Visits to a wide selection of gardens in Kyoto,Nara and Tokyo; full day excursions to Shiga,including Lake Biwa-ko; Mount Fuji includingcruise on Lake Ashi; Kamakura, including theGreat Buddha and Hase Temple


Japanese garden style Geisha

Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda


Departures

What’s included

Departures

Gardens and Wildflowers of

South Africa’s Western CapeSouth Africa is world renowned for its stunning scenery, cultural diversity, richvariety of wildlife and in particular its indigenous flora. Our tour is at a time whenthe wildflowers should be putting on a dazzling spring display and we will alsoenjoy a mixture of famous and private gardens, estates and vineyards.

Fly from London to Cape Town where we willbe based for the first three nights. Here we willenjoy a cable car to the top of Table Mountain,whose flora encompasses some 1470 speciesincluding South Africa’s national flower, theProtea. We will have a full day at KirstenboschBotanical Gardens, truly one of the world’s topgardens, where we will have an exclusiveguided tour. We continue with a visit to theCape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where weshould see an array of wild flowers.

We then begin our tour around the WesternCape by travelling north to the small town of

Clanwilliam in time to visit the annual FlowerShow. (The later departure date will coincidewith the Darling Flower Show). We will also beguided through the wildflower lands ofCederberg, Niewoudtville and the BiedouwValley.

Our journey continues through the lesserknown West Coast National Park and the smalltown of Darling. Wildflowers, wild birds,stunning scenery and wine tastings – all that isgood about the Western Cape is there to beenjoyed.

At Karoo National Botanical Gardens we willenjoy its wide variety of desert and semi desertplants along with its large succulent collection.We will then wind our way at a relaxing pacevia a most interesting charitable project atFlower Valley and thence to Hermanus and thecoast once more. Here we should be in perfecttime to see the spectacle of the Southern RightWhale migration.

Our tour finishes on a high with a string ofwonderful gardens around the Stellenboscharea including the Harold Porter BotanicalGarden, Vergelegen, Helderberg, Arderne andthe stunning Babylonstoren.

Departures

Aug 25, Sep 11, 2016



What’s included

� 13 nights’ accommodation on a bed andbreakfast basis: three nights at the Cape TownHollow Hotel; two nights at the PiekenierskloofResort; one night at the Buffelsfontein GameReserve; two nights at the Cumberland Hotel,Worcester; two nights at the Windsor Hotel,Hermanus; three nights at the StellenboschHotel (or similar)

� Dinner and welcome drink on the first eveningplus three additional dinners

� Scheduled return flights from London Heathrowto Cape Town (regional flight connections andflight upgrades available at a supplement)

� Exclusive guided tour of Kirstenbosch

� Visits to Table Mountain, the Cape of GoodHope Nature Reserve, Clanwilliam FlowerShow/Darling Flower Show, wine tastings andwildflower botanising, private garden visits ofKlein Openhorst, Karoo Botanic Gardens, HaroldPorter, Vergelegen, Babylonstoren and ArderneGardens; whale watching boat trip


Vergelegen

Babylonstoren Garden

Departures

What’s included

Departures


RHS host: Dawn Edwards (Aug)

Wildflowers, Darling


Caption

Sri Lanka:

the Pearl of the

Indian OceanLike a pearl earring set in the IndianOcean, Sri Lanka is a perfect jewel ofan island, with a wonderfully warmclimate and a rich and varied culture.Sri Lanka is also home to lushvegetation, colourful flora, amazingwildlife and a stunning collection ofgardens.

Our itinerary has been designed to lead youthrough the horticultural highlights of thisbeautiful island. Asides from growing some ofthe world’s best tea, Sri Lanka has variednational parks, spice gardens and rich publicand private gardens to discover. Combinedwith some of the cultural highlights andrelaxed way of life, it should be as refreshingas a cup of finest Ceylon tea.

We begin in Kandy where we visit a spicegarden and the splendid Royal BotanicalGardens of Peradeniya, both of which will giveus an insight into the spectacular flora thatthrives here. We then move into the cooler hillcountry and from our base in the old colonialtown of Nuwara Eliya we will visit the gardenat Hakgala – smaller than Peradeniya but witha different, upland flora – and tour theoutstanding nature reserve at Horton Plains.

Another fine reserve awaits us at the YalaNational Park where a convoy of jeeps willtake us on safari, featuring elephants, bearsand monkeys, tropical birds and fragilebutterflies. A couple of days on the beach, inthe south west near Galle, follows along withvisits to Bevis Bawa’s famous Brief Gardensand Lunuganga Estate.

