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Gardens of the Lake District: Gardeners’ World Exclusive
Discover the beauty and diversity of the Lake District through some of its finest gardens, from grand historic estates and lovingly restored landscapes to intimate privately owned treasures. Set against a backdrop of shimmering lakes, rolling parkland and dramatic fells, this tour combines outstanding horticulture with the region’s rich cultural heritage, exploring gardens shaped by centuries of creativity, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the landscape.

Along the way, visit celebrated gardens renowned for their roses, rhododendrons and herbaceous borders, enjoy exclusive guided visits, and follow in the footsteps of figures such as William Wordsworth and John Ruskin. With expert insight, spectacular scenery and a carefully curated programme of gardens both famous and hidden, this tour offers an inspiring journey through one of Britain’s most beautiful and rewarding gardening destinations.
From

£1,699

per person

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what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    All breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners.
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Four nights at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
  • Explore gardens, estates and landscapes of the Lake District
    Discover the beauty of the Lake District through a collection of exceptional gardens, from grand historic estates to intimate private gardens. Enjoy exclusive guided visits and discover places associated with William Wordsworth and John Ruskin.
  • Your Expert Guide
    Accompanied by David Hurrion throughout.
  • Visits & Tours
    All guided tours, visits and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
  • Transport
    Comfortable coach touring as per the itinerary.
Meet Your Expert Guide

David Hurrion

David is an accomplished plantsman, gardener, writer and broadcaster who has been growing plants for more than forty years. His extensive practical experience is underpinned by botanical and scientific training, together with a deep understanding of garden design, wildlife, geology and climate.

David has worked in gardens and nurseries, taught horticulture and spent more than twenty years writing and editing gardening publications, including BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. A genial and highly knowledgeable host, he has travelled widely in search of plants and gardens and brings both practical insight and infectious enthusiasm to every visit.

Meet Our Expert Guides
itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and at tour manager’s discretion.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive independently at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa near Windermere. This evening, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome drink, before an introductory talk from David Hurrion. A welcome dinner with wine follows.

Day 2: Dalemain & Lowther Castle Gardens

Our tour begins at Dalemain, a historic country house and gardens in the northern Lake District. Enjoy a guided tour before exploring the gardens, which that reflect centuries of horticultural development, including colourful herbaceous borders, mature trees, rose planting and tranquil riverside walks. Dalemain is particularly noted for its celebrated Himalayan blue poppies.

In the afternoon, we visit Lowther Castle & Gardens, where dramatic castle ruins stand amid extensive gardens that have been carefully regenerated and restored over recent decades. Following an introductory talk, there will be time to explore this remarkable landscape and discover its fascinating history. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Holehird Gardens by Stuart Wilding - Wikimedia Commons

Day 3: Holehird Gardens & Rydal Mount

This morning we visit Holehird Gardens, the award-winning home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. Set on a hillside overlooking Windermere, the gardens are celebrated for their collections of rhododendrons, hydrangeas and alpines, as well as their spectacular Lakeland views.

We then continue to Grasmere, with free time to enjoy lunch and explore one of the Lake District’s most picturesque villages. This afternoon we visit Rydal Mount, home to William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850. The five-acre garden, landscaped by the poet himself, offers magnificent views of the surrounding fells and lakes. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4: Holker Hall Gardens & Levens Hall Gardens

Today is devoted to two of Cumbria’s most distinguished gardens, each with its own unique character and history. Begin at Holker Hall Gardens, where 25 acres of formal and woodland gardens surround one of Cumbria’s finest country estates. Highlights include beautifully planted borders, woodland walks, formal terraces, and memorable views across the estate.

After free time for lunch in the charming village of Cartmel, we continue to Levens Hall Gardens, renowned for its extraordinary topiary garden. More than one hundred intricately clipped yew and box specimens create a remarkable living sculpture gallery, complemented by herbaceous borders, orchards and beautiful gardens extending around the historic house. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Brantwood & Yews Estate

Our final day starts at Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin, beautifully situated on the shores of Coniston Water. The gardens and estate reflect Ruskin’s passion for horticulture and landscape design, while offering superb views across the lake to the surrounding fells

Following lunch at Yews Estate, we enjoy a private guided visit to the gardens, learning more about their planting, development and ongoing care in an idyllic setting. Return to the hotel for around 16.30.

Availability

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Date
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Price From
Availability
18/07/2027
Lake District
£1,699
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Solo Traveller Supplement From: £325
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HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
A four-star resort set right on the shore of Windermere on the A591 between Windermere and Ambleside, the hotel is ideally placed for all the gardens on this tour. The hotel has onsite car parking, payable directly to the hotel. The closest railway station is Windermere, about a 5-minute drive away.

Hotel Website 

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
 
Most of the week is spent walking around garden grounds, some with gravel paths and slopes. The Walled Garden at Holehird is about 400 yards from the entrance up a steeply sloping tarmac drive, and Yews Estate has some steep steps and uneven ground. Day 2 is also a fuller day, taking in both Dalemain and Lowther Castle with a fair amount of driving in between.
 
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Mobility Information
Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. A reminder will be sent to you approximately 10 days before the balance due date. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

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