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During the days of the
great British Empire, plant hunters brought back countless exotic
specimens from
every corner of the globe, many of which thrived in the sub-tropical
climate of Devon. As a result, the owners
of grand country houses - now stately homes - engaged in elaborate
planting schemes using these new discoveries. From formal to kitchen
gardens and the more unusual.
Our Devon garden tour is
based for a week at a country hotel where Agatha Christie wrote her
first mystery novel. On the edge of Dartmoor with superb views of
rolling countryside, gardens and the distant sea,
this lovely hotel offers a quiet and beautiful setting from which to
explore the surrounding countryside of Devon. Each day we go out by
private minibus to visit the magnificent gardens of Devon with its
rich soil and mild climate. In the evenings we return to our hotel
at Haytor for dinner and a little socialising.
ITINERARY:
Sat: Arrive at Moorlands in time for afternoon tea and to meet
our tour leader (travel to Devon not included).
Sun: We start with Castle Drogo where we see the classic
architecture of Edwin Lutyens extending out
into the garden; stepped terraces, hedges and arbours. In the
afternoon we go to Coleton Fishacre .This
24 acre garden lies in a stream fed valley above the beautiful
South Devon coast.
Mon: We visit the historical garden at Killerton, a
plantsman’s paradise, with rare trees and shrubs from around the
world, collected by the Veitch family’s plant hunters. Killerton
House houses the National Trust’s finest costume collection. In
the afternoon we visit Buckland - 8 acres of brilliant
luxurious colour where
old meets new, from a 16th century tower to 21st century
naturalistic. The Elizabethan Garden is planting with a Tudor theme
carried out using plants such as heart’s ease, feverfew, primrose,
foxglove and hyssop mixed in with old varieties of vegetables such
as peas and beans.
Tues: Knightshayes is one
of the finest gardens in Devon, with formal terraces and summer
flowering borders, drifts of spring bulbs a topiary fox and hounds
cut in the "garden in the wood" . There is a
self-guided woodland walk giving lovely views of the surrounding
area. The Victorian Gothic house is a combination of medieval
romanticism and lavish decoration.
Wed: Today is a rest day but for those who want more sightseeing
there is an optional tour to visit Agatha Christie's estate at
Greenway. Overlooking the River Dart, the gardens - complete with
restaurant - are a haven for locals and visitors alike.
Thurs: The lovely coastal garden at Overbecks has stunning
views of the Salcombe Estuary. The location
is very sheltered and is home to a wide range of sub tropical
plants including palm trees. Tucked away in
the beautiful North Devon countryside is Winsford Walled
Garden. In the past, there were 30 gardeners and 500 linear feet
of greenhouses.
Fri: The Mythic Garden is a 5 acre garden presenting an
annual sculpture exhibition amid National Collections of Birch and
Alder in a landscaped water & woodland setting. The garden is
situated in the Dartmoor National Park. Set amongst rolling Devon Countryside the Hillhouse garden
surrounds a charming one time vicarage made famous by Edward Hyams 'an Englishmans Garden'.
Sat: Depart after breakfast.
Where
we stay:
Moorlands is
a four-star property exclusively used by HF Holidays for their
holiday groups. Occupying 12 acres of grounds, it has sweeping views
over the rolling Devon countryside and towards the coast.
32 rooms each have private bath. This hotel was the setting that
inspired Agatha Christie to write her first mystery novel. There are
32 Bedrooms at Moorlands. All have private bath, complimentary tea
and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and clock radio.
Televisions and telephones are not provided in the bedrooms.
All rooms are non-smoking. Facilities include laundry facilities,
mini-shop, croquet, pool table, two lounges,
bar, ballroom and games room.
For
tour details click below:
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