Gardens of Norfolk

MONDAY 2ND JUNE - FRIDAY 6TH JUNE 2014

Join the Ullenhall's Gardening Club's tour of the gardens of Norfolk this June. This private group tour still has availabilty for anyone to join this fantastic trip, which visits six beautiful gardens in Norfolk and includes dinner, bed and breakfast in the Se Marge Hotel in Norfolk.

To join this tour, please contact Jo Brown at Johnsons on 01564 797 020.

ITINERARY

MONDAY 2ND JUNE 2014

Pick-up Points
08.10 hours - Johnsons Coaches, Liveridge Hill, Henley in Arden
08.20 hours - Market Cross, Henley in Arden
08.30 hours - Ullenhall Village Hall

Departing our last pick-up point we make our way to Springfield Festival Gardens. The Springfields Festival Gardens are a beautifully landscaped area, featuring Chelsea-style celebrity showcase gardens, including designs by Charlie Dimmock, Chris Beardshaw, Kim Wilde and Steven Woodhams and a spectacular Japanese Garden by Sansui Design. You will have time to purchase lunch and enjoy the gardens and outlet stores before we make our way to the Sea Marge Hotel. You will have time to relax before dinner is served in the hotel.

TUESDAY 3RD JUNE 2014

Departing the hotel after breakfast we make our way to Sandringham - the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk. We will depart late afternoon. You will have free time to relax before dinner is served in the hotel.

WEDNESDAY 4TH JUNE 2014

After a leisurely breakfast we will make our way to Pensthorpe - Set in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, in the beautiful and tranquil Wensum Valley, Pensthorpe is an award-winning mix of meandering nature trails and beguiling woodland walks and a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation.  As one of the leading Norfolk attractions, it is a brilliant place to visit with beautiful gardens and spectacular wildlife.

We depart lunch time and make our way to Sheringham Park - Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views as you wander through Sheringham Park you will discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.

Famous for its vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, the last owner, Tom Upcher, would hold rhododendron champagne parties in the 1950s to show them off. Ladies would arrive in their fine gowns, some wearing Wellington boots to walk down the main carriageway, sipping champagne and admiring the colours. Today, you can climb to the top of the towers to experience breathtaking views of this beautiful landscape, the North Norfolk coast and maybe a steam train passing through. Return to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner is served.

THURSDAY 5TH JUNE 2014

Our first visit of the day will be to the Mowle Open Garden - Approximately 2½ acres running down to marshes. The garden includes several varieties of catalpa, Japanese garden and enlarged wildlife pond with bog garden.

Afternoon visit to East Rushton Old Vicarage Gardens, an exotic coastal garden with traditional borders, exotic garden, desert wash, sunk garden, topiary, water features, walled and Mediterranean gardens. There are many unusual plants and plant combinations, wild flower meadows, old fashioned cornfields, vegetable and cutting gardens - something for everyone to enjoy! We will return to the hotel late afternoon. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

FRIDAY 6TH JUNE 2014

Departing the hotel after breakfast we will make our way toGooderstone Water Gardens. A unique attraction for all garden lovers, naturalists, artists and photographers - or those who simply want a restful break. What could be nicer than to stroll through an enchanting garden, explore the nature trail, perhaps spot a kingfisher and enjoy delicious home made cakes.

The Gooderstone Water Gardens consists of six acres of garden with a natural trout stream, four ponds, waterways, thirteen bridges, mature trees and shrubs, colourful borders, nature trail, Kingfisher hide, grass paths, tearoom and plant sales.

We will depart late afternoon for our journey homewards.