Huron Tours presents:
Cornwall Spring Garden Spectacular
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Our 2017 Cornwall trip was a fabulous success! Huron Tours is pleased to announce our return to the magnificent Cornwall gardens in the Spring of 2018. An incredibly scenic adventure with pure Huron style.
Featuring: Kensington Palace Gardens ~ The Eden Project ~ Bosvigo Garden ~ Trewithen Garden ~ St. Michael’s Mount ~ Pinsla Garden ~ Tregothnan Tea Plantation & Garden ~ Glendurgan Garden ~ Trebah Garden ~ Caerhays Castle & Garden ~ Lost Gardens of Heligan ~ Lanhydrock House and Garden - Killerton House and Garden - Carminowe Valley Garden - the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden ~ The Tate St. Ives ~ and more!
Please read on for all the details!
Featuring: Kensington Palace Gardens ~ The Eden Project ~ Bosvigo Garden ~ Trewithen Garden ~ St. Michael’s Mount ~ Pinsla Garden ~ Tregothnan Tea Plantation & Garden ~ Glendurgan Garden ~ Trebah Garden ~ Caerhays Castle & Garden ~ Lost Gardens of Heligan ~ Lanhydrock House and Garden - Killerton House and Garden - Carminowe Valley Garden - the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden ~ The Tate St. Ives ~ and more!
Please read on for all the details!
2018 Cornwall Tour Itinerary
Saturday, April 7 ~ Flights to London
Travel to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on your favorite air carrier.
Please give us a call for airfare prices and schedules. (800) 734-1192 or (504) 267-2057
Your air carrier provides dinner and breakfast.
Please give us a call for airfare prices and schedules. (800) 734-1192 or (504) 267-2057
Your air carrier provides dinner and breakfast.
Sunday, April 8 ~ Kensington Palace, private welcome dinner
Arrive London and meet your Blue Badge Guide and Huron Tours & Travel tour managers who will be with you the entire tour.
Rest easy with your HTT arranged private transfer to your perfectly located, four-star hotel in London. After getting settled, we'll enjoy a lovely visit to Kensington Palace & Gardens, a royal residence for over 300 years and former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. You will tour the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments as well as the beautiful Palace Gardens.
Early this evening we'll enjoy a private welcome dinner reception together in our favorite neighborhood restaurant.
Dinner is included tonight.
Rest easy with your HTT arranged private transfer to your perfectly located, four-star hotel in London. After getting settled, we'll enjoy a lovely visit to Kensington Palace & Gardens, a royal residence for over 300 years and former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. You will tour the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments as well as the beautiful Palace Gardens.
Early this evening we'll enjoy a private welcome dinner reception together in our favorite neighborhood restaurant.
Dinner is included tonight.
Monday, April 9 ~ Train to Bosvigo Garden, Welcome Dinner Falmouth
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After an early and hearty English breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel to gorgeous Cornwall via scenic train ride. Great Western Railway transports us from London Paddington to Truro traveling along the iconic part-coastal track built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 1830s. No need to worry about your luggage, with Huron Tours your bags will be delivered straight to our beachfront hotel in Falmouth, Cornwall while you enjoy the beauty, comfort and ease of travel by train.
On arrival into Truro, we'll pay a very special visit to Bosvigo Garden, Wendy Perry's fine 3 acre gem. There are a series of walled gardens with good herbaceous plantings, intense colors in the hot garden, the hellebore collection in perfect bloom and the woodland copse alive with many bulbs. A Huron Tours visit to Bosvigo is extra special as we will be treated to a private tour of the house and to tea and homemade cakes. Tea is served in the historic kitchens which have been restored to their original Georgian glory. The perfect start to our spring garden tour! After our garden visit in Truro, it is a short drive to our home for the next 8 nights, Falmouth and The Greenbank Hotel.
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"I would be delighted to host your group for a house tour, garden visit and tea in April 2018. My spring garden will be at it's best at that time!” 
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The charming town of Falmouth is situated at the end of the River Fal and has been an important Maritime hub for more than 500 years. This is Cornwall's coolest town and one of England's leading cultural destinations. Its attractive old shops, numerous cafés, collection of interesting art galleries and central coastal location make it the perfect home base for our garden explorations.
