Gardens of Hampshire & The Isle of Wight

On arrival in London Gatwick airport we will transfer by private coach to West Dean Gardens. Situated at the foot of the South Downs the gardens in West Sussex are one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public. Highlights include an impressive collection of working Victorian Glasshouses, a walled kitchen garden, a sunken garden and a 300 foot Edwardian pergola.

Following our visit we continue onwards to Winchester where we check in to our hotel. Join us for a welcome dinner this evening!

This morning, following our early breakfast, we travel by coach and ferry to the Isle of Wight. Our first visit today is to Osborne House & Garden, a former royal residence in East Cowes built as a summer home and rural retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. We will have some free time here too for lunch at our leisure (not included).

Our afternoon visit is to Mottisone Manor Garden, located in a sheltered valley with shrub-filled banks, hidden pathways and colourful herbaceous borders.  It surrounds an attractive Elizabethan manor house these 20th-century gardens are experimenting with a Mediterranean-style planting scheme to take advantage of the southerly location.  Our ferry departs late afternoon/early evening for our return journey to our hotel.

This evening is free to dine in one of Winchester’s many restaurants. Frances will be happy to advise and offer suggestions.

This morning is free to explore the historical city of Winchester- perhaps visit the Cathedral or do some shopping!

After a leisurely morning we depart for a visit to Exbury Gardens, the world famous garden of the Rothschild Family which offers an oasis of tranquillity during summer months. Home to a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens in a unique riverside location. Some of these fascinating gardens can be navigated aboard a narrow gauge steam railway.

Evening free at leisure in Winchester.

This morning we check out of our hotel and start our day with a visit to the elegant country house and gardens of Hinton Ampner. This National Trust property is renowned for its beautifully manicured lawns, avenues of sculptured topiary and breathtaking views across the South Downs. We will have free time for lunch at our leisure here (not included).

Our journey continues onwards to Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden, where he has assembled a remarkable collection of trees, shrubs and hardy plants set in 180 acres. The award winning gardens specialise in horticulture, conservation, education and recreation.

Later this afternoon we transfer to London Gatwick for our return flight to Dublin.