Delighting visitors on English Garden tours since 1993

Transcription

1 Delighting visitors on English Garden tours since

2 A bit about us... Sisley Garden Tours was set up in 1993 and has taken garden lovers on tours of England, Italy, France, Holland, Ireland and New Zealand welcoming clients from all over the world. Sisley Garden Tours was founded by Tony Sissons, a garden writer, plantsman and blogger and is now run by Tony s daughter-in-law, Fran Pride and close family friend, Colette Walker who has worked in the tourism industry for over 20 years. Colette and Fran are both keen travellers and garden enthusiasts. We have built up an in-depth knowledge of the gardens and places we visit, and have long standing relationships with the garden owners, hotels and coach companies we use. You can be assured that from the moment you join our tour, we ll do our upmost to give you a wonderful and inspirational holiday experience. We look forward to welcoming you on a Sisley Garden Tour in 2015, Colette Walker & Fran Pride I ndulge your special interest on a Sisley Garden Tour. Discover great gardens which are statements of talented artists and a wonderful inspiration to their visitors. Admire and learn from their living art, and take home some great ideas to invigorate your own garden. Established in 1993, Sisley Garden Tours is a specialist, family-run business, offering small group tours (max 20 passengers), to some of England s finest gardens. Our tours offer: The finest English gardens of varying styles, many of which surround notable historic homes and castles, each revealing a fascinating story of their past The opportunity to meet garden owners, head gardeners and volunteers all with a passion for the gardens they tend Tours of the delightful English countryside, pretty villages and some historic towns and cities 4 and 5-star hotels with delicious breakfasts Dinner and/or lunch included every day Experienced Sisley Tour Director to escort you A comfortable coach with professional driver throughout Travel in small groups with interesting companions I have been on several group tours but have never experienced such wonderful tour leaders. Thank you so much for the best garden tour ever - Heather, Melbourne, 2013 Simple to join tours that are easily incorporated into wider vacation itineraries, as all tour hotels are located close to frequent railway/ airport services. A first class and personal service from the outset Front cover image : Anne Hathaways Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon 2

3 An English Spring: Chelsea Flower Show & the delights of the Garden of England (7 nights) 16-23rd May 2015 Join us on our tour of one of the most charming and quintessential corners of England. We visit the architectural gems of Canterbury, Rye and Royal Tunbridge Wells before proceeding to London for the excitement of the fashionable Chelsea Flower Show near vibrant shops in the heart of London. Saturday 16th May Our tour starts at the 4 star Tudor Park Marriott Hotel in rural Kent for four nights. Make your own way to the hotel or join us for a morning departure from London Heathrow airport, with a pause for lunch at Leeds Castle, the loveliest castle in the world. This evening join your tour director and the rest of the group before sitting down together for dinner. Sunday 17th May This morning we enjoy a garden tour during a very special pre-opening visit at Great Dixter House and Garden, a cottage garden on a grand scale. The Manor of Dixter is first noted in 1220 and structural additions were made again in In 1910 the English architect Edwin Lutyens restored the house and designed the gardens. The well known gardening writer and lecturer Christopher Lloyd who further developed the garden until his passing in 2006, liked to tease the followers of garden fashion with bold experimentation. His philosophy lives on under the expert management of Fergus Garrett. We then visit the ancient Cinque Port of Rye, one of the prettiest medieval towns in Britain for our own exploration and Lunch. In the afternoon we enjoy a private visit to Long Barn, the first married home of Vita Sackville-West & Harold Nicolson where they created their first garden together prior to the move to Sissinghurst. Monday 18th May We take a scenic drive and make a private visit to Goodnestone Park, a 14 acre garden in parkland with fine old specimen trees, around an 18th century Palladian-style mansion with Jane Austen connections. A mature woodland garden with 1920 s rockery has a pond and shrubbery. Three interconnected exuberantly planted walled gardens use the adjacent church tower as a dramatic eye-catcher. We then visit the historic city of Canterbury. There is time to make an independent visit to the magnificent Cathedral, forming part of the World Heritage Site and enjoy lunch in one of the city s delightful eateries. On our return journey to the hotel, we make a visit to Godinton House and Gardens, a superb ancient estate where we will enjoy a guided tour of the splendid formal gardens. Both the Jacobean house and gardens have been lovingly restored. 3

