Castles and Gardens of Northern Britain

2010

 

 

Monday
  • Leave DFW on the 1.00 pm AA flight to Manchester via Chicago

Tuesday
  • 7.30 am arrive at Manchester Airport.
  • 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, our home for the next three days.  Time to get acclimatized and enjoy this beautiful Hall, with its spectacular gardens and Spa.
  • If you would like a treatment at the Spa please make reservations 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 with the energy left to explore we can visit the ancient castle and walled town of Conway. 
  • Dine at the hotel.   

 

Wednesday

 

 

 
  • First stop, Bodnant Gardens, to see one of the finest collections of rhododendrons, camellias and laburnum in the country.  It is a beautiful drive through the wild Welsh mountains of Snowdonia.  Return to Bodysgallen.
  • Stephen Lacey, the well-known horticulturalist will be waiting to 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 at Bodysgallen Hall.

 

 

Thursday

 
  • 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 of this garden.
  • Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwymdrobwllantysiliogogogoch
    otherwise known as Llanfair PG! is on our way to the Tudor House our next port of call.  The railway station at this little town must be seen to be believed!
  • 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.
  • This has been a busy day 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 delicious food.  Return to Bodysgallen Hall. 

Friday

 

 

 

 

  • We move on today to Shropshire by way of Preston Hall
    Preston Hall has been the home of the Corbet family since 1066.  You will understand the pride that Leila Corbet takes in her family home with its ancient Corbet bed and newly restored garden.  Lady Corbet has invited us to lunch with her.  This will be a quieter day spent enjoying the lovely gardens.  There will be a presentation of needlepoint or if you prefer an afternoon of reading in a quiet corner of the garden.
    The Corbet family chapel is a beautiful story in itself.  
  • This afternoon you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the old city of Shrewsbury.  I will be there to guide you.
  • Dine at Albrighton Hall

 

Saturday

 

 

  • We set out this morning for Erdigg Hall, a fascinating  country House  that reflect the Upstairs Downstairs  lifestyles of masters and servants in the British Country House.  This family even had a tradition of writing amusing poems telling about each of their servants.  The walled gardens have been restored to their 18th Century formal design and the head gardener is proud to show them to us.
  • Chirk castle has secrets to show us both inside and out.  David Swanton, the head gardener has many a curious tale to share as we walk the gardens!
  • Dine at Albrighton Hall.

 

Sunday

 
  • Today we visit two stunning, inspirational, private gardens, the Dower House of Morville Hall followed by Preen Manor.  The owners of these gardens are charming.  They are justly proud of the twenty years of their work that they have put into creating their masterpieces.   
  • Depending upon time and majority preference we can return directly to Albritghton Hall or stop to explore the in pretty market town Much Wenlock.  Dine at the hotel.

 

 

Monday

 

 

  • 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

 
  • A pretty drive today takes us to Chester via the lovely gardens of Wollerton Hall and the attractive Ellesmere Lake. 
  • Chester is a city of great charm and character.  A guided walk around the ancient Roman walls is a great way to learn about the city or you may prefer to use the time to find a last few souvenirs.
  • This is our final night.  Option to attend Evensong at Chester Cathedral.
  • We will stay this night at the very luxurious Grosvenor hotel and Spa.

 

 

 
Wednesday
  • After an early breakfast we will depart at 7.30 am for Manchester Airport. 

For those who have the time and want to beat the jet lag, you might want to consider arriving a day or two early
and enjoying the extra time to appreciate and be pampered at beautiful Bodysgallen Hall.

Option available to extend the stay and to take the train to London to visit
The Chelsea Flower Show.

Prices include all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner, except where noted.
Per Person, Double Occupancy $3888
Single Supplement $1500
Reservation Form