England: Somerset’s Secret Gardens 5293

England: Somerset’s Secret Gardens 5293

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4 Days From

$1180

England: Somerset’s Secret Gardens 5293

4 Days Starting and ending in London, England

Visiting: Taunton, Wells, Quantock Hills

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BSSG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Light

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1180

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the hidden gems of Somerset's enchanting gardens on this captivating tour. Begin your journey with a visit to the serene Coldharbour Cottage, nestled in the countryside near Radstock. Explore the vibrant gardens of Batcombe House and the historic terraces of Milton Lodge in Wells, offering breathtaking views of the Vale of Avalon. Delight in the formal elegance of Bradon Farm and the unique sculptures at Lane End House. Experience the stunning vistas from Hillcrest and the diverse landscapes of the Quantock Hills. Conclude your adventure at the Walled Gardens of Cannington, featuring a botanical glasshouse and Victorian fernery. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and expert guidance throughout this unforgettable exploration of Somerset's secret gardens.

Highlights

  • Eclectic mix of topiary and hedging at Watcombe

  • Breathtaking views of Wells and the Vale of Avalon at Stoberry

  • Grade I registered garden of Iford Manor

  • The hidden gem of Cannington Walled Garden

  • Scenic drive through the Quantock Hills

  • Visit to the privately-owned Coldharbour Cottage near Radstock

  • Explore the beautiful Cathedral City of Wells, the smallest city in the country

Places You'll See

England: Somerset’S Secret Gardens 5293

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Taunton

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn, Taunton

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our London, Reading, Swindon and Bristol pick-up points this morning and head for our first visit, the privately-owned Watcombe garden, a ¾ acre garden was created between 1937 and 1975, in an Edwardian style of formal layout and informal planting. Because different parts were acquired at different times, there is an eclectic mix of topiary, box hedging, a lime walk, pleached hornbeams, two formal ponds, mixed herbaceous borders and orchard. There are many unusual trees and shrubs, separated by a strong framework, giving scope for exploring round unexpected corners.We then continue to our accommodation in North Petherton.

Day 2

Location: Wells

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn, Taunton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit the privately-owned garden at Batcombe House near Shepton Mallet, considered to be one of the best in the county. This is a plantswoman's and designer's garden of two parts: one a riot of colour through kitchen terraces and a potager leading to a wildflower orchard; the other a calm contemporary amphitheatre with large herbaceous borders and interesting trees and shrubs.

We then continue into the beautiful Cathedral City of Wells – the smallest city in the country, where there will be time to look around at leisure and have lunch (not included).

The garden at Milton Lodge in Wells is a mature Grade II, terraced garden conceived around 1900. It is the sloping ground which was transformed into architectural terraces with a profusion of plants, some still thriving today, that capitalises on views of Wells Cathedral and Vale of Avalon.  It was in 1960 when the garden was lovingly restored to its former glory by replacing an orchard with a raised collection of ornamental trees.

We finish today at Stoberry Garden, which like the previous visit offers breathtaking views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon. The six-acre family garden is planted sympathetically within its landscape, providing a stunning combination of vistas accented with wildlife ponds, water features and sculpture. There is also a large walled garden, a sunken garden, gazebo, potager and lime walk.

Dinner is served in the evening back at our hotel.

Day 3

Location: Taunton

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn, Taunton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We begin today with a visit to Bradon Farm near Taunton, a classic formal garden demonstrating the effective use of structure. Features include a parterre, a knot garden, a pleached lime walk, a formal pond, herbaceous borders, an orchard and wildflower planting.

Travelling to the village of Stoke St Gregory we find Lane End House, where a rough grazing field has been transformed into a well-stocked garden with a large number of specimen trees. There are also vegetable and fruit patches, an orchard and wildlife pond sitting alongside grasses and nectar rich flowers, an apiary, flower borders, seating areas and a number of unique sculptures.

Close by is the garden of Hillcrest, which enjoys stunning views over the Somerset Levels, Burrow Mump and Glastonbury Tor. There are woodland walks, varied borders, a flowering meadow and several ponds, along with a produce garden and a large gravel garden.

Day 4

Location: Quantock Hills

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive through the heaths and woodlands of the Quantock Hills, which were designated as England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.

We continue to our final visit, the Walled Gardens of Cannington. Classic and contemporary features include a hot herbaceous border, a blue garden, a sub-tropical walk and a Victorian style fernery. There is also a botanical glasshouse where arid, sub-tropical and tropical plants can be seen.

Following this we continue our homeward journey and expect to arrive back at our original departure point in the early evening.

What's Included

  • Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Walnut Tree (or similar) in Taunton

    The tour includes three nights of dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Walnut Tree or a similar accommodation in Taunton.

  • Comfortable coaching throughout

    Comfortable transportation is provided throughout the tour.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Services of a Professional tour manager

    The services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

Lunch on Day 2Lunch on Day 2 is not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with our coaching service throughout the tour, departing from London, Reading, Swindon, and Bristol, and enjoy scenic drives through the picturesque landscapes of Somerset.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Holiday Inn, Taunton, with three nights' dinner, bed, and breakfast included, ensuring a relaxing retreat after exploring Somerset's secret gardens.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes three nights' dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Walnut Tree or a similar accommodation in Taunton.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Comfortable coaching is provided throughout the tour.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes dinner, bed, and breakfast for three nights.

  • Is there a tour manager available during the tour?

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

  • What can I expect to see at the Walled Gardens of Cannington?

    The Walled Gardens of Cannington feature classic and contemporary elements, including a hot herbaceous border, a blue garden, a sub-tropical walk, a Victorian style fernery, and a botanical glasshouse with arid, sub-tropical, and tropical plants.

  • What is unique about the garden at Stoberry House?

    Stoberry House offers breathtaking views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon, with a six-acre family garden that includes wildlife ponds, water features, sculpture, a large walled garden, a sunken garden, gazebo, potager, and lime walk.

  • 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
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.

John G R (Google Reviewer)  

Now, this is a wee...

08-Nov-2024

Now, this is a wee family run holiday that is run from a bedroom. Outrageous prices for a holiday in scotland.👍

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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Saturday - Tuesday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$1180
Prices last published on 21-Dec-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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