Brightwater Holidays - The best of the UK in 2019

THE BEST OF THE UK - 2019 from just £365 per person

3 NEW CHRISTMAS TOURS

Make this festive season one to remember

28 AUTUMN UK DEPARTURES

It’s not too late to enjoy the season’s beauty

Scenic Scottish tours A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

pg 4

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

pg 5

Mull, Staffa & Iona

pg 5

Mull Wildlife

pg 5

Islay and Jura

pg 5

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

pg 6

Undiscovered Orkney

pg 6

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

pg 6

Shetland and its Outer Isles

pg 7

Autumn Tints of Arran

pg 7

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

pg 7

Coll and Tiree

pg 7

Up Helly Aa

pg 8

Scotland’s Northern Edge

pg 9

The V&A Museum in Dundee

pg 9

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

pg 10

Knitting in Shetland

pg 10

Historic Houses of Scottish Borders

pg 10

Historic Houses of Scotland

pg 10

Lord of the Glens

pg 11

Autumn Tins of Perthshire

pg12

Flying Scotsman

pg 12

Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde

pg 13

Gardens of the Far North

pg 13

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

pg 13

In the Footsteps of the Picts

pg 13

4

Callanish standing stones

8

UK Gardens

Puffin - Shetland islands

RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Classic English Gardens

pg 14

The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show

pg 14

Gardens of Cheshire and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

pg 14

Gardens of Northumberland

pg 14

Tresco’s Abbey Gardens

pg 15

Gardens of Cornwall

pg 15

Arts & Gardens in Cornwall

pg 15

Gardens of Devon and Cornwall

pg 15

Private Gardens of Guernsey & Sark

pg 16

Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight

pg 16

The Gardens of Kent & Sussex

pg 16

The Legacy of Gertrude Jekyll

pg 16

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

pg 17

Private Gardens of Herefordshire

pg 17

Christmas in the Scottish Borders

pg 19

Private Gardens of East Anglia

pg 17

Christmas in Cornwall

pg 19

Gardens of North Wales

pg 17

Christmas in Derbyshire and the Peak District

pg 19

2

19 14 Sissinghurst Castle

Scottish borders

Christmas 2019

www.brightwaterholidays.com

A holiday for all seasons Eildon Hills

F

or us, here at Brightwater, there is no better subject to talk about than our beloved Scotland. Between us, we have visited a total of 35 Scottish islands and we are delighted to share itineraries that can take you to 33 of them – after all, if you’re going to book yourself a holiday to Scotland you might as do it with the experts, and we are proud to be the market leaders.

We have created memorable tours that will take you from the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish to some of our most celebrated whisky distilleries, and from beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in

the Caribbean to areas of natural beauty where our wildlife and flora can be admired. But we don’t just do Scotland!

At a time of European uncertainty, many of us are choosing to holiday at home. Thanks to the wealth of history, heritage and tradition waiting to be discovered in the UK, this is never a dull thing! We also have some of the world’s most glorious gardens on our doorstep, so not travelling too far has its benefits. We also have three brand new Christmas departures for you, so if you’re thinking of doing something a little different over the festive period this year, you’re in luck!

Elsewhere, we’ve included brochures by two of our sister companies – Andante Travels and Archaeological Tours – in case you’re after a tour with a twist. With them, you’ll join renowned experts in archaeology in fascinating destinations, where stories will be uncovered through site visits, hands-on encounters and special access experiences.

Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

3

Luskentyre Beach, Harris

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

O

ur extended tour of the Hebrides offers a unique opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles, and takes in all the beauty and diversity of this very special environment with ten different islands and four ferry trips included. Two comfortable hotels ensure that this holiday is as relaxing as possible, while at the same time offering great variety and the sense of a true journey of discovery, which will live long in the memory.

Our odyssey begins with a scenic drive to Mallaig before taking the ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist and continuing to our hotel in Benbecula. From here, we visit the islands of Eriskay and the great sandy beach where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in July 1745; Vatersay with its fantastic white sandy beaches; Barra, where we visit the former MacNeil stronghold of Kisimul Castle; and Cockleshell Beach, used as the island’s airport.

of Harris, which gives way to the rolling moorland of Lewis, and on to Stornoway, our base for the next three nights. We continue with visits to the remarkable Standing Stones of Callanish, undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles; the tranquil little Norse Mill at Shawbost; and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearrannan, typical of the crofting settlements, which, until relatively recently, were found throughout the Western Isles.

