Scenic Inverness with Balmoral Castle Gardens, Inverewe Garden & Moray Firth cruise

Itinerary

Day1, Travel from Shrewsbury to Glasgow visiting Gresgarth Hall, Lancaster

Departing Shrewsbury at 08.00 we will break our journey to the hotel with a visit to the beautiful garden at Gresgarth Hall, home of the internationally renowned garden designer, Arabella Lennox-Boyd. Following an introductory talk by one of the gardeners we are free to explore this extraordinary location.

This stunning garden, created over 40 years, represents a lifetime’s work. Set around the house, the garden spans 10 acres. Explore formal terraces, a lake, a variety of beautiful garden rooms, a huge kitchen garden and a bog garden which gives way to wilder areas of the garden. The arboretum, with its rare specimens of trees and shrubs, is slightly uphill but well-worth exploring.

Refreshments

The garden does not have a cafe, however we will provide a picnic lunch to can eat in the grounds of the Gresgarth Hall before we visit the garden.

From here we will our way to the Glasgow Westerwood Hotel for an overnight stop. There will be comfort stops enroute throughout the journey.

Day 2, Balmoral Castle Gardens, Aberdeenshire

On our way to Inverness we will visit the charming gardens at Balmoral Castle. The gardens offer a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the passions of generations of royals.

The estate was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852 and the historic gardens were originally developed under Prince Albert’s supervision. Enjoy exploring the different garden spaces including the newly opened Thistle Maze. In the South Gardens, the Kitchen Garden grows organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Queen Mary’s Garden has been restructured by His Majesty with an Alpine Terrace featuring delicate alpines for year-round interest.

A special exhibition will be in hosted in the ballroom. An audio guide is available for the gardens and the exhibition. Please note we will not be able to visit any other rooms in the castle.

Refreshments

At Balmoral’s elegant new restaurant enjoy local seasonal dining with produce sourced from the Balmoral Castle Gardens. At the Takeaway hatch there are takeaway options of freshly prepared food and beverages, as well as seasonal highlights like ice cream and hot chocolate.

We expect to arrive at our hotel with time to unpack and relax before we meet up for pre-dinner drinks.

Day 3, Explore Inverness City with guided walking tour and free time

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast.

There is a a lot of history with in Inverness city centre and most of it can be seen on foot and is a stone’s throw from the hotel. Our local guides will meet us at the hotel in the morning and walk us into Inverness for a guided tour. Stay with the guides for the whole tour or wander off on your own when you are ready.

After the tour there is free time to explore independently. Inverness Castle celebrates the ‘Spirit of the Highlands’ through its stories of past, present and future. Next door to the castle is the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery where you can explore the art, history and heritage of the Highlands!

Inverness Cathedral is an unmissable historic building located by the River Ness on Ness Walk. A little further out of the city is the Botanic Garden.

Our guides will advise on places to visit as well as recommending places to eat.

Day 4, North Highlands railway journey, Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh & Eilean Donan Castle

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, is quite simply one of the most stunning rail journeys in the world. Travel through mountains, glens and forests on your way to Kyle of Lochalsh. Mountainous terrain, serene lochs, and extensive glens – today is all about the dramatic Highland scenery as we take this famous hour train journey.

Visit one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.

Day 5, Inverewe Garden, National Trust for Scotland

Created from a barren wilderness in the 19th century, this heritage garden now contains species from across the globe. Although it will take us a little over 2 hours to get to Inverewe, this is another destination not to be missed.

Discover the story of a father and daughter who created a lochside garden amid a barren wilderness on the Atlantic coast. Amazing species that simply shouldn’t grow here are thriving, aided by the effects of the Gulf Stream. From pre-historic trees such as our Wollemi pines to rhododendrons from China, Nepal and India, Himalayan poppies and Tasmanian eucalyptus, there is something to discover and enjoy in every corner. The estate has many designations recognising its importance as a species-rich habitat.

At the heart of Inverewe is a museum where you’re encouraged to interact with a variety of objects. The adjacent Sawyer Gallery hosts exhibitions throughout the year that reflect the characteristics of the garden and surrounding environment. There is a network of paths throughout the garden, and the Pinewood and Kernsary Trails offer low-level walks with fantastic views.

Refreshments & shop

Browse the well-stocked gift shop. Relax in the self-service, licensed café and enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes. In the garden, stop at The Bothy for a coffee and snack, and admire the views across Loch Ewe. Both cafés have received a Taste of Scotland award.

We aim to be back at the hotel around 18.30.

Day 6, Wildlife boat cruise on the Inner Moray Firth, light lunch and free time

Today we see the beauty of the Scottish Highlands from a new perspective during a 2 hour wildlife boat cruise. With comfortable seats and multiple platforms to lookout from you will love your time on the water in the firth. On our final day in Inverness we have a light itinerary.

