All Inclusive Luxury Coach Short Breaks

Itinerary

Thenford Garden & Arboretum

Michael and Anne Heseltine purchased Thenford House in 1976 with its 2-acre walled garden and surrounding woodland which sadly had seen little attention since Queen Victoria’s day.

Over the next 25 years Lord and Lady Heseltine created a garden with extensive herbaceous borders, water gardens, an alpine trough garden, a sculpture garden, a rose garden and a rill. 40 acres of woodland have been restored, cleared of debris, rotten or fallen trees have been replaced and the walled garden was brought back to its former use. The fish ponds, their interconnecting canal and the existing lake have been restored and two new ones have been added. An eighteenth century avenue of mature yews has been cleared of self seeded shrubs and saplings, and returned to its former grandeur.

Today the arboretum covers over 70 acres, features a collection of more than three thousand different trees and shrubs, together with extensive herbaceous borders, water gardens, an alpine trough garden, a sculpture garden, a rose garden and a rill.

In order to help with the replanting programme the Heseltine’s sought advice from some of the leading horticultural leaders of the time, including Lanning Roper, Sir Harold Hillier, Roy Lancaster and Keith Rushforth. They also received gifts to enhance the collection from many distinguished tree lovers.

Royal Leamington Spa

Before our visit to Thenford we will visit Royal Leamington Spa, renowned for its famous spa for centuries, it now offers history and a perfect location for shoppers and food fans. See the Visitor Information Centre for information on the local area.

Please note, the terrain in the woodlands at Thenford is quite rough, which makes it unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Be sure to bring your study walking boots.

Travel arrangements

09.30 Depart Shrewsbury

11.30 – 13.00 Royal Leamington Spa

13.45pm – 17.30 Thenford Arboretum & Garden

19.30 Arrive Shrewsbury

Timings for the trip will be confirmed 7-days before travel.

Booking your place

The tour price is £85

Non-refundable deposit £20 per person payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Includes return coach travel, stop in Royal Leamington Spa and entry into Thenford Garden & Arboretum.

Thenford Garden & Arboretum, Oxfordshire

Tour Information

It’s been some time since we last visited Lord and Lady Heseltine’s Thenford Garden & Arboretum, and it was high on our ‘must see’ places for 2023. The estate opens for a limited number of days throughout the year and we are fortunate to have secured a booking for Wisteria Tours customers.

Limited to 40 Spaces

Itinerary

Thenford Garden & Arboretum

Royal Leamington Spa

Travel arrangements

Booking your place