A Gardens of the Spice Island of Grenada holiday, Arts and Gardens of the French Riviera and a Gardens of Distinction tour with exclusive access to the Rothschild's walled garden at Eythrope in Buckinghamshire are amongst nine new itineraries featured in Brightwater Holidays' (www.brightwaterholidays.com, 01334 657155) new 2020 Gardens and Archaeology Tours brochure. Featuring a tempting choice of perennial favourites alongside the new additions, destinations range from classic Italian gardens in Rome, Sicily and the Italian Lakes to the iconic Alhambra gardens as well more exotic tours to Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan.
 
The programme also includes the chance to be amongst the first to visit the RHS's first new garden for 17 years in Greater Manchester on the RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Gardens of the North West itinerary; a Gardens and Wildflowers of the Burren tour in County Clare, a beautiful Summer Gardens of the Peak District itinerary and the opportunity to visit the freshly rejuvenated gardens of Walmer Castle as part of a tour of the historic Cinque Ports. Also new to the brochure is a Downton Abbey and the Stately Homes of England tour, which, with the much-anticipated film premiering in September, is likely to attract considerable interest. Offering exclusive access to Highclere Castle to see many of the state rooms and bedrooms that feature in the show, it also takes in gardens and stately homes in destinations such as Lacock near Bath (as featured in Cranford, Wolf Hall and Pride & Prejudice) as well as Waddesdon Manor, which appeared as the fictional 'Haxby Park' in the second series of Downton Abbey.
 
Additionally there are two new tours that are unique to 2020. Oberammergau and The Austrian Tyrol combines the once-in-a-decade experience of witnessing the historic Passion Play with visits to Mayrhofen, Salzburg and Innsbruck, whilst the World Association of Flower Arrangers' Showpiece event in 2020 is in Jaipur – combined with an unforgettable tour of India's Golden Triangle.  

Alongside these garden and special interest tours are a range of archaeological holidays led by experts, visiting iconic sites around the world. New for 2020 is the Archaeology of the Peloponnese tour, alongside other destinations including Orkney & Shetland, Pompeii, Albania, Crete, Malta, Romania, and also Bulgaria.

Commenting, Andrew Sharples, Brightwater Holidays' Product Manager, says: "We are delighted to launch this new programme of Garden and Archaeology tours combining tried and tested favourites with some really exciting new ideas. We have seen a huge interest in our garden tours this year and this new brochure features something for everyone, with all our tours led by experienced tour managers. From visits to the very best gardens that the British Isles have to offer; a trip to some of the outstanding gardens of Europe as well as an adventure further afield to see the beautiful gardens and natural landscapes of destinations such as Costa Rica, Madagascar and the wonderful Spice Island of Grenada, we've got a superb collection of holidays for garden lovers in 2020.” 

Highlights of the brochure include: 

RHS Garden Bridgewater

Currently the largest gardening project in Europe and the first Royal Horticultural Society garden to open in 17 years, RHS Garden Bridgewater will open its gates in 2020, with one of the largest walled gardens in the country. Named after the historic Bridgewater Canal, which runs along the southern end of the site, RHS Garden Bridgewater is set in the grounds of the former Worsley New Hall, a 19th century residence which was formerly the estate of the First Earl of Ellesmere. Be amongst the first to visit on this brand new holiday, along with some of the finest gardens in the North West of England such as Trentham Estate in Staffordshire - where the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens was led by Tom Stuart-Smith; Dunham Massey, a great plantsman's garden set around an elegant Georgian mansion, as well as Tatton Park and Arley Hall. Departures on 4th, 11th and 18th September 2020. Price from £595 per person for four days. 

Summer Gardens of the Peak District

Perfectly timed to travel when the trees and plants in the region are at their peak growing season, this tour of the Peak District visits a range of large and small gardens throughout the area. Starting at Biddulph Grange, a Victorian gem which takes the visitor on a botanical world tour, it then moves on to Haddon Hall, whose ancient walls are covered with climbing roses, before a visit to nearby Chatsworth House with its classical parkland and opulent interiors. After a visit to a delightfully old-fashioned cottage garden and the high peaks of the National Park, the final day concludes with a visit to the tranquil woodland garden of Hare Hall. Departures on 12th June and 14th August. Price from £495pp for four days. 