After a visit to St. Clement’s Church at Rodel, a captivating journey follows as we travel north by ferry from North Uist through the magnificent mountain scenery

We conclude at the Lews Castle and Museum, where we can meet the famous Lewis Chessmen and view the Outer Hebrides as never before in a wrap-around audio-

What’s Included Five nights’ accommodation on a dinner, bed and full breakfast basis: two nights at the Dark Island Hoteland three nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (one dinner and one breakfast served on board the ferry)

4

visual presentation, and finally St. Columba’s Ui Church, one of the most important archaeological sites on the Isle of Lewis. Our return route takes us by ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool.

Callanish standing stones

Ferry transfers as detailed

Departures

Comfortable coach travel throughout

24 Sep 2019, 23 Jun, 14 July, 25 Aug & 15 Sep 2020

Services of a professional tour manager

Price

£955

6 days from per person Single room supplement £150

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Isle of Iona

Port Charlotte, Islay

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

Islay and Jura

Complementing our Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides, this equally grand yet relaxing tour takes in the principal Inner Hebridean isles of Mull, Islay and Jura, as well as the famous little island gems of Staffa and Iona.

Highlights include Fingal’s Cave, the historic Loch Finlaggan, Bowmore Distillery on Islay, and Jura – Islay’s sparsely populated and rather mysterious neighbour.

Once the ancient home of the Lord of the Isles, Islay has always been popular with historians. Today, the island is perhaps better known for its distinctive malt whiskies, its sandy beaches and its diverse birdlife. We visit the Bowmore Distillery, the oldest distillery on the island, and take a trip to Jura, Islay’s sparsely populated and mountainous neighbour.

Price Departs

£1545

7 days from per person Single room supplement £240

21 Jul, 18 Aug, 15 Sep & 29 Sep 2019

Price Departs

£995

5 days from per person Single room supplement £120

9 Sep & 23 Sep 2019

New for 2019

Duart Castle

Puffins on the Island of Lunga

Mull, Staffa and Iona

Mull Wildlife Experience

The Isle of Mull is a place of tumbling burns, high peaks, dramatic views and a silent, lonely beauty. From our base at the comfortable Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, located close to the ferry terminal with superb views of the Sound of Mull, the Morvern hills and the Firth of Lorne, we will explore the highlights of the island, along with the neighbouring isles of Iona and Staffa.

Mull is a paradise for observing wildlife and one of the best places in the country to see big raptors such as the Golden Eagle and White Tailed Sea Eagle. On our boat trip to the Treshnish Isles, we will see a multitude of seabirds such as Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, and Kittiwakes. Otters, seals and red deer are just some of the other animals we can hope to see.

Price Departs

£735

4 days from per person Single room supplement £150

17 May, 14 Jun, 15 Aug & 13 Sep 2019

Price Departs

£895

4 days from per person Single room supplement £150

30 May 2019

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

5

Jarlshof

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland Littered with archaeological remains, the islands of Orkney and Shetland are simply magnificent. People first came here over 5,000 years ago and evidence of their time here can still be seen. Explore the multiperiod settlement of Jarlshof, handle 5,000-year-old artefacts at the Tomb of the Eagles and discover the striking Italian Chapel.

Price Departs

£1195

6 days from per person Single room supplement £350

16 Sep 2019, 27 Apr, 6 Jul & 31 Aug 2020

The Old Man of Hoy

Undiscovered Orkney Over the years, Brightwater Holidays has explored almost every nook and cranny of Orkney, yet these beautiful islands contain many more secrets and hidden gems that still beg to be discovered. Based on mainland Orkney, we will have an opportunity to visit previously unexplored areas as we discover the historic landmarks and captivating landscapes of the North and South Isles.

Price Departs

£995

5 days from per person Single room supplement £300

29 Jun & 29 Sep 2019

Whale bone

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland Sail away to lands steeped in history, inhabited by glorious wildlife and framed by stunning scenery. Many people have visited here before us, some as early as 3000 BC, and most famous of all were, of course, the Vikings.

