"We heard about G&T Tours through a friend and my wife who is a keen gardener was keen to go. Gardening has never been my thing but the itinerary looked interesting so I decided to tag along.

Well, the gardens were amazing. Everyday was like another window was being opened for me. I loved all the places we visited, every garden was different and enchanting. We went to homes and gardens of people who are dear friends of Simon and Jason and the warmth they bestowed upon us was like we were their long lost friends. The private gardens were an incredible privilege while the massive public spaces with 260 year old trees and sweeping lawns were invigorating.

Of course the gardens were amazing but as with all things it’s the people that take a tour and turn it into an incomparable experience. Jason and Simon are the most wonderful of hosts, warm, deeply knowledgeable, massively proud of West Dorset and very funny. Their group of friends who joined us along the way were amazing. I felt like I’d been invited into this close knit group of friends and was treated like I was one of them. The wisdom of them all will stay with me forever.

The manor is quirky, eccentric and magnificent. Every afternoon when we returned from our adventures we were greeted by an amazing afternoon tea of homemade cakes and a huge pot. The restaurants we visited were fabulous but it was our team of chefs at the manor that really made it. We had delicious home cooked restaurant meals accompanied by beautiful wines and after dinner conversations that provoked thought and much laughter.

I didn’t want it to end. We are returning for the summer tour next year. Best of all, I won the croquet tournament.

Many thanks to Simon and Jason and their amazing team and group of incredible friends."