One of the highlights of the tour will be ourstay in Sinharaja, the country’s last viable areaof primary tropical rainforest whereaccommodation for two nights will be in theRainforest Eco Lodge. From here we will havethe most wonderful experiences of flora andfauna with which to conclude our circular tourof this glittering island gem.

Kandy

Tea Plantation, near Nuwara Eliya

Oct 13, 2016



� 11 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation:one night at the Jetwing Beach Hotel, Negombo;two nights at the Ozo Hotel, Kandy; two nights atthe Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya; one night at theCinnamon Wild Hotel, Yala; two nights at theJetwing Light House Hotel, Galle; two nights atthe Rainforest Eco Lodge, Sinharaja and onenight at the Ozo Hotel, Colombo

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening, twoadditional dinners plus farewell dinner

� Flights from London Heathrow to Colombo(regional flight connections and flight upgradesavailable at a supplement)

� Visits to Sacred Seed Sanctuary, Temple of theTooth, Peradeniya Botanic Garden, guided tourof the gardens at the Grand Hotel, visit to HortonPlains, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Yala NationalPark, Lunuganga Estate, Brief Gardens andguided tours in the Sinharaja Rainforest



Botanical Garden

An optional beach extension is available forthose who wish to extend their holiday – askfor details.

Departures

Nov 15, 2016, Jan 17, 2017


Single room supplement £1,140

What’s included

� 19 nights’ accommodation on a bed andbreakfast basis: two nights in a four-star hotel inSingapore; two nights Auckland; two nightsRotorua; two nights New Plymouth; two nightsWellington; one night Nelson; two nightsChristchurch; three nights Queenstown; onenight Te Anau and two nights Dunedin

� Dinner and welcome drink on the first eveningin New Zealand, plus two additional dinnersand two lunches

� Overnight flight from London Heathrow toSingapore; return overnight flight to Londonfrom Dunedin (regional flight connections andflight upgrades available on request)

� Visits to Gardens by the Bay, the Botanic andOrchid Gardens in Singapore; a full touringprogramme visiting the best private and publicgardens throughout New Zealand meetinghead gardeners, curators and owners whereavailable; wine tastings and a cruise on MilfordSound

� Services of Trevor Edwards as tour manager

Native tree ferns

Lake Tekapo


Departures

What’s included

Departures

Gardens of New Zealand

including SingaporeVisiting New Zealand is rather like entering a parallel universe. On the surface,everything appears familiar, but look more closely and you notice subtledifferences – an unusual plant, an outlandish insect or a brightly colouredbird – which tell you that you are in fact a long way from home.

There are parts of New Zealand that could bean ywhere in the British Isles, from aHampshire country garden to a Highland glen,an illusion which is strengthened by theabundance of familiar place names and bythe plants which were imported by the earlysettlers. Yet where in Britain can you findbubbling mud pools and gushing geysers,majestic fjords and glittering glaciers, hugetree ferns and penguin colonies?

In addition to viewing some of these naturalwonders, we will be taking a close look at the

flora of the country, both in its natural habitatand in a selection of wonderful gardens.

Among the species we can expect to see areVegetable sheep (Raoulias) and Celmisias,Mount Cook Lily (Ranunculus lyalli), WildSpaniards (Aciphyllas), Bulbinellas,Chionohebes and Hebes; New Zealand Beechand Tree Ferns, as well as the many non-native plants which gardeners here like togrow alongside the native bush.

Chile: A Botanical AdventureChile is often described as a bio-geographical island, as it is enclosed to thewest by the Pacific Ocean, to the east by the high Andean mountain chain andto the north by the Atacama Desert. As a result, the flora has become isolatedand the physical, climatic, and biological factors found within the country havecontributed to a unique flora with high levels of endemism.

We fly to Santiago for two nights in Chile’sbustling capital and visit La Campana NationalPark to the north west of the city for our firstintroduction to the native flora. Moving on tothe coastal resort of Zapallar we will explorethe reserve at Los Molles, one of the bestpreserved areas of coastal vegetation withcolourful low shrubs, herbs and bulbous plants,and enjoy an uplifting walk through the lastremaining coastal forests at Quebrada delTigre. We then head for the ski resort of Portilloin the higher altitudes of Parque AndinoJuncal, an area used for ecologicalconservation and sustainable tourism wherethe stunning scenery is complemented byexquisite flowering alpine plants, such as

Peruvian lilies (Alstromeria), and, if we arelucky, majestic condors soaring overhead.