Gardens and Wildflowers of the Burren

Spread over 300sq kilometres in the northwestern corner of County Clare, The Burren, from the Irish bhoireann – meaning a stony place – is the largest area of karstic limestone in western Europe.  Whilst it may at first appear bleak, closer examination reveals the beautiful diversity of flora for which the whole region has become justly famous. The profusion of wild flowers is captivating and the trip should give the chance to see many interesting different species in the company of a local expert guide. The holiday also includes a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, perhaps Ireland's most dramatically impressive natural attraction, and a selection of private gardens full of colour and interest. Departure 2nd June 2020. Price from £995pp for four days including flights and accommodation.

Gardens of Distinction

Some very distinguished gardens feature in this tour of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, alongside stately homes, including Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor. A highlight is the exclusive guided tour of the private Rothschild walled garden at Eythrope, a working garden that provides produce for the Waddesdon estate, followed by lunch at Waddesdon Manor itself. Other gardens on the itinerary include those associated with distinguished politicians, such as the late Lord Carrington's garden at The Manor House and Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The Savill Garden in Windsor, which has connections with the Royal Family, completes an aristocratic garden tour. Departures on 4th May, 9th June, 18th August. Price from £695pp for four days. 

Grenada: The Spice Island

This 9-day holiday to the beautiful spice island of Grenada is a wonderful opportunity to combine visits to some of the most beautiful gardens in the Caribbean, with a relaxing stay on the lovely Grand Anse beach. Grenada has long been recognized for its beautiful gardens and horticulture – and has been a regular gold medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. With three private gardens on this itinerary, a tour round the gardens at Mount Edgecumbe from the head gardener, as well as historic estates, botanical gardens and working rum distillery – there is plenty to explore.  Departure 2nd May and 3rd October 2020. Price from £2,895 per person for 9 days. 

Oberammergau and the Austrian Tyrol

Combine the once-in-a-lifetime experience of Oberammergau with a tour through the beautiful countryside of the Austrian Tyrol. Taking place just once every 10 years, the legendary Oberammergau Passion Play is a cultural and historic event unlike any other in the world. Prior to the Passion Play, explore the neighbouring Austrian Tyrol with its storybook castles, dramatic landscapes and gilded architecture. Departures 13th May, 10th August, 12th August 2020. Price from £2,095 per person for 6 days.

WAFA and Gardens and Palaces of India's Golden Triangle

Held once every three years, the World Association of Flower Arrangers' (WAFA) showpiece event has established itself as the premier occasion for anyone with an interest in flower arranging and floral art. For 2020, it will be held in the beautiful city of Jaipur, offering the perfect opportunity to explore The Golden Triangle. The tour begins in Delhi, with a rare opportunity to visit the Mughal gardens at Rashtrapati Bhaven as well as the Lodi Gardens, which have elements of early Mughal garden design and were later developed into a flower garden by the wife of the Governor General. There are also visits to Agra and the Taj Mahal, with the tour finishing in Jaipur – for the WAFA event as well as visits to highlights of the city including the Amber Fort and Rambagh Palace Gardens. Departure 21st February 2020. Price from £1,995 per person for 9 days.

Digital edition of the 2020 Gardens & Archaeology brochure: https://issuu.com/specialistjourneys/docs/brightwater_2020_gardens_and_archae

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS:  Email www.brightwaterholidays.com or call 01334 657155
 

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For further media information, please contact: Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 or email sarahbolamcommunications@gmail.com, or Martha Whatley martha@specialistjourneys.com.

Notes to Editors: With over 25 years of heritage, Brightwater Holidays is a well-established specialist in quality, escorted garden tours. The holidays feature visits to a selection of the finest gardens in the UK and Ireland, Europe and worldwide, as well as the opportunity to see plants in their natural habitat.  Itineraries have been carefully crafted and timed to ensure that gardens are looking their best, and special features of the tours include guides with garden owners or designers, visits to private gardens and behind the scenes visits to nurseries and even potting sheds! As well as benefiting from an experienced Brightwater tour manager, there are often specialist hosts on the tours.

As well as gardening tours, Brightwater feature a handpicked range of Scottish holidays, including tours to Arran, Orkney and Shetland, the Outer Hebrides and Islay and Jura. They also have a growing portfolio of interesting Archaeology holidays throughout the ancient world, escorted by suitably knowledgeable guides, as well as bespoke travel arrangements for private groups and societies. Brightwater Holidays is part of Specialist Journeys - a collection of escorted tour operators, each offering a highly individual style of special interest holiday. Brands within the Specialist Journeys family include leading archaeological operator Andante Travels and the truly unique Authentic Adventures. Each company retains a very individual feel and style, yet all have the shared ethos of providing a truly unique and magical holiday for their customers.