4 Tuesday 19th May We start with a private pre-opening guided tour of Sissinghurst Castle, a romantic garden created in the ruins of an Elizabethan mansion. Sissinghurst is one of the best known and copied gardens in the world. Its designer Vita Sackville-West s own words describe this inspirational garden: Profusion, even extravagance and exuberance within the confines of the utmost linear severity. Then on to Pashley Manor, an immaculate garden with emphasis on colour and form around a Tudor house with 18th-century additions where we have time for Lunch and a guided tour of the gardens. Wednesday 20th May This morning, we enjoy a private pre-opening tour of Great Comp Gardens, an enormous achievement by two people who retired in 1957 from a busy London life. This is an informal garden against a background of deciduous woodland with an apron of lawn. A wide range of ornamental trees and shrubs which relish acid loam are under planted with campanulas, geraniums, hostas, lilies and violas. We continue for a guided tour of the gardens at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and place of her seduction by Henry VIII. It took 1,000 men and millionaire William Astor s money four years to restore this moated castle and its garden, with a 35 acre lake, fountains, cascade, topiary chess set and magnificent original Roman and Italian Renaissance statuary. This evening we proceed to the 4 star Carlton Mitre Hotel adjacent to Hampton Court Palace for the last three nights of the tour. Thursday 21st May Today we make an early start to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a highlight every time this world class show is in our itinerary. You will see magnificent floral displays, show gardens and innovative garden design by world famous names at this classic event. Don t miss the stunning Plant Pavillions and new varieties, specialist growers and a host of garden accessories and products. Located close to London s fashionable shopping, return on our coach or stay later and catch a train back to the hotel. There is time to make your own independent visit to Hampton Court Palace in the afternoon. Friday 22nd May Finally we visit Wisley Garden, the home of the Royal Horticultural Society. We will enjoy a tour of the gardens with one of the RHS dedicated volunteers. Full of ideas and information, the garden delights and inspires in any season of the year. Part of the garden is always at its best. The shop offers as large a collection of books on gardening as anywhere in the world. Here is a wonderful chance to buy gifts to take home. We stay for lunch at Wisley then return to Hampton Court. Saturday 23rd May Check-out from the hotel and make your own way by train to London, by taxi or public transport to Heathrow airport at a time that suits your own travel. We can advise on departure planning. 4

5 OUR HOTELS: Our hotels are 4-star and are selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are en-suite and offer free wi-fi access. Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Maidstone A modern four star hotel nestled amongst the charming villages of Kent - the Garden of England, this Hotel has scenic grounds including an 18-hole PGA golf course, indoor pool & spa, spacious guest rooms and light and airy public areas. Carlton Mitre Hotel, Hampton Court: Overlooking the River Thames, and built around the same time as Hampton Court Palace, this delightful four star hotel is both comfortable and charming. All rooms have their own individual style and the riverside bar and restaurant give spectacular views over the river. TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement shown separately. Prices for guests travelling from the USA and Canada are shown in local currencies. Prices for guests travelling from the U.K. and all other countries are payable in GBP as shown below. USA Canada U.K. & other countries An English Spring (7nts) $3,900 (USD) $4,250 (CAD) 2,200 (GBP) Single supplement $610 (USD) $660 (CAD) 350 (GBP) PRICES INCLUDE: Prices based on twin/double room share. Accommodations at 4 star hotels with en-suite facilities; buffet breakfast daily; dinner every evening; admissions to gardens and RHS Shows in the itinerary; deluxe coach travel; guest speakers and guides as described in an information pack provided at the start of the tour; services of a Sisley tour director. Arrival transfers are included only if you are joining the tour at Heathrow Airport on the first morning of the tour. Please see FAQ s for further information. PRICES EXCLUDE: Airfares; passport fees; lunches; beverages; laundry; gratuities; telephone calls; souvenirs and items of a personal nature. CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR TOUR: We would be delighted to answer any queries about our tours and can be contacted at: Sisley Garden Tours, Duncanne House, Roecliffe Lane, Boroughbridge, YO51 9LN, England. tours@sisley.co.uk, Tel: +44 (0) Our booking forms and terms & conditions can be found on our website at Please contact us directly to book your tour. For clients travelling from the USA and Canada we have partner travel agents to assist with your tour booking and travel arrangements. All Countries: Sisley Garden Tours Colette Walker & Fran Pride Tel: +44(0) tours@sisley.co.uk Canada: DH Tour Tel: TollFree: Local: karen@dhtour.ca USA: Worldwide Traveler Tel: (815) darrellynn@worldwidetraveler.net 5

6 Cotswolds Gardens Tour with Highgrove 7-12th June 2015 (5 Nights) Join us on our exclusive garden tour to The Cotswolds an area of outstanding natural beauty with stone walls, open skies, rolling grasslands, beech woods and captivating villages. We will be staying in a luxury 5-star hotel based in the heart of the Cotswolds and wend our way, each day to explore wonderful gardens and quintessential English towns & villages. We will enjoy private guided tours, many by the owners themselves and enjoy all the gardens at the height of their early Summer glory. Sunday 7th June Our tour starts at the 5 star Ellenborough Park Hotel our luxury base for this five night tour. Make your own way to the hotel or we can arrange a morning transfer from central London or Heathrow airport (additional cost). With the afternoon free to enjoy the hotel s facilities and grounds, this evening join your tour director and the rest of the group for dinner together. Monday 8th June Today we begin our garden visits at the privately owned Mill Dene Gardens. This quirky and playful garden makes the most of a steep sided valley around a delightful millpond and house. The charismatic owner, Mrs. Wendy Dare will be giving an introductory talk about the gardens on our arrival. We continue onto Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a delightfully laid out plantsman s garden on top of a hill with magnificent views over the Vale of Evesham and a claim to the largest rose in England. Colour predominates, with roses and campanulas making a breathtaking impact everywhere in June and July. We conclude our day with a visit to Hidcote Manor Garden. Major Lawerence Johnston is claimed to have been the originator here of the garden room. It is exciting to see this first example in its original form with his skillful use of flowers, shrubs and trees. Tuesday 9th June This morning we enjoy a private visit to The Laskett Gardens - the iconic garden of Sir Roy Strong. The largest private gardens to be created in England since 1945, they feature twenty different and constrasting rooms including a rose garden, knot garden, orchard, pleached lime avenue, parterres, herbaceous borders and the Colonnade Court. After a stop for lunch we proceed for a private visit to the garden of Dr Christine Facer, Througham Court - recommended in The New English Garden. Througham Court is Christine s own garden and is used as a personal design laboratory to experiment with new ideas, materials and planting combinations. We will enjoy a private guided tour of the gardens with Dr. Facer, followed by afternoon tea (included). 6

