Autumn Tints of Dumfries and Galloway 9624

Autumn Tints of Dumfries and Galloway 9624

4 Days
From

$1115

Autumn Tints of Dumfries and Galloway 9624

4 Days Starting and ending in Scotland, United Kingdom

Visiting: Cumnock, Mull of Galloway, Kirkcudbright, Drumlanrig Castle

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BATG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1115

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

As the summer fades, autumn colours begin to blaze in high definition in the south-western corner of Scotland. As the warm yellows, rusty oranges and fiery reds consume the foliage we

explore the region’s most delightful gardens. Highlights of the tour include Dumfries House, actually in Ayrshire, which His Majesty King Charles helped to save and home to the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden; the Glenwhan Gardens spread out over a blustery hilltop with stupendous views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway and Logan Botanic Garden attractively laid out, particularly in the walled garden with its outstanding terraces andwell-planned borders. We also visit a handful of private gardens including Burnside, a mature 6 ½ acre garden home to a wide variety of plants and trees, Millhall with its vast collection of shrubs situated on a hillside running along the shore of the Dee Estuary. A real privilege is a visit to Brightwater tour manager Colin Crosbie’s own garden Dalswinton Mill – a real plantsman’s garden.



Highlights

  • Dumfries House with its world-class collection of furniture by Thomas Chippendale.

  • Explore the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden and the intriguing yew hedge maze.

  • Visit Glenwhan Gardens with views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway.

  • Discover the world-famous Logan Botanic Gardens at Port Logan.

  • Explore the private garden at Millhall, Kirkcudbright, with over 200 rhododendron species.

  • Visit the gardens of the Threave Estate, created by students at the School of Horticulture.

  • Experience the gardens at Drumlanrig Castle, surrounded by the Queensberry Estate.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Cumnock

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from your local pick-up point and head for Dumfries House, near Cumnock in Ayrshire. Its stunning interiors are home to a world-class collection of furniture by Thomas Chippendale and many late 18th Century cabinet makers, which recently featured on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. We are able to make the most of those interiors on our grand tour of the house, followed by tea and shortbread. We will also visit the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden, which is one of the best examples of its kind in Scotland and in many ways the flagship of the restoration project. You may also wish to venture into the intriguing yew hedge maze and see if you can reach the Japanese pagoda at its centre – and then find your way out again!
This afternoon we visit the private garden of Burnside, a maturing and constantly changing
6 ½ acre garden, home to a wide range of plants from trees to alpines, giving colour and variety all year. Next to the road flows the Drumbowie Burn, parallel to which is a woodland border and closer to the house is a raised bed and large collection of troughs, with an interesting range of alpines. The garden boasts herbaceous beds, ericaceous garden, screes, three alpine glasshouses with award-winning plants, an extensive Streptocarpus collection, polytunnel, pond and arboretum.

Day 2

Location: Mull of Galloway

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today after breakfast we visit Glenwhan Gardens, spread out over a windy hilltop with marvellous views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway. Since 1979 a very large, interesting and individual garden has been created that is filled with good plants. At its heart is an extensive pool, divided by a grassy causeway and fed by a tumbling stream. The slopes above are lavishly planted with trees and shrubs – almost any gardener will find something unfamiliar here.
This afternoon we continue to our next destination: the world-famous Logan Botanic Gardens at Port Logan. Port Logan lies in the Mull of Galloway, which juts out into the sea in the extreme south-west of Scotland. The garden was started by the McDougall family who lived here for 800 years, and since 1969 it has been in the care of the Royal Botanic Garden at Edinburgh. Logan Botanic Garden is beautifully laid out, particularly in the walled garden with its fine terraces and well-planned borders under an avenue of cabbage palms. The climate here is exceptionally mild and several different habitats provide conditions for a huge range of plants.  We return to our hotel.

Day 3

Location: Kirkcudbright

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we head for the private garden at Millhall, Kirkcudbright. This impressive
five-acre garden has a large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species. There are also camellias, hydrangeas and many rare Southern Hemisphere plants. The garden has several interesting paths and is on a hillside running along the rocky shore of the Dee Estuary in Kirkcudbright Bay.
Our next visit is the gardens of the Threave Estate. The gardens have been largely created by students at the School of Horticulture which started here in 1960. Mature woodland of beech, conifers and oaks form the background to a large collection of shrub roses, sweeping mixed borders, dwarf heathers, peat and rock gardens, a walled kitchen garden and superbly maintained glasshouses.
Our final visit today is Corsock House, where a large variety of acid-loving trees and shrubs, including many varieties of rhododendron, enhance the natural glades which run down from the loch to the ornamental water garden. Here pools, statues, temples and other adornments have appeared over the years and now it presents an Arcadian scene, all the more remarkable for being situated on the edge of wild moorland.

Day 4

Location: Drumlanrig Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we are privileged to see Colin Crosbie’s own garden, Dalswinton Mill with Colin guiding us round. As one would expect, this is very much a plantsman’s garden, set around an 18th-century watermill with the Pennyland Burn running through it. The garden contains a wide range of perennials, trees and shrubs that favour the local climate and have been planted during the last few years, including a good collection of deciduous azaleas. We enjoy morning coffee and scones before departing for our next visit.
The final stop on our tour are the gardens at Drumlanrig Castle. Surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, Country Park and grand Victorian gardens, Drumlanrig Castle was completed in 1691 by William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry and is one of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in the grand manner in Scotland.
Following our visit we return to our original departure points.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Meals as per itinerary

  • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary

  • Services of a professional tour manager

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a relaxing and convenient journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are provided as per the itinerary.

  • Is accommodation included in the tour?

    Yes, accommodation is included in the tour package.

  • Are entry fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Will there be a tour manager during the trip?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Dumfries House?

    The highlight of the visit to Dumfries House is the grand tour of the house, which features a world-class collection of furniture by Thomas Chippendale and other late 18th Century cabinet makers.

  • What can visitors expect to see at Glenwhan Gardens?

    Visitors to Glenwhan Gardens can expect to see a large, interesting garden with marvellous views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway, featuring an extensive pool, a grassy causeway, and slopes planted with trees and shrubs.

  • What makes Logan Botanic Gardens unique?

    Logan Botanic Gardens is unique due to its mild climate and diverse habitats, which allow for a wide range of plants. It is beautifully laid out with fine terraces and well-planned borders under an avenue of cabbage palms.

  • What is special about the garden at Millhall, Kirkcudbright?

    The garden at Millhall, Kirkcudbright, is special for its large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species, camellias, hydrangeas, and many rare Southern Hemisphere plants.

  • What can be seen at the gardens of the Threave Estate?

    The gardens of the Threave Estate feature mature woodland, a large collection of shrub roses, sweeping mixed borders, dwarf heathers, peat and rock gardens, a walled kitchen garden, and superbly maintained glasshouses.

  • What is the significance of Drumlanrig Castle in the tour?

    Drumlanrig Castle is significant for being one of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in the grand manner in Scotland, surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, Country Park, and grand Victorian gardens.

  • 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.

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Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$1115
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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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