We are delighted to announce details of our 2026 tour in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust which will be based at the prestigious Jockey Club in Newmarket. One of the foremost decisions when planning a tour is where will be our base. We have for sometime been interested in covering the border area of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk because in this relatively small area can be found some truly wonderful gardens. In allowing us to take over all the accommodation at The Jockey Club, we have the perfect location for our itinerary and in addition can enjoy the exceptional facilities of this renowned historic club.
Staying at The Jockey Club in Newmarket on the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border has allowed us to include a number of gardens that have not been geographically possible on past tours. In Norfolk we will be captivated by the gardens at Bressingham Hall which were begun in the 1950s by Alan Bloom, truly a mecca for perenniallovers. On the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border we will stroll in the 35 acres of formal and informal gardens at Chippenham Park and in Cambridgeshire we have two varied and inspirational gardens, Peckover House and Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The Botanic Garden is a treasure trove of over 8000 plant species, including nine National Collections and a superb arboretum. Finally, being in Suffolk we just had to include two old favourites, the picture-perfect Fullers Mill and the exquisite formal gardens of Wyken Hall.
In addition to all the amazing gardens, London Festival Opera will be performing for us at Jesus College, Cambridge and at the historic Bury St Edmunds Guildhall, the civic hub since the 1220s. Adding some further interest will be a visit to Ely Cathedral with an opportunity to attend Evensong. For those interested in horse racing we have also included a visit to the Newmarket Horse Racing Museum.
The itinerary has been planned to avoid early morning departures allowing for leisurely breakfasts and most mornings offer free time or optional visits. The accommodation at the Club limits us to just 40 places, it promises to be a fascinating five days so I do hope you can join us.
Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director
Jockey Club, Newmarket
For our five-night stay we have taken over all the accommodation at The Jockey Club, a building steeped in history with wonderfully elegant rooms adorned with some of the finest collections of equine art and countless historical artefacts. Located in the centre of Newmarket in a large attractive garden it has been at the heart of British Racing for over 250 years.
The history of The Jockey Club Rooms is endlessly fascinating, and we will learn more during our stay of how the building evolved and of the good and famous who walked its corridors and stayed in its chambers over the centuries. Everything is here that could possibly be required for a stay of great comfort and interest. Rooms are located either in the Chambers, set back from the road at the rear of the club grounds, or in the Club’s Townhouse that forms part of the main building and fronts onto Newmarket’s High Street.
Itinerary
Day 1 Newmarket.
A transfer to Newmarket from Cambridge Railway Station will be provided to those arriving by train. Those driving may park at the Jockey Club’s car park. We will meet this evening for welcome drinks and dinner in the Club Room. (D)
Day 2 Bressingham Hall Gardens & Wyken Hall Gardens.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the Club’s historic Coffee Room. The morning is free for you to relax or join a visit to the nearby Horse Racing Museum, our venue for lunch. This afternoon we will travel into Norfolk to Bressingham Hall Gardens to explore the Dell, Foggy Bottom, Adrian’s Wood and the Fragrant Garden. Later we cross the county border into Suffolk to Wyken Hall where we explore the beautiful formal gardens. Tonight dinner will be in the locally renowned Leaping Hare located in the grounds of the Hall. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Chippenham Park, Bury St Edmunds Guildhall & Fullers Mill Garden.
Relax after breakfast before a late morning departure for nearby Chippenham Park with its 300 acres of Parkland. See the four acre Walled Garden and the ‘Wilderness’, a scenic woodland walk full of interesting trees and shrubs, some of which are quite rare. After a light lunch at Chippenham Park we continue to Fullers Mill, a wonderful thoughtprovoking garden created by the late Bernard Tickner on the banks of the River Lark. After exploring the garden we depart for nearby Bury St Edmunds to the celebrated Grade 1 listed Guildhall. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the building has a fascinating history and during World War II housed operational rooms that played a role in the Battle of Britain. Enjoy a performance by London Festival Opera in the Banqueting Hall followed by dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Cambridge University Botanic Garden & Jesus College.
Perhaps join a morning visit to the world-famous Gallops followed by a light lunch in the Club. This afternoon we will drive into the bustling city of Cambridge for a visit to the expansive Cambridge University Botanic Gardens for a guided tour and refreshments. In the late afternoon we transfer to the historic Jesus College to enjoy a drinks reception in the Cloister Court and a performance from London Festival Opera followed by dinner in the Upper Hall. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Peckover House & Ely Cathedral & Gardens.
