The Gardens of
Devon

We depart by private executive coach from our designated pick up point. En route to our hotel we visit the National Trust’s Barrington Court near Ilminster. Colonel Lyle, whose family firm became part of Tate & Lyle, rescued the partially derelict 16th century Court House in the 1920s, surrounding it with a productive estate. A keen collector of architectural salvage, Colonel Lyle filled the house with his collection of panelling, fireplaces and staircases. The walled White Garden, Rose, Iris and Lily gardens were influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, with playing fountains, vibrant colours and intoxicating scents. We continue to the 3* Best Western Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torquay for a four night stay on a half board basis.

Day 2

We visit the RHS Garden Rosemoor today. The garden was made by Lady Anne Palmer and a master plan was produced by Elizabeth Banks Associates in 1990, when the garden was taken over by the Royal Horticultural Society. Time permitting we see the stunning spring flowers at Sutton Mead Gardens at Moretonhampstead.

Day 3

This morning we visit the National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre, an Arts and Crafts style house with an elegant Art Deco influenced interior situated in a spectacular coastal setting. In the RHS accredited garden, paths weave through glades, and past tranquil ponds and rare tender plants from New Zealand and South Africa. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour at Burnham Nurseries Orchid Paradise. The orchids in bloom at Burhnam Nurseries are ever changing with rare and exotic, to the popular and latest varieties. Many of these orchids you won't see anywhere else in the UK and are part of the nursery.

Day 4

On arrival in Dartmouth this morning we spend some time at leisure. We then take an included boat transfer to the National Trust’s Greenway House and Gardens. Offering an atmosphere of wildness and timelessness, this true ‘secret’ garden of peace and tranquillity offers wonderful views of the Dart Estuary and once featured on the BBC’s ‘Hidden Gardens’ (there is a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the quayside to the gardens, or there is a shuttle service between the ferry and the house (subject to availability) for those who require it). The house was the private holiday home of the famous and well loved author Agatha Christie, and contains many of the family's collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical China and books. We then return to Dartmouth by boat.

Day 5

After checking out of our hotel and en route home we visit Burrow Farm gardens near Axminster. This 13 acre garden is a peaceful oasis where a variety of different planting styles complement the stunning rural views. We continue to Pythouse Kitchen Garden, an enchanting 18th Century walled garden set in the stunning landscape of South Wiltshire. Taking carefully selected comfort stops en route, we return back to our original pick up point.