The late Geoff Hamilton is fondly remembered as a long-serving presenter of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World, often broadcasting from his beloved garden at Barnsdale, which for many will be the highlight of this East Midlands experience. But there are many other gems to be enjoyed here, such as Belton House, often described as the perfect English country estate, and the 400-year old Easton Walled Garden, brilliantly brought back to life after decades of neglect. The owners of The Old Vicarage had a similar task on their hands and have transformed an overgrown wilderness into a wonderful garden. We also have visits to Stowe Landscape Gardens, one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s most notable works, and the extensive Coton Manor Gardens. Aside from gardens we enjoy a relaxing cruise on Rutland Water and, seeing as we are in Leicester, discover the remarkable story behind the discovery of the body of Richard III.