Brightwater Holidays - Here Comes Summer - May 2022

HERE COMES SUMMER

Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2021 We are proud to reveal that not only was our Private Groups Manager Jenni Duncan a finalist for the Excellence Award at the 2021 Group Leisure & Travel Awards, but Brightwater Holidays was also shortlisted for the Best Coach or Tour Operator prize – what an honour for us all.

Highgrove Cottage Garden ©Robert Smith

WE’RE ALL GOING ON A...

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f you’ve missed out on two years’ worth of summer holidays, don’t worry – we can help! Many of us are in the same boat, so it’ll come as no surprise to learn that more of us are shying away from the typical beach holiday in search of something a little different because we have so many missed trips to make up for.

We have a fabulous array of summer holidays on offer, which do include visits to some beaches, but beaches set among stunning Hebridean landscapes in Scotland – wild and secluded, not those filled with towel-draped sunloungers! We also have a broad range of garden holidays available between the months of June and August, which can take you all over the UK from England’s southern counties of Cornwall and Devon to some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular examples.

Looking for a holiday that’s more about the journey than the destination? We have a number of steam train tours to choose between, which offer a taste of the golden age of travel along with some beautiful scenery to admire – and memorable visits to boot.

For those looking to head overseas, we have some interesting destinations to consider this summer. How about a twin-centre archaeological tour that explores both Denmark and Sweden? Why not go off in search of wildflowers in Switzerland? Or, hop on a plane and enjoy a stunning holiday that travels around the lakes and gardens of northern Italy.

Then, we have a few special experiences available for this summer only – your chance to witness the legendary Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavaria or attend the horticultural highlight that is the Floriade Expo in the Netherlands, both of which take place only once every decade! Whatever your ideal summer holiday looks like, chances are you will find it among the following pages. We can’t wait to help give you the summer you deserve.

Best Wishes, Alison Wilson Managing Director

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

British Travel Awards We were also thrilled towards the end of 2020 to receive a bronze prize in the Best Small Coach Holiday Company category, something that was voted for by our valued guests – we can’t thank you enough.

You may also be interested to know that we have two nominations in this year’s British Travel Awards, so do keep an eye out for our upcoming campaign in July as we would love to count on your support once again.

How to book Once you’ve finished browsing these pages at your leisure and you’re ready to treat yourself to a place on one of our holidays or Experience Days, just get in touch and we’ll do the rest!

Give our friendly sales team a call on 01334 766 507. Alternatively, you can email us at info@brightwaterholidays.com For further details of any of the trips mentioned, including information about our day-by-day itineraries or to see our full booking conditions, please visit our website: www.brightwaterholidays.com Happy holiday-hunting and we look forward to hearing from you!

Giverny Garden France

Brodick Castle

Keukenhof

Why choose Brightwater?

From start to finish, you’ll be well looked after by the award-winning team here at Brightwater Holidays. Travelling aboard our comfortable coaches in the company of people who share your interest – whether it’s for gardens, stunning Scottish islands or fascinating archaeology – we will take you to fabulous places in all corners of the world. Our friendly Tour Managers are always on hand to ensure that your every need is met, our itineraries are designed by an incredibly experienced team and at all times we put you – the guest – first. Your comfort and enjoyment is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to take you on a memorable holiday in this, our 30th anniversary year.

» Great value for money with coach travel, visits, accommodation and most evening meals included as standard » 30 years of experience and knowledge » Unique and innovative holidays » Exclusive access to private gardens and visits » Well-planned, perfectly-paced itineraries with no hidden extras » Friendly and authoritative tour managers » Professionally recognised partnerships » Welcoming, friendly service from first contact » Enjoy peace of mind with financial protection

“We were made to feel welcome”

“The Hebrides came alive!”

“Every day was enjoyable”

A guest who enjoyed our 20th March departure of the Thriplow Daffodil Festival holiday:

A guest who enjoyed our 22nd March departure of our Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides:

A guest who travelled on our Malta’s Archaeological Heritage holiday last November:

“I am a first-timer with Brightwater Holidays and I was impressed with the professionalism of the Tour Manager, who made us all welcome when we met the coach at Westminster. The itinerary was clear and informative. My holiday was lovely and my two friends really enjoyed their time away.

Hopefully I can use you again next year.”

“Enjoyed the experience with like-minded people. I felt very relaxed because the majority were solo travellers. I felt safe because of covid arrangements in place and I loved all the ferry trips. Very well organised. Tour Manager Alastair Walker was outstanding. He made the Hebrides come alive!”

“Our tour manager Michael Gill was always helpful and good humoured to make every day enjoyable and relaxing. The itinerary was varied and interesting, visiting ancient ruins, attractive historical cities and cultural landmarks.”

