Explore the gardens of the Cotswoldswith Christine Walkden
FEW places are more glorious when the leaves begin to change colour in autumn than the Cotswolds. And on this exclusive four-day tour, you’ll have a chance to discover the gardens of some of the region’s finest homes, from cottages to magnificent country houses, and meet Christine Walkden, The One Show’s gardening expert.
Christine will join you for a visit to the famous Arts and Crafts garden at Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire before giving a private talk and answering all your gardening queries in a special question and answer session.
You will also be able to explore the historic estate of Highgrove House, Prince Charles’s country home; Rodmarton Manor and its eight-acre garden; the Knot Garden at Cerney House, near Cheltenham; spectacular Broughton Grange; Sezincote’s ‘Hindu’ garden, inspired by 18th Century landscape designer Humphry Repton; and Batsford Arboretum.
It’s the perfect UK break for anyone who loves gardening.
REASONS TO BOOK
Meet Christine Walkden: Knowledgeable and engaging, Christine is the perfect special guest to join you on this superb tour. She will give a private talk about her career as a broadcaster, author and horticulturist. You will have the opportunity to ask her your own questions in a Q&A.
Explore Hidcote Manor: Christine will join you for a tour of the delightful and intricately designed Art and Crafts-inspired gardens at Hidcote Manor.
Tour Highgrove House: Since buying Highgrove House 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 also explore Broughton Grange, with gardens designed by multiple Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winner
Tom Stuart-Smith, and Rodmarton Manor’s ‘outdoor rooms’, each with its own character.
Beautiful setting: You will be staying throughout at the charming four-star Oxford Witney Hotel, just a short walk from Witney’s centre. Relax in the elegant bedrooms, take a dip in the pool or unwind in the spa.