Snowdrops of Eastern Scotland 711

Snowdrops of Eastern Scotland 711

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4 Days From

$975

Snowdrops of Eastern Scotland 711

4 Days Starting and ending in Cambo House, Kingsbarns, St Andrews KY16 8QD, UK

Visiting: Barnhill Rock Garden, Cambo Estate, Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Ellon Castle, Crathes Castle, Bruckhills Croft, Ecclesgreig Castle, Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BSES

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 25

Physical rating:

Gentle

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $975

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

As the dainty white flowers of the snowdrop break through the winter frosts, it’s a sure sign that spring is on the way. This tour takes us to some of the most dazzling displays of Galanthus to be found on the eastern side of Scotland. Our visits include Cambo Gardens, home to the Plant Heritage national collection of snowdrops, and the private garden of Bruckhills Croft, with its informal cottage-style garden.

At Ellon Castle, carpets of snowdrops can be seen throughout the grounds and at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, there is a collection of specialist snowdrops. Other visits include Barnhill Rock Garden which spans more than two hectares; Crathes Castle whose woods are filled with snowdrops and the Cruickshank Botanic Garden in Old Aberdeen.

Highlights

  • Private Garden of Bruckhills Croft

  • Tour of Ellon Castle Gardens

  • Tour of the snowdrop collection at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Places You'll See

Snowdrops Of Eastern Scotland 711

Snowdrops Of Eastern Scotland 711

Snowdrops Of Eastern Scotland 711

Snowdrops Of Eastern Scotland 711

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Barnhill Rock Garden, Cambo Estate

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Village Hotel Aberdeen

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We depart from our designated pick-up points for the Cambo Estate near St Andrews, where we can enjoy the winter garden and specialist snowdrop collection with over 200 varieties. Lady Magdalen Erskine was a keen gardener and with the help of her family encouraged the spread of snowdrops throughout the 70 acres of woodland. We can enjoy a guided tour before  a light lunch with refreshments.
We continue toward Dundee where we find Barnhill Rock Garden which spans two hectares of a former nine-hole golf course which was laid out when the Dundee to Aberdeen railway line was built. Started in 1955 by clearing an area of volcanic rock, the garden has since been extended and now includes a pergola, the Geddes Glasshouse and the ‘Snowdrop Wood’.

Day 2

Location: Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Ellon Castle

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Village Hotel Aberdeen

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we pay a visit to the gardens of Ellon Castle, where amongst its ancient Yew trees we will find a carpet of snowdrops.
This afternoon we explore the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, an 11-acre area in Old Aberdeen that includes shrub borders, a rock and water garden and is home to a nationally important collection of over 2,500 labelled plants.

Day 3

Location: Crathes Castle, Bruckhills Croft

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We make our way to a private garden located in the rural village of Rothienorman, Bruckhills Croft. This cottage-style garden extends to almost three quarters of an acre and a further acre includes a wildflower meadow and pond. This garden was awarded National Garden Collection status in 2021 for snowdrops so we can expect an impressive display.
Later we depart for Crathes Castle. Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house. Inside there is a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits and fine antique furniture to painted ceilings. On the estate there are marked trails that lead through the mixed woodlands, which at this time of year are home to a fine display of snowdrops.

Day 4

Location: Ecclesgreig Castle, Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Aberdeen and head south to Ecclesgreig Castle and Gardens, perched on a hilltop overlooking the North Sea. Known principally for its excellent example of Renaissance gardening, there is also a charming display of snowdrops.
We continue to Edinburgh and visit the Royal Botanic Garden, where we view a collection of specialist snowdrops. We return to our original pick-up points.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

  • Services of a professional tour manager

  • Meals - as per the itinerary

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

What's Not Included

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • 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.

  • 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 .

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Monday

Feb 21, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025
$975

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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