Our accommodations, Falmouth's oldest and finest, is the Four Star Greenbank Hotel. Nestled on Falmouth harbor, this gorgeous property blends the best of coastal Cornish living with the finest in contemporary comfort. All rooms are perfectly appointed with luxurious toiletries, hairdryer, complimentary coffee and tea, flat screen televisions, 24 hour room service and free wifi. The on-site dining options include the 2 AA Rosette award-winning Water's Edge Restaurant offering truly Modern British cuisine.
This evening we toast our arrival with a private dinner reception at the hotel while enjoying panoramic harbor views.
Breakfast, Tea and Dinner are included today.
Our accommodations, Falmouth's oldest and finest, is the Four Star Greenbank Hotel. Nestled on Falmouth harbor, this gorgeous property blends the best of coastal Cornish living with the finest in contemporary comfort. All rooms are perfectly appointed with luxurious toiletries, hairdryer, complimentary coffee and tea, flat screen televisions, 24 hour room service and free wifi. The on-site dining options include the 2 AA Rosette award-winning Water's Edge Restaurant offering truly Modern British cuisine.
This evening we toast our arrival with a private dinner reception at the hotel while enjoying panoramic harbor views.
Breakfast, Tea and Dinner are included today.
Lanhydrock House and Gardens
Tuesday, April 10 ~ Pinsla Garden / Lanhydrock House and Gardens
After the delightful breakfast at the hotel, we begin today’s garden explorations at Pinsla Garden & Nursery, a hidden gem set in a tranquil woodland that is a plant lover's dream. The owners will tell us about creating the garden, working with shade, the art in the garden and how to produce color throughout the year. After our tour, we'll be served tea or coffee with home-made cake beside the enchanting period cottage.
Our next stop is The National Trust's Lanhydrock House & Gardens, a magnificent late Victorian country house and beautiful spring garden. The fabulous formal parterre brings a real touch of grandeur and the blooming borders are filled with flowers and fragrant plants. A gorgeous magnolia arch by the thatched cottage, offers a beautiful gateway to exploring the higher levels of the garden. The magnificent 17th century house has many interesting rooms including a magnificent Great Hall and historic kitchens. For anyone interested in historic houses this is a must see property and offers a fascinating insight into Upstairs, Downstairs life in Victorian England.
Dinner this evening is on your own so why not try one of the fantastic eateries on our Falmouth restaurant recommendations list included with your final tour documents. Highlights include a wonderful Thai restaurant, award-winning gastro pub, and of course the freshest seafood. All within a few minutes walk of our hotel.
Breakfast is included this morning.
Our next stop is The National Trust's Lanhydrock House & Gardens, a magnificent late Victorian country house and beautiful spring garden. The fabulous formal parterre brings a real touch of grandeur and the blooming borders are filled with flowers and fragrant plants. A gorgeous magnolia arch by the thatched cottage, offers a beautiful gateway to exploring the higher levels of the garden. The magnificent 17th century house has many interesting rooms including a magnificent Great Hall and historic kitchens. For anyone interested in historic houses this is a must see property and offers a fascinating insight into Upstairs, Downstairs life in Victorian England.
Dinner this evening is on your own so why not try one of the fantastic eateries on our Falmouth restaurant recommendations list included with your final tour documents. Highlights include a wonderful Thai restaurant, award-winning gastro pub, and of course the freshest seafood. All within a few minutes walk of our hotel.
Breakfast is included this morning.
Wednesday, April 11 ~ Caminowe Valley Garden, St. Michael's Mount, St. Ives Free Time, Barbara Hepworth Museum, Dinner
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We begin today with a quick photo stop at St. Michael’s Mount. This dramatic island abbey was originally built by Benedictine monks and strikes a dramatic pose against the beautiful harbor. Our picture taking vantage point offers stunning views across Mount's Bay.
Next we visit one of the smaller gardens on our itinerary - but it packs a punch. Marion and Peter Stanley's diverse Carminowe Valley Garden overlooks the beautiful Carminowe Valley towards Loe Pool. This abundant 3.5 acre garden combines native oak woodland, babbling brook and large natural pond with more formal areas. wild flower meadows, an orchard, nectar beds, cutting garden, kitchen garden and summerhouse. The enclosed cottage garden and tulips in spring make this the perfect for our early Spring visit. |
Trengwainton Garden by Michael Stone
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We will end on high note with a visit and delicious dinner in the quintessentially English seaside town of St. Ives.