Our tour then moves south to the Lakelandarea of Chile on a short flight to Temuco wherethe landscape changes dramatically. One ofthe highlights in this section of our tour will bethe opportunity to see Monkey Puzzle trees(Araucaria araucana), the iconic national treeof Chile. We then travel to Puerto Varas forthree nights, perched on the shores of LagoLlanquihue with extraordinary views across tosnow-capped Volcano Osorno.

Our grand botanical adventure concludes witha flight further south to Punta Arenas and theTorres del Paine National Park. Here we willhave three nights in the heart of the parkwhere we will explore the wonderfulPatagonian steppe landscape, home to a greatarray of plants endemic to this dry region, suchas Guanaco Bush (AnarthrophyllumDesideratum), Streaked Maiden (OlsyniumBiflorum) and Paramela (Adesmiaboronioides). On the wildlife side we canexpect to see herds of Guanaco (a relative ofthe Llama), Andean Deer and Culpeo Foxes.

At the end of our stay we fly back from PuntaArenas to Santiago for a final night in Chile.

Departures

Jan 10, 2017



What’s included

� 14 nights’ accommodation on a bed andbreakfast basis: two nights in Santiago, twonights in Zapallar, two nights in the ski resort ofPortillo, two nights in Curacáutin, three nights inPuerto Varas, three nights in Torres del PaineNational Park

� Dinner and welcome drink on first evening, 10additional dinners and 10 lunches

� Return flights from London Heathrow toSantiago (regional flight connections and flightupgrades available at a supplement)

� Internal flights: Santiago to Temuco, PuertoMontt to Punta Arenas and Punta Arenas toSantiago

� All visits and excursions

� Services of Tony Russell as tour manager

Guanacos Conguillío National Park

Torres Del Paine


Departures

What’s included

Departures

UK and Irish

garden holidaysWhether it be the Arcadian delightsof England’s pastoral landscapescreated by ‘Capability’ Brown, orGertrude Jekyll’s floral palette; a smallHighland garden, the formality ofPowerscourt and the perfection thatis Bodnant – the gardens of GreatBritain and Ireland can standshoulder to shoulder with any in theworld, and tower above most. Come and see for yourself.


Stourhead Gardens

Tresco’s Abbey GardensFlying into St Mary’s on the small Skybus plane is always an exciting experience.When you first glimpse the turquoise seas and quartz sands that surround theScilly Isles it is a bit like entering a Michael Morpurgo novel and you instinctivelyknow your visit is going to be special. A quick minibus transfer takes you down tothe quay for the 15 minute boat transfer to Tresco. Cormorants are diving in thewater and oystercatchers dart past as the green island approaches.

A sub-tropical paradise, this tiny corner ofEngland has remained unpolluted andunspoilt for decades. Tresco lies just 28 milesfrom the Cornish coast yet basks in a balmyclimate where spring comes early, autumnstays late and winter hardly exists at all.Abbey Gardens is home to more than 3,000species, magnificent vistas, colours and scents.There is certainly no other garden like this inthe world and we will be privileged to learn ofthe garden’s hidden secrets, both past andpresent, with a personally guided tour.

In spring you will see flowers here that areweeks ahead of those on the mainland - theperfect way to lift your spirits after a cold, darkwinter. Autumn, too, is a stunning time to visit,with the beautiful golden, red and amber tintsof the seasonal foliage set against a backdropof proteas, aloes and flowering camelliasthrown in for good measure.

Other packages are available to Bryher’s HellBay Hotel or to the St Mary’s Hall Hotel - askfor details.

Departures

Mar 18, Apr 1, 8, 11, 18, 22,

May 6, 9, Sep 9, 12, 16, Oct 3, 7, 10, 2016

Three nights’ half board from £795pp


April & September supplement £60

May supplement £100

What’s included

� Three nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast atthe New Inn, Tresco

� Return train from London Paddington toPenzance (other stations available on request)

� Return flights from Land’s End to St Mary’s(flights from Exeter or Newquay available at asupplement)

� Boat transfers between St Mary’s and Tresco

� Entry to Tresco’s Abbey Gardens

Other departure points and first class upgrades are possible on request. Overnightaccommodation can be organised in London before or after the tour. A reduction of £70ppapplies for those making their own way to and fromPenzance or Land’s End.

