This tour is based in the historical area of Norwich, close to the iconic Norman Norwich Cathedral, and one of the most complete Romanesque buildings in Europe.
During this 3- night tour you will visit the Beth Chatto Gardens, created by this wonderful plantswoman, garden designer, author and winner of 11 consecutive Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. You will also visit Hoveton Hall Gardens, Blickling Hall, The Plantation Garden in Norwich and East Ruston Old Vicarage. A full final day excursion includes Sea Mere Gardens, Bressingham Gardens, Wyevale Garden Centre and Spencers' Garden.
Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; she will be available at all times to help and advise you.
The gardens of Hoveton Hall are comprised of a number of distinct sections, including various walled gardens, glasshouses, The Magnolia Garden & Lake, and even a well-preserved example of an ice well. The estate is a hive of colour and offers plenty of room for exploration.
Blickling estate, the birthplace of anne Boleyn and mentioned as far back as the Domesday book is a grand domain owned by the British National Trust. The estate offers an orangery, secret garden and newly regenerated walled garden. In addition the buildings are designed to reflect the 1930s period and contain some exquisite decoration.
Established in 1973 by Alan Gray and Graham Robeson, this 32-acre garden incorporates exotic and unusual species in exuberant and innovative planting alongside more traditional formal design. Highlights of this garden include the tree ferns, succulents and palms which surround the house, the Californian 'Desert Wash', the Exotic Garden with a water sculpture and a large cornfield sown with a selection of native but now scarce 'weeds' such as Cornflower, Poppy and Corn Marigold.
On arrival at Stansted airport, transfer by private coach to the Beth Chatto Garden. There will be free time for coffee before a guided tour and introduction to the garden. With its dry and damp areas, woodland and gravel garden, this is one of the most influential gardens in England. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, it has been transformed into an informal garden harmonising with the surrounding countryside. There is also a comprehensive nursery. In the afternoon, transfer to the hotel in Norwich, based in the historic centre near the cathedral. A welcome dinner is included in your hotel on first evening.
Depart after breakfast for a visit to Hoveton Hall Gardens, surrounded by water gardens and woodland walks, it features a picturesque walled garden and kitchen garden. In the afternoon, visit Blickling Hall, a breath-taking National Trust property and former home of Anne Boleyn, surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. Return to Norwich and walk a short distance from hotel to visit a delightful, small city garden.
After a morning at leisure in Norwich, enjoy an afternoon visit to East Ruston Old Vicarage. One of the most notable private gardens in the county of Norfolk, the garden of Alan Gray and Graham Robeson contains many rare and unusual plants.
After checking out of your hotel, spend the day visiting Dale Farm Gardens; a 2-acre plant lover's garden with a large spring fed pond. Over 1,000 plant species and varieties are featured in exuberantly planted border and waterside gardens. Onto Bressingham Gardens, the gardens created by Alan and Adrian Bloom (free time for lunch in the nearby garden centre), followed by return transfer to London Stansted airport for your flight to Dublin.
The Maids Head Hotel is situated in the historical city centre of Norwich. It is one of the oldest hotels in the UK, dating back over 800 years. Guests can enjoy local cuisine in the charming hotel restaurant and an after dinner drink in the Jacobean bar, which is believed to be one of the oldest bars in the area.