St. Ives has been a busy fishing port since the Middle Ages and is believed to have been settled as early as the Bronze Age. It is a delightful old fishing town of breathtaking beauty, and happens to be the home of two wonderful museums (for which you'll have entry tickets): The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Suculpture Garden, and the Tate St. Ives. We'll have time to enjoy these museums, as well as explore the cobbled streets, admire the pretty cottages and peak into the interesting art galleries. Our Blue Badge guide will also tell us all about the history and tradition of this ancient town before our dinner together at an award-winning restaurant. Breakfast and dinner are included today. |
Thursday, April 12 ~ Trewithen, Tregothnan Private Estate and Tea Plantation
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After breakfast at the hotel we set out for a full day of Cornish garden beauty. We begin at Trewithen Garden, an eighteenth century house with walled and woodland gardens made by the renowned horticulturalist George Johnstone. Perhaps the most beautiful woodland garden in England, Trewithen is known for its great collection of magnolias, rhododendrons, and camellias best seen in early spring. The garden's 30 acres includes many rare trees and shrubs and new plantings abound to bring an ever-changing kaleidoscope of color to this gorgeous garden delight. The head gardener will give our group special insight.
The last stop today is a Huron Tours exclusive: Tregothnan. Tregothnan is the U.K.'s first (and only) tea plantation, and is also home to one of Britain's finest private gardens. As a botanic garden and arboretum it is unequalled in its offering of scale, diversity, rare collections, sweeping vistas and secluded groves. Although Tregothnan is not open to the public, we will be treated to a private tour guided by a member of the gardening team who will discuss the fascinating history of the garden, its impressive plant collections, and exciting plans for the future. Our tour ends with a tea sample in the Edwardian summer house. Perfection. Breakfast and Tea provided today. |
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Friday, April 13 ~ Free Day to Explore Falmouth
A completely free day to enjoy the best that the seaside town of Falmouth has to offer. Perhaps pay a visit to the flagship attraction, The National Maritime Museum, or take a cruise along the Fal River for beautiful views. For a great bit of history, see Pendennis Castle, constructed by Henry VIII to defend the British mainland from Spanish and French invasion. There is shopping galore in Falmouth including Beerwolf Books, a pub and bookshop rolled into one!
Breakfast included today
Breakfast included today
Saturday, April 14 ~ Glendurgan and Trebah Gardens, Dinner
Fifteen miles south of Falmouth lie several of Cornwall’s “showstopper” gardens.
Following breakfast this morning, we’ll have the pleasure of visiting Glendurgan Garden, founded by the Fox family and now owned by the National Trust. The Foxes are known for making their fortune importing exotic plants, and this garden was designed to showcase their finds. Set in a wooded valley running down the Helford river, this garden is as rich in views as it is in unusual plants. It is one of the great sub-tropical gardens in the UK.
Next up is is the incomparable Trebah Garden - You’ll enjoy lunch on your own today at the pleasant cafe, before heading out to explore this incredible masterpiece of undulating color. Another sub-tropical paradise, featuring a stunning coastal backdrop, this 25 acre ravine garden was planted in 1840 by Charles Fox and is less formal than Glendurgan, but equally as interesting. These “complimentary” gardens are a wonderful exploration of the Fox family’s passion.
Breakfast is included today.
Following breakfast this morning, we’ll have the pleasure of visiting Glendurgan Garden, founded by the Fox family and now owned by the National Trust. The Foxes are known for making their fortune importing exotic plants, and this garden was designed to showcase their finds. Set in a wooded valley running down the Helford river, this garden is as rich in views as it is in unusual plants. It is one of the great sub-tropical gardens in the UK.
Next up is is the incomparable Trebah Garden - You’ll enjoy lunch on your own today at the pleasant cafe, before heading out to explore this incredible masterpiece of undulating color. Another sub-tropical paradise, featuring a stunning coastal backdrop, this 25 acre ravine garden was planted in 1840 by Charles Fox and is less formal than Glendurgan, but equally as interesting. These “complimentary” gardens are a wonderful exploration of the Fox family’s passion.
Breakfast is included today.
2017 Tour Participant Carole Sanders collects a stone from the Glendurgan beach.
Sunday, April 15 ~ Free Morning, Eden Project
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We don't want to wear you out! We've scheduled a nice leasiurly morning today - enjoy your wonderful breakfast at your own pace while enjoying the views over Falmouth Harbour.
