England: Gardens of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire 5205
England: Gardens of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire 5205
$1255
England: Gardens of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire 5205
4 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Stowe, Leicester, Oakham, Rutland Water, Burley, Grantham, Coton Manor Gardens
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BRBG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque gardens and historic sites of Rutland, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire. This enchanting tour begins in London, whisking you away to the stunning Stowe Landscape Garden, followed by a stay in Leicester. Discover the charm of Barnsdale Gardens, once home to Geoff Hamilton, and enjoy a serene cruise on Rutland Water. Explore the private garden at the Old Vicarage in Burley and the classic English estate of Belton House. Wander through the rejuvenated Easton Walled Gardens and delve into history at the King Richard III Visitor Centre. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the exquisite Coton Manor Gardens. Travel in comfort with coach transportation and enjoy delightful accommodations, making this a truly memorable experience for garden and history enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: London, Stowe, Leicester
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our pick-up points (London, Luton) and head to Stowe Landscape Garden, where Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown joined Lord Cobham’s gardening staff as Head Gardener in 1741. Over the next few years Brown created one of the finest Georgian landscaped gardens, comprising valleys and vistas, narrow lakes and rivers with more than 30 temples and monuments designed by leading architects of the 18th century. Many garden buildings have been beautifully restored and thousands of shrubs and trees have been planted in recent years. Lunch is available here (not included).
We then continue to our comfortable accommodation in Leicester. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Oakham, Rutland Water, Burley
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, following breakfast, we begin with Barnsdale Gardens, near Oakham. These gardens were designed and made famous by Geoff Hamilton, who presented BBC Gardeners’ World from 1979 until his death in 1996. Barnsdale was a Victorian farmhouse with five acres of pastureland when he found the property in 1984. Hamilton was interested in making gardening affordable by offering practical ideas for gardeners to recreate at home and encouraging the inventive reuse of materials. Barnsdale is now home to Britain's largest collection of individually designed gardens, the 38 plots ranging in style from traditional cottage plantings to modern gardens, allotments, woodlands and formal ponds and have been likened to a theme park for gardeners. Lunch is available here (not included).
Following our visit here we transfer to Rutland Water, England’s largest reservoir by surface area, where we will enjoy an hour-long cruise aboard the Rutland Belle.
We conclude today with a visit to a private garden, the Old Vicarage at Burley. The garden sits on a hill, and when the current owners took over the garden in 1996, it was a wilderness of nettles, brambles and barbed wire. They have gradually worked out from the house creating hedges, paths, walls and terracing to manage the slope. This wonderful garden is now divided into different areas including a pond, orchard, rose garden and walled garden.
Day 3
Location: Grantham
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast this morning our first visit is to Belton House, often cited as the perfect example of an English country house estate. Although built on a modest scale, it has a fine collection of porcelain and silver, a world-renowned library and architectural finesse that reflects the continued wealth and cultured tastes of its former owners, the Brownlow family.
Later we visit Easton Walled Gardens, which are at least 400 years old and were abandoned in 1951 when Easton Hall was pulled down. Since 2001 the 12 acres of forgotten gardens have undergone extensive renovation and today the 16th century garden with its Victorian embellishments can be enjoyed once again. There are also Italianate terraces and a yew tunnel; a cut flower garden, David Austin roses, meadows and sweet pea collections along with cottage and vegetable gardens.
Day 4
Location: Leicester, Coton Manor Gardens, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel and before we leave Leicester we will call in at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, which tells the remarkable story of the amazing evidence gathering that led to the discovery of the long-lost remains of Richard III under a car park. In final homage to England’s last warrior king, you can see for yourself the very spot where King Richard III remained undiscovered for so long…
We break our journey back to London with a visit to Coton Manor Gardens, near Guilsborough. The 10 acre garden occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone and is noted for its luxuriant borders using a wide range of unusual plants. Landscaped on different levels the garden slopes down from the house eventually giving way to unspoilt countryside. A number of smaller gardens within the overall site provide variety and contrast as they gradually unfold. Beyond the confines of the main garden there is a bluebell wood, an established wildflower meadow and an apple orchard.
We then continue our journey to our original departure points, where we expect to arrive in the early evening.
What's Included
-
Services of a professional tour manager
The tour includes the services of a professional tour manager to guide and assist throughout the journey.
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
The tour includes comfortable coach travel for all transfers and excursions.
-
Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
Entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.
-
Boat trip on Rutland Water
Enjoy a boat trip on Rutland Water as part of the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Lunch on Day 1
Lunch on Day 1 at Stowe Landscape Garden is not included.
-
Lunch on Day 2
Lunch on Day 2 at Barnsdale Gardens is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with coach transportation throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless journey between the stunning gardens and historical sites.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable accommodation in Leicester, where dinner is served in the evening, providing a relaxing end to your day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable coach transportation throughout, ensuring a seamless journey between the stunning gardens and historical sites.
-
Is there a tour manager available during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes the services of a professional tour manager to guide and assist throughout the journey.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, but lunch on Day 1 at Stowe Landscape Garden and lunch on Day 2 at Barnsdale Gardens are not included.
-
What can I expect to see at Barnsdale Gardens?
Barnsdale Gardens, designed by Geoff Hamilton, features Britain's largest collection of individually designed gardens. The 38 plots range in style from traditional cottage plantings to modern gardens, allotments, woodlands, and formal ponds.
-
What is special about the visit to Rutland Water?
At Rutland Water, you will enjoy an hour-long cruise aboard the Rutland Belle, exploring England's largest reservoir by surface area.
-
What is unique about the Old Vicarage garden in Burley?
The Old Vicarage garden sits on a hill and has been transformed from a wilderness into a beautiful garden with different areas including a pond, orchard, rose garden, and walled garden.
-
What historical insights can I gain from visiting the King Richard III Visitor Centre?
The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the remarkable story of the evidence gathering that led to the discovery of Richard III's remains under a car park, and you can see the very spot where he was found.
-
Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
-
What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
-
Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
-
Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
-
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
-
How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
-
Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
-
What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
-
Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
-
What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
-
What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
-
Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
-
How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
-
Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
-
How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
-
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Monday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions