Garden Guided Tours

From the journal · 2016-08-01

To get you started on your planning we have put together a fascinating range of Garden Tour destinations for you to choose from. We give you the ultimate flexibility to combine most of the garden locations to create you very own Discover England Garden Tour.

Just six steps to create your perfect English Garden Tour

Private guided Englsh Garden Tours just for your party of 2 to 6 guests - you don’t share with any other group.

Relaxed touring without having to pack your bags and move on each day.

With our expert local knowledge we help you create your very own personal itinerary.

A wonderful selections of gardens in the South of England to visit throughout the year.

Time for you to linger and immerse yourself in the beauty and splendour of English gardens in full bloom - we won’t hurry you along on this garden tour.

You will be staying at Church House, our lovely 18th century thatched home in the heart of the Dorset countryside, yet only 2 hours from London.

The time to linger and talk to the gardener

Which gardens can you visit?

Below we have listed just some of the wonderful gardens that you can see on your garden tours.  These are mostly the famous names but we can also include gardens attached to private homes that are open occasionally for charity on the National Gardens Scheme.  We have everything from traditional English herbaceous borders, roses and ancient topiary to glorious rhododendrons and azaleas, Gertrude Jekyll restorations and the amazing landscape gardens such as Stourhead. When you stay with us you create your own garden tour with all the help you need from us.

For those staying 7 nights or more we can also organise garden tours to:

The Cotswolds Including Hidcote, Kiftsgate and other beautiful gardens. South East England including R.H.S. Wisley, Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Nymans, Denmans and others smaller gardens in the South East of England. North Devon/Somerset Hestercombe, Cothay Manor, Knightshayes, R.H.S. Rosemoor and Exmoor National Park.

If you are interested in taking any of the above tours please contact us prior to booking for more details.

The Gardens

Stourhead garden and estate

An outstanding example of the English landscape style, Stourhead garden was designed by Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and 1780. Classical temples, including the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo, are set around the central lake at the end of a series of vistas, which change as the visitor moves around the paths and through the magnificent mature woodland with its extensive collection of exotic trees and rhododendrons.

Forde Abbey gardens and house

Forde Abbey House founded in 1146 is surrounded by thirty acres of award-winning gardens with lakes, bog garden, magnificent trees, shrub and herbaceous borders andwas in its time one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in England.

Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Garden

Many rare sub-tropical and delicate plants thrive in this wonderfully exotic garden located in its own micro-climate near the coast. Lose yourself in the gigantic Gunnera and bamboo plantations that grow along the side of the stream flowing through the garden. Take a break for lunch or tea on the veranda of the tea house, surrounded by the lush greenery of the palms and bananas. It really is a magical place.

Hestercombe Gardens

Hestercombe is unique in having three complete period gardens. The Georgian landscape, Victorian terrace and the formal Edwardian gardens combine to create one of Britain's premier garden sites widely recognised as being of international importance. The Edwardian gardens are of great significance,  being a collaborations between architect Edwin Lutyens and plantswomen Gertrude Jekyll.

Abbey House Garden

Abbey House was once part of the Benedictine Monastery founded in Malmesbury about 666 AD. The site was cultivated by monks for medicinal herbs and also as the Abbots garden. Since the dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539 it has been privately owned and is now a delight to gardening lovers. There are 2000 roses, 2000 herbs, water features including St Aldhelm's Pool, and much more. Make sure you see the Abbey close by. An unforgettable garden in a lovely setting.

The Courts Garden

The Courts garden is an example of the English style at its best, the garden is full of charm and variety. There are many interesting plants and an imaginative use of colour, with surrounding topiary, ornaments and water features. The garden is complemented by an arboretum with natural planting of spring bulbs, a kitchen garden and orchard.

Mottisfont Garden & House

Set amidst glorious countryside along the River Test, this 12th-century Augustinian priory was converted into a private house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The key attraction is the grounds with magnificent trees, walled gardens and National Collection of Old-fashioned Roses, at their most fragrant best in mid June - an essential visit on your garden tour.

Tintinhull Garden

Tintinhull is a delightful and intimate garden, created in the 1930s and divided into separate areas by walls and clipped hedges. Domes of box line the path leading from the west front of the 17th-century house (not open to visitors) to the different ‘rooms’, each with its own character. Particularly beautiful are the azalea garden, the fountain garden - with its white-flowering and silver plants around a central pool - and the charming kitchen garden, where the paths are edged in catmint and espaliered fruit trees flank the walls.

Cothay Manor

This magical, romantic, garden surrounds what is said to be the most perfect example of a small classic medieval manor. Many garden rooms, each a garden in itself, are set off the 200 yd yew walk. In addition there is a bog garden with azaleas and drifts of primula, fine trees, cottage garden, courtyards and river walk. A plantsmans  paradise and essential part of your garden tour.
This is one of the most distant gardens we visit with a travelling time of approx. 2hrs. This garden is also available as one of the overnight garden tour options.

