England: RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West
15th Aug 2026
Key Highlights
- Special visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater, the newest addition to the RHS stable
- Italian style at Trentham Estate
- Special access to a privately-owned garden
- Dunham Massey and Tatton Park, two of the foremost gardens in Cheshire
- Arley Hall’s famous double herbaceous borders
Summary
One of the largest gardening projects in Europe, RHS Garden Bridgewater has established itself as one of the most popular gardens in the north-west of England. This once in a generation project saw 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. As it matures it is sure to establish itself as one of the foremost garden attractions in the North of England.
We also take the opportunity to visit some of the best gardens in the North West, beginning at Trentham Estate in Staffordshire, where the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens was also led by Tom Stuart-Smith. After our visit to Bridgewater we visit, by way of contrast, a nearby private garden with a peaceful riverside setting.
Next, we travel to Dunham Massey, a great plantsman's garden full of native favourites and exotic treasures set around an elegant Georgian mansion, followed by Tatton Park, whose gardens have developed over 200 years yet retain much of their Edwardian character. Before departing for home we visit Arley Hall, which preserves the atmosphere of a garden kept for its own delight. The pair of herbaceous borders is one of the great garden sights of England.
What's included
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Services of an expert tour manager
- Accommodation
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Meet your tour manager
Julia Corden
Julia has been leading tours for Brightwater Holidays for over 25 years. To all corners of the world from Tropical rain forests to High alpine Meadows. Julia was trained in Horticulture at RHS Gardens, Wisley and at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and has a wealth of knowledge on all types of plants, animals and birds. Julia is now a Horticultural Consultant and Botanical/ Garden Tour Guide.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart by coach from our pick-up points this morning and head for the north-west of England, where we begin with a visit to the gardens of Trentham Estate in Staffordshire. The contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens was led by renowned designer and multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith. To the east of the Italian Gardens are the Rivers of Grass and the adjacent Floral Labyrinth. Both these schemes were designed by eminent Dutch plantsman, and Chelsea gold medal winner, Piet Oudolf. At the centre of Trentham Gardens is the mile long, Capability Brown designed, Trentham Lake. Take the circular lakeside walk all the way round as it takes you beside the River Trent, by the bird hide, through Capability Brown’s cascading weir and along atmospheric woodland trails. The show gardens offer further inspiration to gardeners’ on a more domestic scale. Lunch is available here (not included).
Following our visit we continue to our hotel in Cheshire.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| London - Coach Bays on Tothill Street, Westminster | 07:30 | 20:00 |
| Luton - Outside Luton Parkway Railway Station | 09:00 | 18:30 |
| Northampton - Outside the Railway Station | 10:00 | 17:30 |
| Birmingham - Bus stop opposite the Comfort Inn Hotel on Station Street, just outside Birmingham New Street Station | 11:30 | 16:00 |
| Stoke-on-Trent - Bus stand at Hinde Street car park | 12:30 | 15:00 |
** 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. **
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