Visit the top gardens of Somerset with David Domoney
Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Visit some of the top gardens of Somerset with David Domoney
Somerset is a garden-lover’s dream destination, with a fabulous variety of stunning places to visit. From manicured country-house gardens to cottage plots with lush flowerbeds and edible plants, there’s so much for the green-fingered to see and do in this colourful county.
Our tailor-made five-day itinerary has been designed to give you a real taste of Somerset life, with trips to several of the area’s picture-perfect gardens and an inspiring talk from leading horticulturist David Domoney.
Among the many highlights of the trip are visits to Lytes Cary Manor with its Arts and Crafts-inspired gardens; the tranquil Tintinhull Garden in the grounds of a grand Tudor manor house; historic Hestercombe House, whose gardens date back to medieval times; and Bishop’s Palace gardens, adjacent to Wells Cathedral.
Picture perfect: You will visit Bishop’s Palace gardens opposite Wells Cathedral (pictured)
The Castle Hotel, the base for your trip, is a four-star retreat famed for its food
YOU SPECIAL GUEST
You will be joined by David Domoney
David Domoney is Britain’s only chartered horticulturist television presenter. With more than 40 years of experience in horticulture, he is a decorated garden designer and the mastermind behind UK-wide gardening competitions such as Cultivation Street and Young Gardeners of the Year.
Also on the itinerary is a visit to Batcombe House, with its herbaceous borders and ornamental kitchen garden. Here you’ll be joined by David Domoney for a special tour, and later he’ll join you again for a delicious three-course lunch where he will give a talk and answer your questions.
You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable tour manager Sally Nex, an expert in sustainable gardening. She will give you fascinating insights into the local area and its horticultural history.
Your base for this trip will be the spectacular, ivy-clad Castle Hotel in Taunton, a four-star retreat famed for its food.
It’s one of the UK’s most historic hotels, with parts of the building dating back some 1,000 years, and for more than 60 years it has been run by the Chapman family. You’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy the hotel and surroundings.
REASONS TO BOOK
Enjoy exclusive events with David Domoney: The celebrity horticulturist will join you for a guided tour of the beautiful gardens at Batcombe House. He will also meet you for a three-course lunch in the stylish At The Chapel restaurant in Bruton, after which he’ll give a talk and answer your queries during a Q&A session.
Stay in a historic hotel: The accommodation for your holiday is the lovely Castle Hotel in Taunton. Set in a 12th Century castle, the family-run hotel has built a reputation for fine food and wine, comfort and attentive service.
Have a special dinner: Enjoy a delicious three-course private dinner with wine at the historic Hestercombe House & Gardens.
Explore Somerset’s most magnificent properties: Visit some of the county’s finest country houses, including Kilver Court, Lytes Cary Manor and East Lambrook Manor.
Get expert advice: As well as David, you’ll be joined by tour manager Sally Nex – a gardening expert with inside knowledge of the local region.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Guided tour of Batcombe House with David Domoney.
- Talk and question-and- answer session with David Domoney.
- Four nights with breakfast at the four-star Castle Hotel in Taunton.
- Welcome drink and dinner with a talk from expert guide and host Sally Nex.
- Three-course lunch at At The Chapel restaurant in Bruton.
- Three-course dinner with wine at Hestercombe House.
- Guided visits to several of Somerset’s finest gardens and manor houses.
YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 Arrive in Taunton DAY 2 The Newt, Lytes Cary and Kilver Court DAY 3 Batcombe House plus lunch, talk and Q&A with David Domoney DAY 4 East Lambrook Manor, Tintinhull Garden and Hestercombe House DAY 5 Bishop’s Palace gardens, Wells, YeoValley Farm gardens
HOW TO BOOK
The dates: September 12 to 16, 2022. The price: From £1,195pp*.
Call 02045 716 490 quoting MOS SOMERSET DOMONEY.
Visit mailtravel.co.uk/somersetdomoney for more details and to see the full itinerary.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *From price based on two people sharing and subject to availability based on departure date and room availability. Single supplement: from £168. Room upgrades available on request. Tour operated by TS Tours and Travel Editions. Travel insurance not included. Price and itinerary may be subject to change.
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