Gardens of England

Gardens of England

England is truly a nation of garden lovers with more English gardens open to the public than anywhere else in the world. For many keen gardeners, a visit to an English garden is the highlight of a visit to the United kingdom. Being British, and an avid gardener, I feel I am well qualified to suggest places for you to go see. Of course, No.l. on anyone’s bucket list should be a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show which is usually held in London every May.

This will be a self drive holiday - 11 days - with a visit to London, 4 nights the Cotswolds, a two hour drive from London,2 nights. the Lake District in the North, 2 nights, and York, a medieval city in Yorkshire, 2 nights . Petrol is more expensive than in America, so consider it worth it, and don’t moan. My sister told me this morning that she paid $7.25 a gallon.

Day 1 and 2. Arrive London and use your Oyster card for transportation and entry into places.

Visit two of the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens, Garden Wisley and Harlow Carr, plus elegant Kew Gardens, the Blenheim and Kensington Palace gardens.

Day 3 and 4. Pick up your rental car and go into Surrey to tour Garden Wisley, Have lunch there, and take the two hour drive to the Cotswolds, which has some of the prettiest villages in England. After breakfast, take the short drive to Blenheim Palace, then take the 25 minute drive to Oxford, well worth seeing. After breakfast, take a leisurely drive to the Lake District. Take a 2 hour cruise on a steamer on Lake Ullswater. Go see Lowther Castle.

Day 5. Take a 2 hour drive to York. Wander thru this medieval town, visit the Shambles, a lovely street dating from the 14th century, with unusual shops. Go see the cathedral, the National Rail Museum, and visit one of the many unique cafes or pubs.

Day 8. York. A tour of Harlow Carr garden is a must

Day 9. York to London. 4 hour drive and turn in the car. Go have high tea at Fortnum and Mason and wander.

Day 10. London. Do whatever you fancy. Kensington Palace perhaps. Go to the theater tonight. Have dinner in a local pub.

Day 11. Leave London.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

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