Brookland Travel Heritage and Garden Tours

Brookland Travel Heritage and Garden Tours Creation and delivery of innovative and superbly operated special interest tour programmes.

We offer a range of imaginative and carefully designed short breaks, both in the UK and abroad. Our tours have so much to offer - bouquets of blossom in gardens, stately homes in stunning countryside, cities and towns that are abundant with fine architecture and culture, islands that are off the beaten track and castles where intriguing and exciting historical events have taken place. Since 1999,

our short breaks programme has delivered quality escorted breaks for those seeking an independent way of enjoying a cultural break. Travel with like-minded people and be accompanied by one of our specialist guides who will share with you their knowledge in subjects ranging from history, gardens, art, architecture and archaeology. Historian and author Julian Humphrys escorts most of our 'Tours Through Time' programme of short breaks. Where possible we include private and lesser known properties to compliment the tour theme and we operate the majority of our tours with a restricted number of participants to ensure a more personal experience.

🌿NEW TOUR OUT NOW - Gardens of Essex and Suffolk Guided Tour Staying at The Delta by Marriott****, 14 - 17 September 202...
22/02/2025

🌿NEW TOUR OUT NOW - Gardens of Essex and Suffolk Guided Tour Staying at The Delta by Marriott****, 14 - 17 September 2025 🌿

Departing from Romsey, Wi******er and Chichester area.

This four-day tour, led by horticulturist Duncan Coombs includes some of the finest gardens these counties offer. These include:

🌿RHS Garden Hyde Hall - The story of the development of this garden, with its diversity of plants and a triumph over conditions, is inspiring.

🌿 The Place for Plants; This is a family run specialist plant centre and garden.

🌿 Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens - Covering over 7.5 acres, these include the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden.

🌿 Helmingham Hall Gardens - Helmingham Hall has been the home of the Tollemarche family since 1480. The influence of well-known garden designer Xa Tollemarche is very evident.

A perfect blend of private gardens, renowned estates, and luxurious accommodation awaits! 🌸

Find out more about this tour HERE:
https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/169/gardens-of-suffolk-and-essex-guided-tour-staying-at-the-mark-tey-hotel

Have you visited Sarah Raven’s Perch Hill Farm? 🌸🌿 You can during one of our upcoming Brookland Travel tours…On the fina...
19/02/2025

Have you visited Sarah Raven’s Perch Hill Farm? 🌸🌿 You can during one of our upcoming Brookland Travel tours…

On the final day of our Glorious Gardens of England Tour with Sue Robinson (22 - 25 June 2025), we’ll visit the stunning Perch Hill Farm, created by Sarah Raven. Known for its vibrant and inspiring plantings, this garden offers a beautiful mix of cutting gardens, wildflower meadows, and creative design ideas. From seasonal flowers to natural beauty at every turn, it’s the perfect way to wrap up our tour, leaving you inspired and in love with the world of gardening 🌿✨

Of course, this tour includes many other stunning garden visits too!

Check out the full tour HERE; https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/165/the-glorious-garden-of-england-tour-with-sue-robinson-staying-at-the-delta-tudor-park-marriott-hotel-****

Sarah Raven

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 🌸✨ On our Glorious Gardens of England Tour with Sue Robinson (22 - 25 June 2025), we’ll visit...
17/02/2025

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 🌸✨ On our Glorious Gardens of England Tour with Sue Robinson (22 - 25 June 2025), we’ll visit the iconic Sissinghurst Castle Garden — one of the most beautiful and historic gardens in England.

The garden, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, is known for its stunning features, including:

🌸 The white garden: A peaceful haven filled with white flowers, including roses and delphiniums.
🌸 The tower: offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire garden and beyond.
🌸 The herb garden: A fragrant spot full of herbs and medicinal plants.🌸 The rose garden: Vibrant climbing roses that fill the air with fragrance.
🌸 The lime walk: A tranquil, tree-lined path perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Every corner of the garden tells a story, from its design to its historical connection with Vita Sackville-West. It’s the perfect place for any garden lover to explore!
Take a look below to see some stunning images of the gardens!

📍 Join us for this unforgettable tour and you can see it with your own eyes:

https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/165/the-glorious-garden-of-england-tour-with-sue-robinson-staying-at-the-delta-tudor-park-marriott-hotel-****

Sissinghurst Castle - National Trust

🌿 NEW TOUR FINALISED - The Glorious Garden of England Tour with Sue Robinson Staying at The Delta Tudor Park Marriott Ho...
15/02/2025

🌿 NEW TOUR FINALISED - The Glorious Garden of England Tour with Sue Robinson Staying at The Delta Tudor Park Marriott Hotel **** 22 - 25 June 2025 🌿

Join our small group tour with air-conditioned touring quality coaching throughout and departures from Romsey or Wi******er.

