Autumn Leaf Colours Around the Cotswolds

Join one of Britain's foremost tree experts, Tony Russell, on this five day tour in and around the Cotswolds visiting some of Britain's finest tree collections and arboreta, including some of the oldest and largest trees in the country. Based on the outskirts of the spa town of Cheltenham in the height of Autumn, marvel at some of the finest leaf colour displays in Europe.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham Hotel from 15.00
Welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk from your horticulturalist tour expert, Tony Russell. 

Day 2: Batsford Arboretum and Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden, Chipping Camden
Our first visit today is to Batsford Arboretum, one of the largest tree collections in private ownership. We enjoy a guided tour which takes in some of the 1500 different species of trees, shrubs and bamboos set within 55 acres of glorious countryside overlooking the Evenlode valley. After lunch (own expense) we drive to the picturesque town of Chipping Camden where we visit the Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden. Ernest Wilson was probably the greatest plant collector of the early 20th century.  He discovered and introduced over 1200 new species of trees and shrubs to Britain including the Pocket-handkerchief tree and the Paper-bark maple. He was born in Chipping Campden hence the Memorial Garden which is planted solely with trees and shrubs he introduced. Our final stop of the day is to St. James’ Churchyard in Chipping Campden, which has an avenue of lime trees known as the 12 apostles. They were planted in 1770 and have been pollarded into amazing shapes. 

Day 3: Harcourt Arboretum and The University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Established in 1835 by the Harcourt family, Harcourt Arboretum is now managed by the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. Here there are trees and shrubs from all corners of the temperate world, including Giant Redwoods from North America, Magnolias from the Himalayas, the rare Golden Larch from China and the South American Lantern tree. We have time in Oxford for lunch (own expense) before visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Britain. Founded in 1621, it has a spectacular collection of trees and shrubs including South American Monkey puzzles, the largest Black pine in England and a superb collection of rowans including the Chinese rowan, Sorbus sargentiana. Couple with this a palm house, bog gardens and walled gardens and this makes a wonderful afternoon tour.

Day 4: National Arboretum, Westonbirt
We spend today at he finest and oldest arboretum in Europe, with more than 18,500 specimens spread over 600 acres.  The morning will be spent exploring the Old Arboretum, created by Robert Holford from 1829.  Here we will see numerous ‘champion’ trees including rare magnolias, tree rhododendrons and both Japanese and American maples. The afternoon will be spent in the ancient woodland of Silkwood.  Here we will view the national collection of maples and 2,000 year-old lime tree.

Day 5: Tortworth Court Arboretum, and Bristol Botanic Gardens
Our final day begins with a visit to Tortworth Court, once home of Lord Ducie and now a majestic hotel surrounded by the spectacular remains of Tortworth Arboretum.  The arboretum was created by Lord Ducie over 150 years ago.  At one time it rivalled Westonbirt for sheer grandeur and diversity of species.  Today it is one of the horticultural worlds best kept secrets and a must for tree enthusiasts. Here North American oaks stand proudly alongside rare Himalayan pines in a beautiful setting. Our final visit is to the Tortworth Chestnut in a nearby churchyard.  A magnificent old tree which some believe dates back to the time of the Romans and one which was recently nominated as one of the nation’s favourite trees.
After time for lunch (own expense) we make our final visit of the tour to Bristol Botanic Gardens which boasts an impressive tree collection, featuring a diverse range of species from around the world. The garden also features collections that highlight plant evolution, Mediterranean flora, and local and rare native plants. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.30. 

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion 

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking and time spent standing for viewing at each attraction. Some of the pathways are gravelled, paved, cobbled or grassed - which may be slippery or muddy after rainfall. Some slopes and uneven surfaces, and steps to different parts of the gardens. For further information please visit the mobility page of our website, or call our team prior to booking. 

INCLUDED

• Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and talk by Tony Russell
• All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring itinerary
• Tour expert Tony Russell throughout
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £299
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham
The four-star DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in located on the outskirts of Cheltenham and boasts excellent facilities. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, and terrace. Bedrooms are comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Parking available at the hotel at a cost of £5 per day.

Hotel Website

MORE INFO 

Your Guide/Lecturer: Tony Russell

Tony Russell has worked in horticulture for almost 40 years, including 14 years in charge of Britain's National Arboretum at Westonbirt and 10 years as plant consultant to the National Trust. During this time Tony has also presented several television and radio programmes, as well as appearing as a panellist on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners Question Time. He is the author of 20 published books on gardens, plants and trees and the editor of the annual publication Great Gardens to Visit.  Tony is currently consulting on a large, new arboretum being created at Rahanna House in Ireland and in 2024 will be leading a number of exclusive garden and plant-based tours, both in the UK and overseas. 

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.