
Orkney’s Garden Trail
From £1,195
Summary
You may be forgiven for thinking that the far north of Scotland and the Orkney Isles in particular are more about mountains and moorlands, crashing waves with booming surf and high seaside cliffs than a picture of manicured gardens. Well of course it is all about wild landscape and open seascapes, however it is also home to a collection of very determined gardeners who have created, in some cases over generations, a collection of excellent gardens, set amidst a beautiful landscape of long summer days and evenings when it hardly gets dark – a twilight that is known as the ‘simmer dim’.
We begin in Caithness and Sutherland with visits to the Castle of Mey and other gardens before crossing the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Here we follow Orkney’s Garden Trail with visits to a selection of private gardens who have kindly allowed us special access. Of course, we could not visit Orkney without calling in at some of its archaeological and historical wonders, such as the standing stones at Stenness and Brodgar and the remarkable chambered cairn of Maeshowe, all the while enjoying those endless Orcadian summer days.
This tour will be escorted throughout by Sue Pomeroy, horticulturalist, highland gardener and propagator.
NC500: Please note that this itinerary features part of the North Coast 500, the highly scenic coastal route which begins and ends in Inverness.
Tour highlights:
Departure Routes
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.
Enhance your experience
Whether you want to add extra nights on either side of your tour, you want to upgrade your flight or hotel room, or you are hoping to enjoy a door-to-door airport transfer, we can help.
To add special extras to your tour, call our Specialist Sales Executives to discuss your needs on 01334 657155.

Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Ferry crossings
Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single supplement | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13 July 2022 | BOGT220713 | 13 July 2022 (Wednesday) | 18 July 2022 (Monday) | £1,195 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £275 | Book your trip | |
3 August 2022 | BOGT220803 | 3 August 2022 (Wednesday) | 8 August 2022 (Monday) | £1,195 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £0 | Book your trip |