A wonderful combination of gardens awaits you during this four-day programme.

🌿 Sissinghurst Castle - National Trust Garden, possibly the most famous of all the gardens in the county

🌿 Sarah Raven’s Perch Hill Farm: not always open to the public, is yet another highlight. In June it is full of colour and the cutting gardens, both annual and perennial, will be in full swing with the roses looking their best

🌿 Long Barn (private): a garden set against the backdrop of a beautiful house dating from the 14th century

🌿 Hever Castle & Gardens: See new developments within this award-winning gardens.

🌿 Godington House Gardens: Terraced lawns bordered by a vast yew hedge and topiary box are softened by the addition of long, curvy-edged herbaceous borders and ornamental tree and shrub plantings

🌿 Great Dixter House and Gardens: Over the years, Great Dixter has become one of the most exciting, constantly changing gardens of our time

🌿 Brightling Down Farm (private) This award-winning garden boast spectacular views and combines traditional and contemporary ideas with structure and form

🌿 Scotney Castle- National Trust: From the moated ruined 14th-century castle to the walled garden and Grade I listed parkland, there is much to see here

Has our array of superb gardens, expert guide, and a stay at a first-class four-star hotel tempted you?

Discover more … https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/165/the-glorious-garden-of-england-tour-with-sue-robinson-staying-at-the-delta-tudor-park-marriott-hotel-****

Our Gardens of North Devon and Somerset Tour this May begins at the stunning Barrington Court near Ilminster (National T...
12/02/2025

Our Gardens of North Devon and Somerset Tour this May begins at the stunning Barrington Court near Ilminster (National Trust) 🌿✨

Designed in the 1920s with Arts and Crafts inspiration, the gardens showcase timeless elegance with distinct 'garden rooms,' the graceful Lily Garden, and a vibrant pool garden.

Exotic plants thrive in this sunny corner of North Devon. It benefits from its enviable sheltered position in the Bristol Channel and the effects of the warm Gulf stream flowing past Clovelly. Plants are usually a month ahead of the season – but there’s always something to see and enjoy at any time of the year.

Explore the walled kitchen garden, supplying fresh produce to the café, and enjoy lunch or refreshments amid this historic setting.

Following this refreshing visit, we will be heading on to check in your hotel!

Barrington Court is just one of any stunning gardens we will visit on this tour.

Check out the other must-see stops here; https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/163/gardens-of-north-devon-and-somerset-featuring-greencombe-garden-in-somerset-and-rhs-rosemoor-in-devon-staying-at-the-imperial-hotel,-barnstaple-****

National Trust Barrington Court NT

🌼By Invitation Only – An exclusive private garden visit with Andrew McIndoe  at his private garden in Hampshire, includi...
09/02/2025

🌼By Invitation Only – An exclusive private garden visit with Andrew McIndoe at his private garden in Hampshire, including a gourmet picnic lunch with wine/cordial, 11 June 2025 🌼

Join expert plantsman and leading horticulturalist Andy McIndoe and his wife Ros at their 2-acre naturalistic private garden, Sandhill Farm, Hampshire (Near Romsey).

Andy’s plant knowledge, practical approach and eye for planting combinations are second to none.

This exclusive private garden visit includes:
🌼Andy’s private garden tour
🌼Tea, coffee and refreshments
🌼A delicious gourmet picnic style lunch, including a glass of wine or cordial
🌼Plant and book sale
🌼Andy’s knowledgeable advice and feedback

The garden is around 2.5 acres in area, a sloping hillside on light, slightly acidic, sandy soil. The planting is naturalistic with a large area of meadow and a wide variety of trees, shrubs and perennials. The flowering dogwoods are a wonderful sight in early summer. The terrace features numerous pots and containers; there is a small gravel garden and two ponds.

This exclusive garden opening is only available for a limited number of people, so we’d recommend booking soon if you’d like to join us.

