The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring
A six day tour to enjoy the cream of Cornish Gardens and the Music of London Festival Opera
- 25 April 2021
- 24 April 2022
Where better to enjoy the arrival of spring than in Cornwall. The county has more than its fair share of marvellous gardens, in part thanks to the warmth brought to its shores by the Gulf Stream. From our central base, the stylish and unique Tresanton Hotel in the lovely small port of St Mawes, we will explore some of the finest and most beautiful gardens, and always close by will be the sea, providing the most dramatic of backdrops to the botanical wonders.
For us one of the most important rules in organising a botanical tour is that it should not be rushed. So, apart from a guided tour of the gardens there will also be free time to explore individually, take in the vistas and sit and wonder at what nature and man have created. Nowhere, is this more important than at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The extensive work carried out here over the last twenty years is truly phenomenal and cannot be appreciated in a fleeting visit. Likewise, the extensive ravine and cliffside gardens of Glendurgan need time to appreciate as you make your way down to the sea.
A highlight for many will be our day at Caerhays Castle and Garden. Designated by Kew as being a garden of outstanding importance and covering some 120 acres, the unique microclimate here at this private garden has produced something rather unique. As you explore it helps to imagine you are halfway up a mountain in the Chinese province of Yunnan, some hundred years ago. It was from this region in the early 1900s that the ancestors of the current owners sourced many new species formerly unknown in Western Europe. To enhance our stay further, we will enjoy performances by our good friends London Festival Opera in St Mawes and at the Caerhays Estate.
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Tresanton Hotel
Chosen for its ideal location, but mostly because it is one of Cornwall’s loveliest hotels. The Tresanton Hotel is situated on Cornwall’s picturesque southern shores and commands stunning views across the sea of the Roseland Peninsula. Formerly, a yachting club and a cluster of old houses which in 1999 was purchased and transformed by one of the worlds’ foremost designers, Olga Polizzi. From the minute you enter the hotel her wit and great sense of style are evident everywhere both in and outside.
Everything you could possibly want from a luxurious Cornish hotel is here, stylish rooms with sea views, elegant public spaces, flower filled terraces and gardens with amazing sea views. Here you will also find some of the best food in Cornwall and a first class and friendly service that only a small hotel can provide.
For our five night stay we will take over all 30 rooms and suites allowing us to plan the perfect schedule. The Tresanton, like many of Cornwall’s best hotels has a cliff side location. Some elevated rooms are accessed by numerous steps, but the reward is breathtakingly beautiful.
Itinerary
Day 1 St Austell to St Mawes.
Transportation will meet the late afternoon arriving trains at St Austell Station and provide a transfer to the Tresanton Hotel at a designated time. Those arriving by car will be met at the hotel by a porter who will arrange valet parking in the hotel’s car park. Meet for drinks followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 Lost Gardens of Heligan.
After a leisurely breakfast drive to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Europe’s largest garden restoration project. There will be a range of short and comprehensive guided tours, including the historic glasshouses, Melon Yard and the Pineapple Pit, and the glorious Pleasure Gardens. Excellent facilities are available for snacks and lunch. Enjoy free time before we return to our hotel for afternoon tea and a presentation from our horticultural expert. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.
Day 3 Lamorran House Garden & St Just in Roseland.
This morning we visit the private garden at Lamorran House, an inspiring subtropical, Italianate four acre garden in St Mawes. It is certainly a star garden having appeared on both the BBC’s Gardeners World and listed in the top ten of the BBC’s Nation’s Favourite Gardens. Later, a short drive will take us to the 13th century Church at St Just in Roseland. The church and lush garden setting by a tidal creek is beautiful. So beautiful it led Sir John Betjeman to describe it “to many people the most beautiful churchyard on earth”. There will be time here to explore the church and surrounding natural landscape. Late afternoon drinks will be served on the Tresanton Terrace followed by a performance from London Festival Opera at the charming St Mawes Chapel. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 4 Glendurgan Estate, Helford River.
A short walk through St Mawes brings us to a jetty where we board the ferry for the 30 minute sailing to Falmouth Harbour. Continue by coach to Glendurgan for a guided tour of the woodland gardens created by the Fox Family in the 1800s. Not one, but three valleys to explore at their springtime best with thousands of wild flowers carpeting the slopes amid fabulous displays of camellias and magnolias. Later, enjoy a tour of the Fox family home which is not usually open to the public and a light lunch. Drive back to Falmouth and board the ferry to St Mawes. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure and dinner this evening will be at the hotel.
Day 5 Caerhays Estate.
