The Classic Gardens Tour (2 Days)
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of the Somerset and Devon countryside, are six wonderful gardens we have chosen for you to visit. Here, over two days, you can capture something of the essence of the classic English garden.
Whether small or large, formal or informal, each garden is among the best of its type and each illustrates the deep-rooted passion, which the English have for their gardens. Enjoy this diverse collection of classic gardens set in the beautiful English countryside.
Day 1
Our first days tour features unique gardens that encompass three distinct styles:
Barrington House Gardens
Barrington House Gardens, with the White garden, Rose, Iris and the Lily gardens where the influence of Gertrude Jekyll and the Arts and Crafts principles are clearly observed.
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
East Lambrook Manor Gardens are recognised throughout the world as the 'Home of English Cottage Gardening', having been created in the 1940's, 50's and 60's by the late gardening icon, Margery Fish.
Montacute House Gardens
Montacute House is one of the most magnificent Elizabethan houses in England and featured in the films Sense and Sensibility and The Libertine. The strong colours of formal mixed borders complement the golden hamstone of the house and the garden includes a fig walk, orangery, cedar lawn and spectacular yew hedges.
Day 2
Your second days touring combines three stunning locations with Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian and Medieval influences.
Knightshayes Garden
This garden has been described as embodying 'all that is best in modern gardening'. Originally designed by the celebrated landscaper Edward Kemp in the 1870's, the garden owes much to Sir John and Lady Heathcoat-Amory, who gave Knightshayes to the National Trust in 1972.
Cothay Manor
This magical, romantic, garden surrounds what is said to be the most perfect example of a small classic medieval manor. In addition there is a bog garden with azaleas and drifts of primuli, fine trees, cottage garden, courtyards and river walk.
Hestercombe Gardens
The famous Edwardian garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jeykll is arguably the best example of their work, with beautiful stonework, rills, Orangery and pergola.
Covering more than 40 acres, Hestercombe is a unique combination of three period gardens that include woodland walks to beautiful reflections in the lakes and ponds, from stunning stonework and dry stone walling to the beautiful plants, colours and scents from spring through autumn Jekyll. All once abandoned, the gardens are now being faithfully restored to their former glory.