Both islands, but particularly Shetland, in summer have virtually no darkness. This midnight sun is locally called ‘Simmer Dim’ and is an experience unlike any other. On our departures that run between May and July, observe multitudes of seabirds at Sumburgh Head. Visit the UNESCO-listed area of Neolithic Orkney and discover the multi-period settlement of Jarlshof. Both Orkney and Shetland share a colourful history of Picts, Norsemen, ancient antiquities, buried treasure and seafaring legends, all bound up with an independent spirit that really sets them apart from the rest of Scotland.

Sailing with Serco Northlink Ferries aboard their modern, purpose-built vessels from Aberdeen to Lerwick, we then enjoy two full days in Shetland as well as another two to explore Orkney.

Price 6

£1095

6 days from per person Single room supplement £350

Departs

26 Aug 2019, 20 Apr, 4 May, 17 Aug 2020

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Sumburgh Head

Goatfell

Shetland and its Outer Isles

Autumn Tints of Arran

As close to Norway as it is to Scotland, Shetland is rugged and remote, with a raw and natural beauty, a unique culture and wonderful wildlife. There are over 100 islands here, only 16 of which are inhabited, each with its own individual character, and our tour offers the opportunity to visit four of them, providing a real taste of the diversity of this amazing archipelago.

Autumn is a great time to explore the island of Arran.

Famously described as “Scotland in Miniature” for its blend of Highland and Island scenery, come October the island dons a mantle of red and gold, and the lengthening shadows from the low sun bring a new dimension to the dramatic landscape of mountains and moorland, beaches and bays.

Price Departs

£985

5 days from per person Single room supplement £250

7 Jun, 10 Jul 2019, 15 Jun & 1 Aug 2020

Price Departs

£475

4 days from per person No single room supplement

No single supplement

21 Oct 2019

New for 2019

Brodick Castle

Tiree

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

Coll and Tiree

The distinctive silhouette of Goat Fell rising dramatically from the clear waters of the Firth of Clyde that greets visitors provides a preview of what’s to come.

Coll and Tiree are two little jewels basking in the Hebridean Sea. Steeped in the romantic legends and tangled history of the western isles, they abound with natural wonders, abundant wildlife and ancient remains.

Offering peace, tranquillity and spiritual calm, they can also be wildly invigorating as the machair (coastal meadowland) comes alive during the summer months.

Wonderful beaches, birdwatching and history await.

Only 56 miles around its coastline, the villages here have endless charm along with history, heritage and culture. Sample whisky on a local distillery tour, wander the gardens of Brodick Castle and lose yourself in the beautiful landscape.

Price Departs

£675

5 days from per person No single room supplement

7 Jun & 26 Aug 2019

No single supplement

Price Departs

£1225

5 days from per person Single room supplement £320

9 Jul, 27 Aug, 10 Sep 2019, 23 Jun & 7 Jul 2020

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

7

Up Helly Aa Festival

Up Helly Aa

A

walk through the streets of Lerwick is normally a quiet, peaceful experience, but come the end of January it is quite likely that you’ll bump into squads of bearded Vikings, wearing chain-mail and winged helmets. Later, more revellers fill the narrow streets, their flaming torches illuminating the crisp, winter skies and their boisterous songs ringing loud in the air. This is Up Helly Aa, the annual winter festival of Shetland that celebrates the lengthening of days and the coming of another year.

Day 1 - Leave from your designated departure point and travel to Aberdeen, where you’ll join the Serco Northlink Ferry and sail overnight to Lerwick.

Day 2 - Arrive into Lerwick early

this morning and after a Scottish breakfast, there is a full day’s tour of Scalloway. Later, we visit the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, and the RSPB reserve located at Sumburgh Head.

Day 3 - After breakfast, we take

a scenic tour of Shetland’s north mainland, from Mavis Grind to the spectacular sea cliffs at Eshaness.

Day 4 - We depart for Lerwick,

where free time awaits and later, as darkness falls, the squads begin to

assemble for the torchlight parade and procession of 1,000 men that will snake its way through the streets. The festivities culminate in a ceremonial burning of a superbly crafted galley. Dinner will follow.

Day 5 - Today we enjoy breakfast

Day 7 - Breakfast is on board and then we disembark in Aberdeen, returning to our pick-up points.

and then take another excursion, this time to the west mainland of Shetland. This takes us to Walls, the terminus for the ferry service to the island of Foula and the headland at Sandness, overlooking the island of Papa Stour.

