Members of the Petersfield Gardeners’ Club enjoyed a very interesting and enjoyable five-day holiday to Warwickshire in June, based in a hotel near Stratford upon Avon. The weather was mixed but sufficiently sunny to allow us to enjoy the delights of all the houses and gardens visited.
On the first day our visit en-route was to Cliveden where it was possible to join a guided tour of the house, now a five star hotel, and wander in the grounds before we headed off to our hotel. The itinerary for the week away included visits to National Trust properties; Hanbury Hall, Charlecote Park and Coughton Court and the stunning gardens at Kiftsgate Court in the Cotswolds.
Ragley Hall was another highlight where we were made very welcome with refreshments on arrival, followed by an excellent guided tour of the house.
As a contrast to all the houses and gardens we spent an afternoon in Stratford upon Avon followed by a leisurely narrow boat cruise along the River Avon.
On the last day we broke the return journey by stopping off at West Green House Gardens, where we were given an introductory talk with tea/coffee and biscuits before plenty of time to explore the gardens.
The annual holiday, visiting different parts of the country each year, last year’s was to Cheshire, is a very popular element of the Club with many people returning year after year. It offers a great opportunity to travel to interesting houses and gardens in the company of a friendly group of like-minded people. Many thanks must go to Angela Snow who organised the holiday and guided us through the week. Plans for next year’s holiday to Lincolnshire are already well under way.