Historic Houses & Glorious Gardens, Staffordshire

Thursday

We start the day with a drive to the City of Lichfield. Here there is much to see and do, particularly the stunning Lichfield Cathedral, set in a remarkable and serene close. Over 800 years old the building is the third on the site and is well worth a visit. Later, we visit the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, before heading north to our hotel and our 4-night stay. Tea/Coffee & biscuits served on arrival. Dinner for each evening will be à la carte, dining at leisure and includes a glass of wine or fruit juice.

Friday

A day lled with history and horticulture! We begin at Biddulph Grange (NT) to explore the Grade 1 listed garden. One of Britain’s most exciting and unusual gardens, it was designed by James Bateman with a series of connected compartments including a Chinese garden, Italian garden & Scottish glen. We continue over the wild and rugged Staffordshire Moorland viewing the spectacular Ramshaw Rocks before reaching Buxton, a popular market town, located within the Peak District National Park.

Saturday

Our first visit today takes us to the National Trust owned Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton. The Hall, surrounded by a moat and set in a small pretty garden, has had a chequered history. In danger of falling over it is as intriguing as it is quirky! A rare chapel and topsy-turvy long gallery and early wallpaper ensure the ‘wow’ factor at this iconic Tudor treasure. This afternoon we have a visit to Rudyard Lake where we enjoy a 3 miles return ride on the miniature railway alongside the lake. Later we return to the hotel.

Sunday

This morning we begin with a visit to the award winning Trentham Gardens. Enjoy a visit to the shopping village, with shops cafes, restaurants and the vast Trentham Garden Centre. Free time to explore and obtain lunch before we head back to our hotel for an afternoon cream tea consisting of two scones, clotted cream, jam, butter, tea and coffee.

Monday

After breakfast we depart our hotel and visit Hodnet Hall. Often described as “one of the best examples of a planted landscapes in the U.K”, we discover 63 acres of gardens with grand vistas, intimate, secluded areas, a walled garden and magnificent lakes. Forest trees provide a wonderful backdrop for formal gardens planted to give delight during every season, woodland walks amongst flowering shrubs and a daisy chain of ornamental pools. We return home during the afternoon.