Day 6 - A full day tour that takes

us to the northern isles of Yell and Unst awaits. Travel north through Tingwall and Girlsta, past the oil terminal at Sullom Voe, and on to Toft where the ferry departs for Yell.

What’s Included

Jarlshof

Departures

Six nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: four nights at Sumburgh Hotel and two nights on board Serco Northlink Ferries Four full-day guided coach tours including all ferries Comfortable coach travel throughout and services of a professional tour manager

8

We stop in Baltasound and then admire views from Saxavord Hill.

Later, back in Lerwick, we rejoin our ship and sail back to Aberdeen.

www.brightwaterholidays.com

25 January 2020

Price 7 days from

£995

per person

Single room supplement £270 Busta House Hotel: sup. £190

John O’Groats

Scotland’s Northern Edge The coastal views and landscapes are breathtaking – sometimes quite literally as the wind whips in from the Pentland Firth and snatches the very breath from your mouth! Standing here on the northern edge of mainland Britain you are moved to reflect on the awesome, unstoppable power of the sea and the equally indomitable strength of the ancient rock beneath your feet, the two locked together in a timeless and never-ending battle.

Visit the Journey’s End signpost at John O’Groats, explore the magical Smoo Cave, and see the famous Stacks of Duncansby. There is much to discover along Scotland’s northern edge.

Price

£695

5 days from per person Single room supplement £120

Departs

2 Jun, 13 Aug & 2 Sep 2019

V&A Dundee - © Ross Fraser McLean

The V&A Museum in Dundee Art, culture and history await on this wonderful four-day Scottish escape. Take a tour of the fabulous Glamis Castle, formerly the home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Elsewhere, you can spend time at the newly opened V&A Museum in Dundee, where the very best in Scotland’s creativity as well as international design are showcased. There will also be a visit to the RRS Discovery, one of the last three-masted wooden ships built in Britain.

In addition to all of the above, there will also be visits to Kellie Castle with its Arts & Crafts garden, McManus Gallery & Museum, and the Perth Museum and Art Gallery. Experience the stories that shaped the city of Dundee, admire the surprisingly scenic countryside and discover this often neglected corner of Scotland in style.

Price

£499

4 days from per person Single room supplement £135

Departs

6 Jun & 6 Oct 2019

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

9

PS Waverley

Lerwick

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

Knitting in the Shetland Isles

Steam locomotion has an enduring fascination for many of us and combined with the wonderful scenery of Scotland, it becomes utterly irresistible. The Jacobite Steam Train, from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today – an 84-mile round trip through some truly fantastic scenery. Take a spin on the Falkirk Wheel, sail along Loch Katrine and ride aboard a paddle steamer.

Even those who are highly skilled in the art of knitting can pick up a thing or two in the scenic Shetland Isles, and we’re not just talking about those pesky dropped stitches! There are workshops aplenty, a visit to Jarlshof and the nearby RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head, and time to stop by the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick.

Price Departs

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £90

14 Jul, 18 Jul, 29 Aug & 19 Oct 2019

Price Departs

£1345

6 days from per person Single room supplement £295

22 Sep 2019

New for 2019

Abbotsford House

Balmoral Castle

Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

Historic Houses of Scotland

The Scottish Borders are often overlooked in comparison with the Highlands and Islands. However, the Borders have a quiet, understated beauty of their own, with softly rolling hills draped in early morning mist, peaceful valleys dotted with sheep farms and the sinuous River Tweed, which runs like a silver thread from the Lowther Hills to the sea at Berwick.

Go on the trail of monarchs both factual and fictional on our tour of Scotland’s historic homes, from the world famous to those lesser known. From Glamis, the real childhood home of the Queen Mother and fictional dwelling of Macbeth, to Balmoral – the current monarch’s favourite bolthole - this tour takes us to wonderful properties with a few surprises on the way.

Price Departs 10

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £120

7 Jul & 26 Sep 2019

Price Departs

£675

4 days from per person Single room supplement £150

2 Jun 2019

www.brightwaterholidays.com

What’s Included Accommodation on board the Lord of the Glens in a lower berth cabin.

