Chester and Gardens of the North

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester for a four-night stay.

Our first floral outing takes us to Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral Peninsula. Born of one man’s passionate interest in plants and his desire to share that interest with others, today, Ness Gardens remains true to the vision that Arthur Kilpin Bulley created over 100 years ago.

This afternoon, we spend time at leisure in medieval Chester, a city rich in heritage with many historic sights such as the Roman Amphitheatre, walls and cathedral. Why not take a picture with Eastgate Clock, the country's second most photographed clock after Big Ben? This stunningly ornate landmark was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee. Chester is also famous for its shopping ‘Rows’ which boast excellent shops, boutiques and restaurants, or perhaps you'd rather explore the city a different way with a cruise along the stunning River Dee.

Admire the majesty of 1,000 acres of sweeping parkland, where ancient deer herds freely wander. Fragrant, formal gardens take you around the world to the Japanese Garden’s symbolic harmony with nature, whilst the 18th century mansion displays treasured collections of the well-travelled Egerton family. The working farm brings to life a ‘field to fork’ story alongside rare breed animals and seasonal demonstrations.

After strolling the pretty parkland, why not enjoy a spot of lunch in the Gardener’s Cottage Tearoom or Stables Restaurant, where seasonal dishes use ingredients from the walled Kitchen Gardens and meat reared on the estate.

The Royal Horticultural Society, the world’s leading gardening charity, proudly opened RHS Garden Bridgewater in May 2021. This brand new garden is on the former site of Worsley New Hall which has been transformed by landscape architect, Tom Stuart-Smith, alongside award-winning garden designers. Explore this 154-acre garden, including the Worsley Welcome Garden, The Kitchen Garden and Moon Bridge Water.

As the green-thumbed will know, seeing a garden mature over the years is a joy in itself so as one of the earliest visitors, you may want to come back to RHS Garden Bridgewater in years to come to see how it will bloom and grow.

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