The Best of the West: Award Winning Gardens of Somerset and Wiltshire 12-15 May 2022
An early summer tour in the South West of England to enjoy the finest in gardens and historic houses with Glenis Smith and BB&O Flower Club
The South West of England has varied gardens of great beauty. On this four-day tour, you will explore the area's best gardens, stately homes, a historic Abbey, and the pretty, historic city of Wells!
Coach tour will depart from local pick-up points
For help in how to book this tour - scroll down the page.
What we love
Experiences you will treasure
How much is it?
What's included in your holiday
Your Group Organiser
Itinerary - what you will do when
Where you will be staying
4* Mercure Bridgwater
The 4-star Mercure Bridgwater Hotel is conveniently set in heart of the historic town, making it easy for guests to get around. This modern and contemporary style hotel features 119 rooms, all of which are thoughtfully decorated with style and comfort in mind.
The hotel is complemented by a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, where guests can enjoy delicious food from a carefully planned and professional menu which champions the use of seasonal produce. The Bar serves cocktails and an impressive drinks selection. After a busy day, guests can rejuvenate in the modern fitness suite before heading back to a comfortable contemporary room.
Full breakfast and nightly 3-course dinner is included during your stay.
How to Book
A Deeper Dive
Regarded to be one of the best-preserved examples of a ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland. Bowood is also recognised for its award-winning walled gardens, an Italian-inspired terrace garden, an ever-changing herbaceous border, and the most remarkable of all, The Woodland Gardens.
Home to the stunning Mortlake tapestries, woven from the internationally famous Raphael cartoons, now housed in the V&A, the Abbey has a rich and varied history spanning 900 years. The award-winning Abbey gardens include topiary lined vistas, colourful herbaceous borders, an arboretum, and a bog garden which, together with swathes of early spring bulbs and camellias, provide all year round interest.
This iconic and quintessentially English cottage garden was created by the celebrated 20th-century plants woman and gardening writer Margery Fish. Here she developed her own style of gardening, combining old-fashioned and contemporary plants in a relaxed and informal manner to create a garden of immense beauty and charm. The English Heritage Grade 1 listed garden is characterised by many winding paths through abundant borders and is renowned as the premier example of the English cottage garden style.
Lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and stunning views. Hestercombe House & Gardens are a unique combination of three centuries of design: Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian formal garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll.
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens have been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Surrounded by a breath-taking moat, visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge, walk under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells. The Palace Gardens are hidden within the ancient ramparts and protected by the moat, where 14 acres of stunning, tranquil gardens await you!
Before you book
Additional information:
- Please read our Booking Conditions , Covid-19 Additional Terms and Information and our commitment to your welfare.
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This tour requires a minimum of 35 passengers (refer to point 7 in our booking conditions) If passenger numbers are below this the tour may be cancelled, or re-costed with a small additional fee to pay.
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Mobility: this tour is generally suitable for most, if you are concerned or have specific issues please let us know ahead of booking
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Please ensure you have a valid passport (at least six months from the date of travel) and visa (if travelling on a non-EU passport)
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Travel insurance is required, please check you have adequate cover for COVID-19 related issues
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We look forward to arranging your future holiday, and with over twenty years of experience we are here to help with any questions you may have.
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