3 days 2 nights/Half Board
£369.00 pp in a single room
£85.00 Deposit
£16.44 Insurance
Overview
We have been lucky enough to secure a visit to The Laskett, the private garden of Sir Roy Strong who was the Director of The National Portrait Gallery 1967 – 73 and of the V&A 74-87. He is the author of numerous learned historical publications. Passionate about gardening Sir Roy is an authority on royal gardens and palaces. Our short break also takes in three other wonderful visits including the gem of the Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle and Barnsley House Gardens former home of the renowned garden designer Rosemary Verey.
The Laskett Gardens
The Laskett Garden is one of the largest private formal gardens to be laid out in England since the last war. Its ever-evolving nature is the creation of forty years work by the historian, writer and diarist Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, the designer, Julia Trevelyan Oman. Stretching over four acres, it is celebrated for its ability to surprise and its thrilling vistas. There are some twenty different and contrasting ‘rooms’ including a rose garden, a knot garden, an orchard, a pleached lime avenue, parterres, herbaceous borders and the Colonnade Court. Visitors will see new additions to the Gardens that include an Italianate grotto and a pond which is approached through a winding woodland walk. This is the Sissinghurst of the late twentieth century, a joint creation by two people who were at the centre of the arts in England and this shines through in the various themes that are influenced by theatre, opera, ballet, film, museums, exhibitions, garden design as well as writing. What makes this garden utterly unique is that its makers wove the story of their marriage and their lives into every corner of the garden.
Itinerary
Thursday 7th May
We depart Sussex and make our way westwards and having made a suitable stop en route we arrive for an included sandwich lunch at The Red Lion at Peterstow. After lunch we make the short drive to The Laskett for our visit to this wonderful garden. A beautifully illustrated plan of the garden is included with your ticket. There is a small shop offering a range of merchandise - all of which is exclusive to The Laskett Gardens – a plant stall and signed copies of Sir Roy Strong’s books. Later in the afternoon we make our way to our hotel on the outskirts of Gloucester.
Friday 8th May
This morning we make our way to Sudeley Castle, the hidden gem of the Cotswolds. Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic castle, and surrounded by striking views of the Cotswold Hills, there are 10 magnificent, award-winning gardens which sweep around the castle and grounds. Sudeley Castle is also the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored 15th century St Mary’s Church where Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives, now lies entombed. Much hard work has taken place to recreate and preserve the beauty of the gardens, which were originally created in the 15th century when Ralph Boteler rebuilt the castle. No trace of Boteler’s original gardens now exists, but they are now an ever-evolving showcase of the best of what each season has to offer. Sudeley Castle & Gardens is now the home of Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, and her son, daughter and their families. The family is committed to the continued preservation of the castle, its treasures and the ongoing restoration and regeneration of the gardens. We enjoy an introductory talk on arrival before having time to visit the castle and wonderful gardens This afternoon we visit Highnam Court Gardens. Owned by Mr Roger Head, former High Sheriff of Gloucestershire this wonderful garden has lakes, woodland areas, shrubberies and listed Pulhamite water gardens with grottos and fernery. In contrast is the rose garden covering an acre. The many features include numerous wood carvings. There are 40 acres of Victorian landscaped gardens to explore at Highnam Court, surrounding the magnificent Grade I house built in 1658 (not open). The Victorian gardens were set out by the artist Thomas Gambier Parry
Saturday 9th May
We depart our hotel and drive to Barnsley House Gardens near Cirencester. Created by the revered garden designer Rosemary Verey, the gardens at Barnsley House are a classic example of an English country garden. With knot gardens, the Laburnum Walk, statues by Simon Verity and the bountiful kitchen garden growing much of the produce that you'll find on the menus of the luxury hotel that Barnsley House has become, these sublime and timeless gardens are sure to make a lasting impression. There is plenty of colour all year round with late spring being particularly lovely. Rosemary Verey, designed famous gardens around the world—including gardens for Prince Charles, Sir Elton John and the New York Botanical Gardens. After our visit we have time for lunch in Cirencester before continuing back to Sussex. Having made a suitable comfort stop we aim to be back in the Maresfield area by about 18.30
Holiday Hotel
Our Hotel: The 3 star Holiday Inn, Gloucester. Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester GL4 3RX. Tel: 01452 650200
A conveniently situated hotel with comfortable rooms with all the facilities you would expect in a good three-star hotel. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool. Executive room upgrades are available at an extra cost.
Price Includes
- Coach travel throughout
- Two nights half board accommodation
- All entrance fees
- Sandwich lunch on first day
- Excursions as listed
- Financial failure insurance
Not Included
- Personal spending
- Lunches
- Holiday insurance @ £16.44pp inc IPT @ 20%