Plymouth Hoe 2019

We depart Sussex and make our way west. Having made a suitable stop en route we break our journey at Stourhead NT where we have time for lunch and a quick visit before continuing west. We arrive at our hotel late afternoon.

A leisurely start this morning. We are joined by a local blue badge guide who will take us on a panoramic tour of the city where you will see and hear about The Barbican from where the Pilgrim Fathers departed, Plymouth Hoe and Sir Francis Drake, Stonehouse with its famous military history, Devonport Naval Dockyard and Brunel’s magnificent Royal Albert Bridge. This afternoon is free for you to explore this historic city at your leisure. You might like to do some shopping or visit the Barbican area and The Mayflower Museum.

This morning we make our way to the edge of Dartmoor to Wildside Garden which has been created by Keith Wiley and his wife Ros. Keith was head gardener/manager at The Garden House, between 1978-2003 where he created what has been described by national commentators as 'one of the most exciting and innovative gardens in Britain today' and the best example of 'leading-edge horticulture' in this country.  He is a proponent of a 'new naturalism' movement in gardening, which seeks to work in harmony with nature, allowing plants to thrive much as they would in the wild. He takes inspiration from natural landscapes to create areas of planting in his gardens inspired by sights from around the world. Wildside has been described as simply on of the very best. This afternoon we make the very short drive to visit one of our favourite gardens, The Garden House at Buckland Monachorum one of Britain’s must visit gardens. This eight acre garden is full of colour and interest at all times of the year but particularly so in the spring. In April and May azaleas and rhododendrons flower and the tulips should be reaching their best. On arrival we will enjoy a talk form the head gardener before you explore at your leisure.

Today we visit Ken-Caro which was started in 1970 as two acres of intensely planted formal gardens, and extended in 1993 by taking in a further three acres, whose design is rather more free-flowing and modern. It is very much a plantsman’s garden with large collection of herbaceous plants and shrubs, not at all a traditional Cornish garden. There are over a 100 varieties of Camellias and a good display of yellow Magnolias and Hydrangeas. All-round colour is important: the owners are flower arrangers - look for architectural plants and original combinations. The planting is bold, and never bitty, and everything is maintained to a very high standard. The panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are stupendous. There is also a meadow walk leading to a woodland trail. From Ken-Caro we make our way to Looe. Looe itself is a much-loved seaside destination that’s full of character. It prides itself on its safe beaches for swimming and sunbathing, restaurants that specialise in fresh local ingredients, and a maze of narrow streets full of small independent shops to discover.

This morning we visit Cotehele NT. Cotehele was the ancestral home to the Edgcumbe family for centuries. The Tudor house, perched high above the River Tamar, is decorated with tapestries, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture. The interior tour has changed little over the years, although the furnishings were titivated as Cotehele continued to inspire its adoring owners. Outside, explore the formally planted terraces, or lose yourself in the Valley Garden, which includes a medieval stewpond and dovecote and leads down to the river. Seek tranquillity in the Upper Garden or visit the two orchards planted with local apples and cherries.   After lunch we make our way back in to Plymouth where we enjoy a harbour cruise. We discover Plymouth’s stunning coastline views and learn about its history and heritage on board our one hour harbour cruise, the skipper provides an informative live commentary, as we sail across Plymouth Sound, flanked by the beautiful Devon and Cornish coasts.  The cruise takes in spectacular views of Plymouth Hoe and famous Drakes Island, as we head for the Royal Naval Dockyard, where the mighty warships and submarines await.

After breakfast we commence our homeward journey. Today we break our journey in the charming town of Wimborne Minster. Time for lunch and a quick look around before we continue back to our drop off point hoping to arrive in the Maresfield area by approximately 18.30