Discover more:
https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/151/by-invitation-only-%E2%80%93-an-exclusive-private-garden-visit-with-andy-mcindoe-at-his-private-garden-in-hampshire-including-a-gourmet-picnic-lunch-with-wine-cordial

Discover the enchanting charm of RHS Garden Rosemoor one of Devon’s most celebrated gardens and a highlight of our Garde...
06/02/2025

Discover the enchanting charm of RHS Garden Rosemoor one of Devon’s most celebrated gardens and a highlight of our Gardens of North Devon and Somerset Tour this May 🌳

Rosemoor is nestled in a picturesque valley and offers a stunning blend of formal and informal garden styles, from the vibrant Hot Garden to the tranquil Cool Garden and the enchanting Long Borders. Wander through the lush Woodland Walks, admire the incredible diversity of plants, and be inspired by the Spring colours.

Gifted to the RHS by Lady Anne Berry in 1988, the gardens consist of the original gardens and many newer “gardens within the garden” Here, you can see how the wide-ranging development programme has created good designs, good plantings and an exceptional standard of maintenance.

Lady Ann Palmer’s Garden was created in the early 1960’s and is an intimate woodland garden with informal planting near the house and an excellent collection of trees and shrubs. Rosemoor’s other garden is more of a display garden with a formal rose garden, giant border and ornamental vegetable garden, created by The Royal Horticultural Society.

With a renowned plant nursery, a delightful gift shop, and on-site refreshments, RHS Rosemoor promises a day to remember.

Discover more: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/163/gardens-of-north-devon-and-somerset-featuring-greencombe-garden-in-somerset-and-rhs-rosemoor-in-devon-staying-at-the-imperial-hotel,-barnstaple-****

Step into the world of Greencombe Garden in Somerset 🌿✨ Nestled on the edge of Exmoor, this organic woodland garden is a...
02/02/2025

Step into the world of Greencombe Garden in Somerset 🌿✨ Nestled on the edge of Exmoor, this organic woodland garden is a botanical treasure trove, home to rare plants, vibrant azaleas, and lush ferns.

With it’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel, it’s a haven for nature lovers and those seeking calm.

Camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, lilies and many other species flower among rare ferns and four National Collections - Erythronium, small mountain-lilies; Vaccinium, 'whortleberries worldwide'; Gaultheria, 'whortleberries for bears'; and Polystichum, the 'thumbs-up' fern.

It’s a must-visit gem for garden enthusiasts, which is why we've included it as a stop in our Gardens of North Devon and Somerset 2025 tour!! 🌸🌳

Greencombe Gardens

Check out the full tour here; https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/163/gardens-of-north-devon-and-somerset-featuring-greencombe-garden-in-somerset-and-rhs-rosemoor-in-devon-staying-at-the-imperial-hotel,-barnstaple-****

🌿 NEW TOUR - Gardens of North Devon and Somerset Featuring Greencombe Garden in Somerset and RHS Rosemoor in Devon stayi...
29/01/2025

🌿 NEW TOUR - Gardens of North Devon and Somerset Featuring Greencombe Garden in Somerset and RHS Rosemoor in Devon staying at The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple, 19 - 22 May 2025 🌿

Travel by touring quality air-conditioned coaching with departures from Wi******er Station (direct line from London and other areas), Wi******er King Alfred’s Statue or Romsey. There is also an option to leave your car at The Potters Heron Hotel (special parking or parking and overnight stay rates available for Brookland clients).

A fabulous selection of superb gardens and a stay at a first-class four-star hotel await you on this tour!

🌿Greencombe Garden near Porlock Somerset: A woodland garden and organic showpiece
🌿Marwood Hill: The late Dr Jimmy Smart created this showpiece garden in an attractive valley setting
🌿RHS Rosemoor: Spanning 65 acres, RHS Rosemoor is a beautiful garden set in the Torridge Valley
🌿Clovelly Court Garden: Exotic plants thrive in this sunny corner of North Devon

Has our array of superb gardens, expert guide, and a stay at a first-class four-star hotel tempted you?

Discover more … https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/163/gardens-of-north-devon-and-somerset-featuring-greencombe-garden-in-somerset-and-rhs-rosemoor-in-devon-staying-at-the-imperial-hotel,-barnstaple-****

RHS Garden Rosemoor Greencombe Gardens Marwood Hill Gardens - Tea Room, Plant Nursery & Sales

The stunning night skies are one of the most simple but beautiful aspects of our Isle of Scilly trips. Their unspoiled d...
27/01/2025

The stunning night skies are one of the most simple but beautiful aspects of our Isle of Scilly trips. Their unspoiled dark skies reveal a stargazer's paradise 🌌✨ It never fails to amaze us!

For 2025 we have two departures to these low-lying islands where you will discover crystal clear azure waters, a mild climate, quiet secluded white sandy beaches, lush sub-tropical plants and a sense of timeless charm.

