Exclusive Gardens of Dorset & the West Country
Sunday 13th – Saturday 19th June 2027 (6 nights)
Join us on our tour to England’s West Country and explore fascinating hidden gardens. We stay in two lovely hotels – the first in the centre of Georgian Bath and the second, a luxurious rural retreat in the heart of Dorset’s picturesque countryside.
- Private tour and lunch at Harold Peto’s Iford Manor.
- Award winning designer Marylyn Abbot’s home at West Green Garden.
- Four superb private gardens with exclusive access and the opportunity to meet their owners.
- Hanham Court designed by Isabel and Julian Bannerman.
- The impressive landscape garden of Stourhead.
- Beautiful garden of a British rose grower.
- Walking tour of the Georgian city of Bath with a visit to the Abbey.
Photo credits: Caisson House ©Jason Ingram; Hanham Court ©Martin Bolton; private garden ©Simon Hansford; Houghton Lodge ©Robin Ball. other images ©Sisley Garden Tours.
After our morning pick-up at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel, Heathrow Airport, we stop at West Green Garden, one of England’s finest manor house gardens created by acclaimed garden designer and Chelsea Flower Show award winner, Marylyn Abbott. We enjoy lunch in the garden conservatory (included) and have time to explore the gardens.
We then check-in to the 4-star Francis Hotel in the historic spa city of Bath. Dinner is in the hotel (included).
Monday 14th June
This morning there is an optional walking tour of historic Bath and a visit to Bath Abbey with free time for lunch (independent).
In the afternoon we are treated to the gardens at Caisson House which have been restored over the last 12 years, with a focus upon reclaimed materials, regenerative gardening and soil health.
We return to Bath for dinner in a local restaurant (included).
Tuesday 15th June
This morning we visit Hanham Court, a privately owned house with award-winning gardens which were designed and developed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman over twenty years. The gardens are truly romantic and a rare treat.
In the afternoon we head to Iford Manor, a Grade I Italianate garden home to the architect and landscape gardener, Harold Peto in the early 1900’s. The manor house is famed for its tranquil beauty and romantic setting. We will have lunch (included) before enjoying a tour of the gardens with the owner.
We return to Bath where your evening is at leisure (dinner independent).
Wednesday 16th June
After check-out this morning we visit a rather special private garden, full of surprises including an exceptional walled garden, ancient outbuildings and beautiful views.
Afterwards, we head to Stourhead – England’s finest neo-classical garden. We will have free time for lunch (independent) before a tour of the gardens. At its centrepiece is a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees. There will be time to see the house.
In the late afternoon, we check-in to the 5-star Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, situated in the heart of the delightful Dorset village of Evershot. Dinner in the hotel (included).
Thursday 17th June
Today we head towards the south coast to see two fabulous private gardens. The first is located on a breezy headland, overlooking the sea. The 4-acre garden that surrounds the farmhouse, has been developed by the skilled owners since they restored the property in 1983. The gardens close to the house are formal but become increasingly naturalistic. After a tour with the owner, we enjoy lunch in the garden (included).
In the afternoon we visit an historic house and estate which nestles within a stunning valley in the Purbeck Hills. The gardens have been extensively redeveloped during the past 12 years with a modern, sympathetic design by award-winning, Tom Stuart-Smith. We meet the head gardener who will take us on a guided tour.
We return to Evershot for dinner in The Acorn Inn (included).
Friday 18th June
This morning we travel to The Old Rectory, home to ‘Rosa Cheney’, a two-acre walled garden growing beautiful, old fashioned, sustainable roses. We also enjoy a tour of the main garden, which was re-imagined by garden designer, Arne Maynard.
Afterwards, we have free time in a traditional Dorset town with the opportunity to have lunch (independent) and explore the eclectic shops.
In the afternoon, we explore another private garden which is famed for its glorious collection of roses. We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Saturday 19th June
After check-out, we head back towards London Heathrow airport making our final stop at Houghton Lodge Gardens. Here we enjoy a private tour of the Grade II listed ‘cottage orné’ surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the River Test. Lunch is included in the conservatory after which there will be time to wander through the gardens. These incorporate a large walled garden, a herb garden, ornamental borders and a new oriental garden.
In the late afternoon we drop off at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel and Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 for inter-terminal transport links and the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line trains into London.
Note: Some garden visits await final confirmation at the time of publication.
Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here. To download a printable version of this itinerary, click here.
Our Hotels are 4 and 5-star and selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are ensuite and offer free wifi access.
The Francis Hotel, Bath (3 nights)
The Francis Hotel overlooks Queen Square in the heart of the historic city of Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is housed in a wonderful series of seven inter-connecting Regency-style townhouses which are Grade I listed and feature individually designed bedrooms. The hotel has recently been completely refurbished and includes an excellent restaurant, comfortable lounge and buzzing bar.
A/C – yes I Lift to all floors – yes I Spa – yes I Pool – no.
Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot (3 nights)
This intimate 5-star country house hotel is surrounded by beautiful countryside in the heart of Dorset. Set within 4 acres of attractive gardens in a converted Georgian manor house, Summer Lodge features luxurious rooms with sumptuous fabrics, well appointed bathrooms and an award-winning restaurant. The Acorn Inn, owned by the hotel, is a fine example of an English country pub in the same village.
A/C – yes I Lift to all floors – no I Spa & Pool – yes.
| Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room) | Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room) |
| £5,995 (GBP) | £905 (GBP) |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 6 nights’ accommodation at a 4 and 5-star hotels with en-suite facilities.
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Assistance with luggage at the hotels.
- All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
- Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
- An information pack with detailed booklet about the gardens we will be visiting.
- Services of your Sisley tour director throughout.
- All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
- This tour starts and ends at Heathrow Airport.
PRICES EXCLUDE:
- Airfares.
- Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
- Meals not included in the tour, drinks, laundry, and incidentals.
TOUR PAYMENT: A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the tour. Your balance payment is due 120 days prior to the tour departure.
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION: You can get an idea of the cost of the tour in your local currency by using a currency converter. Conversion rates are based on institutional or inter-bank daily rates. Retail conversion rates include fees and will generally differ from these rates.
To book your place(s) please complete our online booking form at www.sisley.co.uk/booking-form/ or click the BOOK NOW button below. As soon as we receive your booking form, we will confirm availability on the tour of your choice and arrange collection of your 10% deposit which secures your booking.
BOOK NOWHOW TO PAY
There are three ways to pay for your tour and you will be asked on the booking form which you prefer:
With our travel partner in North America: You can book your tour in USD$ or CAD$ by credit card or check with our partners at DHTour – a London and UK specialist travel agent. Find out more about DHTour here.
With Sisley Garden Tours: All clients are welcome to book a tour directly with us. We can accept payment in GBP£ by bank transfer or by credit/debit card via secure online payment link.
With your own travel agent: We are happy to work with your preferred travel agent. Just provide us with their contact details on the booking form and we will take care of the rest.
TRAVEL INSURANCE AND BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is mandatory for all overseas visitors to the UK to have travel insurance before joining our tours. Full details of our booking terms & conditions can be found at www.sisley.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for further information www.sisley.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
We very much look forward to welcoming you, but please email tours@sisley.co.uk if you have any queries..
