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The Rose and Crown Hotel
- 3 Sep
Built in the 14th century, The Rose & Crown Hotel is one of Colchester’s most iconic buildings with rooms split between the original and modern wing. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and comf…
Gardens of Essex & Constable Country
Fully
Guided
3
Nights
3
B&B
Flights &
Transfers
- Be inspired by the gardens of Essex & the landscapes of the Constable Country on this garden short break.
- Stay 3 nights in the historical city of Colchester.
- Discover a selection of gardens, including RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Audley End House & Wimpole Estate.
- Explore the internationally acclaimed Beth Chatto's Garden & Nursery.
- Visit Flatford Mill, the subject of several paintings by English artist John Constable.
- Be accompanied by Brona Dore, a qualified and experienced gardener throughout the tour.
Book Your Trip From €1158pp
Book Your Trip From €999pp
Your Guided Garden Tour of Essex & Constable Country
Let's uncover the best gardens of Essex and experience Constable country. Before we travel to our base in the historic city of Colchester our garden tour will begin at the RHS Garden Hyde Hall which has a diverse collection of plants, flowers and landscapes spanning over 300 acres. We'll visit the historic Bridge End Garden and Audley End House & Gardens, then uncover the award-winning gardens of Beth Chatto, who was considered to be the world's best gardener. Also on this garden tour, learn more about renowned English artist John Constable with a trip to Flatford Mill which features in his most famous painting, The Hay Wain. Finally, we'll discover rare and exotic plants at the National Trust site of Wimpole Estate and explore the Grade II listed garden at Saling Hall.
Trip Itinerary
Day
1
RHS Garden Hyde Hall & Colchester
Depart Dublin & RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Morning
Today we meet with our expert guide Brona Dore at Dublin airport for our flight to London Stansted where we will transfer to RHS Garden Hyde Hall. Set in a landscape of rolling hills with panoramic views it is an oasis of peace and tranquillity with highlights that include the Dry Garden, Hilltop Garden and Courtyard Gardens.
Colchester
Afternoon
Later this afternoon we will transfer to Colchester where our tour will be based. Dine as a group this evening in our hotel.
2
Bridge End Garden and Audley End House & Gardens
Bridge End Garden
Morning
Following a leisurely breakfast, we depart our hotel for a visit to Bridge End Garden. Created in 1840 by Francis Gibson the Garden is designed as a series of ‘interlocking rooms’ each with their own unique character. Features include a maze , formal Rose Garden, Walled Garden and Dutch Garden.
Audley End House & Gardens
Afternoon
Our next visit today is to Audley End House & Gardens where we will explore the idyllic gardens designed by Capability Brown creating extensive views, a serpentine lake and natural planting.
3
Beth Chatto’s Garden & Nursery and Flatford Mill
At Leisure
Morning
This morning is at leisure to relax in your hotel or explore Colchester before our afternoon excursion.
Beth Chatto’s Garden & Nursery
Afternoon
Join us this afternoon for a visit Beth Chatto's Garden & Nursery. Beth transformed desolate wasteland that was deemed unfit for fruit farming into a series of gardens. The landscape varied dramatically so that each garden within the garden has become an example of working with nature to find the right plants for the right place.
Flatford Mill
Afternoon
Experience the views that inspired Constable’s paintings and discover the history behind them at the charming hamlet of Flatford.
4
Wimpole Estate, Saling Hall Garden and Return Home
Wimpole Estate
Morning
After checking out of our hotel we will depart for a morning visit to the National Trust site of Wimpole Estate. The gardens are home to many rare, exotic and unusual plants sourced from all over the world. Explore the Walled Garden, Pleasure Ground, the Parterre and walnut tree collection amongst other highlights.
Saling Hall Garden
Afternoon
This afternoon join us on a visit to Saling Hall Garden – a seventeenth century manor house with a garden which has been carefully replanted since 1971. The manor house, dating back to 1570, is surrounded by 12 acres of grounds including woods, a walled garden, valley garden , water garden and rose glade.
Return to Dublin
Late Afternoon
Transfer to London Stansted airport in the late afternoon after a wonderful few days discovering the Gardens of Essex.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes
Hotels Available
Know before you go
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