Abbey Gardens Tom Leaper’s Agave Fountain

Tresco

What’s included

Departures


Call today on 01334 657155 UK & Irish Garden Holidays 2015 23Call today on 01334 657155 UK, European & Worldwide Garden Holidays 23

Gardens of Devon

and CornwallThe words Devon and Cornwall gotogether like ‘peaches and cream’,‘Morecambe and Wise’ and ‘Chelseaand Flower Show’. Their wonderfulgardens are as good as any in theseislands and fuse together in acocktail of West Country magic.

Our tour begins in Bristol (Temple Meads) atnoon, as we head south and west having asplendid afternoon visit to the gardens ofHestercombe in the hills above Taunton. Here isa unique combination of three centuries ofgarden including the stunning Edwardiangarden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens andGertrude Jekyll.

Comfortable accommodation has beenarranged for two nights in Tiverton. Of coursewe could not come to Devon without visitingRHS Garden Rosemoor, which is world famousfor its roses and lies in the heart of the Devoncountryside. There are two gardens here, thefirst an intimate woodland garden with anexcellent collection of trees and shrubs whichrelish acid soil – the other is a more ambitiousaffair, which has been developed by the RHS asa display garden. Returning to our hotel weshall enjoy a scenic tour of Exmoor NationalPark, a beautiful area often overlooked.

Cornish gardens are famous the world over,from the formal to the informal, woodlandretreats to historic rolling parkland, all veryunique in their own way. There are moderngardens; ancient gardens; gardens withMediterranean, sub-tropical or South Africanthemes, all housing a stunningly diversecollection of plants and sculptures from aroundthe w orld.

Travelling into ‘Kernow’ we first visit thesplendid National Trust property and garden atLanhydrock and the privately owned estate ofTrewithen, acknowledged as an InternationalCamellia Garden of Excellence. From our basein Cornwall we will visit the stunning privategarden of Lamorran and the multi awardwinning restoration gardens of Heligan. We willhave an invigorating morning at Trebah on theslopes above the Helford River before having arelaxing afternoon in St Ives at the BarbaraHepworth garden. Our last garden is Trelissick, asuperb garden on its own peninsula .Sleeping Giant, Heligan

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Apr 8, Jun 1, Sep 11, 2016

Five nights’ half board from £695pp


� Two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at thecomfortable Best Western Tiverton Hotel; threenights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at thePenmorvah Manor Hotel, Budock Water, nearFalmouth

� Comfortable coaching commencing from BristolTemple Meads railway station

� Admissions to all gardens as per itineraryincluding entry to the Barbara HepworthMuseum in St Ives



A five night package by air is available fromEdinburgh (other airports on request) from £795pp.

Spring colour, Trebah

Caption

The Legacy of

Gertrude JekyllGertrude Jekyll was a plantswomanextraordinaire, painter and writer,however she is perhaps bestremembered for her association withthe architect Sir Edwin Lutyens andtogether they left an unrivalledgardening legacy.

Our tour stretches like a colourful threadacross the south of England, from the HomeCounties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, whereshe lived for most of her life, to the southerncounties of England and into the scenic West Country where many of her commissionsare located.

We start our tour on a high by visiting the twooutstanding private estates of Buckhurst Parkand Gravetye Manor. We will also visitGodalming’s small museum which is home tomany of Jekyll’s original garden drawingsbefore looking round the distinctive gardenrooms at Loseley Park, Vann and Upton Grey.

Perhaps the highlight of this holiday will bethe rare chance to visit Munstead Wood,Jekyll’s home for almost 40 years.

We then head south-west to visit two stunninggardens, a private property at Bramdean, nearAlresford and the gardens at historic HealeHouse, just north of Salisbury, beforecontinuing to our hotel for the next threenights in the small Somerset town of Ilminster.

East Lambrook Manor, Cothay Manor, LydeardHouse and Barrington Court all have strongJekyll and Lutyens’ influences and will be a joyto behold.

A visit to Hestercombe with its stunningEdwardian garden completes our tour beforewe head for home.

Munstead Wood

Hestercombe

May 29, Jun 5, 2016

Six nights’ half board from £965pp


� Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: threenights at the Legacy Farnham Hog’s Back Hotel(or similar) and three nights at the ShrubberyHotel, Ilminster

� Admissions to all gardens as per itinerary andentry to Godalming Museum


Rail/air connections and overnight accommodationin London before or after the tour available onrequest.


