About Brightwater Holidays
Garden tours and Scottish holidays since 1992
Brightwater Holidays is a specialist in garden and Scottish travel, offering thoughtfully planned escorted tours across the UK, Europe and beyond. For more than 30 years, we have helped travellers discover some of the world’s most remarkable gardens, landscapes and cultural places, through journeys shaped by experience, care and attention to detail.
Now part of the Specialist Journeys group, we continue to create travel that feels considered, unhurried and rewarding, for individuals, clubs and societies who share an interest in gardens, nature, history and distinctive destinations. From world-famous flower shows to private garden visits and island journeys across Scotland, each itinerary is designed to balance discovery with ease, supported throughout by knowledgeable Tour Managers.
Why Travel with Brightwater Holidays?
30+ years of specialist expertise
With more than three decades of experience in garden and Scottish travel, we understand the elements that help a journey feel well-balanced, engaging and rewarding. Our itineraries are thoughtfully designed to bring together notable gardens, distinctive landscapes and cultural highlights, with each day paced to allow time to take in each place.
Many of our tours have evolved, shaped by feedback and the experiences of returning guests, resulting in journeys that are carefully refined and consistently enjoyed.
Recognised for Quality and Service
Over the years, Brightwater Holidays has been recognised within the travel industry for the quality of our tours and the care we provide to our guests.
Recent acknowledgements include:
Gold – Best Small Travel Company for Coach Holidays, British Travel Awards 2024
Garden Tour Operator of the Year, International Garden Tourism Awards
Feefo Trusted Service Award 2024
These recognitions reflect the standards we aim to uphold across every journey, from thoughtful planning and knowledgeable Tour Managers to the service experienced throughout each tour.
Expert Tour Managers
Every Brightwater holiday is accompanied by an experienced Tour Manager, there to guide and support throughout your journey. Our team includes former head gardeners of royal estates, horticultural specialists, garden designers and well-known broadcasters and writers, each bringing their own depth of knowledge and perspective. Their insight adds context and detail along the way, allowing each place to be understood and appreciated more fully.
Thoughtfully planned, escorted travel
Brightwater Holidays are designed to feel straightforward and well-paced, allowing you to focus on the places you’ve come to see. With comfortable coach travel from convenient joining points, each journey unfolds with care, while the practical details are handled throughout.
Our escorted tours typically include:
• Hotel accommodation
• All visits and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
• Comfortable coach travel
• The support of an experienced Tour Manager
Exceptional value, thoughtfully included
We understand the importance of value, which is why so much is included within the price of a Brightwater holiday from the outset. Accommodation, transport, visits and expert guidance are brought together with care, allowing you to travel with clarity and confidence, without unexpected costs along the way.
Our Garden Holidays – explore here and further afield
Brightwater Holidays is known for its collection of specialist garden tours, shaped for those with a passion for gardens, landscapes and the stories behind them. From celebrated public gardens to private spaces rarely open to visitors, our journeys offer a varied and rewarding perspective on horticulture and design.
Our itineraries may include:
• Well-known public gardens
• Private gardens with special access
• Historic estates and castle grounds
• Notable horticultural events and festivals
Destinations range from Britain and Ireland to Europe, Japan and beyond.
Visits to renowned flower shows
Some tours coincide with leading horticultural events, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other international festivals. These occasions offer a chance to experience seasonal planting, design and innovation at their most accomplished.
Access to private gardens
Through longstanding relationships with garden owners and curators, we are able to arrange visits to private gardens not usually open to the public. These quieter, more personal visits often become particularly memorable moments within a tour.
Specialists in Scottish Holidays
Scotland has always been central to Brightwater and remains one of our most popular destinations. Over many years, we have developed a range of journeys that explore its landscapes, islands and cultural heritage with depth and understanding. From the Highlands to more remote corners, each itinerary is designed to reveal both well-known and lesser-visited places.
A considered range of Scottish tours
Our programme includes a wide variety of itineraries, from Highland journeys and island routes to garden-focused and cultural tours. Many have evolved, shaped by experience and refined through the feedback of returning guests.
Welcoming solo travellers
Many guests choose to travel independently, and we aim to ensure they feel comfortable and at ease throughout. A number of tours offer low or no single supplement options and travelling as part of a small group often creates a naturally sociable atmosphere.
Flexible travel options
We recognise that each traveller’s plans may differ. Our team can assist with arrangements such as additional hotel stays, room upgrades and travel connections, helping to ensure your holiday fits together smoothly from beginning to end.
What our guests say
We are always pleased to hear how guests have experienced their time with us:
“From beginning to end a fabulous holiday with many memorable days and experiences.”
“Very enjoyable look at a period of Scottish history of which we knew very little.”
“One of the best holidays I have been on.”
Begin your next journey
With more than 30 years of experience in garden and Scottish travel, Brightwater Holidays continues to create journeys that are carefully planned, thoughtfully paced and rewarding to experience. We invite you to explore our tour collection and consider where your next journey might take you.
