7.30am arrive Manchester Airport
Keith, our driver will be waiting for us.
After a long flight it will be good to stretch our legs in the beautiful gardens at Arley Hall. We will then drive along the Welsh coast to Bodysgallen Hall. Time to get acclimatized and enjoy this beautiful Hall, its’ spectacular gardens and Spa. In order to assure your treatment please make reservations for the Spa before leaving Dallas. I love the gardens at Bodysgallen. The head gardener is very knowledgeable and will be proud to tell you about the plants and the history of the gardens. For those who are ready to explore we can visit the ancient castle and pretty walled town of Conway. Dine at the hotel.

First stop Bodnant Gardens to see one of the finest collections of rhododendrons, camellias and laburnums in the country. It is a beautiful drive through the wild welsh mountains of Snowdonia back to Bodysgallen Hall. Stephen Lacey, the well known horticulturalist will speak with us about the Gardens of the National Trust, as we take afternoon tea at Bodysgallen…..not too much cake as a delicious dinner awaits us this evening.

Friday

An early start today as we set out to visit Plas Newydd. This gracious home is still lived in by the Marquis of Anglesey and is renowned for its associations with the Battle of Waterloo, and the artist Rex Whistler. The garden is most intriguing, and one of my favourites. Originally designed by Repton is has a spectacular site overlooking the Menai Straits. The head gardener is a delight and I know that you will enjoy his take on his work in the updating this garden. From here we move on to the Tudor House passing the village Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwymdrobwllantysiliogogogoch otherwise known as Llanfair PG!
The Tudor House is a gem. It is the fascinating home of Richard Cuthbertson, President of the National Trust for Wales. This cottage is incredible! It was already old when its owner, Henry Tudor, picked up the crown from the Battle of Bosworth Field. There is a great deal to see today and you will be glad to relax as we drive to the pretty town of Beaumaris where we will dine at Ye Olde Bulls Head, a fascinating ancient hostelry which still prides itself on its food. Return to Bodysgallen Hall.

We move on today to Cheshire by way of Chirk Castle. After a relaxed visit we will travel on to Chester. Chester is a fascinating old walled Roman town with good shops, museums, market and antique shops to explore. Tonight we dine and stay at The Grosvenor Hotel.

Sunday

Option to attend the sung Eucharist at Chester Cathedral or take a morning walk around the old city walls. Depart for a visit to Erddig Hall, a magnificent country House reflecting the ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ lifestyles of masters and servants in the British Country House. The walled gardens have been restored to their 18th Century formal design. Thence to The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel, where we will be guests for the remaining four nights. Dine at the hotel.

Powis Castle is a real favorite with those who travel with me. Powis is a garden of the highest horticultural and historic importance. Perched on a rock above the garden terraces the medieval castle contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Britain. In the evening we would divide into smaller groups and visit three or four private homes to dine as guests of local families.

Tuesday

Preston Hall has been the home of the Courbet family since 1066.
You will understand the pride that Leila Courbet takes in her family home with its intriguing ancient Courbet bed and the restored garden. This will be a quieter day spent enjoying the lovely gardens. There will be a presentation of needlepoint or if you prefer an afternoons reading in a quiet corner of the garden. Dine at the hotel.

Wednesday

Today we visit two stunning, inspirational private gardens: Preen Manor followed by the Dower House of Morville Hall. Depending upon time and majority preference we can return directly to the Mytton & Mermaid or stop to explore the in pretty market town Much Wenlock. Dine at the hotel.

After an early breakfast we will depart at 6.30am for Manchester Airport.