7 Wednesday 10th June This morning we depart for the private gardens of their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Highgrove Gardens. These gardens have been created by the Prince of Wales during his 30 years of ownership and are widely regarded as some of the most inspired and innovative gardens in the U.K. We will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the gardens followed by lunch at the Orchard Restaurant. (Please see note regarding Highgrove below). We will make a stop in the delightful Cotswolds market town of Cirencester where there will be free time to explore the town with its independent shops, church and museums. Thursday 11th June Today we see three very different gardens, each superb in its own right. We begin with Bourton House Garden. This privately owned garden has won various awards following twenty years transformation from wilderness into inspirational garden with stunning colour combinations and rare, unusual and exotic plants. We continue onto Sezincote an extraordinary house displaying the finest Mogul architecture set amidst the Cotswolds Hills and surrounded by a romantic water garden. We ll have a private guided tour of the house and free time to explore the gardens. From here we continue to the private garden of Upton Wold. We ll have lunch (included) over-looking the gardens then be taken on a private guided tour to explore this intriguing and rewarding garden featuring a fountain garden, rose garden, fruit and vegetable gardens, meadows and ponds not to mention the national collection of Walnut trees. Friday 12th June We begin our final day with a visit to Rodmarton, an Arts and Crafts house and garden at its very best. From here we continue onto Barnsley House for lunch (included). During Rosemary Verey s lifetime, a tour of British gardens would not have been complete without a visit to her wonderful gardens at Barnsley House. It is now a luxury boutique hotel but the gardens have been beautifully maintained. We return to Ellenborough Park mid-afternoon where the tour ends. We can advise and assist on departure planning. HIGHGROVE: Around February each year, the Prince of Wales office at Highgrove releases dates on which prebooked visits to the gardens will be available for the period April - October. Dates are limited and dependent on the Prince s diary. It is therefore not possible to guarantee tickets to Highgrove before these dates are released. Our itinerary may be re-ordered to accommodate the visit to Highgrove or an alternative garden will be included should tickets not be available during our Tour week. 7

8 OUR HOTEL: Ellenborough Park Hotel, Cheltenham Spa: Ellenborough Park, an ancient house dating from the 1500s on the site of the original Cheltenham racecourse estate has been restored as an exceptional luxury 5 star country house hotel, located just 10 minutes from the Cotswolds town of Cheltenham Spa. Set within 90 acres of parkland the Hotel comprises 62 rooms & suites with an indian-themed spa and outdoor heated swimming pool. Voted UK s Best Luxury Hotel in the Trip Advisor s Traveller s choice awards 2013, we have chosen Ellenborough Park for its wonderful service and particular attention to the comfort of its guests. TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement shown separately. Prices for guests travelling from the USA and Canada are shown in local currencies. Prices for guests travelling from the U.K. and all other countries are payable in GBP as shown below. USA Canada U.K. & other countries Cotswolds Gardens (5nts) $3,950 (USD) $4,300(CAD) 2,250 (GBP) Single supplement $775(USD) $855(CAD) 450 (GBP) PRICES INCLUDE: Prices based on twin/double room share. Accommodation at a 5 star luxury country house hotel and spa with en-suite facilities; buffet breakfast daily; dinner every evening; admissions to gardens on the tour programme above; deluxe coach travel; garden tours as described in an information pack provided at the start of the tour; lunch on three days as detailed in the tour programme and services of a Sisley tour director. Please see FAQ s for further information. PRICES EXCLUDE: Airfares; passport fees; transport to and from the Cotswolds at the start and finish of the tour; lunches (except where indicated above); beverages; laundry; gratuities; telephone calls; souvenirs and items of a personal nature. CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR TOUR: We would be delighted to answer any queries about our tours and can be contacted at: Sisley Garden Tours, Duncanne House, Roecliffe Lane, Boroughbridge, YO51 9LN, England. tours@sisley.co.uk, Tel: +44 (0) Our booking forms and terms & conditions can be found on our website at Please contact us directly to book your tour. For clients travelling from the USA and Canada we have partner travel agents to assist with your tour booking and travel arrangements. All Countries: Sisley Garden Tours Colette Walker & Fran Pride Tel: +44(0) tours@sisley.co.uk Canada DH Tour: Tel: TollFree: Local: karen@dhtour.ca USA Worldwide Traveler: Tel: (815) darrellynn@worldwidetraveler.net 8