Cabin up-grades available at a supplement All shore excursions as outlined in the itinerary Return coach transfers from Inverness

Departures 2019 Highlands and Islands

Inverness to Oban 9 October 2019 Oban to Inverness 4 October & 14 October 2019

Lord of the Glens

Price Lord of the Glens

T

he MV Lord of the Glens has become a familiar sight on the west coast of Scotland in recent years, slipping out of Oban Bay on the morning tide, nosing into remote Loch Nevis, negotiating the locks of Neptune’s Staircase or cruising the calm waters of Loch Ness. Her 27 beautifully appointed and well-equipped state cabins, all with windows and en-suite facilities, provide all the home comforts, with four different cabin types to choose from. The Robert Louis Stevenson restaurant presents cuisine using local and freshly sourced produce whilst the Sir Walter Scott bar and lounge on the upper deck provides magnificent all-around panoramic views of the Highland scenery.

There are two cruises to choose from and with all meals and excursions included, they offer excellent value for money – the perfect way to enjoy the unique scenery of Scotland’s western seaboard and inland lochs.

The six-day Highlands and Islands Cruise combines both fresh and saltwater cruising, as the Lord of the Glens sails between Inverness, Fort Augustus and Oban. These are wonderful times of year to make this classic Scottish journey, with the first fresh greens of spring and golden autumn colours reflected in the calm waters of the tranquil lochs.

We begin at Inverness at the northern end of the canal and cruise Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, peaceful Loch Oich and onwards to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Here, we see Thomas Telford’s engineering masterpiece Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight interconnected locks that takes vessels back to sea-level near Fort William. We then cruise south towards Mull and Oban, where the voyage concludes. Shore excursions include a train journey and visits to the Glenfinnan Monument, Duart Castle and Tobermory.

The eight-day Heart of the Highlands Cruise also combines sea and inland cruising, with the added attraction of the Isle of Skye and surrounding area.

The ship sails from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye, Mull and Oban and then through the Caledonian Canal to Inverness. Additional highlights include Inverie in Loch Nevis, one of the most remote locations in Scotland, and the picturesque town of Plockton. Shore excursions include Armadale on the Isle of Skye, the little islands of Eigg and Iona, colourful Tobermory and Eilean Donan Castle.

In 2020, the Lord of the Glens will be joined by a new sister ship, Lord of the Highlands, offering further cruising opportunities.

£1185

6 days from per person Single cabin supplement from £690 Heart of the Highlands Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

12 May & 15 September 2019 Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness

16 June 2019

Price

£2095

8 days from per person Single cabin supplement from £1200

Departures 2020 Highlands and Islands

17 April, 22 April, 28 September, 3 October, 8 October, 13 October 2020

Price

£1345

6 days from per person Single room cabin on application Heart of the Highlands

27 April, 4 May, 18 May, 14 September 2020

Price

£2295

8 days from per person Single room cabin on application

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

11

Killin

Autumn Tints of Perthshire Home to some remarkable trees and woodlands – from Europe’s oldest tree to the world’s highest hedge – Perthshire is a wonderful destination to visit. Come autumn, the leaves turn from fresh green to a palette of red, gold, yellow and bronze, and are a glorious sight to behold as the morning mists clear. On this tour, visit the wild ‘tree garden’ created by the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century, Cluny House Gardens, the Falls of Bruar, and the ancient Birnam Oak.

Price

£365

3 days from per person Single room supplement £70

Departs

11 Oct 2019

Departing soon

The Flying Scotsman

Flying Scotsman in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland In what is poised to be one of the railway events of the year, the nation’s favourite steam locomotive is returning to some of Scotland’s most scenic lines for the first time since its refurbishment.

This nine-day tour promises to be magical, taking in spectacular Highland scenery with long daylight hours, lochs, mountains, sea and islands on display. With a range of dining and hotel options, there are packages available to suit all budgets. Once in the Highlands, there are a host of optional excursions to enjoy, taking the scenic lines that run west to Kyle of Lochalsh and north to Wick, or the famous Jacobite steam train that runs from the slopes of Ben Nevis to the wild Atlantic coast at Mallaig. Admire views over Loch Shiel from the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and marvel at the power and grace of the legendary Flying Scotsman.

Price 12

£1995

9 days from per person Single room supplement £350

Departs

9 May 2019 2020 dates coming soon

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Mount Stuart

Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde “Art is the flower. Life is the green leaf.” It’s almost as if Charles Rennie Mackintosh were describing our tour himself. Join us as we visit some of his greatest works as well as other architectural marvels and fine gardens both in and around the Firth of Clyde. Afternoon tea at the newly opened Mackintosh at the Willow Tearooms is sure to be a high point.

