Gardens of Yorkshire

Today we meet with our expert gardener Iain MacDonald at Dublin airport for our flight to Leeds Bradford where we will transfer to Haworth Parsonage Museum for a guided tour; this was home to the Bronte sisters and where they wrote all of their novels. There will be time to visit the vault in the parish church where all, except Anne, are interred.

Our next visit of the afternoon is to Parcevall Hall Gardens – home to terraces, pools, herbaceous borders, rockeries and roses in a wonderful setting.  Later this afternoon we will transfer to the town of Harrogate 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 Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, an organically managed, wildlife friendly family garden close to York. Described as a quintessentially English garden it is a family garden lovingly planted over 40 years by Vanessa Cook.

Early this afternoon, we visit Newby Hall and Gardens,  with its renowned double herbaceous borders, woodland gardens and sunken rose garden. One of Britain’s finest house, the family home of Mr & Mrs Richard Compton, an exceptional example of 18th century interiors. Built in 1690 by Sir Christopher Wren and engaged and adapted by Robert Adam.  

Return to Harrogate mid-afternoon with time to explore this lovely spa town.

This morning we start our day with a visit Breezy Knees Gardens, one of the largest gardens in the North of England covering over 20 acres where we will explore vibrant borders, sparkling fountains and a myriad of blossom.

Join us this afternoon on a visit to historic Castle Howard & Gardens! Widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest historic houses construction of the home began in 1699 and took over 100 years to complete. With 1000 acres of parkland to explore it is a haven of peace and tranquillity with extensive woodland walks, temples, lakes and fountains. Other highlights include the rose gardens and ornamental vegetable garden.

Return to Harrogate mid-afternoon in time to visit the renowned Betty’s Tea Rooms!

After checking out of our hotel, we depart our hotel for a visit to Scampston Walled Garden. Piet Oudolf was commissioned to create this imaginative garden in 1996. His trademark prairie planting combines with formal and asymmetrical topiary and landforms, wonderful planting of perennials and grasses, which look spectacular at this time of year.  

This afternoon join us on a visit to the RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr; 58 acres of formal, traditional and contemporary borders, vegetable gardens, wildflower meadows and an extensive bog garden.

Transfer to Leeds Bradford airport in the late afternoon after a wonderful few days discovering the Gardens of Yorkshire.