EARTHLY PARADISE
The great gardens, inspiring landscapes and hidden gems of West Dorset and Somerset.
Saturday 24th May - Friday 30th May 2025
After a couple of days getting in the mood at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, head west for the main event!
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, embracing the parks and grounds of some of the region’s greatest grand house, and offering exclusive access to its 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.
We will be staying at the historic Symondsbury Manor, near the coast, to enjoy delicious meals and country walks. 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.
For more details, click here.
SECRET GARDENS
A journey through hidden manor house and cottage gardens, deep in the combes and valleys of West Dorset and Somerset.
Monday 9th June - Sunday 15th June 2025
In a recent interview for G&T with The Financial Times, Jason spoke of the ‘enfolding secrecy’ of the region, ‘an extension of the very idea of a garden, a paradise, a refuge in a turbulent world.’ Dorset remains one of England’s hidden corners, and is the only county without a motorway.
Our Secret Garden Tour explores many gardens which are themselves hidden behind mellow walls, the grand and the small, gardens declamatory and gardens intimate, at a perfect moment in the year.
For more details, click here.
THE SUMMER GLOW
A Journey Through Wildflowers And Rose Gardens, Set Against The Inspiring Landscapes Of West Dorset And Somerset.
Friday 20th June - Thursday 26th June 2025
The lush greens of Spring give way to the bold colours of peonies and roses on this late June tour of some of the West Country’s most magical gardens and estates. We are delighted to bring you several exclusive visits, including the magnificent wildflower meadows created by Johnnie Boden at Wytherstone and the historic gardens at Cerne Abbas.
We will be staying at the historic Symondsbury Manor, near the coast, to enjoy delicious meals and country walks.