Price Departs

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £135

Dunrobin Castle

Gardens of the Far North A journey to the far north of Scotland brings many rewards, not least the sense of freedom and open space to be found in the thrilling seascapes of the coasts or the vast, empty expanse of mountain and moorland that separates east from west. Rewards also come in the shape of some enchanting castles and gardens, bringing out the best of this remote and unspoilt region.

Price Departs

16 Sep 2019

£975

5 days from per person Single room supplement £260

14 Jul 2019

New for 2019

Drumlanrig Castle

Pictish Stone, Aberlemno

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Dumfries and Galloway are home to some of the country’s most attractive gardens. The artistic highlight of our tour is Dumfries House in Ayrshire, whose future was secured thanks to the support of Prince Charles.

We see something different at Broughton House, an artist’s garden at the restored former home of ‘Glasgow Bow’ EA Hornel. Further highlights include Drumlanrig Castle, Crawick Multiverse and Logan Botanic Gardens.

Living beyond the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, the people of northern Scotland in the Dark Ages were known as the Picts – a name given by the Romans meaning the ‘painted, tattooed ones’. We travel through their heartland in Perthshire and Angus, tracking down these elusive people and coming faceto-face with them through clues to their everyday life as well as through artefacts, exhibits and site visits.

Price Departs

£575

4 days from per person Single room supplement £120

8 Jun, 18 Aug & 11 Sep 2019

Price Departs

£545

4 days from per person Single room supplement £90

7 Jun, 2 Aug & 30 Aug 2019

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

13

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Classic English Gardens This multi-centre holiday combines the colour and excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with some of south England’s finest gardens, affording us the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of horticultural excellence. These include RHS Garden Wisley, Sissinghurst and Hestercombe, one of Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens’ greatest masterpieces.

Price Departs

£1295

7 days from per person Single room supplement £300

Hardwick Hall

The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show There could be few finer settings than Chatsworth House for the latest addition to the RHS flower show calendar. Set against the classic landscape, shaped

by Capability Brown and Joseph Paxton, this show presents the best in British garden design. We also visit some of the region’s classic gardens including Felley Priory, Haddon Hall and RHS Harlow Carr.

Price Departs

21 May 2020

£695

4 days from per person Single room supplement £90

6 Jun 2019

Arley Hall

Alnwick Garden Tree House

Gardens of Cheshire and RHS Flower Show Gardens of Northumberland The largely rural county of Northumberland is home Tatton Park Set against the splendour of a 1000-acre deer park, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is full of imaginative and colourful displays, original small gardens and exciting show gardens. Other visits include Arley Hall, with its famous herbaceous borders, and Mount Pleasant, a traditional mixed garden with impressive views over the Cheshire countryside.

Price Departs 14

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £135

17 Jul 2019

to a range of individual and imaginative gardens, with each one giving an unusual insight into the pleasure of gardening in this most beautiful and tranquil corner of England. Visit Mindrum, a garden created with great skill and verve. Wander around one of the world’s most ambitious new gardens at Alnwick, which boasts an impressive treehouse. Marvel at the Manor House in Whalton, with contributions from Jekyll and Lutyens.

Price Departs

£795

4 days from per person No single room supplement

2 June & 1 Aug 2019

www.brightwaterholidays.com

No single supplement

Tresco

Trebah

Tresco’s Abbey Gardens

Gardens of Cornwall

Tresco lies just 28 miles from the Cornish coast, yet basks in a balmy climate where spring comes early and autumn stays late. The wonderful Abbey Gardens are home to more than 3,000 species as well as magnificent vistas, colours and scents as we discover on our exclusive guided walk, while the tranquillity of island life soothes both body and soul.

Cornwall’s gardens are renowned the world over for their colour and variety, and there are some truly outstanding examples on display here. Choose between spring, when the rhododendrons burst into life, or high summer, when the hydrangeas run riot. With an optional day trip to Tresco’s amazing Abbey Gardens and visits to Trebah, Marsh Villa and Lanhydrock on offer, this is the perfect tour to discover Cornwall’s horticultural prowess.

