Snowdrop Sunday is always the start of spring in my world.
Every year we amble through the snowdrops surrounding the beautiful St Botolph’s church in the little village of Swyncombe – and rather enjoy the tea and delicious cakes on offer in the churchyard!
Great British gardens are included in so many of our itineraries because they are a wonderfully special part of the British countryside.
How do you decide which gardens to visit?
Do you prefer the grand and formal gardens designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown or the more romantic and cottage style favoured by His Majesty King Charles III?
Wherever you are staying in the countryside, you can explore every style and size of garden. We can introduce you to those who design and tend the gardens, they can share their tips and hints so you can transform your garden at home.
The Cotswolds
Hidcote Manor and Kiftsgate are two of our favourite gardens for all seasons and are the perfect examples of gardens designed and nurtured with love.
Just a little further south is the beautifully restored Painswick Rococo Garden, which brings to life the wonderfully ornamental style of the mid 18th century. Just half an hour away is the beautifully romantic walled garden of Cerney House, and the woodland and formal garden at Colesbourne Park.
We would always recommend a visit to the gardens of Highgrove, the country home of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The gardens can only have been created and nurtured by those with the knowledge of how to remove any obvious structure while guiding you on a magical journey through shapes, scents and colours.
A few miles from Highgrove is the National Arboretum at Westonbirt – what a treasure trove! You do not need any expertise in tree growing to marvel at this collection of over 2500 varieties of trees.
The Chilterns
Living in Henley, we have very easy access to some of the most wonderful gardens, most of which are about an hour from London.
Chenies Manor gardens offer a festival for all the senses throughout the year, but their tulips are a sight never to be forgotten.
At the southern tip of the Chilterns, walking through the series of walled gardens surrounding West Green House feels like a magical mystery tour of shapes and colours.
Wooden elephants and snail sculptures are some of the delights that will greet you at the award-winning gardens at The Manor House in Bledlow.
The gardens of Waddesdon Manor are as extraordinary as the French style chateau in the heart of the British countryside. Featuring a striking pavilion, an aviary and tree lined lake, a journey through the grounds is one surprise after another.
In a wonderful contrast, the Italianate Pleasure and Kitchen Gardens of Stonor Park, nurtured by Lady Camoys are perfect sitting in the sweeping valley in the heart of the Chiltern Hills.
Savill Garden in Windsor is a natural haven of beautifully designed gardens and woodland to be enjoyed by everyone from dedicated horticulturists to those who just want to spend a relaxing day out with family or friends.