Gardens of the Lake District
United Kingdom
Guided
Flights & Transfers
Your Guided Group Holiday To The Lake District
Experience the top gardens of the Lake District on this garden holiday in England. Before we travel to our hotel in the market town of Kendal, we'll see the world's oldest and fantastic topiary creations at Levens Hall. Other highlights will include, the historic Dalemain House, exploring Dove Cottage, the home of the romantic poet William Wordsworth and taking a cruise on Lake Windermere. We'll also discover the award winning Holker Hall & Gardens, which won BBC Countryfile Garden of the Year in 2016 and visit the RHS Garden of Bridgewater, one of the biggest European gardening projects. So, join us on this wonderful short holiday to see these inspiring and distinct gardens of the Lake District.
Please Note : Garden Tours, by their very nature, involve walking moderate distances each day, with the amount of walking, as well as the presence of slopes and steps, varying from tour to tour. As individual assistance cannot be provided, participants should ensure they are comfortable with the physical demands involved. If you are unsure about the level of activity or terrain on a specific tour, please contact Frances MacDonald for more detailed information on the terrain of particular gardens. Mob: 086 843 6624 Email:[email protected]
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Easy
Day
Travel to Manchester & Levens Hall
Travel to Manchester & Levens Hall
Full DayToday we meet our garden guide, Peter Harrison, at Dublin airport for our flight to Manchester where we will transfer on arrival to Levens Hall for a garden visit. This renowned topiary garden with its rose garden and herbaceous borders surrounds a charming Elizabethan house which has been in continual family ownership since 1590.
Following our visit we will transfer to our hotel in Kendall where we will dine as a group this evening.
Holker Hall, Dove Cottage and Cruise on Lake Windermere
Holker Hall
MorningFollowing breakfast we begin with a visit to Holker House and Gardens; the original house was built in the early 17th century but almost destroyed by a disastrous fire in 1871. It was rebuilt by William Cavendish and his daughter, Louise, using eminent architects and designers, rebuilding it in the latest style. The majority of the paintings and much of the furniture was brought to Holker from Chatsworth House, the family residence in Derbyshire.
Dove Cottage & Lake Windermere Cruise
AfternoonEnjoy some free time in Ambleside for lunch before a visit to Dove Cottage, the small home of William Wordsworth where he lived with his sister, Dorothy for eight years; he married while living there and started his family.
We will have some free time to explore the nearby Wordsworth Museum before boarding our cruise on Lake Windermere travelling from Ambleside to Bowness where we will rejoin our coach and return to our hotel for our evening meal.
Dalemain Historic House & Garden and Holehird Gardens
Dalemain Historic House & Garden
MorningAfter a leisurely breakfast we depart for a visit Dalemain House and Garden; enjoy four centuries of House Architecture, five acres of celebrated gardens, historic parkland and home-made food served in the Medieval Hall Tearoom.
Holehird Gardens
AfternoonOur afternoon excursion is to the beautiful Holehird Gardens which are managed and maintained by volunteers of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. Offering stunning views over Windermere highlights of our visit include the Walled Garden, Upper Garden and several glasshouses.
At Leisure
EveningThis evening is free to experience one of the many restaurants in Kendal; Frances will advise/escort.
Bridgewater Garden and Return to Dublin
Bridgewater RHS Garden & Return to Dublin
AfternoonThis morning, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and travel the RHS Garden of Bridgewater which is one of the largest gardening projects in Europe and the fifth garden in the RHS portfolio.
The gardens see the transformation of a 156 acre green space, formerly the site of Worsley New Hall, a heritage landscape, into an iconic RHS garden. Landscape architect, Tome Stuart-Smith created a masterplan to create ‘gardens within a garden. Enjoy a tour of the walled garden with free time to explore other areas.
Transfer to Manchester airport for our early evening return flight to Dublin.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