01334 766 507 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com

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6 days from £1,395

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland Sail with Serco Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland. Highlights include the seacliffs at Eshaness, the prehistoric and Norse settlement at Jarlshof, UNESCO-listed Neolithic sites and Orkney’s small Italian Chapel.

Seascape, Orkney

Departing: 1st June & 15th August

5 days from £1,175

Undiscovered Orkney Based on Mainland Orkney, this tour offers an opportunity to visit previously unexplored areas as we discover the landmarks and captivating landscapes of the North and South Isles. Highlights include sites that are collectively known as the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’, namely Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae, along with visits to the Highland Park Distillery and the sea cliffs at Westray.

Departing: 23rd June & 25th August

Westray

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

6 days from £1,195

5 days from £1,095

Quoy of Houton

Shetland seascape

Orkney’s Garden Trail

Shetland and its Outer Isles

You may be forgiven for thinking that the far north of Scotland and the Orkney Isles in particular are more about mountains and moorlands, crashing waves and high seaside cliffs, but it is also home to a collection of very determined gardeners who have created, in some cases over generations, a collection of excellent gardens, set amidst a beautiful landscape of long summer days and evenings when it hardly gets dark – a twilight that is known as the ‘simmer dim’. We begin in Caithness and Sutherland with the Castle of Mey and other gardens before crossing to Orkney, where we visit a selection of private gardens and amazing archaeological sites.

As close to Norway as it is to Scotland, Shetland is rugged and remote, with a raw natural beauty, a unique culture and wonderful wildlife. There are over a hundred islands here, only 16 of which are inhabited, and our tour offers the opportunity to visit four of them. During this holiday, we visit the island of Mousa, whose Iron Age broch is the best-preserved example anywhere in the world; the Shetland Croft House Museum, which gives an insight into a typical 19th century croft; and Jarlshof, which provides a unique archaeological time-capsule, spanning 3,000 years of successive settlements. We also tour the northernmost islands of Yell and Unst.

Departing: 13th July & 3rd August

Departing: 10th June & 8th August

6 days from £1,395

5 days from £895

Jarlshof

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

Ancient Stones of the Outer Hebrides

The islands of Orkney and Shetland are littered with archaeological remains. People first came here over 5000 years ago and many of their remains survive, with new archaeological sites being discovered every year. On Shetland, we visit the uninhabited island of Mousa with its 2,000-year-old full size broch, the settlement of Jarlshof and the ruined castle of Scalloway. Then, in Orkney, we visit the Italian Chapel, the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the famous site of Skara Brae. En route to Aberdeen, we will also stop for a photo opportunity at the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle.

Departing: 11th July & 29th August

Standing Stones of Callanish

In about 1800 BC, at around the time that the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt was flourishing, an equally vigorous civilisation was leaving its mark on the far flung islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Later settlers have left their mark too, and the tranquil islands of Lewis and Harris are blessed with an abundance of archaeological remains. Neolithic cairns, Bronze Age standing stones, Iron Age houses, Norse mills and Blackhouses from a couple of centuries ago – these islands are a living timeline and a paradise for the amateur archaeologist. In the company of a local specialist guide we will tour a succession of sites, from Lewis in the north to Harris in the south.

Departing: 12th June

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6 days from £1,095

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides Our Grand tour takes in all the beauty and diversity of this environment with nine or ten different islands (depending on departure) and four ferry trips included. Discover the unique airport at Cockleshell Beach on the island of Barra, stand before the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish and explore the Norse Mill at Shawbost with its rich history. This tour also includes part of the highly scenic North Coast 500.

Eriskay Harbour © Graham Addison

Departing: 30th July, 14th August & 23rd August

7 days from £1,795

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

Isle of Iona

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

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. We begin on the Isle of Mull with a visit to the colourful ‘capital’ Tobermory, followed by an exciting boat trip to the tiny island of Staffa and its famous Fingal’s Cave, an amazing natural cathedral of basalt columns. A full day is given over to the peaceful island of Iona, with its famous abbey and beautiful beaches. We then continue to Islay and visit historic Loch Finlaggan, the Bowmore Distillery and the Museum of Islay Life, along with a visit to Jura.

Departing: 4th August

5 days from £1,095

6 days from £995

Port Ellen, Islay

Gairloch

Islay and Jura

Stornoway, Skye and the Summer Isles

While visiting Islay, we visit the Bowmore Distillery – the oldest on the island – and we stop at Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve, where hopefully we have the opportunity to see many bird species.