📅 2 – 7 July 2025: Join Andy McIndoe for the Ultimate Small Group Escorted Tour to The Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Gardens staying at the luxurious Star Castle Hotel (4-star) on St Mary’s.

📅 5 – 10 May 2025: Guided by Dr Katharine Sawyer, Tresco Abbey Gardens and The Isles of Scilly Guided Tour, staying at the luxurious Star Castle Hotel (4-star) on St Mary’s.

Find out more here: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/isles-of-scilly

🌼Join Andrew McIndoe  for the Ultimate Small Group Escorted Tour to The Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Gardens, 2 - 7 ...
26/01/2025

🌼Join Andrew McIndoe for the Ultimate Small Group Escorted Tour to The Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Gardens, 2 - 7 July 2025 🌼

We are rarely able to offer a date for mid-summer in the Isles of Scilly and we are celebrating this by creating the most comprehensive visit to this archipelago of beautiful islands, just 28 miles west of Lands End in Cornwall, that you could ever wish for. Explore white sandy beaches with crystal clear, sometimes turquoise waters.

In July 2025, Andy McIndoe is leading our ultimate escorted tour to The Isles of Scilly, staying at the fabulous Star Castle Hotel on St Marys (four star). Dr Katharine Sawyer island guide, archaeologist and anthropologist will join Andy for some of the tour excursions, bringing her wealth of knowledge that spans the history, archaeology, wildlife, flora, fauna and every little bit of detail about these fascinating islands.

Tresco Abbey Gardens, showcases a harmonious blend of exotic and native species, are a “must see” when visiting these islands yet these islands are a tapestry of diverse habitats, each with its own unique plant species.

This tour now has limited single availability and we expect remaining availability to fill quickly.

Discover more: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/166/small-group-tour-to-tresco-abbey-gardens-and-the-isles-of-scilly-staying-at-the-star-castle-hotel-****

🌿✨ The Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Gardens with Andrew McIndoe  and Katharine Sawyer  - The Ultimate Small Group To...
24/01/2025

🌿✨ The Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Gardens with Andrew McIndoe and Katharine Sawyer - The Ultimate Small Group Tour✨🌿

A world away from everything – no passport required and just a short journey from the UK mainland.

For 2025 we have two departures to these low-lying islands where you will discover crystal clear azure waters, a mild climate, quiet secluded white sandy beaches, lush sub-tropical plants and a sense of timeless charm.

📅 2 – 7 July 2025: Join Andy McIndoe for the Ultimate Small Group Escorted Tour to The Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Gardens staying at the luxurious Star Castle Hotel (4-star) on St Mary’s.

📅 5 – 10 May 2025: Guided by Dr Katharine Sawyer, Tresco Abbey Gardens and The Isles of Scilly Guided Tour, staying at the luxurious Star Castle Hotel (4-star) on St Mary’s

The Isles of Scilly – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – promises timeless charm, tranquillity, and natural wonders.

🌸 Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches
🌸 Unique tapestry of flora, fauna, and history
🌸 Archeological sites, ancient flower fields and rugged heathlands offer habitats and wildlife that make Scilly a truly fascinating place to visit
🌸 Spot marine wildlife, from puffins and seals to dolphins and even humpback whales
🌸 Experience some of the UK’s darkest, clearest skies
🌸 Explore the iconic Tresco Abbey Gardens, a stunning blend of exotic and native plants

Limited single availability – don’t miss out!

Star Castle Hotel The Isles of Scilly

Discover more: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/isles-of-scilly

We are delighted to be returning to the Star Castle Hotel for our May 2025 Isle of Scilly Tour.The hotel offers comforta...
21/01/2025

We are delighted to be returning to the Star Castle Hotel for our May 2025 Isle of Scilly Tour.

The hotel offers comfortable en-suite accommodations and facilities designed for perfect relaxation after a day of exploration. Guests can look forward to exceptional cuisine, with a special focus on fresh fish and locally sourced ingredients.

Conveniently located along the coastal footpath at the entrance to the Garrison, the hotel overlooks the picturesque harbour and Hugh Town. The Garrison, with its 350-year history, stands as one of England’s most remarkable coastal defense systems, originally constructed to protect the islands from seaborne attacks. From the historic Star Castle Hotel, it’s just a scenic ten-minute walk to the harbour and Hugh Town.

🌼 The tour includes a guided tour of Tresco Abbey Gardens, expertly led boat trips and walks to other unique and beautiful “off islands “and a complete introduction to the culture and social history of this fascinating destination.

