England
Learning in Bloom: The Gardens of England’s Lake District
Program No. 25327RJ
Explore the quieter side of England and enjoy the castles, gardens and scenic landscapes of the English Lake District and North Yorkshire.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
34 meals (
12B, 10L, 12D
)
3 expert-led lectures
18 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Manchester, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Group transfers from Manchester airport to Windermere, driving distance approximately 88 miles (up to 2 hours). Windermere hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Lunch:
Excluded
Afternoon:
After checking in at the hotel, we'll have some time to relax and unpack before our Orientation session. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, lecture, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure to relax and prepare for the program ahead.
Day
3
Lakeland Horticultural Gardens, Wordsworth
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved and gravel paths, grass lawns, steps without handrails to some areas at field trip sites.
Breakfast:
Full English and continental breakfast buffet in the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning:
We'll board the minibus this morning for a local day visiting The Lakeland Horticultural Society gardens at Holehird, Troutbeck. Here, we'll have plenty of time to look around and explore this fantastic garden with spectacular views across Windermere.
Lunch:
At a quintessentially English country pub.
Afternoon:
The field trip continues to Rydal Mount, last home of William Wordsworth, who designed the wonderful garden. Before departing Rydal, we will have a look at the recently restored Mawson Italianate garden at Rydal Hall opposite Rydal Mount.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Levens Hall, Cartmel, Holker Hall
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 45 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved, gravel and earth paths, grass lawns, steps without handrails to some areas at field trip sites.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We'll drive to lovely Levens Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan mansion built around an original 13th-century tower. Originally laid out in 1694, these award-winning gardens create a colorful, seasonal impact. We'll meander through the gardens with a local expert, who will be able to fill us in on the fascinating history of the area.
Lunch:
We’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks at the Levens Hall kitchens.
Afternoon:
The field trip continues after lunch to Holker Hall and the monastic village of Cartmel. Set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with immaculate grounds that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills, Holker Hall's gardens bear the fruits of the labour of 18th-century owner Lord George Cavendish. Following our exploration, we'll drive the short distance to Cartmel. The village is home to a 12th-century priory, replete with beautiful stained-glass windows, modern sculptures, and evocative choir stalls. We'll also be able to explore Cartmel Heritage Centre, which sets out the monastic history of this ancient village.
Dinner:
At the Hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Lowther Castle Gardens
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 60 miles, approximately 3 hours. Getting on/off a boat at wooden piers with handrails; sailing about 5 miles, approximately 3/4 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved and gravel paths, grass lawns.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Our journey today will take us over Kirkstone Pass to Ullswater for a lake cruise to the village of Howtown, where we will encounter two very special churches, one over 800 years old, and the other Victorian with very special stained-glass windows.
Lunch:
At a local café.
Afternoon:
We'll drive to Lowther Castle. This was the ancestral home of the Lowthers and although the castle is now only a façade, the gardens are being renovated to their former glory at great expense. Here, we'll hear an enjoyable lecture on the Lowther family and the Earls of Lonsdale, and go on an expert-led exploration of the renovated gardens, as well as an opportunity for afternoon tea. The Lowthers are one of the oldest recorded English armigerous families; both their yellow arms – or Six Annulets Sable – and the family tree are documented from the late 12th century. It was during the 18th century that the estate grew spectacularly. The estate became the largest in England – at one point it was possible to walk from the east coast to the west without stepping off Lowther soil. Our journey home is over Shap Fell, the highest major road in England.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Furness Peninsula, Brantwood
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 50 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved and gravel paths, grass lawns. Brantwood Gardens contain some steep paths. The house is fully accessible. Extent and duration of independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We'll board the minibus and make our way to the Furness Peninsula. We will explore this lesser-visited part of Cumbria, rich in history and varied landscape. We'll take a scenic drive through the Furness Peninsula with breathtaking views across Morecambe Bay. This bay located just to south of the Lake District National Park is the largest estuary in North West England, as well as having the largest area of intertidal mudflats (120 square miles) in the United Kingdom. We'll continue our journey along a coastal route that many pilgrims have taken over time to Birkrigg Common where, weather permitting, we will take a stroll to the top and take in views of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Howgills, and across Morecambe Bay to Blackpool. Birkrigg is an excellent example of a limestone landscape, and features a large limestone pavement. We will then head to the ancient church of St. Mary and St. Michael's at Urswick, which dates from the 12th century and has connections to Furness Abbey, before driving back north towards Coniston Water.
