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Glorious Gardens of Cheshire Tour
5 Days Starting and ending in Knutsford, England
Visiting: Knutsford, Port Sunlight, Tatton Park, Chester, Manchester
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 49
Special diets catered:
Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of Cheshire's finest gardens on the Glorious Gardens of Cheshire Tour. This immersive experience takes you through the historic Tatton Park Estate, the vibrant Ness Botanic Gardens, and the stunning RHS Bridgewater designed by Tom Stuart-Smith. Explore the award-winning gardens at Arley Hall, the charming Port Sunlight Museum and Garden Village, and the diverse Lovell Quinta Arboretum. Wander through the ancient city of Chester, home to a Roman Amphitheatre and a 1000-year-old cathedral, and visit the Dorothy Clive Gardens, created by Colonel Harry Clive. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the four-star Cottons Hotel, complete with a welcome reception, guided tours, and delicious meals, all while traveling in style with coach transfers and a dedicated tour manager.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive And Dinner At The Hotel
Location: Knutsford
Accommodation Name: Cottons Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive independently at Cottons Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome drink, talk by tour manager Tony Russell and dinner with wine.
Day 2: Ness Botanic Gardens, Port Sunlight Museum And Garden Village
Location: Port Sunlight
Accommodation Name: Cottons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning visit Ness Botanic Gardens, created by a wealthy cotton merchant, Arthur Bulley, in the late 1800’s. Spread over 64 acres, this all-year botanical garden has a wide range of plants and plenty of wildlife in the summer. In July, the wildflower meadows should be in full swing, with the herbaceous boarders filled with Geranium, Astrantia and Eechinops. There will be free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense) before departing for Port Sunlight. The village of Port Sunlight was founded by ‘Soap King’ William Hesketh Lever in 1888 and was built to house his factory workers. Today it is home to a fascinating museum, beautiful architecture, and stunning parkland. On arrival there will be a guided tour of the village followed by time to explore the museum, workers cottage and soap works. Return to the hotel with dinner in the restaurant this evening.
Day 3: Lovell Quinta Arboretum And Tatton Park
Location: Tatton Park
Accommodation Name: Cottons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will start at Lovell Quinta Arboretum. The arboretum is home to a colourful range of around 2500 different plants. Following your exploration of this tranquil spot we will have an included lunch at the Swettenham Arms. This afternoon we visit Tatton Park, one of the most complete historic estates in the UK. It is home to a medieval Old Hall, Neo Classical Mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens and 1000 acres of deer park. Explore the mansion and gardens at your own leisure. Take in the treasured collections inside the 18th century mansion as well as the gardens including the Japanese garden, walled kitchen garden or the historic glasshouses. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: Chester And Dorothy Clive Gardens
Location: Chester
Accommodation Name: Cottons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Chester will be the first stop of the day. Independently explore the ancient city who has played host to Roman legions, Viking raiders and the Norman invasion. The city has the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, along with a 1000-year-old cathedral as well as its Roman and Medieval walls. There is plenty of to see. Later that morning transfer by coach to Dorothy Clive Gardens for free time at leisure for lunch (at own expense) before we have a guided tour of the gardens followed by free time for further exploration. The gardens were initially created by Colonel Harry Clive to provide his ailing wife, Dorothy, with a series of interesting walks as she battled with Parkinson's disease. The gardens today have many diverse areas of interest within its 12 acres including a winter garden, an edible woodland, woodland quarry with waterfall, alpine scree and pool, a rose walk plus amazing seasonal borders. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: Rhs Bridgewater And Arley Hall Gardens
Location: Manchester
Accommodation Name: Cottons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we start at RHS Bridgewater. There will be plenty of time to explore the stunning 11 acre restored walled garden, one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK, as well as the Paradise Garden, Asiatic and Mediterranean gardens. Worsley New Hall Estate was taken on by the RHS to create RHS Garden Bridgewater and has been one of the largest gardening projects in Europe to date. In the afternoon travel to Arley Hall Gardens, one of the most interesting and charming estates. One of the outstanding features of Arley’s award winning gardens is the double herbaceous border, believed to be the first of its kind planted in England. Other highlights included the Walled Garden, Clock Tower and Tea Cottage set in a rose garden. Return to the hotel for approximately 17:30.
