WED, 14 MAY 25 - LONDON TO EXETER

When we arrive into London Heathrow airport we are met by our tour guide. We then depart by coach to begin our garden tour.

We start with a visit to East Lambrook Manor Gardens, a wonderful cottage garden created by plantswoman and gardening writer Margery Fish. On arrival the group will have an introductory talk by the owner or head gardener, about the garden and its creator.

Free time for lunch. 

Our drive continues to Exeter to check into our hotel. After some free time to relax, we meet for a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Exeter. (D)

THU, 15 MAY 25 - EXETER

This morning we visit Knighthayes Gardens, a post war garden, parkland and gothic revival architecture. Over 1200 plant species are found in formal and woodland garden. There is animal topiary, spring bulbs, rare shrubs, a lily pool and seasonal colours throughout the gardens.

The next visit will be to RHS Rosemoor. On arrival we have time for lunch before we embark on an afternoon guided visit of the gardens which include highlights such as the rose gardens, long borders, the hot and cool gardens, exotic gardens, fruit and vegetable gardens, Lady Anne’s Arboretum and much, much more. 

Return to Exeter hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

FRI. 16 MAY 25 -  EXETER TO FALMOUTH

Today we travel further south into Cornwall and visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of the most mysterious estates in England but now one of the most famous gardens. We have a guided tour of this ‘sleeping beauty,’ as it is known. Explore four walled gardens, Japanese and Italian gardens and the Jungle, U.K.’s only outdoor jungle.

There is free time for lunch in Mevagissy, a pretty fishing village that still hosts a working harbor and a tradition of boat building dating back to 1745. 

In the afternoon we visit Tregothnan – the largest tea gardens in England. Across the estate, about 20,000 tea bushes are planted every year. Tregothnan is known as an expert Camellia grower but the full range of luxurious teas offered here range from black teas, green teas and a list of grown herbal infusions. We have a guided tour to include the Halywn, Coombe and Vounder tea gardens, as well as the hidden valley jungle garden, Kea Plum and rare apple orchards. The tour will last around 2 hours, and finish with a tea tasting and a delicious cream tea. 

On to Falmouth to check into your hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

SAT, 17 MAY 25 - FALMOUTH

We drive along the coastline for a morning visit to Trebah Garden, a sub-tropical Cornish paradise including a secluded beach. Mediterranean plants intermingle with groves of huge Australian tree ferns and palms. Gunnera and clumps of bamboo give this garden a sense of wildness. This is a self-guided visit to enjoy the surroundings at leisure, and an opportunity to enjoy the refreshments for lunch.

On our return to Falmouth our group stops for a visit at Glendurgan Garden. Glendurgan Garden, a ‘small peace pf heaven on earth’, was created by the Quakers Alfred and Sarah Fox. The garden consists of three valleys each with their own plantings. The upper banks showcase sun-loving specimens, big leaved plants and exotics grow in the jungle-like lower valley. There is an abundance of wildflowers in the valley sides. Or we may see if we can find our way out of the nearly 200-year-old maze.

Return to Falmouth for the rest of day and evening at leisure. (B)

SUN, 18 MAY 25 - FALMOUTH

This morning is a visit to one of Cornwall’s (and England’s) most famous sites –St Michael’s Mount. This tidal island is home to a historic castle, garden and island community. The island is accessible either by foot or boat (depending on tides). The discoveries are endless, from a piece of Napoleon’s coat worn at the battle of Waterloo to the sofa on which Queen Victoria sat whilst her housekeeper entertained her to a cup of tea, to a terraced garden dating back to 1878. 

We return to the mainland and visit to the award-winning coastal destination St Ives. We have free time to explore the town and lunch. Here you will find the Cornish sculpture artist, Barbara Hepworth. In 1949 she created a studio and sculpture garden. The Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden comprises 30 works in wood, stone, plaster and bronze sculptures situated throughout her garden.

The afternoon begins with a short 30 minute Botallack walk for an insight into the Tin Coast. The walk captivates the history of mining that extended out a half mile under the sea. Tin Coast mining records date from about the 1500s and ended in 1895 due to falling prices for copper and tin. Wildflowers may be in bloom at this time of year.

We end our day with a visit to the Trengwainton Garden, home to award winning magnolias and rhododendrons, winding wood paths and stunning views across Mount’s Bay. We have an introductory talk before enjoying the garden at leisure. 

Return to Falmouth for dinner and overnight at hotel. (B)

MON, 19 MAY 25 - FALMOUTH

Today we visit St Austell Brewery for a tour where the brewing process is explained. There is an opportunity to handle some of the hops, malts and barley and gain an insight into why these ingredients have been selected. You also discover traditional brewing methods and learn about the ancient machinery used in the past.…of course there will also be a chance to sample some of the beer! 

Free time in the old market town of St Austell.

