Somerset and Dorset in Style

Today, after enjoying breakfast, we depart for Mapperton House and Gardens. We arrive in time for an introduction to the estate and exclusive access to the garden followed by a guided tour of the house. On conclusion we are treated to a cream tea.

This afternoon we travel to Little Cheney to the Old Rectory where hilly paths lead to a beguiling four acres of natural woodlands that are home to numerous springs, streams and pools, one a natural swimming pool encompassed by native plants. The front garden is where we find pleached Crabtree borders, topiary and delicate planting. There is also a walled garden, kitchen garden and over 350 rose bushes.

This morning we head towards Beaminster where we find the large plantsman’s gardens at Horn Park. This garden has spectacular views across the Dorset countryside towards the sea and is home to many rare and cultured plants and shrubs in terraced, herbaceous and water gardens. There is also a delightful wildflower meadow with 164 varieties of orchid. On arrival we are greeted by the owner and gardener who will introduce us to this horticultural delight.

In the afternoon we continue to Minterne House and Gardens, where we have a two-course lunch before embarking on a private tour of the house and gardens with Lord Digby. The present house was built in 1905 and was the former home of Sir Winston Churchill and it still contains many original Churchill tapestries and furniture. We then have time to explore the eighteenth century Serpentine park with lakes, a stream and a woodland garden. Although the hills are chalk, the garden is situated on a mound of green sand, which runs for a mile down the centre of the valley. This, with the humus and dappled shade provided by the large beech trees was the perfect setting for the rhododendrons and magnolias provided by plant-hunting expeditions to the Himalayas.

This morning we depart for East Lambrook Manor Gardens, recognised throughout the world as the ‘Home of English Cottage Gardening’, having been created in the 1940s, 50s and 60s by the late gardening icon, Margery Fish. Now visitors can continue to enjoy the gardens while also visiting the famous ‘Margery Fish Plant Nursery’, which remains a place of pilgrimage for keen plant buyers. A specially designed display bed showcases an extensive and nationally recognised collection of hardy geraniums. After enjoying some tea, coffee and cake we return to our original joining points.