After breakfast in the Coffee Room drive north to Peckover House near Wisbech. This elegant Georgian House and walled garden was developed from the banking wealth of the Peckover family, and their philanthropy has left a lasting mark on the town. Tucked away behind the house sits a beautiful Victorian garden boasting a stunning orangery and herbaceous borders which will be alive with spring colour. In the early afternoon we continue on to the city of Ely, a compact city with a rich history and magnificent cathedral. After lunch at the atmospheric Old Engine Firehouse Restaurant there will be free time to explore the city, Cathedral and adjacent gardens. Return to Newmarket in the late afternoon prior to a farewell dinner at the Jockey Club. A transfer will be provided back from Ely for any guests who would like to attend Evensong at the cathedral. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Newmarket.
After breakfast a transfer will be provided to Cambridge Railway Station for those returning home by train. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 5 to 10 May 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Townhouse Double/Twin | £3195 | |
| Club Double/Twin Room | £3395 | |
| Deluxe Double/Twin Room | £3795 | |
| Queen's Suite | £3995 | |
| King's Suite | £4295 | |
| Club Single | £3395 | |
| Deluxe Double/Twin Room for sole occupancy | £4295 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAHEARTLANDS
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights accommodation at The Jockey Club Rooms • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Drinks with included lunches and dinners • Excursions as described • Two performances by London Festival Opera • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Group transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Jockey Club, Newmarket
For our five-night stay we have taken over all the accommodation at The Jockey Club, a building steeped in history with wonderfully elegant rooms adorned with some of the finest collections of equine art and countless historical artefacts. Located in the centre of Newmarket in a large attractive garden it has been at the heart of British Racing for over 250 years.
The history of The Jockey Club Rooms is endlessly fascinating, and we will learn more during our stay of how the building evolved and of the good and famous who walked its corridors and stayed in its chambers over the centuries. Everything is here that could possibly be required for a stay of great comfort and interest. Rooms are located either in the Chambers, set back from the road at the rear of the club grounds, or in the Club’s Townhouse that forms part of the main building and fronts onto Newmarket’s High Street.
Travelling with You
London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for our stay and presenting two concerts in superb settings – performing a selection of celebrated arias and ensembles from the operas of Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Bizet and Puccini as well as some lighter pieces from the world of operetta and musicals. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed tours grow in popularity. London Festival Opera has achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in the UK and overseas and has performed for Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior members of the British and European Royal Families. The company has performed at 10 Downing Street, the British Embassy in Paris, the President’s Palace in Malta and as a guest company in one of Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne the programmes presented include a wide and varied range of repertoire, performed in formal evening dress and authentic period costume for an added visual impact.
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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Alan Mason
Alan Mason NDT. F.Inst.G. Dip.Hort. M.CI. Hort. is one of Europe’s most experienced and best qualified garden designers and consultants. Having achieved the distinction of being the UK’s youngest head gardener at Bramham Park when still in his 20’s, and then Gardens Manager to the Queen's cousin Lord Harewood at Harewood House in Yorkshire - where he and his team elevated the gardens into the top ten most visited gardens in the country - he set up his garden design consultancy in 1987. He has since designed and created gardens for royalty and other leading public figures in the UK and France. Creating the gardens at Le Manoir du Hilguy for Holiday Property Bond, and at his own home, Le Manoir, Port de Roche in Brittany, brought Alan Mason Garden Design International success.
During the 80s and 90s Alan also presented the long running ‘Gardens without Borders television programme, which featured gardens in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland.
His French links continue, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, which have a similar climate and challenges to the UK. Alan is currently developing a beautiful riverside garden near Nantes, selected by the Ecole National Superiore d'Architecture de Versailles as representing the best of quintessential English garden design in the 21st century.
Alan Mason is a founder member of The Professional Gardener's Guild and the founder of the Senior Garden Advisors consultancy group which brings the services of top former Head Gardeners' from Stately Homes such as Chatsworth, Castle Howard and Harewood House to a wider public. Alan is also a judge of the show gardens at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show and a garden design lecturer for The Royal Horticultural Society.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000