Wednesday 9th August 2023

Sezincote and Batsford Arboretum

Sezincote is a family run estate, covering over 4,500 acres of rolling countryside and featuring waterfalls and canals. At the heart of the estate stands a 200 year old Mogal style house complete with temples and grottoes and a beautiful orangery.

Following our trip and refreshing morning coffee, we were treated to tours of the house. Lunch was taken nearby at a local establishment in a countryside setting, before we departed for Batsford Arboretum.  Created in the late 1800s by Lord Redesdale and now run by the Batsford Foundation, the Arboretum is heavily influenced by the Far East. It houses a unique collection of beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos.

We had free flow of both the garden, garden centre and garden terrace cafe before departing for home.

The weather was very kind and an enjoyable day was had by all.

Wednesday 10th May 2023

Dorneywood House and Dorney Court

Dorneywood House is an 18th century house in Buckinghamshire traditionally used as the grace and favour house of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.  Originally a Georgian farmhouse, it has Victorian and later additions, and following a fire in 1910, was remodelled in 1919 by Robert Lorimer. The house will be opened especially for us in the morning. 

After our journey the day began with a refreshing coffee, followed by a tour of the house and free flow of the gardens. We then enjoyed a private finger lunch under the marquee at Dorneywood.

Close by is Dorney Court, a grade one listed Tudor Manor House dating from around 1440.  It is one of England’s loveliest houses renowned for its architectural importance and often used as film and television settings.  It has been in the Palmer family for nearly half a millennium, and we had guided tours of the house, followed by a visit to the nearby garden centre.

Wednesday 10^th August 2022 – Weston Park

Weston Park in Shropshire is the former home of the Earls of Bradford.  The opulent 17th century Mansion, housing some wonderful fine art, is set in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds.

The Mansion contains tributes to the 3rd Earl’s love of horses.  The Victorian library contains over 3,000 books and has unique Gobelin tapestries, specially commissioned for the house. The stunning dining room houses one of the country’s most impressive collections of paintings including works by renowned artists such as Sir Anthony Van Dyck.

The visit included travel by coach followed by coffee on arrival.  The day included two tours, a two course lunch, and free time to explore the house and grounds.

To end the day we had a reviving cup of tea and cake before departing home. 

Click here for Weston Park website