This afternoon, we'll pay a visit to an unforgettable experience in an epic location. The Eden Project is one of Cornwall's most iconic sights, and its three giant greenhouses have been described as a wonder of the modern world. These futuristic biomes house a dizzying array of plants, trees and botanical wonders from across the globe. We’ll be treated to a private, guided tour of one of the biomes in order to make the most of our visit. Dinner is on your own in Falmouth this evening. Please consult your included restaurant recommendation list for great ideas. Breakfast included at the hotel this morning. |
Planting at Eden Project
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Monday, April 16 ~ Caerhays Castle, Lost Gardens of Heligan
After breakfast we make our way to the stunning Caerhays Castle & Gardens which is located in a sheltered valley overlooking Porthluney Cove on the South Cornish Coast. Origins of the 60+ acre garden can be traced back to the Chinese plant hunters around 1900.
Home to the Williams camellia hybrids, Caerhays is perhaps best known for its huge, Asiatic magnolias, usually in their prime in early April. The Williams Family sponsored some of the great plant hunters and their discoveries have a marvellous home in this beautiful setting on the Cornish coast, north of the early 19th century castle, designed by Nash.
Our visit to Caerhays will be extra special today as Huron Tours will attend a private reception in Castle Hall followed by an informal tour of the castle with a member of the Williams Family. You will enjoy lunch in the castle’s Georgian Hall followed by a garden tour and leisurely stroll on the lawn. A magical way to experience a truly magical place.
Our last garden visit in Cornwall is perhaps the best. The Lost Gardens of Heligan. One of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK, the “Willow Tree Garden” (as translated from Cornish) is a must visit on our garden survey, as much for the story of its rehabilitation as for its design and contents. Once a lost and overgrown wasteland, the garden was resurrected when the garden plan, found behind a hidden door amidst World War I rubble, was uncovered in the 1990s. The garden restoration was broadcast throughout Europe and visiting is an absolute must for any visitor to Cornwall (averaging a perfect 10 rating from our previous tours), and a fitting final stop on our Cornish spring escape.
Breakfast and lunch are provided today.
Home to the Williams camellia hybrids, Caerhays is perhaps best known for its huge, Asiatic magnolias, usually in their prime in early April. The Williams Family sponsored some of the great plant hunters and their discoveries have a marvellous home in this beautiful setting on the Cornish coast, north of the early 19th century castle, designed by Nash.
Our visit to Caerhays will be extra special today as Huron Tours will attend a private reception in Castle Hall followed by an informal tour of the castle with a member of the Williams Family. You will enjoy lunch in the castle’s Georgian Hall followed by a garden tour and leisurely stroll on the lawn. A magical way to experience a truly magical place.
Our last garden visit in Cornwall is perhaps the best. The Lost Gardens of Heligan. One of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK, the “Willow Tree Garden” (as translated from Cornish) is a must visit on our garden survey, as much for the story of its rehabilitation as for its design and contents. Once a lost and overgrown wasteland, the garden was resurrected when the garden plan, found behind a hidden door amidst World War I rubble, was uncovered in the 1990s. The garden restoration was broadcast throughout Europe and visiting is an absolute must for any visitor to Cornwall (averaging a perfect 10 rating from our previous tours), and a fitting final stop on our Cornish spring escape.
Breakfast and lunch are provided today.
Tuesday, April 17 ~ Transfer to London, Killerton House, Exeter Cathedral
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Our time in Cornwall has come to an end but we still have one last garden visit in store. En-route back to London we will visit Killerton House & Gardens, a glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland. A fine 18th-century house features a renowned historical fashion collection.
Sir Thomas Acland wished to have gardens and parkland fit for his new family seat at Killerton. He employed the best landscaper designers and nurseryman John Veitch to turn his vision into a reality. Veitch and his son James created a network of woodland paths and planted varieties of foreign trees and shrubs, including Wellingtonia. Because of its mild climate Killerton was used as something of a trial ground for plants brought back from all corners of the globe, and many plants which are now found throughout the British Isles were first planted at Killerton. |
Exeter Catheral by Jim Bowen
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The Elegant 18th century house boasts interiors featuring a wonderful mix of period styles, from Georgian to Edwardian. There is an impressive first floor exhibition of Killerton's fashion collection, the biggest in the National Trust, with over 20,000 items of clothing and accessories.