Find out more about this 5 nights/6 days tour HERE: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/158/tresco-abbey-gardens-and-the-isles-of-scilly-guided-tour-from-the-star-castle-hotel****

Have you visited Forde Abbey and Gardens?Forde Abbey is a popular destination for garden lovers and historians alike. It...
12/01/2025

Have you visited Forde Abbey and Gardens?

Forde Abbey is a popular destination for garden lovers and historians alike. It is set within thirty acres of award-winning gardens that are not to be missed.

This stunning Abbey and Gardens also features:

🌼The highest-powered fountain in England
🌼Wildflower meadows
🌼Topiary lined vistas
🌼Herbaceous borders
🌼Arboretum
🌼Bog garden
🌼Walled kitchen garden
🌼Meandering pathways
🌼A Gift Shop and Coffee Shop
🌼Plant Nursery

If you’ve visited, you’ll know how magical it is! If you haven't, or if you would like to visit again, we have the perfect trip planned for you!

Join us on our April 2025 for 3 nights to experience a highlight of beautiful gardens and historic homes across Cornwall.

Find out more: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/159/houses-and-gardens-of-cornwall-%E2%80%93-a-springtime-break-from-the-carlyon-bay-hotel-****

Introducing The Carlyon Bay Hotel… The ultimate luxury hotel on the Cornwall Coast set in 250 acres, including its own l...
08/01/2025

Introducing The Carlyon Bay Hotel… The ultimate luxury hotel on the Cornwall Coast set in 250 acres, including its own luxury spa, 18-hole championship golf course plus breathtaking sea views, multiple award-winning dining choices and well-appointed bedrooms.

You may even recognise the hotel from a recent Escape to the Country feature on BBC1, where they settle the age-old debate of whether it's cream or jam on top!

Experience traditional hospitality, service, comfort and excellent menus. This tour books quickly so don’t delay!

Discover more: https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/159/houses-and-gardens-of-cornwall-%E2%80%93-a-springtime-break-from-the-carlyon-bay-hotel-****

Are you interested in joining our Cornwall in Spring Tour 2025, featuring a luxury hotel, breathtaking sea views, cosy C...
04/01/2025

Are you interested in joining our Cornwall in Spring Tour 2025, featuring a luxury hotel, breathtaking sea views, cosy Cornish towns and beautiful garden visits?

Here are just a few of the kind words left by those who joined us last year…

“After this my second tour with Andy and Ra, I quite understand why the experience could be addictive! The Carlyon Bay Hotel is most comfortable and ideally sited, so I am writing yet again to thank all involved in arranging this brief tour which I enjoyed immensely in the company of a most congenial group of garden enthusiasts”

“I had the most wonderful time in Cornwall, it was a great trip. Thank you very much. The hotel was super and the food exceptionally good”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, thanks for organizing it. The hotel was superb as usual. Caring staff and delicious food”

🌼…to join us on this wonderful trip, discover more below!🌼

https://www.brooklandtravel.com/tours/159/houses-and-gardens-of-cornwall-%E2%80%93-a-springtime-break-from-the-carlyon-bay-hotel-****

Happy New Year from us all at Brookland Travel  We wish you a year filled with love, happiness and plenty of travel!🌟We ...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year from us all at Brookland Travel We wish you a year filled with love, happiness and plenty of travel!🌟

We have launched our first Spring Tours of 2025 and look forward to welcoming many of you throughout the year!

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us in 2024; we couldn't be more grateful!To everyone we met on our tours...
30/12/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us in 2024; we couldn't be more grateful!

To everyone we met on our tours, from coach drivers to attendees and hotel staff to tour guides - thank you for helping us and trusting us to create unforgettable holidays! It's been a joy to see so many new faces and returning ones, too!

From the ancient market town of Ludlow and the stunning Welsh Borders to peaceful North Devon villages, medieval Sarlat deep in The Dordogne Region of France, The Italian Lakes and the amazing archipelago of the Isles of Scilly, we have been to all corners of our beautiful country and beyond this year.

It has been lovely accommodating you all and hearing about your beautiful trips.

We have launched our first Spring Tours of 2025 and look forward to another wonderful year of touring.

Address

Armitage House, Victor Jackson Avenue, Poundbury
Dorchester
DT13GY

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441305259467

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Brookland Travel Heritage and Garden Tours posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Brookland Travel Heritage and Garden Tours:

Videos

Share

Category