The Scottish Mail on Sunday

See the Cotswolds’ finest gardens with Christine Walkden

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THE lovely landscapes, golden-stone villages and buzzing market towns of the Cotswolds become a riot of colour in summer – and we’re giving you an opportunit­y to discover for yourself the spectacula­r gardens of some of its houses, from quaint cottages to magnificen­t country homes.

On our four-day tour you’ll meet Christine Walkden, The One Show’s popular gardening expert. She will join you for a visit to the renowned Arts and Crafts garden at Hidcote Manor before giving a private talk and answering your questions in a special Q&A session.

You will also be able to explore the historic estate at Prince Charles’s country home, Highgrove House; Rodmarton Manor and its eight-acre garden; the Knot Garden at Cerney House; fabulous Broughton Grange; Sezincote’s ‘Hindu’ garden, inspired by landscape designer Humphry Repton; and Batsford Arboretum.

Our exclusive Cotswolds tour is the perfect UK break for anyone who loves gardening.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet Christine Walkden: Knowledgea­ble and engaging, Christine is the ideal special guest to join you on this unforgetta­ble tour. She will give a private talk about her career as a broadcaste­r, author and horticultu­rist. You will have a chance to ask her your own questions in a Q&A session.

Explore Hidcote House: Christine will also join you for a tour of the delightful and intricatel­y designed Arts and Crafts-inspired gardens at Hidcote House.

Tour Highgrove House: Since buying Highgrove in 1980, Prince Charles has redevelope­d the garden, taking on a new project each year. With the help of his friend Lady Salisbury, he has surrounded the house with scented wisteria, honeysuckl­e, jasmine and thyme, as well as creating an experiment­al wildflower meadow of some 32 varieties of endangered native plants.

Wonderful gardens: You will be able to explore Broughton Grange, with gardens designed by multiple Chelsea Flower Show gold medalwinne­r Tom Stuart-Smith, and Rodmarton Manor’s ‘outdoor rooms’, each of which has its own individual character.

Beautiful setting: You will stay throughout the tour at the charming four-star Oxford Witney Hotel, a short walk from Witney’s centre. Relax in the elegant bedrooms, take a dip in the pool or unwind in the spa.

 ?? ?? VARIETY SHOW: The Carpet Garden at the Prince of Wales’s Highgrove House, top. Above: Hidcote House
VARIETY SHOW: The Carpet Garden at the Prince of Wales’s Highgrove House, top. Above: Hidcote House

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