This enchanting wildlife cruise is a voyage along the picturesque Inverness firth to the world famous Chanonry point lighthouse. On the cruise, enjoy stunning views, local history, and rich wildlife, all accompanied by an engaging onboard commentary.

After a light lunch you are free for the remainder of the day to explore Inverness at your leisure or just relax in the hotel.

Day 7, Travel to Lockerbie visiting Blair Castle & Gardens, Perthshire and light lunch

This morning we will make our way to our hotel at Lockerbie, stopping at Blair Castle en route.

Home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries the castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture, in 30 rooms. Castle tours are self-guided, with information in every room and guides on each floor.

Blair Castle is at the heart of historic landscape which was laid out in the 18th Century and features a nine-acre walled garden, an extensive wooded grove, a ruined Kirk, a red deer park and a gothic folly. Explore the Hercules Garden, the sculpture trail and Diana’s Grove.

This evening we will be staying at the Dryfesdale Hotel, Lockerbie.

Day 8, Travel to Shropshire with visit to Dalemain Mansion & Historic Garden, Cumbria

As we head back to Shropshire we will take a break at Dalemain House & Garden, a historic mansion with a beautiful garden within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a house tour on arrival, lunch is included and there will be time to wander round the gardens and grounds before we board the coach for our journey back to Shropshire.

In 1679, Sir Edward Hasell, who had been steward to Lady Anne Clifford, purchased Dalemain and it has remained in the family since then. Inside the house, you will find a variety of interesting ceramics; beautiful furniture including work by Robert Gillow and Thomas Chippendale; and a good collection of family portraits by various well known portraitists. There is also one of the earliest examples of hand-painted Chinese wallpaper from the mid-18th Century.

After lunch enjoy this plantsman’s garden with its extraordinary breadth and depth of plant varieties. There are over 200 old-fashioned roses (June to July), a timeline of apple trees, nooks and crannies galore. The magnificent Silver Fir (Abies Cephalonica) which has the largest girth in the UK was a gift from Joseph Banks , the botanist, in the 1840s; and the Hymalayan blue poppies Mecanopsis grandis Dalemain were propagated by Sylvia Hasell.

Different fashions in horticulture echo around the space from the formality of the Elizabethan Knot Garden; the surrounding Romantic, landscaped parkland with glorious views out to the High Fells; the herbaceous terrace; and the wild garden drawing from the work of William Robinson.

Departing in the afternoon, traffic permitting we aim to arrive in Shrewsbury around 19.00 and Ellesmere 20.00. There will be comfort stops throughout the journey.

Booking your place

Two people sharing a twin or double room is £2,450 per person. A supplement for sole occupancy of a double room is £680.

£150 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Travel arrangements

Departing Shrewsbury 08.30 on Wednesday, 03 June and arriving back in Shrewsbury at 19.00 on Wednesday 10 June. All timings are provisional and will be confirmed 7-days before travel.

The itinerary

On occasion we may need to make changes to the planned itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. If this does happen we will get in touch to let you know the alternative arrangements.

And finally…

You are strongly advised to take out your own travel insurance to cover you for any emergency or cancellation or loss of luggage etc.

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel. You are advised to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Please look at the Hotel Information and Mobility & Accessibility sections further down this for information on venues. Please note that some venues do not publish a mobility and accessibility statement.

Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

8 Ness Walk, Inverness, Inverness-shire, IV3 5NG. T: 01463 223243

One of the best-located hotels in Inverness, this stylish 4-star hotel in the city centre, is set on the banks of the beautiful River Ness. The Palace dates back to 1890 combining the best of the past with the contemporary style of the present with elegant interiors, beautifully refurbished.

We chose this hotel for the perfect Inverness city location as well its access for travelling further afield to stunning destinations

Glasgow Westerwood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Dinner, B&B for 1 night, Wednesday 03 June on our outward journey.

Dryfesdale Hotel, Lockerbie

Dinner, B&B for 1 night, Wednesday 10 June on our homeward journey.

Accessibility & Mobility Information

Gresgarth Hall

Accessibility statement – We regret that, due to uneven ground and gravel pathways, some parts of the garden are not accessible for wheelchairs. We would also like to point out that Gresgarth Hall Gardens are private and therefore paths and stepping stones are not secured as they would be in a public garden. Follow this link, select the ‘Facilities & Access’ tab, then scroll down the page to see the full statement and a map of the garden.

Scenic Inverness with Balmoral Castle Gardens, Inverewe Garden & Moray Firth cruise

Tour Information

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the city of Inverness is the most northerly of Britain’s cities and lies in the Great Glen. Five nights in Inverness, allows us to experience the culture, heritage and of course the stunning natural beauty of the highlands.

Our handpicked destinations reflect the best of what Inverness and the surrounding area has to offer.

Included in the Tour

7 nights, 8 days