To the north-east is Islay’s neighbour Jura, an untamed and rather mysterious island with just 200 human inhabitants, dominated by the “Paps of Jura”. The northern end of the island was home to George Orwell, where he wrote his masterpiece, 1984. Here, we enjoy a scenic tour before some free time in Craighouse. Completing our trio of islands, there’s also an optional excursion to the tranquil little island of Colonsay, where the gardens of Colonsay House await.

Can any three place names evoke the joys of Scotland’s great outdoors more succinctly than Stornoway, Skye and the Summer Isles? Stornoway, a stronghold of Gaelic culture; Skye, one of the most popular island destinations in Scotland, and the Summer Isles – well, the very name says it all. Join us on tour and get to know them better. Enjoy a sunlit morning cruise aboard the fittingly regal ‘Summer Queen’, with the chance of spying a shy grey seal at the surface. Take a circular tour of Lewis, visiting an array of archaeological sites, and visit the lush sub-tropical eden of Inverewe Gardens, where we are at leisure to admire its wonderful specimens.

Departing: 6th June & 11th July

Departing: 8th June & 27th July

4 days from £875

11 days from £2,595

Duart Castle

Mull, Staffa & Iona From our base at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, conveniently located close to the ferry terminal with superb views of the Sound of Mull, the Morvern hills and the Firth of Lorne, we explore some of the highlights of the island. The multi-coloured buildings that line the waterfront of the island’s principal town, Tobermory, will be familiar to many. From here, we sail on a wildlife cruise that takes us to the Treshnish Isles, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, and on to the little island of Staffa, whose natural cathedral of basalt columns – Fingal’s Cave – is one of the wonders of the west coast.

We also visit the 13th century Duart Castle and the isle of Iona.

Departing: 15th July, 29th July & 19th August

Leverburgh

Grand Tour of the Western and Northern Isles The first part of this odyssey is essentially our Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides, with all the elements that has made this our top‑selling island holiday, from Kisimul Castle and Cockleshell Beach to the Standing Stones of Callanish and the Blackhouses of Lewis.

Back on the mainland, we have an interlude in Aberdeen and a visit to Castle Fraser before taking the overnight ferry to Lerwick and exploring Shetland’s seascapes. Then it’s on to Orkney, home to some of the most impressive Neolithic monuments in Europe and a green, fertile landscape that sets it apart from other Scottish islands.

Departing: 30th July

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5 days from £795

6 days from £855

John O’Groats

Achmelvich

Scotland’s Northern Edge

Highland Explorer: Skye and the Far North

This breathtaking itinerary, which features part of the scenic North Coast 500, pays visits to an array of stunning sites. We cross to Handa Island for some time to explore and spot wildlife, we then spend time at the late Queen Mother’s former holiday home – the Castle of Mey, and there’s even a visit to Smoo Cave, which not only boasts the largest entrance of any sea cave in the British Isles, but even has a blow-hole. We also visit John O’ Groats, Duncansby Head and the Strathnaver Museum, the church in which it was housed dates from 1700 and takes us on a journey from the mystical past of prehistory through to the vibrant culture of today.

A classic coach tour of Scotland, with nothing more demanding than sitting back and enjoying one scenic delight after another, as we travel north into the Cairngorms, north west to Gairloch and further north still to the wilds of Assynt and the beach at Achmelvich.

Enjoy a full day on the Isle of Skye, passing the Cuillin Mountains, more often than not wreathed in ethereal mist, to Portree, the epitome of a colourful Hebridean harbour. From our second hotel in Fort William, which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, we head west to Mallaig, stopping for a photo at the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Our homeward journey takes us via Glen Coe and tranquil Loch Earn.

Departing: 14th June, 11th July, 9th August & 17th August

Departing: 29th July

5 days from £995

5 days from £795

Kilchurn Castle

Brodick Castle

Scenic Journeys of Argyll and Bute

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

The railway line from Glasgow to Oban is one of the most scenic in Scotland, and unjustly receives less attention than more famous routes such as Fort William to Mallaig and Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. As well as traversing this historic railway line we have other excursions to enjoy, including two island gems. The first of these is Gigha, home to Achamore Gardens, whose slightly faded glory still has the power to amaze, and the second is the isle of Bute, where we find one of the most extravagant stately homes in the British Isles. We also visit Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, as well as gardens at Ardkinglas and Arduaine.

From Blackwaterfoot, we will visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick the capital of Arran, the pretty village of Corrie that sits beneath the shadow of Goat Fell and Sannox, before passing the ‘12 Apostles’ at Lochranza. We also explore the beautiful gardens of Brodick Castle, which are bound to leave a lasting impression as the setting is staggering and its garden is a mass of colour at any time of the year – in spring the scent of azaleas and rhododendrons fills the air. We will be based for four nights at the 3-star Best Western Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot, on the western shore of the island, overlooking Kilbrannan Sound and the Mull of Kintyre.

