A benign climate, breath-taking scenery and fertile soil have made west Dorset and neighbouring Somerset home to some of England’s most wonderful gardens (and gardeners).
This late-spring tour is a perfectly timed introduction to English gardens for guests coming from the Chelsea Flower Show (20th-24th May 2025), embracing the parks and grounds of some of the region’s greatest grand houses, with exclusive access to its very best private gardens. As well as formal gardens you will experience the wild landscapes of ancient woodlands and flower-rich meadows, at their Spring best.
The tour will also feature talks and design ideas from some of the horticultural world’s most inspiring figures including Julian and Isabel Bannerman and Howard Sooley.
The price of the tour includes your 6 night stay at Symondsbury Manor, an eclectic and comfortable private manor house with a distinguished history, as well as delicious teas and dinners prepared by Caroline and Clare, with help from Dorset’s best cake baker, Haley. As usual we will be lunching at a variety of our favourite restaurants in this beautiful corner of south-west England. It’s all included.
Standard double/twin room (shared bathroom)
A superior four poster/kingsize room with bath or shower en suite, shared toilet
en suite double/twin room with en suite shower/bathroom
To book this room for a single guest only
You are collected at Dorchester station, to arrive at Symondsbury Manor in time for tea. We have time to unwind and enjoy the garden before dinner.
Simon Tiffin and Jason Goodwin will set the scene with an introductory talk on the history and gardens of west Dorset.