Gertrude Jekyll

A six night package by air is available from Edinburgh(other airports on request) from £1,075pp.



The Landscape Gardens of

Capability BrownLancelot ‘Capability’ Brown changed the face of eighteenth century England,designing country estates and mansions, moving hills and creating lakes. Tomark the tricentenary of his influential life we have created a bespoke tourwhich will visit some of his most striking landscapes and parklands.

Apr 29, Jun 24, Sep 30, 2016



� Three nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast atthe four-star Cotswold Water Park Four PillarsHotel, South Cerney

� Comfortable coaching commencing in Warwick,concluding in Bicester on the last day

� Visits to the grounds and gardens of ComptonVerney, Ragley Hall, Croome Court, BowoodHouse, Prior Park, Rousham and Stowe


Ragley Hall Capability Brown

Compton Verney

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown is bestremembered for landscapes on an immensescale, and although his work is continuallybeing re-assessed, every landscape gardenerand architect that has followed, both in Britainand across the developed world, has beeninfluenced by him in one way or another.Happily, many of his finest works are be foundrelatively close to each other within one of themost appealing regions of England and lendthemselves perfectly to a highly attractivegarden holiday.

Our tour commences at Warwick ParkwayRailway Station at noon as we head forCompton Verney, a Robert Adam house, withgrounds remodelled by Brown after 1761.

From our base in the Cotswolds we continuewith visits to Ragley Hall and Croome Court,both classic English Stately Homes withstunning parkland and gardens. Croome Courtwas Brown’s first landscape design andarchitectural project and is considered by manyto be his most important and seminal work.

We have a day in Wiltshire and Avon where weenjoy Bowood House, another fine example ofBrown’s work, and the stunning grounds of PriorPark, which offer breathtaking views over theelegant city of Bath. Our tour of ‘Capability’Brown’s Heart of England is rounded off withvisits to Rousham House, perhaps best knownfor what came before Brown with the work ofWilliam Kent, who designed part of theextensive parkland. It’s an ideal place tocompare and contrast their differing yetcomplementary styles. Finally to Stowe, whereBrown became Head Gardener in 1741 andwent on to create a timeless landscape whichcasts a spell over all who visit it. The tour willconclude at Bicester Railway Station.

What’s included

Departures

Rail/air connections and overnight accommodationin London before or after the tour available onrequest.

Highgrove and the CotswoldsOur tour of the Cotswolds features an exclusive visit to Highgrove House, thecountry home of HRH The Prince of Wales. This will be a rare opportunity to seethese fascinating gardens which are cultivated using wholly organic methods.

This is a very private and personal garden andwe are honoured that The Prince of Wales isso accommodating as to let the general publicview his garden when he is not there. Sincebuying the property in 1980 Prince Charles,with the help of friends and horticulturalexperts, has created a stunning garden tosurround his family home.

In addition to Highgrove, we visit some of thesplendid gardens to be found nestled amongthe green and rolling hills of Gloucestershire.Our tour begins at the calm and soothingAbbey House garden at Malmesbury, home toa stunning rose collection.

Hidcote Manor’s contrasting garden roomsand Kiftsgate’s famous rambling rose arejustly famous. Misarden Park was redevelopedby Sir Edwin Lutyens in his famous Edwardianstyle and its elevated position allows for aterrific view over the five golden valleys ofStroud.

Our final visit is to Westonbirt, the NationalArboretum and the Forestry Commission’sshow piece. Westonbirt constantly changeswith the seasons but is always a joy to behold.

Departures

Apr 22, May 6, Jun 10, Aug 12, Sep 4, 2016



What’s included

� Three nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast at acomfortable hotel in the Cotswolds

� Comfortable coaching throughout

� Entrance to the gardens of Abbey House,Misarden Park, Hidcote Manor, Kiftsgate,Westonbirt Arboretum and Highgrove House


Please note, by the very nature of this holiday, therunning order of the tour is subject to change as weare beholden to a successful application foradmittance to Highgrove which will be confirmed inFebruary 2016.

Abbey House Hidcote Manor

Highgrove House


Departures

What’s included

Departures

A three night package by air is available fromEdinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle (other airports onrequest) from £565pp.


The Royal Horticultural Society willonce again bring a spectacularcelebration of flowers andgardening to the north-west ofEngland with the RHS Flower ShowTatton Park, with colourful displaysand exciting show gardens.