Departing: 28th July

Departing: 20th June

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

4 days from £595

4 days from £695

Pictish Stone, Aberlemno

Bottlenose dolphin

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Highland Wildlife Safari

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’.

Renowned as one of the most warlike of the Celtic barbarian tribes of Europe, they successfully attacked the Roman army and yet few of their homes or forts have ever been found. Travel through the heartland of the southern Picts in Perthshire and Angus, coming face-to-face with them through the clues of their everyday life.

Stand before magnificent Pictish stones at Aberlemno, take a boat to the Isle of May and visit Forteviot - palace of the Pictish kings.

Scotland’s natural environment is second to none with a more diverse range of habitats than almost any other country of comparable size. This magical tour of the Highlands provides close encounters with a wide range of wildlife, all set against a backdrop of magnificent scenery. Visit the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore, with its extensive collection of both native and exotic animals and birds; head out into the Moray Firth for a dolphin cruise and stop at the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. We also visit the fine Inverewe Gardens and the Fish Ladder at Pitlochry Dam for a chance to see the mighty salmon making their way upstream.

Departing: 18th June, 23rd July & 6th August

Departing: 24th June & 22nd July

4 days from £665

4 days from £595

Strathspey Railway

The Jacobite steam train

Scenic Scottish Railways

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

The north of Scotland is blessed with some wonderfully scenic railway lines and we explore them on this tour. Board the Jacobite and travel from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct; join the Strathspey Railway and hop off to visit the Boat of Garten, the village that doubled as ‘Glenbogle’ in the popular BBC TV series, Monarch of the Glen; and board a morning scheduled diesel train service to Wick. We also visit the striking 13th century Eilean Donan Castle and it may be of interest to know that this itinerary features part of the North Coast 500, the highly scenic coastal route which begins and ends in Inverness.

Our Classic Scottish Steam Break has been a best-seller for years, thanks to the unbeatable combination of steam, scenery and nostalgia. The tour itself includes a unique boat journey on the Falkirk Wheel, a relaxed cruise on Loch Katrine, a sail ‘Doon ra Watter’ on the PS Waverley and a ride aboard the Jacobite steam train as it glides over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. On the 23rd June, 7th July, 21st July and 11th August departures we will be staying at the Arrochar Hotel, located on the banks of Loch Long, and on the 27th June, 8th July, 14th July and 4th August departures we will be staying at the 4-star Stirling Highland Hotel.

Departing: 29th July

Departing: Multiple departures throughout the summer

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4 days from £595

4 days from £725 LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU

Balmoral

Abbotsford House

Historic Houses of Aberdeenshire

Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

Aberdeenshire is dotted with historic houses and castles, many of them outstanding examples of Scots Baronial architecture. Each one has a fascinating story to tell with countless legends and several royal connections. Our tour starts at Drum Castle, where 700 years of history is woven into its battlements. Haddo House showcases the crisp neo-classical style of William Adam, while Fyvie Castle presents a prime example of the more extravagant Scots Baronial form. We also visit Castle Fraser, Craigievar and the Queen’s late summer residence of Balmoral Castle, and we conclude at glorious Crathes Castle, every inch the classic Scottish tower house.

This prosperous region is home to a remarkable number of historic houses, ancient castles and stately homes, allowing the visitor to sample a huge slice of Scottish history and folklore in a short space of time. During this short but sweet holiday, we pay visits to the likes of Manderston House, described as ”the swansong of the stately home”; Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland and with a host of royal connections; Mellerstain House, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture; and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. We also pay a visit to spectacular Floors Castle, the magnificent home of the Duke of Roxburghe.

Departing: 5th June & 17th July

Departing: 26th June

5 days from £1,495

4 days from £595 LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU

Cawdor Castle

Castles and Palaces of the Highlands Travelling through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, this tour includes a series of special experiences and visits. Enjoy a drinks reception with Lady Cawdor herself at Cawdor Castle, immortalised in Shakespeare’s Macbeth as the scene of Duncan’s murder; tour Scone Palace’s gardens in the company of BBC Scotland’s The Beechgrove Garden presenter Brian Cunningham, where lunch also awaits; and visit the stunning château-style Dunrobin Castle, where we can see a display of falconry. We also visit the privately owned Ballindalloch Castle, the blush-coloured Brodie Castle and Blair Castle, nestled in the Perthshire countryside.