Lunch:
At Brantwood, we’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll go on a field trip to Brantwood, the former home of Victorian ecologist, writer, and painter John Ruskin. Famous for his works, many great thinkers have been influenced by Ruskin's ideas and Brantwood remains a place of inspiration. Displays and activities in the house, gardens, and estate reflect the wealth of the cultural associations with Ruskin's legacy – from the Pre-Raphaelites and the Arts & Crafts Movement to the founding of the National Trust and the Welfare State. After watching a fascinating video, we'll have some time for independent exploration of the house, which features numerous interpretation points. We will also be able to enjoy the heart of the estate — 250 acres of remarkable gardens. These unique gardens continue the many radical experiments in land management and horticulture which Ruskin began, and offer spectacular views across Coniston Water.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Hill Top, Troutbeck
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel and woodland paths, uneven bare rock surfaces, grass lawns. Extent and duration of independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board the minibus and make our way to Hill Top Farm, a short distance around Lake Windermere from our hotel, to explore Beatrix Potter’s former farmhouse property and gardens. Now open to the public under National Trust stewardship the peaceful cottage garden is a mixture of herbs, vegetables and fruit.
Lunch:
At a local café close to Hill Top in Hawkshead village.
Afternoon:
We'll take a scenic drive through the heart of the Lakes to Troutbeck. Our Group Leader will make sure we are aware of interesting facts about the area, before we have some time in Troutbeck for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local pub in Troutbeck.
Evening:
After dinner in the pub, we'll return to the hotel by minibus, and the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
8
Free Time
Location:
Windermere
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time to continue our independent exploration.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Transfer to Harrogate, Sizergh Castle
Location:
Harrogate
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Harrogate
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 75 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; gravel and woodland paths, grass lawns, paved streets. Extent and duration of independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Full English and continental breakfast buffet in the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning:
Today we'll transfer by minibus to Harrogate, a beautiful spa town near the rolling Yorkshire Dales. En route, we will visit the National Trust's Sizergh Castle and Gardens. Sizergh Castle is a beautiful medieval house with rich gardens, set in a fabulous estate. This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its gardens include a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns, and a superb limestone rock garden. Our Group Leader will introduce us to the site before we are free to explore at our leisure.
Lunch:
We’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks at Sizergh Castle
Afternoon:
Our transfer continues with informative commentary by our Group Leader en route. After checking in to our hotel, we'll have some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
RHS Harlow Carr Gardens
Location:
Harrogate
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Harrogate
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 4 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved, gravel, and woodland paths, grass lawns, paved streets. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Today, we'll board the minibus for a field trip to one of the Royal Horticultural Society's newest gardens, Harlow Carr. With vast expanses of water, Harlow Carr seems to merge into the Yorkshire landscape from which it has sprung. Our Group Leader will lead us around the site, imparting their knowledge before we are free to explore to our hearts' content.
Lunch:
At Harlow Carr, we’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks at a local Tea Room.
Afternoon:
Free time at Harlow Carr to continue our independent explorations, before we return to the hotel by minibus.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Ripon Cathedral, Fountains Abbey, Royal Water Gardens
Location:
Harrogate
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Harrogate
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobblestones, gravel paths, grass lawns, uneven stone steps to some areas of the ruins at Fountains Abbey.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We'll begin the day with a gentle drive to Ripon, the Cathedral city of the Yorkshire Dales. Ripon Cathedral was founded over 1,300 years ago by St. Wilfred and remains an impressive sandstone building with a stunning range of stained-glass windows. From here we will continue to Fountains Abbey, one of the most famous abbeys in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set in 800 acres of beautiful countryside. Its grounds contain an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues, and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into its design.
Lunch:
We’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks at Fountains Abbey.
Afternoon:
We'll spend a leisurely afternoon ambling through the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden, complete with neoclassical statues, follies, and breathtaking views. We will return to the hotel by minibus.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Location:
Harrogate
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Harrogate
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 105 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel paths, grass lawns, uneven bare rock surface, steps to some areas at Jervaulx Abbey.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board the minibus for a full-day field trip to explore the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which was established in 1954, three years after the Lake District National Park. We'll take in some of the National Park's highlights, including: an exploration of the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, established in 1156, one of the most prominent Cistercian Abbeys in Yorkshire; the village of Reeth with its pretty village green and views over the surrounding dales; Hawes, home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese and the highest market town in England at 850 feet; and Aysgarth Falls, a series of three flights of falls carved out by the River Ure. Famous historical visitors to the Dales over the years have included Ruskin, Turner, and Wordsworth.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Our full-day exploration of the Yorkshire Dales continues.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Manchester in the morning.
Day
13
Transfer to Manchester, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Location:
Manchester
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 90 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; gravel, grass and woodland paths
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board the minibus for a full-day field trip to explore the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which was established in 1954, three years after the Lake District National Park. We'll take in some of the National Park's highlights, including: an exploration of the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, established in 1156, one of the most prominent Cistercian Abbeys in Yorkshire; the village of Reeth with its pretty village green and views over the surrounding dales; Hawes, home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese and the highest market town in England at 850 feet; and Aysgarth Falls, a series of three flights of falls carved out by the River Ure. Famous historical visitors to the Dales over the years have included Ruskin, Turner, and Wordsworth.
Lunch:
At the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Afternoon:
Our transfer continues. After checking in at our hotel, we'll have some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
14
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program's "Transportation Information" regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.
Morning:
Shuttle bus to Manchester Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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