Gardens of Yorkshire 9711

Gardens of Yorkshire 9711

13 Views
4 Days From

$1395

Gardens of Yorkshire 9711

4 Days Starting in Yorkshire, United Kingdom and ending in Leeds, United Kingdom

Visiting: Yorkshire, Ripon, Harrogate, Leeds

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BGOY

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Trip Styles:

Luxury, UK tours by Coach

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1395

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

Tour Overview

Uncover the delights of Yorkshire with us as we discover some of the best gardens in England’s largest county. We begin with a visit to Harewood House one the Treasure Houses of England. The next day we visit the classic walled garden of Littlethorpe Manor, where we enjoy a guided tour, featuring the impressive apothecaries garden before we continue to Newby Hall with its impressive double herbaceous borders.

We enjoy some free time in Harrogate before we head to Harlow Carr, the RHS’s northern flagship, where again we will enjoy a guided tour, giving us a personal insight into the continued development of this landmark garden. Our last visit is to York Gate, a one-acre garden tucked behind the ancient church at Adel on the northern outskirts of Leeds. 

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning gardens of Yorkshire.

  • Visit Harewood House, a Grade I listed building with an impressive art collection and gardens designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

  • Discover the garden of Littlethorpe Manor, featuring a walled garden, sunken garden, and an apothecary's garden.

  • Tour Newby Hall's gardens, influenced by Hidcote Manor, with double herbaceous borders and yew hedges.

  • Enjoy free time in the spa town of Harrogate, known for its elegant architecture and gardens.

  • Visit Harlow Carr, the Royal Horticultural Society's northern flagship, with a rose garden and arboretum.

  • Explore York Gate, a one-acre garden with themed sections and innovative design, supporting Perennial, the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Yorkshire

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our designated pick-up points and head northwards to our first visit, Harewood House. Sitting in the heart of Yorkshire the house was built in the 18th century, designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam for the 1st Baron of Harewood. A Grade I listed building, the house is home to an art collection that is one of the finest in Britain. We have the chance to explore this impressive collection as well as time to explore over 100 acres of gardens, with a variety of plants from around the world in the setting of a wonderful landscape designed by Lancelot ’Capability’ Brown.
We later make our way to our hotel where dinner will be served in the evening.
 

Day 2

Location: Ripon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast, we depart for a visit to the garden of Littlethorpe Manor, which features a walled garden based on the cycle of the seasons, a sunken garden with white rose parterre and herbs, and a brick pergola which at this time of year features Agapanthus, Aster frikartii ‘Monch’, Echinops, while a second flush of Anthemis fills the borders. The gardens also feature terraces with ornamental pots, formal lawns with a fountain pool, hornbeam towers and yew hedging and parkland with a lake and water feature. It was recently extended and now additionally boasts a stunning apothecary’s garden. A guided tour is included here.
This afternoon we will visit the house and gardens of Newby Hall, near Ripon. Set around a beautiful late 17th century house, the gardens slope gently down to the River Ure and feature an outstanding collection of plants. The present design, dating from the 1920s (little remains of the original formal gardens), is influenced by Lawrence Johnston’s Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire and is based around a huge central axis of double herbaceous borders flanked by yew hedges. Newby Hall itself is one of Britain’s finest Adam houses and an exceptional example of 18th-century interior design.

Day 3

Location: Harrogate

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast, there is free time to enjoy the spa town of Harrogate. Known for its elegant architecture, gardens and rich cultural heritage the town is full of charm and has something to interest every visitor.
This afternoon we visit Harlow Carr, the Royal Horticultural Society’s northern flagship, which continues to set the highest possible standards in the gardening world. Within this handsome and well-wooded site there are sections devoted to particular groups of plants, a rose garden, a bulb garden and an arboretum, along with three different kinds of rockeries. We enjoy a guided tour here followed by some time to explore at leisure.  You may choose to visit Betty’s Tearoom, which enjoys an elevated position with sweeping views over the garden below.
 

Day 4

Location: Leeds

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we leave our hotel for our final visit to York Gate, a one-acre garden tucked behind the ancient church at Adel on the northern outskirts of Leeds. Created by the Spencer family during the second half of the twentieth century, this is a garden of immense style and craftsmanship, widely recognised as one of the most innovative small gardens of the period. The garden is divided by yew and beech hedges into a series of smaller gardens each with its own theme and style. The formal Herb Garden with its topiary leads to the Dell with its half hidden pathways and stream. Evergreens clipped into strong architectural shapes are used to spectacular effect throughout the garden. By visiting the York Gate Garden we are also supporting Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, who have owned and cared for the garden since 1994. Lunch facilities are available here (not included). Follow our visit we continue to our original pick-up points.
 

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • All sites as outlined in the itinerary

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

  • Services of a professional tour manager

What's Not Included

Lunch facilities at York GateLunch facilities are available at York Gate but are not included in the tour package.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes a stay at the four-star Bridge Hotel and Spa, where you will enjoy three nights with dinner, bed, and breakfast.

  • Is transportation included in the tour?

    Yes, comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless journey between all the outlined visits.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the trip?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included throughout your journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes dinner, bed, and breakfast for three nights at the Bridge Hotel and Spa.

  • What can I expect to see at Harewood House?

    At Harewood House, you can explore an impressive art collection and over 100 acres of gardens with a variety of plants from around the world, set in a landscape designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

  • What is special about the gardens at Littlethorpe Manor?

    Littlethorpe Manor features a walled garden based on the cycle of the seasons, a sunken garden with a white rose parterre, a brick pergola, terraces with ornamental pots, formal lawns with a fountain pool, and a recently extended apothecary's garden.

  • What highlights can I expect at Newby Hall?

    Newby Hall features gardens with a central axis of double herbaceous borders flanked by yew hedges, and the house itself is an exceptional example of 18th-century interior design.

  • What is unique about York Gate Garden?

    York Gate Garden is known for its style and craftsmanship, divided into smaller themed gardens with features like a formal Herb Garden, the Dell with hidden pathways, and evergreens clipped into architectural shapes.

  • 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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Monday - Thursday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
$1395
Prices last published on 21-Dec-2024

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  • 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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