Channel Islands: Gardens of Jersey 5295
Channel Islands: Gardens of Jersey 5295
Channel Islands: Gardens of Jersey 5295
5 Days Starting in Jersey and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Jersey, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BJER
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the Channel Islands with the "Gardens of Jersey" tour. Discover the enchanting beauty of Jersey's private gardens, where enthusiastic owners showcase their diverse styles and exotic plants. Marvel at the stunning Samarès Botanical Gardens and the award-winning Eric Young Orchid Foundation. Enjoy breathtaking sea views and explore wildflower meadows. With opportunities to delve into Jersey's rich history at attractions like the Jersey War Tunnels and Mont Orgueil Castle, or take a day trip to the charming island of Guernsey, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Relax in comfortable accommodations and savor delicious meals, all while being guided by a professional tour manager. This unforgettable experience promises to delight garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Jersey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
We fly from London Gatwick to Jersey (flights from regional airports are also available on request at a supplement). On arrival, we will be met by our coach and transfer to our comfortable accommodation. Our local guide will host a pre-dinner welcome meeting to introduce us to the island.
On our May departure there will also be a visit to Le Noir Pre, where hopefully the wild orchids will be in bloom. the rare Jersey wild orchid, the Spotted Orchid and the Southern Marsh Orchid are to be found in this particular field St Ouen, which is owned by the National Trust for Jersey.
Day 2
Location: Jersey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pomme d’Or Hotel, St Helier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast. We visit three private gardens today, beginning at Domain des Vaux. The gardens and woodland are set around a traditional Jersey farmhouse. There are magnificent specimens of magnolias and camellias as well as a kitchen garden and formal herb garden here.
We continue to Les Aix, which is built around a traditional granite house, with an orchard, nut and camellia trees, a yew and bush maze, and borders with old English roses.
At Creux Baillot we will meet the enthusiastic owner of this, one of the most established gardens on the island, which contains many rare and unusual plants. A large bog garden contains water loving irises while other drier areas include species from Central America.
On our June departure there will also be a visit to Le Noir Pré, where hopefully the wild orchids to be found there for several weeks from mid-May will still be in bloom. The rare Jersey wild orchid, the Spotted Orchid and the Southern Marsh Orchid are to be found in this particular field at St Ouen, which is owned by the National Trust for Jersey.
Day 3
Location: Jersey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pomme d’Or Hotel, St Helier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast the day is free to explore the many attractions that Jersey has to offer. A frequent bus service connects the various attractions on island and among the places you may consider visiting are the Jersey War Tunnels, an award-winning exhibition based in a former underground hospital which tells the story of Jersey’s occupation by the Nazis in World War Two; Mont Orgueil Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Britain, which stood as the first line of defence against French invasion after the fall of Rouen in 1204; and the Maritime Museum, which tells of Jersey’s close association with the sea (entrances not included).
The principal town of St Helier has a good range of shops and there are further high quality retail outlets out of town such as Jersey Pottery and Jersey Pearl. A variety of boat trips can be arranged locally, including day trips to the historic walled city of St Malo on the French mainland, which has many fine restaurants and attractive shops (passport required).
Alternatively, join our pre-arranged optional excursion to the neighbouring island of Guernsey. Return ferry crossings and coach transfers are included along with a visit to Sausmarez Manor, parts of which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. As well as a guided tour of the fascinating house, there is time to explore the lush semi-topical gardens, filled with a multitude of exotic plants. There is also time for a stroll through St Peter Port, arguably the prettiest of the Channel Island towns, before we take the ferry back to Jersey.
Day 4
Location: Jersey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pomme d’Or Hotel, St Helier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the privately-owned Samarès Botanical Garden, a development of gardens created in the 1920s by Sir James Knott. The gardens are extensive, tranquil and diverse in style and include a renowned herb garden and Japanese garden with all the plants clearly labelled.
After some free time in Gorey we move on to the Eric Young Orchid Foundation, which has an outstanding collection of orchids and has won gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. We can admire the sheer diversity of this most extravagant and flamboyant of all flowers in a purpose-built display facility.
We round off the day at Ransoms Garden Centre, where we enjoy a cream tea and have a chance to pick up some souvenirs.
Day 5
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, following breakfast, we transfer to the airport in time for our return flight back to London or regional airports.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the tour package.
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Meals as per itinerary
Meals are provided as per the itinerary.
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Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
Entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Services of a professional tour manager
A professional tour manager will be available throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as the trip to Guernsey, are not included.
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Entrance Fees for Optional Attractions
Entrance fees for optional attractions like the Jersey War Tunnels and Mont Orgueil Castle are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach transfers, including airport transfers from London Gatwick to Jersey. Enjoy the convenience of a frequent bus service connecting various attractions on the island, and optional ferry crossings for excursions to Guernsey.
Accommodation
Stay at the comfortable Pomme d’Or Hotel in St Helier, Jersey, offering a welcoming atmosphere and convenient access to the island's attractions. Enjoy a relaxing stay with modern amenities and a central location, perfect for exploring the beautiful gardens and landscapes of Jersey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of gardens will we visit on the tour?
During the tour, you will visit a variety of gardens including private gardens with diverse styles, such as the Domaine des Vaux with its magnolias and camellias, Les Aix with its orchard and maze, and Creux Baillot with rare and unusual plants. You will also explore the Samarès Botanical Garden, known for its herb and Japanese gardens, and the Eric Young Orchid Foundation, which features an outstanding collection of orchids.
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Are there any special events or seasonal highlights during the tour?
Yes, on the May and June departures, there is a visit to Le Noir Pré where you can see the rare Jersey wild orchid, the Spotted Orchid, and the Southern Marsh Orchid in bloom, depending on the timing of your visit.
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What activities are available on the free day in Jersey?
On the free day in Jersey, you can explore attractions such as the Jersey War Tunnels, Mont Orgueil Castle, and the Maritime Museum. You can also enjoy shopping in St Helier or take a boat trip to St Malo. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Guernsey, which includes a visit to Sausmarez Manor and time to explore St Peter Port.
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes accommodation, meals as per the itinerary, entries to all sites as per the itinerary, comfortable coach travel throughout, and the services of a professional tour manager.
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Is there an option to visit another island during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional excursion to the neighboring island of Guernsey, which includes return ferry crossings, coach transfers, a visit to Sausmarez Manor, and time to explore St Peter Port.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.