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This two night tour based at the Macdonald Alveston Manor in Stratford will give you the opportunity to see some of the greatest gardens in the Cotswolds set in historic landscapes with its honey coloured stones villages and rolling hills there really can be no better way of appreciating what England does best!

Tuesday 19 June
Check into your hotel before welcome drink and talk given by the Head Gardener from Hidcote Manor. Glyn Jones will set the scene for your visit to the garden with a talk on the family history and construction of the garden also the work in progress by the National Trust.

Wednesday 20 June
The first visit is to Hidcote Manor - created by Lawrence Johnston a man of immense optimism, imagination and skill who created these superb and outstanding gardens in 1907 making them into one of the world’s most influential gardens. Managed by the National Trust who continue his legacy and ensure that they remain one of the most remarkable gardens – their structure of outdoor ‘rooms’, rich colours, contrast and planting cannot fail to take your breath away. We then move next door and it is hardly possible to believe that two great gardens are so close. Kiftsgate Court was created in 1918 by the grandmother of the present owner who was greatly inspired and helped by her life long friend and neighbour. These gardens have been the work of three generations of women gardeners, with sweeping dramatic views high on the hill above the Vale of Evesham they are a plantsman’s delight. Wonderful borders flowing with stunning roses and harmonious colour schemes, sheltered lower gardens with plants from warmer climes and of course the famous Kiftsgate rose rising 50ft high into the trees. A light lunch will be included at Kiftsgate.

Thursday 21 June
Your first visit is to Stowell Park and we are delighted to have the opportunity to include this garden. The Estate is the family home of Lord and Lady Vestey. The gardens overlooking the Coln valley include a superb walled garden and magnificent terraced and herbacaious borders. This is followed by a visit to Bourton House. The gardens of 3 acres surround the house and have been lovingly restored and transformed by the owner Monique Paice during the last 20 years. With its late 17th century raised walk overlooking rolling hills there are wide borders of exotic colours combine with exciting foliage and flora. Lunch will be served in the beautifully preserved 14thC Tithe Barn. The last garden you will visit is Sezincote. The house thought to the only surviving Mogul style house in Europe is surrounded by gardens beautifully set out with exceptional specimen trees. Originally planted by the present owner’s grandmother, Lady Kleinwort, who was advised and helped by well-known horticulturist Graham Thomas. Modelled on traditional paradise gardens full of symbolic features with many surprises they are set in a combination of formal landscape and rolling parkland. We then return to the hotel before departure.

Price per person: £385 Single supplement £ 40 Non refundable deposit £75:

• 2 nights accommodation with dinner and breakfast
• Welcome reception with lecture
• 2 light lunches on both touring days
• Entries to all gardens
• Professional guide and executive coaching

The Royal Shakespeare Company are performing King Lear 7 pm Wednesday 20 June – the cast includes Ian McKellen in the title role – this is likely to be a hugely popular performance so if you want to book tickets please ring the Box Office as soon as possible 0870 609 1110 The theatre is 10 minutes walk. The hotel are usually prepared to do an early dinner.