In the afternoon we visit the world famous eco attraction, the Eden Project. Enjoy highlights such as the Rainforest Biome, the world’s largest indoor rainforest, the Mediterranean Biome which is home to huge spiky cacti, ancient olive trees and fruits and herbs, and learn about their sustainability projects and missions. 

Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B)

TUE, 20 MAY 25 - FALMOUTH TO PLYMOUTH   

Our journey continues to the port of Polperro where we visit the Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing. There is free time for lunch and to wander around the harbour. 

Possible Inclusion: Polperro Fishermen’s Choir if they aren’t touring and are available to give a concert. 

We continue back into Devon and visit The Garden House, formerly a private home and garden and now run by a trust. We enjoy a guided tour with the head gardener, that includes the cottage garden area, the Acer Glade, the Walled Garden and the Jubilee Arboretum. 

We end our day in Plymouth and check into hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

WED, 21 MAY 25 - PLYMOUTH 

We begin the day touring through the Dartmoor National Park and villages, including Princetown, Two Bridge and Postbridge including Clapper Bridge….whilst trying to spot the famous Dartmoor ponies! 

We visit Castle Drogo Gardens, a good example of the Arts and Crafts style.

Next visit Coleton Fishacre, the country home of the D’Olyl Carte family. This garden has glimpses of the sea, paths that wander through glades to ponds and plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand

Return to hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

THU, 22 MAY 25 - PLYMOUTH TO BOURNEMOUTH

Our day starts with a visit to Mapperton House and Gardens, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. A sandstone manor house set in a romantic garden valley, with fifteen acres of gardens, including a croquet lawn, topiary and wild gardens. 

Free time for lunch in the café.

In the afternoon we visit Cerne Giant – an ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas.

Continue to Bournemouth for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

FRI, 23 MAY 25 - BOURNEMOUTH TO LONDON

This morning we visit the naturalistic garden, Knoll Gardens, based on low maintenance gardening whatever the weather. You will have a guided tour (depending on availability at the time of confirmation) with Knoll’s owner, plantsman, author and the UK’s leading grass specialist, Neil Lucas. 

We next travel to the in the city of Winchester. Winchester is a historic city renowned for its stunning medieval cathedral, ancient capital heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. It seamlessly blends its rich history with modern attractions, making it a charming destination to spend a few hours.

In the afternoon we transfer to our London hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

SAT, 24 MAY 25 - LONDON

A full day to explore the Chelsea Flower Show which may be the most famous flower show.

Return to your London hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

SUN, 25 MAY 25 - LONDON

Today we visit RHS Wisley, one of the UK's most renowned and expansive horticultural gardens. This spectacular garden showcases a diverse array of plants and flowers, beautifully designed landscapes, and innovative garden features. Visitors can explore themed gardens, including the stunning rose garden, exotic glasshouse displays, and tranquil water features. Our guided tour promises an unforgettable journey through a diverse range of gardening styles.

Free time for lunch. 

This afternoon our group visits a private garden in the Surrey Hills for a guided walk by the owner. A serene, partially walled half-acre oasis of calm features beds arranged around a central fountain, providing continuous floral beauty throughout the seasons. The garden boasts harmonious, soft plantings complemented by strong structural elements, including topiary, a rose and clematis walk, and a wisteria walk. Beyond the wall lies the late border, vibrant with bold colors and playful planting. The decorative kitchen garden, with its raised beds edged in tiles, consistently captivates visitors, who often remark that it is one of the finest and most delightful gardens they have visited. Finish with tea and home-made cakes. 

Return to London hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)

MON, 26 MAY 25 - LONDON

Our morning begins with a visit to the Garden Museum, celebrating the art, history and design of gardens. The museum tells the stories of great gardeners, includes a collection of gardening artefacts and tools throughout history, and explores how and why we garden through botanical art, photography and paintings. A group tour of the museum may be possible.

We continue to the Chelsea Psychic Garden. Over 350 years ago, the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries established a garden for growing medicinal plants on the banks of the River Thames. The Chelsea Physic Garden collection of over 4,500 plant species are still grown for medicinal, herbal or edible use.

Free time for lunch. 

We end our day with a guided visit to Kew Gardens, home to over 50,000 living plants, glasshouses, treetop walks and galleries. Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a world-leading scientific research centre.

This evening, we’ll share stories and memories of our tour over a farewell dinner at a London restaurant. (B, D)

TUES, 26 MAY 25 - DEPARTURE

We transfer to London Heathrow airport. (B)

Linda Dietrick is a retired professor of German Studies, a past editor of The Prairie Garden, and a trained Master Gardener. Although she grew up in the Philadelphia area as the daughter of a landscape designer, she has lived and gardened in Winnipeg since 1988. In recent years, she and her husband Harold have enjoyed three of Sara Williams’ excellent garden tours. Linda is delighted to have the opportunity to help continue what Sara started.