Discover the glorious gardens of the Cotswolds with Christine Walkden

Posted on : 03/19/2023
Discover the glorious gardens of the Cotswolds with Christine Walkden
Travel 

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Discover the glorious gardens of the Cotswolds with Christine Walkden

Summer sees the gardens of the Cotswolds burst into a riot of colour, making this region – with its grand houses, quaint market towns and honey-coloured villages – the perfect place for a visit.

On our exclusive four-day tour, you will discover the gardens of a range of properties, from cottages to magnificent country houses. 

You’ll also meet TV presenter and popular gardening expert Christine Walkden. She will join you for a visit to Hidcote Manor, near the beautiful market town of Chipping Campden, before giving a private talk and answering your gardening questions in a special Q&A session.

You’ll also have a chance to explore the historic estate of Highgrove House, King Charles’s beloved home; Rodmarton Manor and its eight-acre garden; the Knot Garden at Cerney House; Sezincote’s ‘Hindu’ garden, inspired by 18th Century landscape designer Humphry Repton; Kiftsgate Court, with its White Sunk Garden; and Batsford Arboretum.

Reasons to book

Heavenly scents: On The Mail on Sunday’s four-day tour you will explore the gardens of a range of Cotswolds properties, including King Charles’s Highgrove House (pictured)

You will visit the Art and Crafts-inspired gardens at Hidcote Manor (above) in the company of gardening expert Christine Walkden

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

Horticultural expert Christine Walkden

Christine Walkden started her horticultural career aged just ten when she grew flowers and vegetables on her allotment to sell to teachers and neighbours. She worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew before going on to present Gardeners’ World, Christine’s Garden, Great British Garden Revival and the award-winning Glorious Gardens From Above. Christine is currently a panel member on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time.

Meet Christine Walkden: Knowledgeable and engaging, Christine Walkden is the ideal special guest to join you on this memorable tour. 

She will give a private talk about her career as a broadcaster, author and horticulturist, and you will be able to ask her your own questions.

Explore Hidcote House: Christine will accompany you on a tour of the delightful and intricately designed Art and Crafts-inspired gardens at Hidcote House in the north Cotswolds.

Tour Highgrove House: King Charles bought Highgrove in 1980 and since then has redeveloped the garden, taking on a new project each year. 

With the help of his friend Lady Salisbury, he has surrounded the house with scented wisteria, honeysuckle, jasmine and thyme, as well as creating an experimental wildflower meadow of more than 30 varieties of endangered native plants.

Wonderful gardens: You will have the opportunity to explore Rodmarton Manor’s ‘outdoor rooms’, each with its own individual character, and Kiftsgate Court, the creation of three generations of women gardeners.

Beautiful setting: You will be staying at the Holiday Inn Gloucester – Cheltenham, a smart, modern hotel about 15 minutes’ drive from Cheltenham. 

The hotel has on-site parking with electric charging points, a heated indoor pool and a health and fitness centre. Enjoy a comfortable night with a choice of pillows and tea- and coffee-making facilities in every room.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

  • Three-night stay at the Holiday Inn Gloucester – Cheltenham. 
  • Exclusive talk and Q&A and tour of Hidcote Manor with Christine Walkden.
  • Tour of Highgrove House**.
  • Three breakfasts and three dinners.
  • Excursions to Rodmarton Manor, Hidcote Manor, Sezincote, Kiftsgate Court, Cerney House and Batsford Arboretum.

YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 Cerney House DAY 2 Hidcote Manor with Christine Walkden; Rodmarton Manor DAY 3 Highgrove House and Kiftsgate Court DAY 4 Batsford Arboretum, Sezincote; return to pick-up point

HOW TO BOOK

The dates: June 23 to 26, 2023. The price: From £895pp*.

Call 01334 260 227 quoting MOS Christine Walkden. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/ChristineWalkden.

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 £195. Deposit £125 (non-refundable). Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. ** Subject to successful application. 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 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 Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498). 

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