Price Departs

£995

4 days from per person Single room supplement £195

13 May, 16 Sep, 20 Sep, 30 Sep & 4 Oct 2019

Price Departs

£655

4 days from per person No single room supplement

No single supplement

1 October 2019

New for 2019

Lanhydrock Gardens

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Arts & Gardens in Cornwall

Gardens of Devon and Cornwall

Discover the award-winning Tate Gallery in St. Ives, the stunning Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and the horticultural masterpiece that is Hestercombe Gardens on this five-day Cornish holiday. We’ll also take you to Tremenheere Sculpture Garden, Godolphin House (where a behind-the-scenes tour awaits) and Tregothnan, which we have opened for you by special appointment.

The counties of Devon and Cornwall are truly superb and this six-day garden tour will take you from Lanhydrock to RHS Rosemoor, and from the Lost Gardens of Heligan to Bosvigo, which TV gardener Carol Klein has declared as her favourite in all of Cornwall. There will also be the chance to admire the great Rhododendron Valley at Trebah and the grounds at Hestercombe.

Price Departs

£895

5 days from per person Single room supplement £175

11 May & 4 September 2019

Price Departs

£1025

6 days from per person Single room supplement £275

3 July 2019

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

15

New for 2019

La Seigneurie Gardens

Osborne House

Private Gardens of Guernsey & Sark

Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight

The island of Guernsey, just 20 miles off the coast of France, flourishes in the warmth of summer and is home to some outstanding private and public gardens. We have a unique visit to the inspiring garden at Guernsey Prison and then we cross to the tranquil, traffic-free island of Sark, where we visit the wonderful garden of La Seigneurie and wildflower meadows.

2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. This new tour, perfectly timed, takes us to locations that played an important part in her life as well as offering the opportunity to visit some of the outstanding attractions on the Isle of Wight. The centrepiece is Osborne House, Victoria’s favourite home, with its beautiful gardens and extravagant Wendy House.

Price Departs

£1195

5 days from per person Single room supplement £250

19 Sep 2019

Price Departs

£695

4 days from per person Single room supplement £120

4 & 19 Aug 2019

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Hestercombe

The Gardens of Kent & Sussex

The Legacy of Gertrude Jekyll

If there’s one tour that epitomises the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden – it is this, with one shining example after another to be savoured and enjoyed. These include Nymans, which offers outstanding plants in a theatrical setting; Sissinghurst, surely the most copied flower garden in the world; and the delightful Great Dixter.

A plantswoman extraordinaire, painter and writer, Gertrude Jekyll is perhaps best remembered for the impact she had on garden design. Stretching across the south of England, we begin at the private estates of Buckhurst Park, which was immortalised by A A Milne as the Hundred Acre Wood in Winnie the Pooh. From here, we visit Munstead Wood, Upton Grey Manor House, the woodland water garden at Vann, and East Lambrook.

Price Departs 16

£795

4 days from per person Single room supplement £195

30 May, 24 Jun, 18 Aug

Price Departs

£1195

6 days from per person Single room supplement £245

19 May 2019

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Highgrove House

Hampton Court Castle

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

Private Gardens of Herefordshire

Following our successful ticket application, we can now look forward to our special visits to the gardens of Highgrove House. The country home of HRH The Prince of Wales is captivatingand its gardens are cultivated using wholly organic methods. There are also chances to discover the secret gardens at Hidcote, the tranquil gardens of Misarden Park and the world renowned gardens of Kiftsgate Court as we tour the Cotswolds.

The rolling hills of Herefordshire are home to some truly stunning gardens, none more so than Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, a world of inspiration and wonder.

Further highlights include Sir Roy Strong’s garden The Laskett, the award-winning gardens at Hampton Court Castle and Stockton Bury, where we are treated to a workshop, tour and talk with the gardener.

Price Departs

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £150

21 Jun, 28 Jun, 9 Aug & 6 Sep 2019

Price Departs

£695

4 days from per person Single room supplement £150

8 May & 19 Aug 2019

Beth Chatto Garden

Portmeirion

Private Gardens of East Anglia

Gardens of North Wales

The adjoining counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk feature on this tour that will take you around some of the finest gardens that East Anglia has to offer – many of which are made that bit more special by their connections to the RHS. Explore the incomparable Beth Chatto Gardens, the exotic delights of the Old Vicarage at East Ruston, the formal gardens of Wyken Hall and Vineyards, and RHS perfection at Hyde Hall.

Set among glorious scenery that includes Snowdonia’s mountains, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles, North Wales is home to some outstanding gardens.