After a leisurely breakfast we will make a short drive to the Caerhays Castle and Garden. Situated between St Mawes and Mevagissey in a secluded valley above Porthluney Cove, this is one of the great gardens of Cornwall. The estate is one of the oldest in the country and home to a National Magnolia Collection. The origins of the historically important collection of magnolias can be traced back to the work of the great plant hunters, Ernest Wilson and George Forrest and the 120 acre woodland gardens are a springtime wonderland. During the morning there will be guided tours of the garden and after lunch a guided tour of the castle, still inhabited by the Williams family who in the early 20th century sponsored plant hunting expeditions in Asia. Later, a short drive takes us to the Vean, a typical Cornish Georgian country house on the estate where afternoon tea will be served prior to a performance by London Festival Opera in the house. Return to the hotel for our Farewell Dinner.
Day 6 St Mawes to St Austell.
Linger over breakfast enjoying the stunning sea views for one last time before boarding the coach which will depart for St Austell.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy25 to 30 April 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Small Room | £1995 | |
Medium Room | £2095 | |
Spacious Room | £2295 | |
Favourite Room | £2595 | |
Family Suite (Room 25) | £2795 | |
Forte Suite (Room 33) | £2995 | |
Family Suite (Room 32) | £3095 | |
The Lamorran Suite | £3295 | |
Small Room for sole use | £3095 | |
Medium Room for sole use | £3295 |
24 to 29 April 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Small Room | £2095 | |
Medium Room | £2245 | |
Spacious Room | £2445 | |
Favourite Room | £2695 | |
Family Suite (Room 25) | £2895 | |
Forte Suite (Room 33) | £3095 | |
Family Suite (Room 32) | £3195 | |
The Lamorran Suite | £3395 | |
Small Room for sole use | £3195 | |
Medium Room for sole use | £3395 |
Tour Reference Code: LATRESANTON
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights hotel accommodation at Hotel Tresanton on a breakfast and dinner basis • Lunch on day 4 • Afternoon tea on days 2 & 5 • Excursions as described • Two London Festival Opera performances • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Group transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those detailed.
Tresanton Hotel
Chosen for its ideal location, but mostly because it is one of Cornwall’s loveliest hotels. The Tresanton Hotel is situated on Cornwall’s picturesque southern shores and commands stunning views across the sea of the Roseland Peninsula. Formerly, a yachting club and a cluster of old houses which in 1999 was purchased and transformed by one of the worlds’ foremost designers, Olga Polizzi. From the minute you enter the hotel her wit and great sense of style are evident everywhere both in and outside.
Everything you could possibly want from a luxurious Cornish hotel is here, stylish rooms with sea views, elegant public spaces, flower filled terraces and gardens with amazing sea views. Here you will also find some of the best food in Cornwall and a first class and friendly service that only a small hotel can provide.
For our five night stay we will take over all 30 rooms and suites allowing us to plan the perfect schedule. The Tresanton, like many of Cornwall’s best hotels has a cliff side location. Some elevated rooms are accessed by numerous steps, but the reward is breathtakingly beautiful.
Travelling with You
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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.
Chantal Cookson will be on the following tour dates: 25 to 30 April 2021 -
Mike Nelhams
Mike Nelhams first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. He first trained for three years at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley. After managing a woodland garden in Sussex for five years he returned to Tresco Abbey Garden in 1984 as Head Gardener and then in 1994 took the post of Garden Curator which was established for him. He is an RHS judge on the Tender Plants Committee, judging regularly at Chelsea, Hampton Court and London RHS shows and also is a frequent lecturer throughout the English-speaking world. He has published a book, “Tresco Abbey Garden” and has made many appearances on national TV and radio, as well as having written many articles for the horticultural press. Mike has a particular interest in plants from the Mediterranean and associated coastal regions of the world. A Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mike regularly leads garden tours.
Mike Nelhams will be on the following tour dates: 25 to 30 April 2021 -
London Festival Opera
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera on many of our tours and cruises. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed cruises grow in popularity. London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in palaces, castles, country houses, theatres, concert halls, embassies and private homes and gardens. Recent engagements have been throughout the UK, Europe and as far afield as Barbados, Marrakech and Moscow.
Particular attention is given to the design and quality of our costumes which are as authentic as possible. Whether it is a period evening dress, such as Regency or Victorian to enhance a gala performance or a full production, the costumes will be of the highest quality and style.
Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world's leading venues including as a guest company in one of the Italy's greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice.
London Festival Opera will be on the following tour dates: 25 to 30 April 2021 • 24 to 29 April 2022
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000