9 English Summer Gardens with the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (6 nights) 28th June - 4th July 2015 Enjoy a stay in the centre of historic Windsor with visits to Sissinghurst and Hever Castle before visiting the RHS Hampton Court Flower show on its first prestigious members-only day. Then join us as we head north to experience Shakespeare s historic Stratford-upon-Avon and visit Anne Hathaway s cottage garden, David Austin s world famous rose nursery, Hidcote Manor, Kiftsgate and Coughton Court before returning to London at the end of our Tour. Sunday 28th June Our Tour starts at Heathrow Airport with a morning departure to Wisley Garden, the famous home of the Royal Horticultural Society. It is full of ideas, inspiration and information. We will enjoy a guided tour of the garden with one of the RHS dedicated volunteers. Following time for lunch and our own exploration, we check in at the luxury 4-star hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, located in the centre of historic Windsor. This evening join your Tour Director and the rest of the group for welcome drinks before Dinner. Monday 29th June Today our garden visits take in two of the most beautiful and romantic castle gardens in England. We head for the Garden of England, Kent and begin our day with a private pre-opening tour of Sissinghurst Castle. Created by the internationally acclaimed novelist Vita Sackville-West amongst the ruins of an Elizabethan Manor house in the 1930 s, Sissinghurst continues to be one of the best known and inspirational gardens in the world. We then proceed to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and place of her seduction by Henry VIII for a garden tour. It took 1,000 men and millionaire William Astor s money four years to restore this double-moated castle and its garden, with a 35 acre lake, fountains, cascade, topiary chess set, rose garden and magnificent original Roman and Italian Renaissance statutory. Tuesday 30th June This morning we enjoy some free time with an opportunity to make an independent visit to Windsor Castle, located opposite our Hotel. We then head for the first membersonly day of the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, the Royal Horticultural Society s largest annual flower show, in a magnificent historical setting. The Tudor Palace was built in the 16th century by Thomas Wolsey. In the 17th century, Sir Christopher Wren added extensions and was involved in the design of a new garden of which part survives. The original 17th-century Privy Garden has been beautifully restored. In contrast to its wonderful historic setting, the Flower Show showcases the best of new conceptual garden design and offers gardeners an opportunity to see the very best floral and plant displays at their peak in late June. 9

10 Wednesday 1st July We leave our Windsor Hotel and travel north, pausing for Lunch and independent exploration of the world heritage site Blenheim Palace, a monumental and historic palace with extensive grounds and gardens. Continuing on to Stratfordupon-Avon, we visit Anne Hathaway s Cottage, a typical English cottage garden of the end of the 19th century around the original thatched farm cottage family home of William Shakespeare s wife. There is a tree garden with examples of those mentioned in Shakespeare s works. We check into the lovely 4-star Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club located just outside the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon for the last 3 nights of our tour. Thursday 2nd July Our first visit of the day is to Hidcote Manor Garden. Major Lawrence Johnston is claimed to have been the originator here of the garden room. It is exciting to see this first example in its original form with his skilful use of flowers, shrubs and trees. Then on to Kiftsgate Court, a delightfully laid out plantsman s garden on top of a hill with magnificent views over the Vale of Evesham and a claim to the largest rose in England. We depart Kiftsgate Court for the nearby and picturesque Cotswolds town of Chipping Campden for some independent exploration before returning to our Hotel. Friday 3rd July Our last day of garden visits starts with a guided garden tour of the beautiful Elizabethan home of the Throckmorton family since 1409, Coughton Court. The 25-acre grounds are considered some of the finest in England and have been described by the Royal Horticultural Society as breathtaking. Featuring the famous walled garden, a rose labyrinth boasting over 200 varieties of roses and a delightful courtyard garden modelled on the traditional Elizabethan knot garden design. In the afternoon, we continue to the lavish rose garden of David Austin, one of the world s leading rose breeders where we will enjoy a guided tour of the rose garden and nursery. See over 800 varieties, including shrub, old fashioned, climbing and species roses. We return to the Hotel for our final night Dinner. Saturday 4th July We check out of the Menzies Welcombe Hotel & Spa and head back to London. We will make one drop-off in central London and one at Heathrow Airport where we say good-bye. We can advise on departure planning. Please Note: This Tour includes one year s membership of the Royal Horticultural Society. 10

