England: Snowdrops in the Cotswolds7th Feb 2025
From:£675.75
Summary
The Cotswolds are home to some of the best gardens for snowdrops in the British Isles, so this winter break will be of great appeal not just to ardent galanthophiles but to anyone who enjoys the uplifting sight that says spring is not too far away.
Colesbourne is considered to be the greatest snowdrop garden of them all and for many will be the highlight of the tour, but there are many other outstanding displays to be enjoyed. The extensive and historic grounds of Newark Park are carpeted with snowdrops, while at Cerney House there are swathes of Galanthus in every corner of this romantic garden. We visit the Museum in the Park in Stroud, where we can enjoy a fascinating collection of objects as well the snowdrops that fill the grounds, followed by the Painswick Rococo Garden, home to one of the country’s largest naturalistic plantings, including the tall, honey-scented Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’ variety. We conclude at the famous ‘Arts and Crafts’ house of Rodmarton Manor, where we find a staggering 150 different varieties of snowdrop that will round our tour off in style.
What to Expect
- Colesbourne House, considered to be England’s greatest snowdrop garden
- Stunning Victorian walled garden at Cerney House
- Arts and Crafts style at Rodmarton Manor
- Snowdrops, snowdrops and more snowdrops
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| London (Coach bays on Tothill St, Westminster) | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| Reading (Sainsbury’s Jcn 12, M4) | 09:15 | 16:45 |
| Swindon (Holiday Inn, Frankland Rd) | 10:30 | 15:30 |
| Bristol (Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Redcliffe Way) | 12:00 | 14:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our designated pick-up points and head to Newark Park, a secluded country estate upon the Cotswolds escarpment. The ‘New Worke’ was built in 1550 by Nicholas Poyntz, previously an influential English courtier to Henry VIII. The house, garden and estate would grow and develop over 350 years, followed by a short but grave period of decline, to then be lovingly restored by a Texan architect in the 1970s and 80s. Carpets of snowdrops cover the gardens and estate at this time of year.
Meals includedDinner
