The Cotswolds is one of the UK's most scenic regions, with chocolate-box villages dotted between rolling green hills, and quaint country pubs to explore.
This postcard-perfect region is blessed with a range of beautiful gardens, from the pristine grounds of historic stately homes to kitchen gardens tucked away behind honey-coloured cottages.
Join us on a five-day tour of some of the Cotswolds loveliest gardens and you'll see many of the best examples in the area, learning about the wonderful variety of plants and flowers to be found here.
A real highlight of the trip is a visit to Bourton House in the company of Gardeners' World presenter Rachel de Thame. Rachel will join you on a guided tour of the delightful gardens, with their elegant terraces, wide herbaceous borders, creatively planted pots, and rare trees.
You'll also enjoy a welcome drink with Rachel, who'll share gardening insights with you.
Other gardens you'll explore on this fascinating trip include the follies and trails of Painswick Rococo Garden, and Batsford Arboretum's collection of over 1,500 trees. There's also a visit to Eastleach House Gardens to look forward to, where you can marvel at its luxuriant yew hedges and ten-acre park.
You'll stay at the Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel in Tewkesbury throughout your trip, where you'll enjoy breakfast and dinner each day. The hotel is set on 140 acres of lovely private grounds, perfect for relaxing between visits in the true rural tranquillity of the Cotswolds.
You'll arrive at your hotel in Tewkesbury this afternoon, before enjoying a welcome drink to meet your fellow guests. Afterwards, there's a private dinner with wine at the hotel.
After breakfast, you'll depart from the hotel and travel to Hidcote Gardens in the north Cotswolds. This National Trust garden is one of the best-known Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain, and you'll love exploring its series of outdoor rooms, each with its own unique character. You'll listen to an introductory talk before exploring the gardens at your own pace, with the option to stop for lunch at one of Hidcote's cafes (not included).
In the afternoon, you'll travel to nearby Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a special garden created by three generations of women horticulturists. Kiftsgate is famous for its own rose, the Rosa filipes or 'Kiftsgate' Rose, thought to be the largest rose in Britain.
After your visit, you'll return to the hotel for dinner.
This morning, you'll visit the fascinating Batsford Arboretum, where you can see its inspiring collection of over 1,500 trees, with species from all over the world. There are lovely maples, bamboo, magnolias, prunus and oaks to wander between in this 56-acre garden.
After lunch (not included), you'll head to Bourton House, where Rachel de Thame will join you for an exclusive guided visit and afternoon tea. Rachel has many years of gardening experience, so she will have plenty of insights to share with you as you explore these enchanting grounds.
In the evening, Rachel will give an insightful talk about gardening.
After breakfast, you'll head to Eastleach House, a spectacular Grade II listed country house with magnificent manicured gardens. The gardens cover 14 acres and include a rill garden with waterfalls running over thirteen carved stone steps and a walled garden where you'll discover the sunken wildlife pond.
After visiting Eastleach House you'll head into Cirencester, known as the capital of the Cotswolds, where you can find a local cafe or pub for lunch (not included).
Once you've explored Cirenceter's pretty streets, you'll travel to Rodmarton Manor, another Arts and Crafts-style house with an eight-acre garden to enjoy. Originally built as a series of outdoor rooms, the garden has a wide selection of plants and is a haven for birds and butterflies.
After departing from Rodmarton Manor, you'll return to the hotel for dinner.
This morning, your first trip of the day will be to Painswick Rococo Garden. These gardens are characterised by the rococo style, with ornamental décor, pastel colours, and asymmetry.
You'll find pretty follies, woodland walking trails, a large maze and a gift shop where you can buy a reminder of this 300-year-old garden to take home with you.
Afterwards, you'll travel to Miserden, where you'll have time for a relaxing lunch in the Glasshouse Café. After you've eaten, explore the gardens here, with their topiary yew walk and magnificent mixed borders, against a backdrop of the rolling Cotswold hills.
You'll then head back to the hotel as your tour comes to an end.
This lovely four-star hotel in Tewkesbury on the edge of the Cotswolds is set in 140 acres and boasts comfortable rooms, a rejuvenating spa, pool, health club and Championship Golf course. You’ll be in prime position to explore the picturesque countryside and take in Tewkesbury Abbey, which is just 10 minutes from the door.
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