11 OUR HOTELS: Our hotels are 4-star and are selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are en-suite and offer free wi-fi access. The Menzies Welcombe Hotel, Stratford upon Avon: This luxury country house hotel, located just outside the historic town of Stratford upon Avon, stands in 157 acres of glorious grounds featuring a beautiful Italian garden and water features. The hotel offers excellent leisure facilities including golf course, swimming pool and spa. The Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor: Just two minutes walk from Windsor Castle, this Georgian townhouse has been beautifully converted into a lovely contemporary hotel in the centre of historic Windsor. The cobbled streets around the hotel and Windsor Castle offer a delightful mix of eclectic shops and cafes. TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement shown separately. Prices for guests travelling from the USA and Canada are shown in local currencies. Prices for guests travelling from the U.K. and all other countries are payable in GBP as shown below. USA Canada U.K. & other countries English Summer(6nts) $3,800 (USD) $4,200 (CAD) 2,190 (GBP) Single supplement $780 (USD) $855 (CAD) 450 (GBP) PRICES INCLUDE: Prices based on twin/double room share. Accommodations at 4 star hotels with en-suite facilities; buffet breakfast daily; dinner every evening; admissions to gardens and RHS Shows in the itinerary; deluxe coach travel; guest speakers and guides as described in an information pack provided at the start of the tour; services of a Sisley tour director. Arrival transfers are included only if you are joining the tour at Heathrow Airport on the first morning of the tour. Please see FAQ s for further information. PRICES EXCLUDE: Airfares; passport fees; lunches; beverages; laundry; gratuities; telephone calls; souvenirs and items of a personal nature. CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR TOUR: We would be delighted to answer any queries about our tours and can be contacted at: Sisley Garden Tours, Duncanne House, Roecliffe Lane, Boroughbridge, YO51 9LN, England. tours@sisley.co.uk, Tel: +44 (0) Our booking forms and terms & conditions can be found on our website at Please contact us directly to book your tour. For clients travelling from the USA and Canada we have partner travel agents to assist with your tour booking and travel arrangements. All Countries: Sisley Garden Tours Colette Walker & Fran Pride Tel: +44(0) tours@sisley.co.uk Canada DH Tour: Tel: TollFree: Local: karen@dhtour.ca USA Worldwide Traveler: Tel: (815) darrellynn@worldwidetraveler.net 11

12 Great Houses and Gardens of Yorkshire & The Lake District 13-20th September 2015 (7 Nights) This delightful, late season tour takes in some of the very finest Country Houses and Gardens of Yorkshire and The Lake District in the north of England. We ll explore York, one of England s greatest historic cities and travel through the spectacular landscapes of the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks visiting both iconic stately homes and hidden, private gardens. Sunday 13th September Our Tour starts in the early afternoon at our base for the first 4 nights of the tour, the newly refurbished four-star Monkbar Hotel, overlooking York s historic city walls. From here we ll take a walking tour of York, one of England s most historic cities with a 2000 year history including a visit to the mighty York Minster. Dinner at the hotel included. Monday 14th September Today we begin at the World Heritage Site of Fountain s Abbey and Studley Royal water gardens. We ll stroll through the unique Georgian water-gardens leading to the spectacular ruins of this 12th century Cistercian Monastery. From here we continue onto one of Yorkshire s finest private gardens, Littlethorpe Manor. We ll enjoy a private lunch (included) followed by a guided tour of the splendid gardens with the designer and head gardener. Return to hotel, free time in York for dinner (independent). Tuesday 15th September Today we travel through James Herriot Country to the stunning private garden of Mount St. John, designed by the notable garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith. The gardens supply the award winning local pub where we ll stop for lunch (included). In the afternoon we visit Newby Hall, a delightful Queen Anne style house with award winning gardens. Here we enjoy a private guided tour before returning to York in the evening - dinner (independent). Wednesday 16th September Today we begin at one of the most recognised and loved of Britain s stately homes, Castle Howard home to the Howard family and made famous by its central role in the filming of Brideshead Revisited. We ll be treated to a private pre-opening tour of the house, followed by free time to explore the gardens and grounds all 1,000 acres of them! After lunch we ll enjoy a guided tour of one of Yorkshire s newest gardens, Scampston Walled Garden a contemporary master-piece of the renowned Dutch designer, Piet Oudolf. Later, there will be time to explore Helmsley, a pretty stone market town with its castle and enticing shops. Here we ll have dinner at one of the town s historic inns (included) before returning for our final night in York. 12

13 Thursday 17th September Checking out of our York Hotel, we head west, travelling through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We make a stop at Parcevel Hall, an historic hall (now a retreat) hidden in a dale, which reveals a delightful Arts and Crafts style garden and unique bedrock limestone rock garden. We stop off for lunch (included) in a rather special Yorkshire Dales pub. After lunch we travel onwards through the beautiful Dales countryside to the Lake District, one of the most scenic corners of England. Here we visit the Elizabethan Levens Hall with its unique and ancient collection of topiary. We will enjoy access to the Hall and a guided tour of the gardens with the head gardener before travelling onto the 4-star Lakeside Hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere, for the final 3 nights of our tour. Dinner included at the Hotel. Friday 18th September Today we visit the home of Chelsea gold-medal winning garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd at Gresgarth Hall. We ll enjoy a private visit of the gardens before heading to Holker Hall, the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish great garden enthusiasts. This magnificent Jacobean stately home is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into parkland framed by the Lakeland hills. We return to the Hotel for dinner (included). Saturday 19th September Our first visit today takes us to Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter, author, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist best known for her Tales of Peter Rabbit. The cottage feels as if Beatrix has just stepped out and the delightful cottage garden gives views over the surrounding countryside that she loved so well. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of the delightful lakeside town of Bowness-on-Winderemere. Later, we ll meet up at Bowness Pier for a late afternoon cruise along Lake Windermere, back to our hotel. Final night Dinner at the Hotel included Sunday 20th September Our final day takes us back to York. En-route we make a stop at the Royal Horticultural Society s northern home, Harlow Carr and home to the iconic yorkshire Betty s tea room and wonderful RHS shop. We arrive in York in the early afternoon in time for guests to make onward travel by train or car or to spend more time in this wonderful city. TOUR NOTE: Our tour starts and ends in the City of York. York is located on the main East Coast rail line between London & Edinburgh and direct trains from London take under 2 hours. The nearest international Airport is Manchester Airport there is also a direct train service between Manchester Airport and York (1hr 45mins). If you have any queries about the tour or travel planning to join the tour, please do not hesitate to contact us. 13

