England: Gardens of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire30th May 2025
From:£895
Summary
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.
What to Expect
- Geoff Hamilton’s beloved Barnsdale Gardens
- Wonderful private garden
- Classic English country estate at Belton House
- Boat trip on Rutland Water
- Discover the story of the King in the Car Park
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| London, Tothill Street, Westminster | 10:30 | 17:30 |
| Luton, Outside Luton Parkway Railway Station | 12:00 | 16:00 |
| Milton Keynes, Bus stop on Elder Gate, between Midsummer Boulevard and Silbury Boulevard | 12:45 | 15:15 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our pick-up points (London, Luton) and head to Stowe Landscape Garden, where Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown joined Lord Cobham’s gardening staff as Head Gardener in 1741. Over the next few years Brown created one of the finest Georgian landscaped gardens, comprising valleys and vistas, narrow lakes and rivers with more than 30 temples and monuments designed by leading architects of the 18th century. Many garden buildings have been beautifully restored and thousands of shrubs and trees have been planted in recent years. Lunch is available here (not included).
We then continue to our comfortable accommodation at the Holiday Inn Leicester. Dinner is served in the evening.
Meals includedDinner
