Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Tour the gardens of the Cotswolds with Rachel de Thame
The Cotswolds is one of the UK’s most scenic regions, with chocolate-box villages dotted amid rolling green hills and plenty of quaint country pubs to explore.
This idyllic region is also blessed with beautiful gardens, from the pristine grounds of historic stately homes to kitchen gardens tucked away behind charming cottages.
Join us on a five-day tour of some of the Cotswolds’ loveliest gardens and you’ll see many of the best examples in the area and learn about the wonderful variety of plants and flowers to be found here.
A highlight of the trip is a visit to Bourton House, in the company of Gardeners’ World presenter Rachel de Thame. Rachel will join you on a guided tour of the delightful grounds, with their elegant terraces, wide herbaceous borders, creatively planted pots and rare trees. You’ll also enjoy a welcome drink with Rachel, where she will give a talk and share her gardening insights.
Colourful: On The Mail on Sunday’s five-day tour of the Cotswolds, you’ll visit the stunning gardens of Bourton House (pictured)
Other plots to explore on this fascinating trip include the follies and trails of Painswick Rococo Garden, and the Batsford Arboretum’s collection of 1,300 different trees and shrubs. There’s also a visit to see the family-run Kiftsgate Court Gardens as well as Eastleach House Gardens, where you can marvel at its luxuriant yew hedges.
You’ll stay at the Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel in Tewkesbury throughout your trip, where you’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner each day.
The hotel is set in 140 acres of lovely private grounds – perfect for relaxing in the true rural tranquillity of the Cotswolds between garden visits.
You’ll have the chance to admire the lush greenery at the family-run Kiftsgate Court Gardens
MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST
You will be joined by Rachel de Thame
A broadcaster, horticulturist, garden designer and writer, Rachel de Thame’s love of gardens began when she was a child. A familiar face on TV screens since 1999, Rachel is best known for hosting Gardeners’ World, ITV series Countrywise and covering the Chelsea Flower Show.
REASONS TO BOOK
Exclusive events with Rachel de Thame: Gardeners’ World and Countrywise presenter Rachel de Thame will join you for a guided tour of Bourton House Gardens and a delicious afternoon tea at the property. She’ll also give an insightful talk at your hotel over drinks.
Painswick Rococo Garden: Spend a morning discovering the delights of Painswick Rococo Garden, full of quirky features, ornamental decor and pastel colours throughout.
Relax in the peaceful grounds of your hotel: Spend four nights at the four-star Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel in tranquil Tewkesbury. The hotel is set in 140 acres of parkland and features a championship golf course, indoor pool, fitness centre and spa.
Bourton House Gardens: You’ll enjoy a guided tour of these elegant grounds with Rachel de Thame. Here you can enjoy the topiary walk; White Garden, where ivory roses line the walkways; water features and incredible views of the surrounding countryside from a raised 18th Century walkway.
Expert tour manager: You’ll be joined throughout your tour by David Hurrion. David has more than 50 years’ gardening experience and will have plenty of informed and entertaining insights to share as you explore the Cotswolds’ best gardens.
Delicious food included: Breakfast and dinner at your hotel’s restaurant each day is included. The menu is inspired by the best local produce, and flavours from around the world. You will also enjoy lunch at Miserden – a family-run, estate overlooking the Cotswolds’ beautiful Golden Valley.
WHAT’S INCLUDED Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hilton Puckrup Hall HotelVisit to Bourton House Gardens in the company of Rachel de ThameTalk and Q&A by Rachel de ThameServices of expert tour manager David HurrionFour dinners at the hotelAfternoon tea at Bourton House and lunch at MiserdenFull programme of visits and guided tours as detailed in itineraryCoach transfers throughout the trip
YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 Arrive in Tewkesbury DAY 2 Hidcote Gardens and Kiftsgate DAY 3 Batsford Arboretum and Bourton House DAY 4 Eastleach House Gardens and Rodmarton Manor DAY 5 Painswick Rococo Garden and Miserden
HOW TO BOOK
The price: From £1,375pp* The date: June 7, 2023
CALL 020 4586 2877 quoting MOS RACHEL DE THAM. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/racheldethame
Terms and conditions:*From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £343. Deposit £75pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Travel Editions Group Ltd, ABTA V3120 and TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).
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