14 OUR HOTELS: Our hotels are 4-star and are selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are en-suite and offer free wi-fi access. The Monkbar Hotel, York: Right at the heart of York, the Monkbar Hotel is ideally located for exploring this historic and vibrant city. The hotel is just five minutes from the city walls, York Minster and the Shambles. The hotel is being totally refurbished ready for the 2015 season and offers individual bedrooms, a welcoming lounge and courtyard garden, and a friendly bar and restaurant. The Lakeside Hotel, Newby Bridge, The Lake District: This luxurious four-star hideaway is located in the heart of the English Lake District on the shores of Windermere. With restful bedrooms, delicious fine dining inspired by fresh local produce, beautiful gardens and indulgent spa, Lakeside is the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement shown separately. Prices for guests travelling from the USA and Canada are shown in local currencies. Prices for guests travelling from the U.K. and all other countries are payable in GBP as shown below. USA Canada U.K. & other countries Yorkshire & Lake District $4,100 (USD) $4,650(CAD) 2,400 (GBP) (7nts) Single supplement $780(USD) $875(CAD) 450 (GBP) PRICES INCLUDE: Prices based on twin/double room share. Accommodations at 4 star hotels with en-suite facilities; buffet breakfast daily; lunches (3 ) and dinners (5) included as set out in the itinerary; admissions to gardens in the tour; deluxe coach travel; guest speakers and guides as described in an information pack provided at the start of the tour; services of a Sisley tour director. PRICES EXCLUDE: Airfares; passport fees; lunches & dinners (unless included in the itinerary - see above); beverages; laundry; gratuities; telephone calls; souvenirs and items of a personal nature. CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR TOUR: We would be delighted to answer any queries about our tours and can be contacted at: Sisley Garden Tours, Duncanne House, Roecliffe Lane, Boroughbridge, YO51 9LN, England. tours@sisley.co.uk, Tel: +44 (0) Our booking forms and terms & conditions can be found on our website at Please contact us directly to book your tour. For clients travelling from the USA and Canada we have partner travel agents to assist with your tour booking and travel arrangements. All Countries: Sisley Garden Tours Colette Walker & Fran Pride Tel: +44(0) tours@sisley.co.uk Canada DH Tour: Tel: TollFree: Local: karen@dhtour.ca USA Worldwide Traveler: Tel: (815) darrellynn@worldwidetraveler.net 14