Mapperton Garden & House

Mapperton Garden is a romantic Italianate valley garden deep in a lost Dorset combe among tumbling hills and unspoiled countryside. The gardens descend from the great lawn, through the formal topiary down to the valley garden and long pool

Heale House Garden

Heale House (not open to public) is set in 8 acres of beautiful gardens. Clipped hedges, mellow stonework and trout streams surround this wonderfully varied collection of plants in this prize-winning garden.

Knoll Garden & Nursery

Rare, unusual and exotic collection of plants from all over the world are to be found in Knoll Garden. If you want to know how to use grasses in the garden this is the place to visit. The nursery has won many Chelsea Flower Show Gold medals.

Exbury Garden

Exbury garden is a celebrated landscaped woodland garden overlooking the Beaulieu river. World renowned for its collections of azaleas and rhododendrons, over ten thousand specimens, which at their flowering peak in May are truly breathtaking.

Lytes Cary Garden & House

Once the home of medieval herbalist Henry Lyte, this medieval manor house is surrounded by an enchanting garden. The borders are planted with mixed shrubs, roses and perennials. Hidden paths enclosed by high hedges leading to surprise views and occasional glimpses of the house. At the foot of the garden is an orchard.

The Harold Peto Garden at Iford manor

This Grade I Italian-style garden is famous for its tranquil beauty and was the home of architect and landscape gardener, Harold A. Peto from 1899 to 1933.  This unique and romantic hillside garden is characterised by steps, terraces, sculpture and magnificent rural views. The Peto Garden at Iford Manor in Wiltshire won the Historic Houses Association/Christie's 1998 Garden of the Year Award given in recognition of a garden, outstanding both for its horticultural and public interest.

Barrington Court

Barrington Court is an enchanting formal garden, inspired by Gertrude Jekyll,  laid out in a series of walled ‘rooms’. The garden includes the beautiful White Garden, Iris Garden and Lily Garden. The fascinating working kitchen garden has espaliered apple, pear and plum trees trained along its high stone walls. The 16th-century house was restored in the 1920s by the Lyle family.

East Lambrook Manor

The garden at East Lambrook Manor is recognised throughout the world as the ‘Home of English Cottage Gardening’, having been created in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s by the late gardening icon, Margery Fish.

Compton Acres

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South with a unique series of stunning tranquil gardens offering lovely views across Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, to the Purbeck Hills beyond.

Cotswold Garden Tour

This tour is only available to guests staying 7 nights or longer.
Day 1 .To keep driving times reasonable this tour requires an overnight stay*.

*Guests are expected to pay for their overnight accommodation (approx. £80 for a double room) and evening meal (approx. £15-25)

Day 1
Your  first stop of the day on this garden tour is at The Courts Garden, owned by the National Trust. The garden  is an example of the English style at its best, full of charm and variety. A stop for lunch next in the National Trust village of Lacock where you will find a variety of pubs and quaint tea-rooms to choose from. In the afternoon we travel a little further North to the picturesque town of Malmesbury and the garden at Abbey House. A tremendous garden with a wide variety of planting styles, thousands of roses,  herb garden, river and bog gardens all in a wonderful setting next to the Abbey - it is one of my favourites. To finish the day we take you for a stroll around the town of Cirencester, a Roman town that was in it’s day only second only to London in size. Overnight accommodation is in the Cirencester area*.
Day 2
The first garden on your second day in the Cotswolds is Hidcote Manor Garden, one of England’s greatest gardens. Arranged in a series of rooms, each with with it’s own character and separated by hedges of many species. Just a short distance form Hidcote your next garden is Kiftsgate Court Gardens, the creation of three generations of women gardeners and the home of the Kiftsgate rose, the largest rose in the United kingdom at almost 60ft high! Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds it also has wonderful views to the West.
Depending on how much time you would like to spend in each garden it may be possible to visit other gardens in the area such as Snowshill, Mill Dene, Bourton House Garden  before it is time to head back to Church House. (This will also depend on individual garden opening days and times.) 

*

South East Garden Tour

If you would like to take the opportunity of visiting gardens in the  South East of England while you are with us please ask us for more details when you make your booking.  The tours are only available when staying 7 nights or more. The tours are subject to availability of suitable accommodation.

To keep driving times reasonable this tour requires an overnight stay*.

