After independent journeys to Sherborne, we’ll meet, in the early afternoon at The Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne, our four-star base for the tour. This family-run boutique hotel was originally designed as an 18th-century Georgian gentleman’s residence and exudes warmth and character. The 2 AA Rosette restaurant offers food made from homegrown produce and boasts views of the hotel’s charming walled garden. Car parking is available at the hotel or Sherborne is a 2-hour direct train ride from London (see our tour joining & tour end arrangements for more information here).

We then travel to the privately owned, Dorset Walled Garden in Upper Sydling for a tour of the delightful gardens with owner, Susanne Cooper. The garden was created in 2002, with more recent help from designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman. Expect roses, scented planting, imposing yew beehives, a rill and gravel garden. After we enjoy refreshments and an expert floristry demonstration using flowers from the garden.

We return to Sherborne, where there’ll be time to taste local wine from Sherborne Castle Vineyard before dinner at the hotel (included).

Tuesday 13th June

In the morning, Bella Hoare will take us on a tour of her own garden at Gasper Cottage on the Stourhead estate – where Bella’s ancestors lived before the family seat was taken on by the National Trust. Bella, an artist, loves colourful perennials and Oudolf-style planting. The garden is constantly in development: lawn often gives way to flowers and part of the orchard is currently being converted into a pollinator-attracting forest garden.

After lunch at a garden in nearby Bruton (included), we’ll head to Batcombe House in Shepton Mallet, the home of landscape designer Libby Russell. Enjoy a riot of colour in her kitchen terraces and borders and, on the other side, a grass amphitheatre offering a calmer, more contemporary space with wide herbaceous borders. After our tour of the gardens, we enjoy tea and homemade cake.

In the evening, you are free to explore Sherborne and dine at leisure.

Wednesday 14th June

The day starts with an exclusive tour of Mapperton House with Julie, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, before the garden opens. After morning coffee we take a private tour of the house. Mapperton is known for its romantic gardens. Tucked into a steep sided combe, they descend from formal topiary gardens and an orangery in the north to an arboretum in the south, beyond which the land unfolds down to the sea. Lunch at Mapperton House (independent).

In the afternoon we’ll head to South Wood Farm, where head gardener Lewis O’Brien takes us on an exclusive tour of the Arne Maynard-designed country garden. The beautiful 17th-century thatched house is surrounded by roses, herbaceous borders, yew topiary, wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden. It is an absolute delight.

We return to the hotel for dinner (included).

Thursday 15th June

On our final morning we visit Highbridge House, the private home of racehorse trainer Paul Nicholls OBE, whose rose collection will be hitting its stride.

After we continue on to The Newt in Somerset. Formerly the home of Penelope Hobhouse’s family and then Nori and Sandra Pope, the garden has been reimagined by Patrice Taravella. It is undoubtedly one of the most extensive garden developments in the country for many years. After lunch (included) and a Somerset cyder tasting, we’ll have a tour of the gardens and some time to explore, before returning to The Eastbury Hotel to say our goodbyes.

TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement (solo occupancy of a double room) shown separately. Tours are priced in £GBP.

PRICES INCLUDE:

• 3 nights’ accommodation at The Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne with en-suite facilities.
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners with wine.
• All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
• All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
• Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
• Gift information pack with detailed information about the gardens we will be visiting.
• Services of your Sisley tour director throughout

PRICES EXCLUDE:

• Travel to and from Sherborne at the start and end of the tour.
• Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
• Meals & drinks not included in the tour, laundry, and telephone calls.

TOUR PAYMENT: A 10% non-refundable deposit is requested at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour.  Your tour balance payment is due by Monday 13th March 2023.

Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here.

Image credits: Dorset Walled Garden, Jason Ingram; South Wood Farm, Lewis O’Brien; Mapperton House; The Newt Somerset; Gasper Cottage, Bella Hoare.