Gardens of Suffolk - Lavenham & the National Stud

Sunday

Departing Henley we journey to Suffolk where we pause at Fullers Mill Garden - an enchanting and tranquil waterside and woodland garden, situated on the banks of the River Lark at West Stow in Suffolk.
It combines a beautiful site of light dappled woodland with a fabulous collection of rare and unusual shrubs, perennials, lilies and marginal plants, collected over the course of 50 years by the creator of the garden Bernard Tickner. From here, it is a short drive to our hotel where we arrive in time for dinner and our 4-night stay.

Monday

Today we visit Lavenham. Known as England's best preserved medieval village and one of Suffolk's important wool towns, you can spend time exploring one of the most picturesque villages in England. Later, we visit Kentwell Hall Gardens - a romantic, moated, mellow red brick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting.

Tuesday

This morning we discover Newmarket with an exclusive behind the scenes, 90-minute guided tour by coach and on foot, of the National Stud. The tour explores the beautiful 500-acre stud farm and focus on introducing visitors to the history and purpose of The National Stud as a commercial Thoroughbred breeding operation. We'll then make our way to Newmarket town where we have some free time to explore before returning to our hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

Wednesday

A morning at leisure in Bury St Edmunds with its famous Abbey Gardens, connections with Dickens and The Nutshell, reputedly the smallest pub in the country. In the afternoon we visit Chippenham Park Gardens - a thriving family estate. The house, gardens, and park were created at the very end of the 17th century. The gardens have been awarded the highest two-star rating by the Good Gardens Guide and are notable for their superb formal and informal borders, lakes and woodland walks. (Afternoon Cream Tea included)

Thursday

After breakfast we leave and begin our journey home