15 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do Sisley Garden Tours have offices in any other country than the UK? Whilst our Head Office is in the U.K., we have partner travel agents in the USA and Canada who are able to assist with any enquiries, travel arrangements to join our Tours and taking bookings. Bookings and enquiries from all other countries should be directed to us at Who goes on a Sisley Garden Tour? Our Clients come from all over the world with many joining us from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe. Most are English-speaking and all our main tour commentaries are in English. Our Tours appeal to a wide variety of individuals but all with a common love of beautiful gardens. Tours are run in a relaxed manner with our sole aim to provide you with a wonderful holiday experience. We hope our clients join us as muchvalued guests and leave us as friends. Is it necessary to have a good level of mobility? Our Tour aim is for every client to fully enjoy the gardens, historic houses and towns we visit. In order to achieve this, you do need to be fit enough to participate fully. Please bear in mind that you will have to negotiate getting on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, walking around gardens, managing stairs in the hotels and showers over the bath. If you have any queries as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us. I have some health problems, and want to know if this will be a problem? If your health problem is minor and you can self-manage it without additional care or special facilities, then we should be able to accommodate you. Again, it is best to check. Whilst our primary aim as Tour Directors is to look after all our client s needs, we must ensure that particular needs of individuals do not adversely affect the experience of other group members. Do you only offer scheduled Tours or do you offer bespoke tour planning? We are delighted to design and operate bespoke tour itineraries for families, friends wanting to travel together, or any other group. Please contact us to discuss your bespoke tour requirements. Do you offer triple room accommodation? Many of our hotels do not offer triple availability but please ask and we will confirm availability for the Tour you are interested in. Do the rooms have bathtubs or showers? All hotel rooms are private ensuite. In Europe, bathroom facilities can vary and you may find that some rooms will have a tub, some showers, some both. What kind of room should I book? When booking we need to know what kind of room you require; a twin room (two single-sized beds in a room), a double room (one standardsized bed for two) or a single room (a double room for single occupancy). I am a single traveller. Is it possible to share a room? Why must I pay a single supplement? We do not match up single travellers but if you are keen to find a room share, we will let our Travel Agents know and if both parties agree, put you in touch with any other single travellers with the same request.all hotels charge extra for single occupancy and in most cases, this is for single occupancy of a double room. What type of hotels do Sisley Garden Tours use? We use 4 and 5 star Hotels ranging from modern custom-built hotels to historic country houses. All our hotels are chosen for their excellent levels of comfort and service and their location to minimise travel time to our tour destinations. All rooms are ensuite and many have leisure facilities. Some of our favourite hotels are located in fascinating and beautiful historic buildings and for this reason, rooms are often different shapes and sizes and the layout of the hotel may be unusual. Is porterage included? We include porterage wherever possible in the hotels. Can Sisley Garden Tours arrange additional nights accommodation in the Tour Hotels at the start or end of the Tour? Yes, if rooms are available we would be happy to arrange extra nights for you. Please let us or your local travel agent know at the time of your booking and we will confirm availability and prices. Where Tours start at Heathrow Airport, many clients flying in long haul from overseas find it beneficial to fly in the day before and stay at an Airport hotel so that they are fully rested for the Tour start. Again, we can assist you in booking airport hotels if required. Are Airport Transfers included in the Tour price? Unless the Tour itinerary specifically states that the Tour starts at the Airport, arrival transfers are not included. The Tours normally end at the final hotel (unless otherwise stated) If you need any assistance with arrival or departure planning, please just ask! Will I need a visa? It is your responsibility to obtain any visas which might be necessary enabling you to join the Tour. Please check with your local consular office as to any visa requirements for entry into the U.K. 15

16 What sort of vehicle do we travel in? Sisley Garden Tours has a number of established partnerships with professional coach operators who provide both a professional driver and deluxe midi-coach for our Tours in addition to the services of your Sisley Tour Director. We like to use local companies with excellent local knowledge and the coaches we use are chosen for their comfort and sized appropriately for the Tour group size. Our coaches benefit from air conditioning and PA system. How many people will be on my tour? Our Tour Groups vary in size and are typically between passengers. The maximum number we carry is 20. A minimum of 10 passengers are required to run a tour. What is a typical day on a Sisley Garden Tour? Days can sometimes be fairly long, but we aim to take things at a relaxed pace and build in time for rest and relaxation in the day. We might typically leave at 9am and arrive back at our hotel at 5pm, however, some days may be longer and others shorter depending on what needs to be covered that day. How much walking is involved on tour? The nature of exploring the gardens and historic towns we visit means there is a reasonable amount of walking involved in our daily itineraries. Where guided tours of gardens are included as part of our visit, clients may always opt out to rest and where we visit historic towns and villages, the amount of walking and independent exploration is up to the Client. Often there is much pleasure to be had in sitting watching the world go by! Should Clients wish to take a day off from the Tour, they are perfectly entitled to do so as long as we are returning to the same hotel in the evening. Please note: if you have a mobility problem or concern, you may not find our tours suitable. Please contact us if you have any doubts. Am I expected to leave gratuities? It is common in the UK & Europe to leave a small gratuity in restaurants and cafes if you have received good service (typically 10% on top of the bill). It would also be usual to give your tour guide and driver a tip at the end of the tour if he/she has done a good job. The amount is entirely at your discretion, and is not mandatory, but it is always much appreciated. How much driving do we do? We design tours so that there is as little wasted time as possible on the bus and plenty to see while aboard. Inevitably, there are days when travelling between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage. We do travel along scenic routes wherever possible and you will see more of the countryside and local village life than on a regular tour. What are the benefits of travelling in a small group? Unlike a large coach company we can offer a truly personal experience exploring beautiful gardens and meeting head gardeners, volunteers and garden owners with a real passion for the gardens they tend. You will meet like-minded friends and enjoy the special attentions of a professional driver plus your own Sisley Tour Director who will impart their local knowledge and ensure you get the very best out of the gardens, historic houses and towns that we visit. What meals are included? Delicious breakfasts, Lunch and/ or Dinner are included daily (see tour itinerary for details of meal inclusions). One thing to remember, dinner times in the U.K. are usually from 7pm onwards and often later in mainland Europe. Can special dietary needs be accommodated? We will do our best to satisfy your dietary needs, but you must ensure that any restrictions are made clear to us at the time of booking so we can pass the information on to our hotels. Do you include entrance fees to attractions? All entries to the gardens and Flower Shows set out in the Tour itinerary are included in the Tour price. In addition, we include entrance fees to historic houses that form part of our itinerary when they are open to the public and a number of garden talks/ tours by head gardeners and garden owners. What happens if I have to cancel? Please, see our cancellation policy. We rarely have cancellations but if you do, through illness or any other reason, there would be a charge as set out in our terms & conditions. We do require that all clients take out suitable travel insurance covering cancellations and any other standard travel insurance risks. Do I need to take out travel insurance for my trip? You must always ensure you are fully insured when travelling overseas, and we require all Clients to have suitable and adequate cover. We will ask for your insurance details on booking. Please check that your insurance includes covering cancellation fees in the instance you are forced to cancel your tour prior to departure due to unforeseen circumstances. How much luggage can we bring? Luggage is restricted to one standard sized suitcase and one carry-on per person. What is not included in a Sisley Garden Tour? Air Fares: Air travel must be booked independently and the flight details given to us. Our travel agent partners can assist with booking flights and any other travel arrangements that you may require as part of your trip. Driver/Tour Director gratuity is at your discretion. Lunches, social drinks, items of a personal nature and entrance fees when not included on our Tour itinerary. Guide Books and other literature for sale at the gardens we visit. Optional evening theatre/festival visits and entrances not detailed in the tour notes. Incidental expenses, such as telephone bills, newspapers, laundry and room service incurred at the Hotels is the responsibility of the individual client. All expenses are to be settled at checkout. 16

