Great British Heritage
Glorious Gardens of Cheshire
For a plant and garden enthusiast, Cheshire has it all: formal parks and gardens, mountain, moorland and estuary landscapes, exotic plants and arboretums, and we explore its myriad of botanical appeal on this superb tour.
In the company of renowned plantsman and garden expert, Tony Russell, this tour will explore some of the most beautiful gardens in Cheshire, including the wonderful RHS garden at Bridgwater, subject of a recent BBC TV series, Ness Botanical Garden, historic Tatton Park and the award-winning gardens at Arley Hall.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Tony Russell
Tony has worked in horticulture for almost forty years, including fourteen years in charge of Britain’s National Arboretum at Westonbirt and ten years as a plant consultant to the National Trust. His career began with the Forestry Commission and has given him exceptional knowledge of trees, shrubs and designed landscapes.
Tony has also presented television and radio programmes and appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. His expert commentary combines botanical detail with the stories behind each garden, making him an informed and thoroughly engaging companion.
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 tour manager’s discretion.
Day 1: Arrive & Dinner at the Hotel
Arrive independently at hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome drink, talk by tour manager Tony Russell and dinner with wine.
Day 2: Ness Botanic Gardens, Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village
This morning visit Ness Botanic Gardens, created by a wealthy cotton merchant, Arthur Bulley, in the late 1800’s. Spread over 64 acres, this all-year botanical garden has a wide range of plants and plenty of wildlife in the summer. In July, the wildflower meadows should be in full swing, with the herbaceous boarders filled with Geranium, Astrantia and Eechinops. There will be free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense) before departing for Port Sunlight.
The village of Port Sunlight was founded by ‘Soap King’ William Hesketh Lever in 1888 and was built to house his factory workers. Today it is home to a fascinating museum, beautiful architecture, and stunning parkland. On arrival there will be a guided tour of the village followed by time to explore the museum, workers cottage and soap works. Return to the hotel with dinner in the restaurant this evening.
Day 3: Lovell Quinta Arboretum & Tatton Park
Today we will start at Lovell Quinta Arboretum. The arboretum is home to a colourful range of around 2500 different plants. This afternoon we visit Tatton Park, one of the most complete historic estates in the UK. It is home to a medieval Old Hall, Neo Classical Mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens and 1000 acres of deer park. Explore the mansion and gardens at your own leisure. Take in the treasured collections inside the 18th century mansion as well as the gardens including the Japanese garden, walled kitchen garden or the historic glasshouses. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: Chester & Dorothy Clive Gardens
Chester will be the first stop of the day. Independently explore the ancient city who has played host to Roman legions, Viking raiders and the Norman invasion. The city has the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, along with a 1000-year-old cathedral as well as its Roman and Medieval walls. There is plenty of to see.
Later that morning transfer by coach to Dorothy Clive Gardens for free time at leisure for lunch (at own expense) before we have a guided tour of the gardens followed by free time for further exploration. The gardens were initially created by Colonel Harry Clive to provide his ailing wife, Dorothy, with a series of interesting walks as she battled with Parkinson’s disease. The gardens today have many diverse areas of interest within its 12 acres including a winter garden, an edible woodland, woodland quarry with waterfall, alpine scree and pool, a rose walk plus amazing seasonal borders. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: RHS Bridgewater & Arley Hall Gardens
Today we start at RHS Bridgewater. There will be plenty of time to explore the stunning 11 acre restored walled garden, one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK, as well as the Paradise Garden, Asiatic and Mediterranean gardens. Worsley New Hall Estate was taken on by the RHS to create RHS Garden Bridgewater and has been one of the largest gardening projects in Europe to date. In the afternoon travel to Arley Hall Gardens, one of the most interesting and charming estates. One of the outstanding features of Arley’s award winning gardens is the double herbaceous border, believed to be the first of its kind planted in England. Other highlights included the Walled Garden, Clock Tower and Tea Cottage set in a rose garden. Return to the hotel for approximately 17:30.
Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“An excellent tour in spite of the weather made all the more enjoyable by Tony Russell’s friendly and knowledgeable leadership. Perhaps a full day at Bridgewater would have been preferable. We enjoyed the mix of activities to allow for other than horticultural interests.”
Bardell, July 2024
“Tony Russell the nicest, most knowledgeable and friendly man. As patient with idiot questions as those more to his level. The itinerary was SO good and varied with 4 full days of interest. Absolutely one of the best ! Hotel had lovely feather pillows and comfortable beds with instant plentiful hot water and real baths. Perfect, but it suffered badly from short and inexperienced kitchen staff so the food and slow service left a lot to be desired.”
Batchelor, July 2023
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
De Vere Cranage Estate
This elegant country house hotel is set within landscaped grounds in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Blending historic character with contemporary comfort, the hotel offers stylish en-suite accommodation, a restaurant and bar, leisure facilities, and inviting public spaces. Guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, television and modern bathrooms.
Parking is available at the hotel. The estate is located near Holmes Chapel, with the nearest railway station approximately 2 miles away. Manchester Airport is around 11 miles from the hotel.
Hotel Website
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.
our regular tours
Mobility Information
Most of our tours involve a considerable amount of walking, standing and stair climbing due to the nature of the tours and the places visited. You also need to be able to get on and off the coach several times a day by yourself, or a train with your luggage. On this tour, there is a lot of walking on streets, which may be steep, poorly paved or cobbled.
Our tours are group tours, and we want everyone to enjoy them to their fullest. It is therefore important that those who have restricted mobility choose a manageable tour which fits their fitness level. It is important that our clients meet minimum fitness criteria to ensure your enjoyment and that of the rest of the group is not compromised. You should be prepared to walk 500m or 30 minutes unaided at a reasonable pace.
If you do have any health or mobility concerns, then let us know at the time of booking and we can advise whether a tour be suitable. Having all the details helps us make sure you and the rest of the group have an enjoyable holiday. We have a handy rating for each tour to let you know how strenuous it may be.
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.
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers
Why Choose Travel Editions?
Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.
Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists
Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.
Personal Service, Real People
Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.
Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights
Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!
Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win
Our newsletter keeps you up to date with the latest news from Travel Editions, including new tours, special departures and travel inspiration. You’ll also receive articles from our expert tour lecturers and tour managers, along with insights into the destinations, history, art and culture that shape our holidays.
"*" indicates required fields