What's Included
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Four nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Cottons Hotel
Enjoy a comfortable stay at the four-star Cottons Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome reception
Join us for a welcome reception to kick off your tour.
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First night three-course dinner with wine
Savor a three-course dinner with wine on your first night.
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Three dinners in the hotel restaurant
Enjoy three dinners at the hotel's restaurant during your stay.
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One lunch at the Swettenham Arms
Relish a delightful lunch at the Swettenham Arms.
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All talks, guided tours and admissions
Benefit from all talks, guided tours, and admissions included in the tour.
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Coach transfers and tour manager throughout
Travel comfortably with coach transfers and a dedicated tour manager throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel
Transport to the hotel is not included in the tour package.
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Double for sole use supplement
An additional charge applies for double rooms used for single occupancy.
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
Extra nights at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis are not included.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Coach transfers and tour manager throughout the tour. Transport to the hotel is not included.
Accommodation
Cottons Hotel, Knutsford: Four-star spa hotel, with great facilities, owned by Thwaites Brewery and perfectly located to reach the places visited on this itinerary. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym and spa. Bedrooms are comfortable with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi and tea/coffee making facilities. Parking: complimentary
MORE INFO
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Tony RussellTony Russell has worked in horticulture for almost 40 years, including 14 years in charge of Britain's National Arboretum at Westonbirt and 10 years as plant consultant to the National Trust. During this time Tony has also presented several television and radio programmes, as well as appearing as a panellist on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners Question Time. He is the author of 20 published books on gardens, plants and trees and the editor of the annual publication Great Gardens to Visit. Tony is currently consulting on a large, new arboretum being created at Rahanna House in Ireland and in 2024 will be leading a number of exclusive garden and plant-based tours, both in the UK and overseas.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Glorious Gardens of Cheshire Tour?
The accommodation is at the four-star Cottons Hotel in Knutsford, which features a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, and spa. The rooms are comfortable with modern amenities including en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.
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Are meals included in the Glorious Gardens of Cheshire Tour?
Yes, the tour includes four nights' bed and breakfast, a welcome reception, a three-course dinner with wine on the first night, three dinners at the hotel restaurant, and one lunch at the Swettenham Arms.
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What is the mode of transport during the tour?
Coach transfers are provided throughout the tour, along with a dedicated tour manager. However, transport to the hotel is not included.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes all talks, guided tours, and admissions to various gardens and historical sites such as Ness Botanic Gardens, Port Sunlight Museum and Garden Village, Lovell Quinta Arboretum, Tatton Park, Chester, Dorothy Clive Gardens, RHS Bridgewater, and Arley Hall Gardens.
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Is there a welcome event at the start of the tour?
Yes, there is a welcome reception and a talk by tour manager Tony Russell on the first evening, followed by dinner with wine.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs include transport to the hotel, double for sole use supplement, extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, personal expenses, and porterage and gratuities.
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Who is the tour manager for the Glorious Gardens of Cheshire Tour?
The tour manager is Tony Russell, who has extensive experience in horticulture and has worked in various prestigious roles, including as a plant consultant to the National Trust and a presenter on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners Question Time.
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What time should I arrive at the hotel on the first day?
You should arrive independently at Cottons Hotel from 15:00 onwards. The welcome reception and first evening dinner/talk will commence at about 18:00.
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What are some of the highlights of the gardens visited on this tour?
Highlights include the historic Tatton Park Estate, Ness Botanic Gardens, RHS Bridgewater designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, Dorothy Clive Gardens, the award-winning gardens at Arley Hall, and the Lovell Quinta Arboretum.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Thursday - Monday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.