Press

Read what the press says about us! 

“Engaging…perceptive…tempting…top-notch itinerary.”

“This feast of floriferous treats…”…”a grand mix of owner show-arounds, good wine and convivial conversation…”…”our small group was privileged to be taken around in person by the garden’s creators…”…”perfectly balanced…”…”I feel that same rush of excitement all over again…”
Click on the titles below for more:

From the Financial Times May 2024

House & Garden magazine September 2023

Country Life magazine May 2023

Financial Times January 2024

Financial Times May 2024

The Telegraph August 2024 

Recommended by Travel + Leisure Magazine

Guests' Comments

"I had the most amazing time on your inaugural Earthly Paradise tour, and I'm actually still not quite feeling like myself back home in Connecticut. I keep dreaming of Dorset and checking real estate listings. Also I miss everyone in the group very much."
Sarina
USA
"I am still constantly referencing as I work in my garden in New Zealand what I saw and learnt on the G&T garden tour. Jason and Simon and the team they have assembled are quite simply the best of hosts and tour guides. The attention to detail they bring to the planning of the week-long tour can only be described as impeccable which makes for a fully immersive gardening experience which I loved every minute of. The accommodation at Symondsbury Manor provides a perfect dreamy Dorset base and the food on offer prepared daily at the Manor is fresh, local, plentiful and beyond delicious. But without a doubt the highlight of the trip must be the address book of private gardens that Jason and Simon have gathered over the years which we were able to dip into. To be able to visit those gardens and meet and chat with the owners and/or gardeners is what makes this tour so extraordinarily special and unique and one that I would repeat in a flash."
Nicola
New Zealand
"So glad you have announced the Secret Garden Tour. I will clear my diary!!!!!"
Jenny
USA

"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."

Ian
Australia
"The tour exceeded my expectations. The camaraderie, the food, the joie de vivre, the inside knowledge and, of course, THE GARDENS are just some of the highlights of the joyful, informative and indulgent week we spent with Simon and Jason. Kudos to G&T!"
Suzanne
California

"I loved everything about the the tour."
Sue
New Zealand