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Discover the secrets of the English Country Garden with Sarah Raven

Enjoy a private two-course lunch and an exclusive talk by the popular garden designer, writer and broadcaster as well as private tours of Sissinghurst, Perch Hill and other stunning gardens in Kent and Sussex

Few things can compare to the joy of strolling through an English country garden in early summer when the extra light and warmth encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth. This exclusive four-day trip features private visits to world-class gardens in Kent and Sussex, plus a special talk hosted by the inspirational Sarah Raven.

Anyone with a passion for gardens and gardening will delight in the itinerary. Highlights include the shrubs and perennials of Great Comp Garden, Scotney Castle, magnificent Lullingstone Castle, the roses and lavender of Pashley Manor, another classic English garden at Great Dixter and an early bird visit to Sissinghurst where we will have the chance to explore the magnificent manicured gardens before they open to the public.

What’s more, you will also have the opportunity to join Sarah Raven for an exclusive talk about her experiences at Perch Hill. Sarah will tell the story of Perch Hill’s 25-year transformation from a dairy farm into 90 acres dedicated to flowers and vibrant gardens. We will join the gardeners on a private tour of the garden before enjoying a two course lunch using fresh produce from the garden itself.

MEET SARAH RAVEN

Visit garden writer Christopher Lloyd’s garden at Great Dixter

Sarah Raven is an inspirational and passionate teacher, and has been running cooking, flower arranging, growing and gardening courses at her farm in Perch Hill, East Sussex, for two decades. Since the publication of her first book, The Cutting Garden, Sarah has led the way in introducing a new kind of productive gardening. She is a teacher, a broadcaster, and hosts a popular gardening podcast: Grow Cook Eat Arrange, and runs sarahraven.com.

The tour includes Brightwater country garden

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Exclusive event with Sarah

Perch Hill private tour and lunch

At Perch Hill, you’ll have lunch using fresh produce from the garden. Sarah will give a talk about the quarter of a century spent turning Perch Hill from a former dairy farm into today’s bountiful grounds and you’ll join the gardeners on a tour.

Perch Hill lunch with home-grown ingredients

Glorious gardens

Every season, the gardens of Sussex and Kent attract visitors from around the world. From the beautiful Great Comp Garden and the historic manor house and garden at Lullingstone Castle to garden writer Christopher Lloyd’s garden at Great Dixter and the magical Aspen poplars at Pashley Manor, each day will bring glorious grounds for you to explore.

Visiting Sissinghurst

You’ll enjoy an early visit to Sissinghurst Castle to explore the famous Kent garden – created by the writers Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the 1930s – before it opens to the public.

WHAT’S INCLUDED  

Enjoy an early bird visit to Sissinghurst
  • Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
  • Three dinners at the hotel
  • An early bird visit to Sissinghurst
  • A special talk by Sarah Raven, and a two-course lunch and tour of the gardens at Perch Hill
  • Comfortable coach travel throughout
  • Visits to the gardens of Lullingstone Castle, Great Comp, Pashley Manor, Great Dixter and Scotney Castle
  • Services of a tour manager

HOW TO BOOK

PRICE – From £1,395pp*

DATES – 5-8 June 2024

CALL – 03301 274 906

VISIT – kelsey.tripsmiths.com/sarahraven

*From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £195. Deposit required. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).

Find more tips, advice and articles like this at the Amateur Gardening websiteSubscribe to Amateur Gardening magazine now.

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