Visit Plas Cadnant, Plas Tan y Bwlch, the film-set surroundings of Portmeirion, and the stately gardens of Powis Castle in the Welsh Marches. The guide for this tour is Tony Russell, former Head Forester at Westonbirt Arboretum.

Price Departs

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £90

29 May & 20 August 2019

Price Departs

£595

4 days from per person Single room supplement £195

7 Jun 2019

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

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3 NEW Christmas tours

Celebrate this Christmas with Brightwater Holidays Peak District

I

magine how nice it would be to take all the stress out of Christmas by going away and letting someone else take care of everything – no shopping, no cooking and, best of all, no washing up! Not everyone has family that they can join at Christmas so it’s also a great way to spend the festive period in convivial surroundings, with plenty to keep you entertained and amused.

Choose from the Scottish Borders, Cornwall and Derbyshire. In the Borders you’ll enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the MacDonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa with its peaceful location close to the River Tweed and an excursion into the countryside of rolling hills and sleepy towns. In Cornwall, based at the Fistral Beach Hotel in Newquay, you can expect milder weather and a host of events and entertainment, as well as a scenic drive and a visit to the ever-popular Eden Project. In Derbyshire a relaxing drive through the crags and dales of the Peak District complements a full programme of festive fun.

Wherever you go, all packages feature a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings – all you have to do is pull a cracker, put on your paper hat and tuck in!

18

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Christmas in the Scottish Borders

Christmas in Cornwall

Edston Woods, Peebles

The Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, nestling on the banks of the River Tweed to the east of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, provides the luxurious setting for a relaxing, stress-free Christmas break. From the moment you arrive at the hotel, welcomed with a cream tea, you will enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality and a full festive programme that includes carol singing and a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

The Fistral Beach Hotel in Newquay offers a host of events and entertainment as well as the traditional Christmas Day lunch. Take a relaxing treatment in the hotel’s own spa, mix your own mulled wine in the Bay Bar and enjoy a black tie dinner with table magic along with live music, games and quizzes. We also take the opportunity to visit the Eden Project, whose huge biomes provide a botanical world tour whatever the weather!

What’s Included

What’s Included

3 nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast at the 4-star Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, near Peebles

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4-star Fistral Beach Hotel, Newquay

Full programme of Christmas activities as per itinerary

Full programme of Christmas activities as per itinerary

Coach travel from pick-up points in Scotland

Coach travel from London, Reading, Swindon and Bristol

Departure

24 December 2019

Price 4 days from

£495

per person Single room supplement £150

Departure

23 December 2019

Price 5 days from

£995

per person Single room supplement £160

Christmas in Derbyshire and the Peak District The Best Western Stuart Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Derby so you have the option of travelling by coach from London or making your own way there. A relaxed stay at the hotel, with good food and plenty of Christmas cheer and entertainment is complemented by a highly scenic circular tour into the Peak District, travelling via Matlock and Bakewell to the village of Edale before returning by way of Buxton and Ashbourne.

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner bed and breakfast at the 4-star Stuart Hotel, Derby Full programme of Christmas activities as per itinerary Coach travel from London, Luton and Northampton

Peak District

Departures 24 December 2019

Price 4 days from

£595

per person Single room supplement £90

For more details call our travel experts on 01334 766042

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SPECIALIST Journeys Quality, Specialist Group Travel

A collection of some of the world’s finest niche tour operators, we truly put the special in Specialist Journeys. With trips both designed and led by experts, these aren’t just holidays – they are unique and memorable travel experiences. archaeological tours

Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours

Contact us today 01722 569415 | www.specialistjourneys.com

Call our friendly sales team today: 01334 766042 After you have enjoyed browsing these pages at your leisure and you’re ready to treat yourself with a place on one of our tours, just get in touch and we will do the rest.

For further details on any of our holidays, including full day-by-day itineraries, what’s included as well as any extras, please just head to our website www.brightwaterholidays.com.

A full set of Brightwater Holidays booking conditions is available on request or on our website.

Don’t forget we also tailor-make bespoke tours at home and abroad for private groups and societies.

Contact our Private Groups Manager, Jenni Duncan, on 01334 766042 or email to groups@brightwaterholidays.com for a quotation.

www.brightwaterholidays.com | Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS

5020

SJ-123 Apr PS

Tel: 01334 766042 | Email: info@brightwaterholidays.com