Gardens of Oxford

Today we meet with our expert gardener, Frances MacDonald, at Dublin airport for our flight to London Heathrow where we will transfer to Waterperry Gardens; made famous by Beatrix Havergal who established her School of Horticulture for Ladies here in 1932 to 1971, it’s now home to 8 acres of landscape ornamental gardens, plant centre, shop, museum and tea shop.

Later this afternoon we will transfer to Oxford where our tour will be based.   Dine as a group this evening in our hotel.

Following a leisurely breakfast, we depart our hotel for a visit to Broughton Grange Garden overlooking a beautiful Oxfordshire valley. Its history dates back to 1620 and today is set over 400 acres of parkland, farmland and open meadow. Over the last 25 years Broughton Grange and its gardens  have been substantially transformed such that it is now recognised as one of the most significant private contemporary private gardens in Britain.

Next, we visit Bourton House Garden,  with its luxuriant terraces and wide herbaceous borders. Highlights include the topiary walk, the White Garden, several spring-fed water features and a raised 18^th century walk offering extensive views of the Cotswolds countryside. Lunch included today.

Our final visit today is to Pettifers Garden in Lower Wardington which is the creation of Gina Price and private garden over an acre of grounds.

Join us this morning on a walk from our hotel to Oxford Botanic Gardens, the oldest botanical gardens in the UK and home to over 5000 different species of plants.

The remainder of today is at leisure to relax in your hotel, shop or explore Oxford.

After checking out of our hotel we will depart for a visit to Blenheim Palace & Gardens. Created over the centuries by Henry Wise & Achille Duchene the formal gardens reflect a journey through the style of ages. Surrounding the palace the gardens include majestic Water Terraces, the Duke’s Private Italian Garden, a tranquil Secret Garden, the Churchill Memorial Garden and the delicate Rose Garden.

Transfer to London Heathrow airport in the late afternoon after a wonderful few days discovering the Gardens of Oxford.