After some time for lunch at the garden, we will make a quick visit to Exeter Cathedral. Formally known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Exeter, this Anglican cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere.
After some time for lunch at the garden, we will make a quick visit to Exeter Cathedral. Formally known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Exeter, this Anglican cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere.
Once back in London, we will check into the luxurious 5 Star London Heathrow Sofitel conveniently attached to Terminal 5 and within easy transfer to all other terminals.
Dinner is on your own this evening but you have many options. The hotel offers two great restaurants - La Belle Epoque for fine French cuisine or Vivre for fresh thematic cooking. If you up for it, why not take the highspeed Heathrow Express into central London (just 15 minutes!) and enjoy one last night out in Britain's gorgeous capital.
Breakfast at the hotel today.
Dinner is on your own this evening but you have many options. The hotel offers two great restaurants - La Belle Epoque for fine French cuisine or Vivre for fresh thematic cooking. If you up for it, why not take the highspeed Heathrow Express into central London (just 15 minutes!) and enjoy one last night out in Britain's gorgeous capital.
Breakfast at the hotel today.
Wednesday, April 18 ~ Heathrow Departure
Make sure to leave time this morning for the included breakfast buffet at the Sofitel before your flight back to the US. It is legendary in its size and scope of offerings (Miso soup anyone?).
We know you will head home today with wonderful memories of this fabulous trip and longing to return to the glorious gardens of England, hopefully on another Huron tour.
Breakfast at the Sofitel.
We know you will head home today with wonderful memories of this fabulous trip and longing to return to the glorious gardens of England, hopefully on another Huron tour.
Breakfast at the Sofitel.
Please give us a call today if we can answer any questions: (800) 734-1192 or (504) 267-20578
2018 Tour cost:
Complete Package Price (without airfare): $3,979
Single + $959 (Please inquire about our excellent roommate matching program)
Price is per person, based on double occupancy. Includes airport arrival transfer.
A $1,000 per person deposit will hold your place. It is refundable until 120 days before travel (less a $50 cancellation fee).
Single + $959 (Please inquire about our excellent roommate matching program)
Price is per person, based on double occupancy. Includes airport arrival transfer.
A $1,000 per person deposit will hold your place. It is refundable until 120 days before travel (less a $50 cancellation fee).
Included with your tour:
- 10 nights, Four-Star accommodations
- All hotel taxes, baggage handling and bellman’s tips
- Private airport “Meet & Greet” transfer service
- Private, deluxe motorcoach transportation
- 17 Meals including private events and breakfast daily
- Hand selected wines with all dinners
- Membership in the Royal Oak Society (the National Trust of England's American partner - one membership per family)
- Special Huron Extras: Scenic train travel to Cornwall, Private teas at Tregothnan & Bosvigo Garden, Free time in Falmouth, Free time in St. Ives, Hosted visit to Caerhays Castle & Gardens with castle reception
- Visits to the best gardens in the region:
- Kensington Palace & Gardens
- Bosvigo Garden (Private Tour)
- Pinsla Garden and Nursery
- Carminowe Valley Garden
- Lanhydrock House & Gardens
- The Eden Project (Private Tour)
- Trewithen Garden (Private Tour)
- Tregothnan (Private Tour)
- Glendurgan Garden
- Trebah Garden
- Caerhays Castle & Gardens (Private Tour)
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Killerton House & Gardens
- Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
- The Tate St. Ives Museum
Important information About airfare and airport transfers
- We are more than happy to make flight recommendations. We will tell you exactly what flights to book down to the last detail. If we book air tickets on your behalf a $50 per ticket booking fee will be assessed.
- The tour price includes arrival airport to group hotel transfer from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for the official tour dates and when booking pre tour nights at the group hotel through Huron Tours. We are happy to make other transfer arrangements (from other airports or locations) but you may incur a surcharge.
- We stay the last night of the tour at the London Heathrow Sofitel which is attached to Heathrow at Terminal 5. Transfer to other terminals is quick and easy and detailed instructions will be provided.
Huron Tours and Travel
(800) 734-1192 or (504) 267-2057
6221 S. Claiborne Ave., STE 586
New Orleans, LA 70125
USA
www.HuronTours.com
(800) 734-1192 or (504) 267-2057
6221 S. Claiborne Ave., STE 586
New Orleans, LA 70125
USA
www.HuronTours.com
Cornish Magnolias photo by www.visitcornwall.com