Gardens of

Cheshire & RHS

Flower Show

Tatton Park

Tatton Park

It is also possible to join this tour at Crewe railwaystation - ask for details.

Jul 20, 2016



� Visits to the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park , thegardens of Arley Hall, Bluebell Cottage, NessBotanic Gardens and a private garden in Chester.Based at the Queen’s Hotel in the centre ofChester.

What’s included

Departures

While we are here in Cheshire we will also visitfour notable gardens. The herbaceousborders at Arley Hall are one of the greatgarden sights in England, beautifullymaintained and always delightful. There arealso old walled gardens with good mixedborders and a simple terraced walk above a ha-ha. Bluebell Cottage Gardens have a hugerange of planting in an attractive setting nextto the Trent & Mersey canal while theadjoining nursery specialises in hardyherbaceous perennials with a stock of over1500 varieties. Ness Botanic Gardens has ahost of features including herbaceousborders, climbing plants and lush watergardens and finally there is StoneyfordCottage, an informal natural garden andspecialist plant nursery.

The Malvern Show, which takesplace in early spring and autumn, isone of the outstanding events of theEnglish gardening year.

Malvern Flower

Show and the

Gardens of

Herefordshire

A three night package by air from Edinburgh, Glasgowor Newcastle is available from £555pp.

May 4, Sep 23, 2016



� Visits to the Malvern Flower Show and the gardensof Stockton Bury, Misarden Park and The Laskett.

What’s included

Departures

This is due in part to the wonderful range ofshow gardens, exhibits and floral marqueesand in part to the superb location beneaththe glorious Malvern Hills.

As you wander round the show you will findpleasure and inspiration; as you lift your eyesto the hills you will find peace and relaxation.

Complementing our visit here is a selectionof stunning gardens, including Sir RoyStrong’s garden of sentiments andmemories The Laskett; the plantsman’sdelight of Stockton Bury and Misarden Park,which was redeveloped by Sir Edwin Lutyensin his distinctive style.

Laskett Gardens

This tour combines the colourand excitement of the RHSChelsea Flower Show with someof the south of England’s finestgardens, affording theopportunity to enjoy a widerange of horticultural excellence.

RHS Chelsea

Flower Show

A six night package by air is available from Edinburgh(other airports on request) from £1,025pp.

May 26, 2016

Six nights’ half board from £925pp


� All day ticket to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show;visits to the gardens of RHS Garden Wisley,Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Hestercombe, IfordManor, Stourhead and Tyntesfield; Salisbury, Bathand The Bishop’s Palace, Wells.

What’s included

Departures

This two centre holiday is firstly based inSussex from where we have arranged visits tothe RHS Chelsea Flower Show and theunmissable gardens of RHS Garden Wisley,Sissinghurst in Kent and Great Dixter.

We then head west, breaking our journey inthe cathedral city of Salisbury and then at‘Capability’ Brown’s famous landscapegarden of Stourhead.

From our hotel in the centre of Wells we visitthe ancient Bishop’s Palace, the Harold Petodesigned garden at Iford Manor andHestercombe, one of Gertrude Jekyll and SirEdwin Lutyens’ greatest masterpieces.

We also have some time in the town of Bath,famous for its Roman baths and elegantGeorgian terraces.

We conclude with a wander roundTyntesfield, a fine National Trust Victoriancountry house with a glorious walled gardenbefore returning to London.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show


Gardens of

North WalesWith glorious scenery that includes mountains, seascapesand castles, North Wales is home to some outstandinggardens.

One of the best is Plas Cadnant,which 18 years ago was anovergrown, abandoned wildernessof ivy and decrepit fruit trees. Itsnew owner has brought it back tolife and now, rather like Heligan inCornwall, Plas Cadnant hasemerged as a gem of a garden,full of interest.

Further highlights include thenursery at Crûg Farm Plants,specialists in a broad range oftemperate forest plants;

Bodnant Garden, with a range ofbeautiful plants from all over theworld; Portmeirion, the eccentricand rather surreal Italianatevillage designed by Sir CloughWilliams-Ellis, which has beenenhanced in recent years withimprovements made to thegardens, and Plas Brondanw, Sir Clough’s own delightfulgarden which is packed withinteresting plants.

Jun 9, Sep 1, 2016



� Visits to the gardens of Bodnant, PlasBrondanw, Portmeirion, Plas Cadnantand Crûg Farm Nursery; the informalwoodland gardens of Dorothy Clivein Shropshire and the gardens ofArley Hall in Cheshire. Services ofhorticulturalist Tony Russell as tourmanager.

