Gardens of Dorset

Day 1

We head down south after a morning collection. We check in to the hotel in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2

Today is free to explore the delights of Bournemouth. There are plenty of places for you to visit, whatever the weather. There are museums, galleries, amusement arcades, a climbing centre, beach-to-shore zip-wire, mini golf, play parks, beach huts, and an oceanarium – as well as many bars and cafés to enjoy.

Day 3

This morning, after breakfast we make our way to The Walled Garden in Moreton, Dorset - a beautifully landscaped five-acre formal garden. Take time to enjoy the tranquil setting, browse the garden shop, or relax with refreshments in the on-site café.  We continue our journey to Athelhampton House & Gardens. Marvel at the Tudor Great Hall, built by Sir William Martyn in 1485. Explore the historic house and its 20 plus elegant rooms, added during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and now open to the public. Outside, discover five acres of award-winning gardens. Stroll through four formal walled gardens adorned with pools and fountains, wander the sweeping herbaceous borders, or visit the productive Edwardian kitchen garden where the dedicated gardening team can often be seen at work. 

Day 4

This morning, we take a short drive to Kingston Lacy - a reimagined Venetian-style palace nestled in the Dorset countryside. Wander through the tranquil Japanese Garden and visit the restored Victorian Kitchen Garden, or explore the wider estate with its Iron Age hill forts, vibrant heathland, and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle. Kingston Lacy has a rich and dramatic history. Over the centuries, the Bankes family built, altered, and embellished the house. Unable to return to England due to scandal, Bankes directed the transformation of Kingston Lacy from exile in Venice, creating its richly decorated interiors and assembling its outstanding art collection. His legacy lives on in the home’s opulent interiors, including the stunning Spanish Room, and in a world-class art collection featuring works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian, and Brueghel. Kingston Lacy is often described as a miniature national gallery of the South West and also houses the UK’s largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. 

Day 5

After breakfast we depart the hotel and head homeward.

Includes

Return coach travel with reserved seating
4 Nights Durley Dean Hotel half board
Hotel Evening Entertainment
Porterage
Time at Leisure in Bournemouth
Entry to the Walled Gardens
Entry to Athelhampton House & Gardens
Entry to Kingston Lacy House & Gardens