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HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW & THE GARDENS OF WALES & THE WELSH BORDERS - Ten Day Tour (Tour 304) |
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DAY 1 Depart London for Abbey House Gardens. This 5 acre garden adjacent to the ancient Malmesbury Abbey, has been created during the last 5 years and contains the largest private collection of roses in the country. Cross the Severn Bridge into Wales and visit St. Fagans Castle Gardens and the Museum of Welsh Life where traditional tools and techniques have been used to re-create the social history of gardens in Wales. Visit the fairytale castle of Castell Coch then on to your hotel. Over-night,
Swansea. BD DAY 2 An excursion today takes you to Aberglasney an historic 11 acre garden restored with schemes by Penelope Hobhouse then on to the new National Botanic Garden of Wales with its great glasshouse and generous plantings. Later visit to the peaceful boat house where the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas retreated to write much of his famous work. Over-night, Swansea. BD DAY 3 Travelling North this morning visit Winllan private garden that is a haven for wildlife including 200 species of wildflower. Stop in old town of Dolgellau with its narrow streets and ancient stone buildings before visiting Portmeiron a fascinating and unique 'Italianate' village set in 70 acres of sub-tropical woodlands overlooking the sands of the Towy estuary. Over-night - Caernarfon. BD DAY
4 Tour the Snowdonia National Park and ride on one of the 'Great Little Trains of Wales' before visiting Bodnant Gardens. Considered one of the finest gardens in Europe, in summer the Terraced Gardens are very colourful with roses, herbaceous plants and water lilies. Over-night, Caernarfon. BD DAY 5 A scenic drive takes you via Bala to visit a wonderful private home and garden where lunch will be served. On now to the charming and historic town of Ludlow set among the gentle Shropshire hills. Over-night, Ludlow. BL DAY 6 Morning visit to Arrow Cottage garden a two-acre plantsman's garden then on to Hampton Court Gardens in Herefordshire an ambitious new garden surrounding a 15th century castle. This evening enjoy a Ludlow Festival performance of a Shakespeare play in the ancient ruins of Ludlow Castle. Over-night, Ludlow. BD DAY 7 Leisurely start before visiting the famous 'hanging' gardens at Powis Castle. En route for London stop to visit a lovely private garden for a tour and afternoon tea with the owner. Over-night, London. B DAY 8 Spend the day at the Hampton Court Flower Show. Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, this is the largest annual gardening event in the world and a highlight of the English summer season. The tour ends after breakfast. B Hotels. Hotels The Plaza on Hyde Park, London. 3 star. Bright, up-to-date hotel overlooking Hyde Park and within walking distance of Marble Arch and the shops of Oxford and Bond Streets. 402 bedrooms. The Swansea Marriott - Swansea. 4 star. Smart modern hotel with views of Swansea Bay. Indoor swimming pool. 117 bedrooms. Seiont Manor - Caernarfon. 3 star. Located in tranquil Welsh countryside this comfortable hotel was created from old barn buildings. Indoor swimming pool. 28 bedrooms. The Feathers - Ludlow. 3 star. Picturesque traditional hotel located in the town centre and famous for its carved woodwork exterior. 40 bedrooms. D = Table d'hote dinner. Price includes:
* 9 nights accommodation inclusive of full breakfast and tax
* Dinner on Days 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7
* Fully qualified British tour guide with a special knowledge of gardens/gardening
* Transportation in de luxe air-conditioned touring coach
* Entrance fees and tours with owners, head gardeners or site guides whenever available
* Ticket for Ludlow Festival play
* Ticket for Hampton Court Flower Show
* Annual membership of the RHS
* Porterage of 1 piece of baggage per person
* Map of London & touring map of the UK
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