A Scottish Safari and The V&A Dundee

We depart Sussex and make our way north. Having made a suitable stop we arrive at Trentham Gardens. This stunning contemporary revival of an historic garden is amongst the very best in the UK. Encompassing 725 acres, take a stroll around the mile long lake, through the woodlands and parklands.  The gardens have been transformed over the last 15 years and are now some of the finest in Britain with the revival being led by multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith. The Italian Garden planting is designed within the historic framework of Sir Charles Barry’s original Italianate Garden of the 19th Century and the transformation was one of the largest contemporary perennial plantings in Europe. The renowned Dutch plantsman and Chelsea gold-medal winner, Piet Oudolf, has designed the Rivers of Grass and Floral Labyrinth that sit to the east of the Italian Gardens.  This fantastic revival of the gardens led the Telegraph newspaper to describe Trentham Gardens as ‘The garden makeover of the decade’ and collect an abundance of awards including being awarded including a Gold Accolade by Visit England in 2015, 2016, and 2017. We then make our way to our overnight hotel.

We continue our journey north. We break our journey in the charming town of Moffatt with its numerous traditional shops and galleries. Time to explore and have lunch before we continue past Glasgow and on to our hotel in Dundee.

Today we have a real treat in store for you as we head off on our Highland Safari. Experience breath-taking scenery at nearly 3000 feet. The award winning ranger led safari includes hot drinks, whisky dram and Highland shortbread.  Armed with cameras and binoculars, climb aboard our Land Rover or Pinzgauer and journey to the high tops through a land sculptured by the elements and steeped in history, culture, nature and breath-taking views – there will be no shortage of photo opportunities. You may even be lucky enough to see the Majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle as you travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks. This Safari will inspire you with an insight into this magnificent natural wilderness and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.  Please wear stout shoes and bring warm clothing with you as the Highlands are known to have 4 seasons in a day!

This morning, we head over the Tay Bridge to St Andrews, where we visit the ruins of St Andrews Castle and visitor centre, one of medieval Britain’s most infamous castle prisons, before heading to the remains of St Andrews Cathedral and its museum which houses an outstanding collection of medieval sculptures. In the afternoon, we visit the beautiful Teasses Estate in Fife. The head gardener takes us on a guided tour of the working estate as we marvel at the stunning scenery and abundance of native wildlife. We then enjoy some refreshments and tasty home-baked goods.

We spend today in Dundee where we visit Discovery Point, the award-winning attraction which tells the story of RRS Discovery and Captain Scott’s amazing Antarctic expedition. After our visit, we step next door and explore the exciting Victoria & Albert Museum Dundee (free of charge although some exhibitions carry a separate charge) before we enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring more of Dundee. Home to the famous publishing house of DC Thomson, see if you can spot all the statues of famous Beano and Dandy characters dotted around the city!

This morning, we head for Dundee train station from where we enjoy a Scotrail train journey to Montrose, providing us with magnificent views of the coast during our 35 minute scenic journey. On arrival, we make our way to the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, home of Britain’s first operational military airfield, dedicated to aviation history dating back over 100 years. In the afternoon, we visit Glamis Castle, renowned for being Scotland’s most beautiful castle and the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

We depart our hotel and make our way to the New Lanark World Heritage Site. New Lanark is a unique 18th century Mill Village sitting alongside the picturesque River Clyde, less than one hour from Glasgow. Founded in 1785 with a focus on philanthropy, education and the welfare of the mill workers, New Lanark became a model for industrial communities that was to spread across the world in the 19th and 20th centuries. New Lanark quickly became known under the enlightened management of social pioneer, Robert Owen. He provided decent homes, fair wages, free health care, a new education system for villagers and the first workplace nursery school in the world! Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark has been beautifully restored as a living community, which welcomes visitors from all over the world. Early afternoon we continue to our overnight hotel.

After breakfast we commence our homeward journey and make our way to Stratford Upon Avon where we will enjoy some free time to get lunch and explore this historic town. Early afternoon we resume our journey back to Sussex and having made a suitable stop we expect to arrive in the Maresfield area by approximately 18.30.