Bodnant House and garden


Gardens of West WalesTucked away in the rolling countryside of Carmarthenshireand Pembrokeshire are some fine parks and gardens, bothlarge and small, ancient and modern.

The centrepiece of our tour is theNational Botanic Garden ofWales, the first garden of its typeto be created in the UnitedKingdom for 200 years. Thisspectacular re-interpretation ofthe historical garden includesNorman Foster’s GreatGreenhouse, the largest singlespan glasshouse in the world.

By contrast Aberglasney is asuperb 16th/17th century garden,which was discovered after 50years of neglect and has beenrestored to produce a garden withimmense appeal, including a

unique Elizabethan/Jacobeancloister and parapet walk. DyffrynBotanic Gardens have also beenrecently restored to ThomasMawson’s original 1904 design.We visit two superb woodlandgardens, at Picton Castle andUpton Castle along with Cae Hir,which has established itself asone of Wales’ best loved gardens.

We also visit some interestingprivate gardens, includingDyffryn Fernant, Ridlers and TheCors, all exceptional in their ownway.

Jun 20, 2016

Four nights’ half board from £595pp


� Visits to Dyffryn Botanic Gardens,Picton Castle & Gardens, UptonCastle Gardens, Cae Hir, Aberglasney,the National Botanic Gardens ofWales and the private gardens ofDyffryn Fernant, Ridlers and TheCors. Services of horticulturalist TonyRussell as tour manager.

Dyffryn Botanic Gardens

Which way?


In an Irish GardenA tour round Ireland promises a rich feast of horticultural excellence, withmemorable and beguiling gardens, enthusiastic and skilful owners and an everchanging backdrop of lush green hills, fertile fields and glittering seascapes.Our journey from north to south is packed full of gems, yet it is relaxed andunhurried, taking in the very best that the Emerald Isle has to offer.

We begin in Northern Ireland at the dazzlingand idiosyncratic garden of Mount Stewart,truly one of the great gardens of the world.We also visit romantic Rowallane andatmospheric Castle Ward.

We move on to Dublin where we meet JuneBlake, a passionate plantswoman who growsa unique mix of bamboos, ornamental grassesand perennials. The unmissable Dillon Gardenfeatures, of course, along with Hunting Brook,with its fusion of prairie and tropical planting;the Italianate seaside garden at Corke Lodgeand Powerscourt, one of Ireland’s mostfamous gardens.

Continuing south we call in at Mount Usher, awild and informal garden with some rare andexceptional trees, on our way to the lively andcultured city of Cork. From here we tourIlnacullin, with its magical setting on an islandbathed in the warm waters of the GulfStream, and the garden of Bantry House.

The wonderful gardens at Lakemount, whichfeature a multitude of plants from every cornerof the globe, complete an outstanding tour.

Departures

Jun 23, Aug 11, 2016

Seven nights’ half board from £1,195pp


� Seven nights’ half board at four-star hotels: twonights at the Dunadry Hotel, Co. Antrim; threenights at the Hilton Kilmainham Hotel, Dublin;two nights at the Imperial Hotel, Cork

� Flights from London Gatwick to Belfast andback from Cork (other airports on request)

� Visits to the gardens of Mount Stewart, CastleWard and Rowallane; Corke Lodge, MountUsher, Hunting Brook, June Blake’s Garden &Nursery, Powerscourt and the Dillon Garden;Ilnacullin, Bantry House and Lakemount

� Services of horticulturalist Trevor Edwards astour manager

Mount Stewart Ilnacullin

Powerscourt

Please note that this holiday is made up of three partswhich can also be taken as individual holidays: NorthernIreland - two night package; Dublin - three nightpackage and Cork - two night package. Please ask for full details of each tour.

What’s included

Departures


Caption

Scotland’s

West Coast

GardensThe Western Seaboard of Scotland ishome to some of the finest gardensin Europe. Many types of plantflourish in this gentle and moistclimate, enjoying the benefit of theGulf Stream, which is kind to unusualexotic shrubs and trees.

Many of Scotland’s west coast gardens werelaid out to complement grand country homes orcastles, while others are private and hidden onsome of the most beautiful Hebridean Islands.Flowering rhododendrons and azaleas turnthese peaceful locations into a riot of colourand alongside the subtle greens from nativebirch, oak and pine combine to form awonderful natural tapestry.

