England: Somerset’s Secret Gardens 5293
England: Somerset’s Secret Gardens 5293
England: Somerset’s Secret Gardens 5293
4 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: Taunton, Wells, Quantock Hills
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSSG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the hidden gems of Somerset's enchanting gardens on this captivating tour. Begin your journey with a visit to the serene Coldharbour Cottage, nestled in the countryside near Radstock. Explore the vibrant gardens of Batcombe House and the historic terraces of Milton Lodge in Wells, offering breathtaking views of the Vale of Avalon. Delight in the formal elegance of Bradon Farm and the unique sculptures at Lane End House. Experience the stunning vistas from Hillcrest and the diverse landscapes of the Quantock Hills. Conclude your adventure at the Walled Gardens of Cannington, featuring a botanical glasshouse and Victorian fernery. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and expert guidance throughout this unforgettable exploration of Somerset's secret gardens.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Taunton
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn, Taunton
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our London, Reading, Swindon and Bristol pick-up points this morning and head for our first visit, the privately-owned Watcombe garden, a ¾ acre garden was created between 1937 and 1975, in an Edwardian style of formal layout and informal planting. Because different parts were acquired at different times, there is an eclectic mix of topiary, box hedging, a lime walk, pleached hornbeams, two formal ponds, mixed herbaceous borders and orchard. There are many unusual trees and shrubs, separated by a strong framework, giving scope for exploring round unexpected corners.We then continue to our accommodation in North Petherton.
Day 2
Location: Wells
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn, Taunton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the privately-owned garden at Batcombe House near Shepton Mallet, considered to be one of the best in the county. This is a plantswoman's and designer's garden of two parts: one a riot of colour through kitchen terraces and a potager leading to a wildflower orchard; the other a calm contemporary amphitheatre with large herbaceous borders and interesting trees and shrubs.
We then continue into the beautiful Cathedral City of Wells – the smallest city in the country, where there will be time to look around at leisure and have lunch (not included).
The garden at Milton Lodge in Wells is a mature Grade II, terraced garden conceived around 1900. It is the sloping ground which was transformed into architectural terraces with a profusion of plants, some still thriving today, that capitalises on views of Wells Cathedral and Vale of Avalon. It was in 1960 when the garden was lovingly restored to its former glory by replacing an orchard with a raised collection of ornamental trees.
We finish today at Stoberry Garden, which like the previous visit offers breathtaking views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon. The six-acre family garden is planted sympathetically within its landscape, providing a stunning combination of vistas accented with wildlife ponds, water features and sculpture. There is also a large walled garden, a sunken garden, gazebo, potager and lime walk.
Dinner is served in the evening back at our hotel.
Day 3
Location: Taunton
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn, Taunton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We begin today with a visit to Bradon Farm near Taunton, a classic formal garden demonstrating the effective use of structure. Features include a parterre, a knot garden, a pleached lime walk, a formal pond, herbaceous borders, an orchard and wildflower planting.
Travelling to the village of Stoke St Gregory we find Lane End House, where a rough grazing field has been transformed into a well-stocked garden with a large number of specimen trees. There are also vegetable and fruit patches, an orchard and wildlife pond sitting alongside grasses and nectar rich flowers, an apiary, flower borders, seating areas and a number of unique sculptures.
Close by is the garden of Hillcrest, which enjoys stunning views over the Somerset Levels, Burrow Mump and Glastonbury Tor. There are woodland walks, varied borders, a flowering meadow and several ponds, along with a produce garden and a large gravel garden.
Day 4
Location: Quantock Hills
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive through the heaths and woodlands of the Quantock Hills, which were designated as England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
We continue to our final visit, the Walled Gardens of Cannington. Classic and contemporary features include a hot herbaceous border, a blue garden, a sub-tropical walk and a Victorian style fernery. There is also a botanical glasshouse where arid, sub-tropical and tropical plants can be seen.
Following this we continue our homeward journey and expect to arrive back at our original departure point in the early evening.
What's Included
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Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Walnut Tree (or similar) in Taunton
The tour includes three nights of dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Walnut Tree or a similar accommodation in Taunton.
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Comfortable coaching throughout
Comfortable transportation is provided throughout the tour.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Services of a Professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
Lunch on Day 2 is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with our coaching service throughout the tour, departing from London, Reading, Swindon, and Bristol, and enjoy scenic drives through the picturesque landscapes of Somerset.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Holiday Inn, Taunton, with three nights' dinner, bed, and breakfast included, ensuring a relaxing retreat after exploring Somerset's secret gardens.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes three nights' dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Walnut Tree or a similar accommodation in Taunton.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Comfortable coaching is provided throughout the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes dinner, bed, and breakfast for three nights.
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Is there a tour manager available during the tour?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.
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What can I expect to see at the Walled Gardens of Cannington?
The Walled Gardens of Cannington feature classic and contemporary elements, including a hot herbaceous border, a blue garden, a sub-tropical walk, a Victorian style fernery, and a botanical glasshouse with arid, sub-tropical, and tropical plants.
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What is unique about the garden at Stoberry House?
Stoberry House offers breathtaking views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon, with a six-acre family garden that includes wildlife ponds, water features, sculpture, a large walled garden, a sunken garden, gazebo, potager, and lime walk.
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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.