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Short Breaks
Gardens of Dorset

Staying in the idyllic village of Cerne Abbas in the heart of Dorset, this long weekend takes in some of the finest gardens of Dorset, as well as some lesser known private gardens for a peak beyond the garden gate.

A pink rose with rosebuds

No. of nights:

3

Availability:

Apr - June

Price:

£680 pp

Price includes accommodation at a comfortable inn, breakfast and tours (excluding entrance fees) and are based on two people sharing.  We can also book lunch and dinner and arrange transfers from airports and stations at additional cost.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Visit Mapperton House with its Grade II* registered gardens, famous for their romantic setting, varied planting and sense of tranquillity. Tucked into a steep north-south combe, the gardens descend from the very formal topiary gardens and Orangery to the north to an arboretum, beyond which the land unfolds in small, steep valleys and headlands down to the sea five miles away.

Day 2 - Landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown and trailing around a mile in length, Minterne boasts a world renowned and completely unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with spring bulbs, cherries, maples and many fine and rare trees. Wander the trail and enjoy the chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. Afterwards, we visit Bennetts Water Garden which hosts the UK's national water lily collection.

Day 3 - Sunday is the day for private gardens, either a village open gardens event where you can meet gardeners ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to experienced plantsmen and women. We can also arrange visits to gardens participating in the The National Gardens Scheme.

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