Monday 12th June
The coach left Petersfield promptly at 8:15 am with thirty-two members and friends on board. Our visit en route was to Hanbury Hall and Gardens in Worcestershire where we had ample time to have lunch and enjoy the 18th century house and the original formal gardens, designed by George London. Then it was back on the coach and northwards to Cheshire, to the spacious and comfortable Best Western Hotel in Chester, with its interesting Roman themed décor, in time for dinner.
Tuesday 13th June
This morning we travelled towards Manchester to visit RHS Garden Bridgewater. Opened in May 2021, it was fascinating to see how much progress had already been made to develop this garden and to realise how much potential there was to extend the areas of interest on this 62.3 ha site. Highlights included the Paradise Garden, with its central lily pool and rills, and the walk, through woodland, following the Chinese Streamside Garden up to and around Ellesmere Lake.
We then continued to Arley Hall Gardens for the afternoon. The gardens are set out as a series of garden rooms with the long borders and rose gardens being particularly stunning. There was also sufficient time to sample the delights of the café, the cherry bakewell scones were delicious!
Wednesday 14th June
Our morning visit was to the Anderton Boat Lift. We boarded a boat from the Trent and Mersey Canal, the boat then entered the boat lift and descended, slowly and smoothly, some 50 feet to join the River Weaver Navigation at the bottom. This was followed by a cruise along the River Weaver.
We arrived rather later than planned at Tatton Park but still had time to visit the 18th century mansion, with its opulent interiors and displays of the well-travelled Egerton family’s treasured collections, and a stroll in the gardens. Our departure from Tatton included a lengthy drive through the parkland with its lakes and deer, seen twice as we had to re-trace our route and find another exit as the coach couldn’t fit through the first exit the coach driver tried!
Thursday 15th June
We headed into Wales to visit Erdigg, with its restored 18th century walled garden, water features, trained fruit trees and apple orchards, where a guided tour of the garden had been arranged.
On arrival back in Chester there was time to explore the city independently or return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Of those who took the opportunity to explore Chester some chose to walk around the walls from which there were views of the Cathedral, canal, River Dee and Chester Racecourse. Others visited the Cathedral, where preparations were in hand for the Chester Mystery Plays, The Rows and the Roman remains from Castra Deva, as Chester was known in the Roman period.
Friday 16th June
Our return journey home included a visit to Packwood House and Gardens, Warwickshire, where the gardens include brightly coloured “mingled style” herbaceous borders, famous sculptured yews, and an 18th century gentleman’s style kitchen garden. The house, restored by Graham Baron Ash at the beginning of the 20th century, contains a fascinating and eclectic collection of objects acquired by him on his extensive world travels.
We were very lucky with the weather as it remained hot and sunny, allowing us to enjoy to the full all the houses and gardens visited. There was a happy atmosphere throughout our time away with the regulars, those who had been on the Club Holidays for many years, welcoming and including the first timers.
Many thanks must go to Angela Snow who organized this fabulous holiday and guided us through the week. The 2024 holiday to the area around Stratford upon Avon has already been planned and bookings made for accommodation and coach. Angela has been taking names of those interested, so don’t forget to book.