*Guests are expected to pay for their overnight accommodation (approx. £80 for a double room) and evening meal (approx. £15-25)

The South East of England is renowned for it’ wonderful gardens such as Sissinghurst, Nymans, Denmans, Great Dixter and R.H.S Wisley and Wakehurst to name but a few. Our new tour of the South East offers you the opportunity to visit some of these great gardens at your own pace, staying overnight at a comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation.
Each itinerary will be tailored to meet to individual needs of each group taking the tour.

Somerset & Devon Garden Tour

If you would like to take the opportunity of visiting gardens in the  South East of England while you are with us please ask us for more details when you make your booking.  The tours are only available when staying 7 nights or more. The tours are subject to availability of suitable accommodation.

To keep driving times reasonable this tour requires an overnight stay*.

*Guests are expected to pay for their overnight accommodation (approx. £80 for a double room) and evening meal (approx. £15-25)

Somerset and Devon have some lovely garden to visit including Hestercombe, Cothay Manor, Knighthayes and the Royal Horticultural Society Rosemoor garden at Great Torrington.  You will also have the opportunity to visit Exmoor National Park and enjoy the wonderful scenery.
Our new tour of Somerset and Devon gardens offers you the opportunity to visit some great gardens at your own pace, staying overnight at a comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation.
Each itinerary will be tailored to meet to individual needs of each group taking the tour.

Other Gardens

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (formerly known as the Hillier Arboretum) hold the greatest collection of hardy trees and shrubs in the world. Started by the late Sir Harold Hillier in 1953 and given in trust to Hampshire County Council in 1977, the Gardens now extend to 180 acres. Within this unique collection of more than 42,000 plants (12,500 different types), visitors will find much of interest throughout the year.

Cranborne manor
A magnificent but little visited series of gardens with designs attributed to John Tradescant.  Each area of the garden has own character and surrounds Viscount Salisbury’s ancient manor house (not open). You won’t find this garden on other garden tours but it is not to be missed. Delightful tea-room and plant sales area for browsing.

Edmonsham House and Garden
Edmonsham House Gardens has 6 acres of lawns, shrubs and trees and lovely spring bulbs. The fine walled garden has a herbaceous border and gives the keen gardener the opportunity to see organic gardening in

Minterne Gardens
Wander peacefully through 20 acres at Minterne Gardens, where magnolias and rhododendrons tower over small streams in Spring, and later, eurcryphias, hydrangeas and water lilies provide a new vista at each turn with ducks on the small lakes and cascades.

Sherborne Castle Gardens
Springtime boasts an incredible array of bulbs, summer months bring to life the seductive atmosphere of the garden. The tranquil lakeside walk takes you through a superb collection of trees and plants. The Ginkgo, spectacular Metasequoia and gigantic Cedars are a must for any arborist.

Bishops Palace, Wells
The gardens surrounding the Bishop’s Palace at Wells are a haven of tranquillity and peace. Visitors are free to wander over the lawns past flower-beds, specimen trees and shrubs.

Gants Mill
A delightful working mill surrounded by a garden of herbaceous borders, bog garden, ponds, waterfalls and a   riverside walk.

Stourton House Flower Garden
A fascinating romantic 4 1/2 acre plantsman's garden where grass paths lead through unique Daffodils, Camellias, scented Azaleas and Magnolias. Visitors will walk under Kiwi laden trees, down delphinium and rose-covered walks, or by pitcher plant lily ponds. There are majestically hedged borders which host dragonflies, butterflies, and birds. There is a ferny secret garden and woodland area with camellias, scented azaleas and blue hydrangeas.

Wilton House
Twenty one acres of landscaped parkland and grounds include an old English rose garden, a water garden and a fine Palladian bridge of 1737 over the river Nadder. Also one of the country's finest stately homes.

Apple Court
This lovely garden is composed of a distinct structure of rooms defined by two axes and enclosed by dense hedges. Sharply defined lawns, raised borders and vertical accents of fastigate yews give each area a unique character.

Furzey Garden
The Gardens comprise eight acres of delightful informal landscape with extensive views over the New Forest towards the Isle of Wight. Beautiful banks of azaleas and rhododendrons, heathers, ferns, water garden, the strange bottle brush tree, flaming Chilean Fire trees and many other features.

Spinners Garden and Nursery
On a slope overlooking the Lymington River valley with Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias, Japanese Maples, Hydrangeas, and other rare shrubs inter planted with a wide variety of choice woodland and ground cover plants. Adjoining internationally known nursery.

Bicton Park
Sixty acres of parkland and gardens include Italianate, American, Oriental, Hermitage and Alpine gardens, palmhouse and specialist greenhouses.

Killerton House and Garden
Killerton House is a beautiful hillside garden for all seasons, early spring flowering bulbs, magnolias, azaleas, herbaceous borders and great autumn colours. Killerton is a plantsman's paradise with rare trees and shrubs from all around the world collected by the Veitch family.