RHS Bridgewater & the Northwest

This morning, we take the short trip to the main highlight of this tour, RHS Bridgewater Gardens. This once in a generation project will see the Royal Horticultural Society take inspiration from the heritage of the site and transform it into a world-class garden, while also delivering a programme of community outreach and education activities, volunteering and training. Based on an overall design by leading landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, highlights include one of the largest walled gardens in the UK, beautifully landscaped grounds, living plant collections and horticultural trials.

This afternoon, there is free time at leisure. Enjoy some more time exploring the gardens of RHS Bridgewater or Perhaps head to the local impressive Trafford Centre and indulge in some retail therapy.

After breakfast the day is at leisure, or you may choose to join the optional excursion to the Ness Botanic Gardens. In 1898 Arthur Kilpin Bulley bought the site that Ness Botanic Gardens sits on to build a family home and garden. The home, Mickwell Brow, today houses offices and event spaces. The foundations of the garden Arthur started have blossomed into the verdant gardens you can see today, in the early days, Arthur sponsored notable plant hunter George Forrest to head to Northwest Yunnan in China to search out new varieties of plants to be showcased in his new garden. This was the first of six expeditions Forrest took to China gathering thousands of dried plant samples and seeds. He later named a few of the plants he discovered after his initial sponsor Arthur Bulley including Iris Bulleyana and Primua billeyana, which today can been see in the Rock Garden at Ness. On his peaceful passing in 1948, Agnes Lois, Arthur’s daughter gifted the entire estate to the University of Liverpool. 

In the early afternoon we head to the city of Liverpool where is there is plenty of time to explore at your leisure. You may choose to follow the story of the ‘Fab Four’ at The Beatles Story, explore one of the cities seven free museums including the Liverpool Tate or visit the impressive Liverpool cathedral.

This morning after breakfast, we head to Bramall Hall. This exemplary Tudor Manor house dates back well into the Middle Ages and is a true treasure of the northwest and is of prime importance to our national heritage. The impressive 16^th century wall paintings, astonishing Elizabethan plaster ceilings, the Victorian Kitchens and servants’ quarters give the hall a truly unique charm. We have the chance to explore the hall and gain a true insight into the families and servants who once called Bramall Hall home. It is situated in 60 acres of lush parkland designed in quaint Victorian Romantic style. There are woodlands, meandering brooks, and peaceful lakes.

This afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast we return to our original pick-up points.