The southern county of Hampshire is home to National Parks, country idylls and a beautiful coastline. It is also home to a stunning selection of gardens, many of which are associated with some of the great names in gardening history. We visit three very different gardens, each with their own uniqueness, and an array of beautiful places.
The four star Crowne Plaza Basingstoke is a friendly hotel in an ideal location.
Hot drinks facilities, Wifi & Air Conditioning.
Itinerary
Sunday Departing from our home area we travel to Hampshire with a break for lunch on the way.
Monday This morning we venture into the New Forest National Park and have a scenic tour of this beautiful area. We break in the capital of the forest Lyndhurst before visiting Exbury Gardens. This spectacular two hundred acre woodland garden is famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
Tuesday Our day begins in Farnham, a historic market town known for its Georgian streets, historic buildings and craft heritage. Later we visit the Gilbert White and The Oates Collection. A unique house, garden and parklands celebrating the lives of three explorers of the natural world. The historic house was the home of naturalist Gilbert White and the majestic restored garden specialises in eighteenth century plants and gardening methods inspired by Gilbert White.
Wednesday This morning we enjoy time in the historic town of Winchester. There will be time to enjoy a number of its historic gems including the Cathedral or the Great Hall which houses the legendary Arthurian Round Table. After lunch we visit The Vyne, a house filled with family collections of furniture, portraits, textiles and sculptures. The attractive gardens feature an ornamental lake and one of the earliest summerhouses in England.
Thursday After breakfast we leave Basingstoke and break our journey for lunch in the town of Poundbury. This unique place was designed and developed in accordance with the principles established by the Prince of Wales on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. We continue our journey to Cornwall.
Term
Single rooms available at a supplement of £88 per person
Home pick up £12 per person
£75 non-refundable deposit
Balance due 6 weeks prior to travel
Tour subject to loading
Total Price Includes:
Premier Class coach travel
Free optional travel insurance
4 Nights dinner, bed & breakfast
Excursions as detailed
Admission to Exbury Gardens
Admission to Gilbert White & The Oates Collection
Admission to The Vyne House & Gardens
Free parking at depot
Pick up points throughout Cornwall