17 BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation by client: More than 10 weeks prior to departure - loss of deposit; between 10 and 4 weeks - loss of 50%; 4 weeks and less before departure - 100% cancellation penalty. All cancellations should be made in writing and sent directly to Sisley Garden Tours. A phone call is also a good idea. Cancellation by the company: Your travel agent and Sisley Garden Tours reserve the right to cancel your tour. In this event they will give a refund of all moneys paid up until 29 days before departure. In no case except for reasons of war, natural disasters, fire, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist action, closure of port or airport, industrial disputes, force majeure or similar events beyond our control will cancellation take place within 28 days of the departure date. In the event of a cancellation within 28 days under these conditions, Sisley Garden Tours retains the right to make a partial refund at their own discretion. A minimum of 10 passengers are required to run a tour. If the minimum number of bookings have not been received, Sisley Garden Tours reserves the right not to run the tour and refund all moneys paid. INSURANCE: Sisley Garden Tours and their appointed travel agent require that they receive proof of adequate Travel Insurance before accepting your booking. SURCHARGES: We guarantee that your holiday will not be subject to any surcharge except for those resulting from fuel surcharges, government action, and unfavourable changes in currency rates. Even in the latter case, we undertake to absorb a certain amount of the holiday price, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Only amounts in an excess of 5% will be surcharged, and there will be no administration fee when this surcharge is payable. If this means paying more than 10% of the holiday price, you are entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all money except for insurance premiums and amendment charges. Non-refundable airline tickets will remain non-refundable per airline rules. Should you decide to exercise your right to cancel, you must do so in writing within 14 days of receiving surcharge invoice. Our prices are based on exchange rates as at 1st May No refunds will be made for services not used and/or favourable changes in currency or costs. LIABILITY: We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that proper arrangements have been made for the tours advertised in this brochure, and that the suppliers of the services are efficient and reputable. Every booking is subject to the conditions imposed by shipping, airline, rail, coach, hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction, insurance and luggage. We cannot be held liable for any loss or expenses suffered by you as a result of your late arrival at the start of your holiday, or at any time during your holiday, for other than reasons within our control. Any wilful damage to property is your sole responsibility and the company will not be responsible for any costs incurred due to such action or measures taken up by the various authorities or principals Damage will be charged to you and must be paid for at that time. We cannot accept claims when an inferior vehicle is used as relief or replacement in an emergency. Sisley Garden Tours reserves the right to withdraw tour membership from any person at any time if their behaviour is likely to affect the smooth operation of the tour or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other passengers and neither Sisley Garden Tours nor their appointed travel agents shall be under any liability to such person whatsoever. This is without any liability whatsoever on the company s behalf for homeward travel arrangements or refund of holiday costs. The decision of the Tour Director will be final. Sisley Garden Tours and their appointed travel agents will not be held responsible for closure of gardens named in the tour itinerary. Under such circumstances every endeavour will be made to find an alternative. Sisley Garden Tours and their appointed travel agents reserve the right to substitute hotels. In the event that a passport is lost or one of the group members is taken ill or has an accident, Sisley Garden Tours and their appointed travel agents will assist to the best of their ability but must reserve the right to carry on with the tour. It may be necessary to leave the tour member to rejoin later at his/her own expense. COMPLAINTS: If you have a complaint during your holiday, please notify your director immediately so that he/she can try to resolve the problem. If the tour matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should inform the company in writing within 28 days of the end of the holiday. The company will not accept claims outside this period. BROCHURE ACCURACY: The running order of the tours may change but subject to changes outside of our control, all elements of the itineraries will be included in the final programme All the facts in the brochure about gardens, facilities, accommodations and other services are checked so that they are as accurate as possible before going to print. The brochure is compiled in advance and changes do happen that are not within our control. Such changes are regrettable and where a major change takes place, we will inform you whenever possible. These are Sisley Garden Tours standard terms and conditions. Where there is any variance with country specific terms & conditions contained in Sisley Garden Tours individual country booking forms, the specific country terms & conditions will take precedence. 17