Holidays for the garden enthusiast

Garden holidays in Dorset

Dorset Delights
25-28 June 2012

Touching four counties, each contributing to Dorset’s differing landscapes and conditions, our choice of gardens captures the charm and beauty of Hardy’s delightful Wessex.

Our 3* hotel, the George Albert, is centrally placed near Dorchester, and from here we travel west to visit three very different gardens. Mill House has several small gardens arranged round the mill, its stream and pond, with a 4-acre arboretum in the lower leat meadows.

A short journey from this aquatic gem is Mapperton Gardens (pictured top left). Tucked away in a valley and surrounding the Tudor manor house, the terraced gardens include an Italianate formal garden with fountains, topiary and grottos. Beyond is a 17th century summer house overlooking ponds and below this, paths lead down the stream through a Wild Garden to woodland trails. Lunch can be taken here or at our last garden, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Protected by hills, this 30-acre site is a botanical treasure trove. Extensively restored and replanted over the last two decades there are rare trees, exotics, and much more on the woodland walk. Out of the garden, the magnolia walk leads to spectacular views of the Jurassic coast and Chesil Beach.

Passing through the beautiful Dorset countryside we visit Stanbridge Mill, a private hidden garden created around an 18th century water mill. A series of linked formal gardens lead out to a 20-acre nature reserve with reed beds, shelter belts, views of wild flower meadows and Dorset Horn sheep. In total contrast, Cranborne Manor sits in a large estate and is surrounded by a 17th century formal garden, the framework designed by Tradescant and comprising a number of different gardens. The adjoining café is recommended for lunch and from here we move on to our last visit of the day, the garden and nursery of internationally acclaimed plantsman Neil Lucas. Knoll Gardens is the showcase for Neil’s naturalistic style, providing the visitor with plenty of inspirational ideas to take home, and the adjoining nursery holds a vast range of ornamental grasses and perennials to browse through and perhaps purchase for that small gap in the border.

En route we will visit two cottage gardens, less than an acre in size and within a stone’s throw of each other. Snape Cottage Plantsman’s Garden, a delightful organically managed garden, has many rare plants and lots of cottage garden charm. Across the road, Chiffchaffs is a mature garden surrounding the thatched cottage, with a small adjoining nursery. On our return home we will visit the world famous 18th century landscape garden Stourhead, with its magnificent lake, classical temples, grottos and exotic trees.

Cost per person: £450
Single room supplement: £45

Departure points: Saxilby, Lincoln, Newark, Leicester, Lutterworth
We may pick-up from a limited number of other points if they are en route and easy for coach access.

Your holiday includes:

Comfortable executive coach throughout the holiday
Quality 3* hotel with ensuite rooms, 3-course dinner and choice of cooked or continental breakfast
One lunch and refreshments at all private gardens
All garden admissions
Garden visits on both outward and homeward journeys
Services of Tour Director on every holiday

Holiday Terms and Conditions