Gardens of Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland forms a large part of the first UNESCO Biosphere in the country - an area recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature.
Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland forms a large part of the first UNESCO Biosphere in the country - an area recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature.
Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland forms a large part of the first UNESCO Biosphere in the country – an area recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. Probably one of its best kept secrets – and sadly bypassed by many on their rush to the Highlands. It is a region of everchanging skies, ancient forests, dramatic coasts and lofty mountains. Sprinkled amongst this rugged scenery are jewels of cultivation – the landscape tamed, tidied and ordered into stunning gardens which will inspire and delight.
Itinerary
Sunday - Morning departure from Dorset with stops as appropriate for refreshments to arrive in Dumfries late afternoon. After settling in enjoy a 3 course dinner in the restaurant.
Monday - To Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, the home and studio of artist E A Hornel - one of the early 20th century "Glasgow Boys. The house is full of his treasures as a collector and antiquarian - outside the gardens reflect his love of Oriental plantings with stepping stones, wisteria covered paths and Edwardian charm. Spend the afternoon in the town of Kirkcudbright, a historic town and artists colony on the Gallway coast. After dinner at the hotel we shall be met by a guide who will take us on a "Ghost Walk" of the Crichton Memorial Church next door - discover the story of the building, view historical artefacts and hear ghostly tales.
Tuesday - We head west through Newton Stewart to the village of Dunragit to visit Glenwhan Gardens - "A plantswomans finest achievement". Described as one of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland with stunning sea views - hewn from rough moorland 40 years ago. The warming Gulf Stream allows many exotic plants to flourish around two small lakes with meandering paths, sculptures and red squirrels . This afternoon make the short drive to Logan Botanic Garden near Port Logan, established since 1869 and gifted to the nation in 1969 - it is a sub-tropical paradise of palms, tree ferns, Eucalyptus, giant gunnera, other exotics and water lillies - and this is in Scotland!
Wednesday - This morning to Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill "The Pink Palace" whose 40 acres gardens offer inspiration and relaxation to all visitors. Surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, the grand Victorian gardens include rock gardens, woodlands and formal borders - all with a colourful heritage and rich diversity. Later our final visit, and something a bit different - The Crawick Multiverse at Sanquhar is a hidden gem. A former open cast coal mine has been landscaped into a unique "garden" which is based on space, astronomy and cosmology.
Thursday - Homewards bound with stops as required to arrive back in Dorset that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Holiday Inn Dumfries
Not what you might expect from the famous Holiday Inn brand – this superb 3 star hotel is located on the Crichton Estate and is based around a historic building, founded in 1839 originally as a “lunatic asylum”. It is surrounded by 85 magnificent acres of gardens which are free to visit and is adjacent to the beautiful Crichton Memorial Church. Bedrooms are spacious and bright with private bathroom, free toiletries and hairdryer, TV/radio, tea tray, iron, air-conditioning and free wifi. The restaurant offers a choice of dishes which use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The Elizabeth lounge bar serves coffees, pre-dinner cocktails and a full bar menu. A lift serves all floors and room service is available.
Tour Price : £440.00 Per Person
Single room supplement : £140.00
Price includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry Fees to Glenwhan Garden, Logan Botanic Garden, Broughton House & Garden, Drumlarig Garden, Crawick Multiverse, Crichton Ghost Walk.
A minimum level of mobility will be required to fully appreciate the visits.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised | |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised | |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised | |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised | |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised | |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland | |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown | |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road | |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised | |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop | |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop | |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester | |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland | |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised | |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis | |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road | |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) | |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) | |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised | |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop | |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop | |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised | |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) | |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole | |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage | |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised | |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave | |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road | |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised | |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn | |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road | |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist | |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth | |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised | |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised | |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel | |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised | |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland | |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised | |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth | |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop | |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised | |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised | |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis | |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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