The Gardens of Derbyshire

Following breakfast, we travel to RHS Harlow Carr. The Royal Horticultural Society’s northern flagship continues to set the highest possible standards in the gardening world. Within this handsome and well-wooded site there are sections devoted to particular groups of plants, a rose garden, a bulb garden and an arboretum, along with three different kinds of rockeries. There are also displays of new cultivars in the trial gardens, which vary according to the season.

A delicious cream tea at Betty’s Tea House is included, which enjoys an elevated position overlooking the beautiful grounds. We then have some free time in the town of Harrogate, whose attractions include the Mercer Art Gallery and the Royal Pump Room (entrances not included).

After breakfast this morning, we depart for a visit to Haddon Hall, an intensely romantic and hugely historic house set in hilly wooded countryside. The castle was built between the 12^th and 17^th centuries, with turrets, crenellations and tracery windows and as such has often been used as a film location. The gardens still have some of their 17^th Century character, particularly on the upper level where there is a fine knot garden. Descending on a series of terraces that lead down towards the river that loops through the rural landscape below, there is a pond and fountain, an immense collection of roses and fine herbaceous borders, all set against the ancient stone walls of the castle.

Later we continue to one of England’s most famous stately homes - Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. On arrival we will enjoy a specially arranged private lunch, followed by a self-guided tour of the splendid interiors, adorned with exquisite furnishings and both historic and contemporary works of art. We then have time to explore the 105-acre garden, which has been developed by great garden designers and architects from the 16th century to the present day. It features lime walks and pools to the south, Paxton’s ‘conservative’ wall, an exquisite orangery, a 1.5 acre working kitchen garden and a great yew maze which was planted in 1961. Look out too for the great fountain, powered by a reservoir in the hill above the house, and enjoy the views over Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s superbly landscaped park with the River Derwent winding through it.

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and travel to Hare Hill, a tranquil and informal garden, developed by Charles Brocklehurst. In the 1960s, following the deaths of his parents, Charles had developed a keen interest in horticulture, and through his influential circle of friends in London he had made contact with plantsman James Russell. Together they planned to improve and restore the overgrown and neglected garden at Hare Hill. With the help of gardener Mr. Hatch, they embarked on major clearance and planting of species shrubs and trees, including many varieties of rhododendron, holly and azalea. The walled garden has been restored in line with Brocklehurst's vision, and now the white perennial borders sing out in summer.

Following this, our final visit, we return to our original pick-up points.