When passionate people unite, the result is always special. The Alnwick Garden, cited the most exciting contemporary garden to be created in 100 years, and Matfen Hall Hotel, winner of Best Large Hotel in England 2006, have done just that. They have come together to host exclusive group VIP tours of The Alnwick Garden and some of the best of North East England. Special highlights include a VIP hosted visit to The Alnwick Garden and dinner in The Treehouse, with optional extras, such as meeting the visionary behind The Alnwick Garden, The Duchess of Northumberland, and joining the owners of Matfen Hall Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett for a champagne reception. The "Exclusive Garden Tour" is unique and unavailable from any other source and is available to pre booked group parties of between 15 and 53 people from September.

During the visit to The Alnwick Garden guests have an opportunity to enjoy the Wirtz designed contemporary water garden, explore the UK�s only public poison garden, experience the water sculptures of the Serpent Garden and also a chance to revisit childhood fantasies in Europe�s largest wooden Treehouse. Other highlights of the five day, four night tour includes a visit to Chester's walled garden on Hadrian's Wall and a chance to explore the culture and heritage of Newcastle Gateshead, including the iconic Angel of the North and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts.

The Duchess of Northumberland hopes that by launching the "Exclusive Garden Tour" both The Alnwick Garden and Matfen Hall will give groups of visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the many delights of North East England. �The Alnwick Garden is a charity and it is one of our objectives to drive tourism in the North East region. The purpose of this tour is to offer a truly unique and exclusive experience for those looking to visit the region, and we are confident this tour will be very popular with garden lovers from both the UK and overseas."

Participants on the tour will receive first class treatment including:

� 4 nights luxurious accommodation at Matfen Hall including breakfast and three dinners.

� Dinners at Matfen Hall include: o Welcome dinner with hosts including Northumbrian Piper o One evening dinner and after dinner talk 'From Vision to Reality' by The Alnwick Garden o One evening dinner and entertainment at Matfen Hall

� Farewell dinner high in the tree canopy of The Treehouse at The Alnwick Garden including live music - the most unusual setting for a farewell dinner. � Morning coffee and most lunches during excursions � Afternoon tea at The Alnwick Garden � Admission to all featured attractions � VIP tour at The Alnwick Garden � Award winning Blue Badge Guide � Full use of Matfen Hall's state of the art leisure and spa facilities. � Garden lovers pillow gifts

Optional extras are all subject to availability and an additional fee.

The tours will be open to group parties of between 15 and 53 people. For more information, prices and full itinerary, or to book your group please contact: Mariza Ampaza at Matfen Hall on 01661 886 715 or email mariza.ampaza@matfenhall.com. - ENDS -

MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

Barbara Huddart The Glendale Consultancy Phone: 01289 388264 Mobile: 07980 850394 Email: info@glendaleconsultancy.co.uk

Jools Mackin The Alnwick Garden Phone: 01665 511859 Email: joolsmackin@alnwickgarden.com