We start by visiting the private gardens atGlenarn, near the stylish seaside town ofHelensburgh, before heading into the Highlandsproper by climbing the ‘Rest and be Thankful’and reaching the Robert Lorimer house andwoodland estate of Ardkinglas.

We then have a day on the beautiful Isle of Mullwhere we visit the small, but perfectly formedgarden of Lip Na Cloiche, and spend some timein the colourful island capital of Tobermory.

Adjacent to our hotel is the National Trust forScotland’s garden of Arduaine and just to thenorth is another stunning private garden, AnCala, on the Isle of Seil, linked to the mainlandby ‘The Bridge over the Atlantic’.

Another island adventure awaits when we headsouth to the little island of Gigha, home to theAchamore Gardens. Sir James Horlick (ofbedtime drink fame) came here in 1944 andstarted to make a now splendid woodlandgarden.

The last day of our garden tour hugs thenorthern banks of Loch Fyne and visits anotherbeautiful National Trust for Scotland garden atCrarae and also the the gardens that surroundthe impressive turreted castle at Inveraray.

Lip Na Cloiche Photo: Ray Cox

NTS Arduaine

May 23, Jun 24, 2016

Four nights’ half board from £795pp


� Four nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast at theLoch Melfort Hotel, near Oban

� All ferry crossings and comfortable coaching

� Visits to the gardens at Glenarn (includinglunch), Ardkinglas, Lip na Cloiche, Arduaine, AnCala, Achamore, Crarae and Inveraray Castle



Meconopsis


A four night package by air is available from London(other airports on request) from £895pp.

Gardens of the Far NorthA journey to the far north of Scotland brings many rewards, not least the senseof freedom and open space to be found in the thrilling seascapes of the coastsor the vast, empty expanse of mountain and moorland that separates eastfrom west. Rewards also come in the shape of some enchanting castles andgardens, which we have threaded together to bring out the best of this remoteand unspoilt region.

Our holiday begins with a relaxing drive northbreaking our journey at Blair Castle where wesee its stunning arboretum, Diana’s Grove, atranquil wooded area, home to somechampion trees.

From our first base in Inverness we will gonorth and west to visit two wonderful gardens,one private at Dundonell House and the otherthe famous National Trust for Scotland gardenat Inverewe, returning via Loch Maree.

Departures

May 19, Sep 18, 2016

Five nights’ half board from £745pp


� Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at acomfortable hotel in Inverness; two nights’dinner, bed and breakfast at a comfortablehotel in Thurso

� Comfortable coaching throughout

� Visits to Diana’s Grove at Blair Castle, thegardens of Dundonell, Inverewe, CawdorCastle, Old Allangrange, Dunbeath Castle,Bighouse Lodge and Dunrobin Castle, The LochNess Garden Abriachan and the Castle of Mey


Castle of Mey Dunbeath Castle Photo: Ray Cox

Dunrobin

What’s included

Departures


William Shakespeare immortalised Cawdor inMacbeth, however, both the castle and itshistory are colourful enough without the aid ofmyth boasting magnificent gardens with vastherbaceous borders. We will also visitAbriachan Garden on the banks of Loch Ness.

Heading as far north as is possible on theBritish mainland to Thurso we will call in at OldAllangrange on the Black Isle and also visit themanicured walled gardens at Dunbeath Castle.

The Castle of Mey sits high on a cliff,overlooking the turbulent waters of thePentland Firth, and it is here that the lateQueen Mother had one of her favourite gardenretreats. Also overlooking the Pentland Firthlies Bighouse Lodge, situated by the whitesands of Melvich.

We return south visiting Dunrobin Castle - thechâteau-style ancestral home of the Dukes ofSutherland. The castle is a wonderful early19th-century fantasy with a touch of the Loireand a dash of Bavaria, with formal gardensleading to the North Sea.

We will drop passengers off in Inverness, Perth,Edinburgh and Glasgow.

A five night package by air is available from London(other airports on request) from £845pp.

Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS

Tel: 01334 657155 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01334 657144 www.rhsgardenholidays.com

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To book or to obtain further information on any of our RHS Garden Holidays, visit

www.rhsgardenholidays.com or call 01334 657155

Magnolia x wieseneri

Documents

RHS Garden Holidays - UK, European & Worldwide Garden Holidays · 2 visit rhsgardenholidays.com To obtain a full day-by-day itinerary of all our tours please see back cover ... School