Departing: 10th August

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

Dunbeath Castle

Private Gardens of Caithness and Sutherland Travelling among the jagged headlands and shining white sands on the northern coast, our visits include two gardens protected from the wind by high walls – Bighouse Lodge by Melvich and The House of Tongue, in a spectacular setting on the Kyle of Tongue. We couldn’t go to Caithness without including a visit to the Castle of Mey, former summer retreat of the late Queen Mother, and we tour the gardens that surround Dunbeath Castle. Further visits include the private gardens of The Auld Post Office and The Lookout, the garden at Old Allangrange and Inverness Botanic Garden.

Departing: 27th June & 12th July

11 days from £2,195

5 days from £995

Inverewe Garden

Dunrobin Castle

Grand Tour of the Gardens of Scotland

Gardens of the Far North

The selection of gardens visited on this tour is diverse, ranging from the peace and calm of Malleny Garden in Edinburgh to the windy hilltop and lavish planting of Glenwhan, and from the sub-tropical exoticism of Logan Botanic Gardens to the homely and traditional Castle of Mey. We also visit Dunrobin Castle, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens and the great woodland gardens of Ardkinglas.

Top of the bill is Inverewe, a truly wonderful garden, which involves a journey to the wild beauty of the west coast through some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in the world. We also visit the Castle of Mey, the gardens of Cawdor Castle, beautiful Dunrobin Castle and Dunbeath Castle. Finally, we visit the House of Aigas where we also have lunch, made using produce grown on site.

Departing: 17th July

Departing: 10th July

4 days from £625

1 day £119

Logan Botanic Gardens

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of Scotland’s most attractive gardens and the highlight of our tour is undoubtedly Dumfries House, actually in Ayrshire, which Prince Charles helped to save. We also visit Broughton House, Drumlanrig Castle and Crawick Multiverse. On 15th August, the tour is led by former Head Gardener to HM The Queen Mother at Windsor, Colin Crosbie.

Departing: 5th June & 15th August 4 days from £595

Experience Day

Colin Crosbie’s garden

Gardens of Dumfries & Galloway with Colin Crosbie We begin at the garden of Elizabeth McGregor, one of Scotland’s finest perennial plant nurseries, then depart for Threave Gardens near Castle Douglas, where Colin will lead a tour of the garden. We tour the garden of Seabank with the owner and then head to Colin’s at Dalswinton Mill, where we have a tour of the garden and light supper.

Taking place: 20th July 4 days from £565

LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU Culzean Castle

Pitmuies

Best of Ayrshire Gardens

Best of Angus

While we have long extolled the virtues of Dumfries and Galloway as a destination for garden tours, the neighbouring county of Ayrshire has been rather neglected - unfairly so, for there are a host of fine gardens to be discovered in this green and fertile county. Visits include Culzean Castle, Blair House and some smaller, privately owned gardens. There’s also a chance to visit the isle of Arran.

The rich, fertile soil of Angus provides an ideal environment for gardening, so it’s no surprise that within this historic north-east Scottish county there are a host of wonderful gardens to be enjoyed.

From the House of Pitmuies to the grand Edzell Castle, there is much to discover. We also visit the herbalist’s garden at Logie House, the walled gardens at Langley Park and the mixed borders at Dunninald.

Departing: 18th July

Departing: 19th August

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4 days from £625

4 days from £595

Highgrove Sundial Garden ©Robert Smith

Highgrove and the Cotswolds Our tour of the Cotswolds features an exclusive visit to Highgrove Gardens, the country home of HRH the Prince of Wales. This is a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens, which of course are cultivated using wholly organic methods. Some of the finest gardens in England are to be found nestled among the green and rolling hills of Gloucestershire. Our tour begins at the Arts and Crafts house of Rodmarton Manor, whose fine garden comprises a series of ‘outdoor rooms’, each with its own character. Hidcote Manor’s contrasting garden rooms and Kiftsgate’s splendid views are justly famous. We shall also visit the small, private garden of Misarden Park and our final visit is to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum.

Departing: 7th August & 21st August 4 days from £825

RHS Bridgewater 2021 © RHS Neil Hepworth

RHS Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West Known for being one of the largest and perhaps most ambitious gardening projects in Europe, RHS Garden Bridgewater has finally opened to the public and we are delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to visit it. Based on an overall design created by leading landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, highlights include one of the largest walled gardens in the UK, beautifully landscaped grounds, living plant collections and horticultural trials. Other visits on this horticultural holiday include the Trentham Estate in Staffordshire, Dunham Massey, Tatton Park and Arley Hall, which is home to famous double herbaceous borders.

Departing: 18th June, 16th July & 6th August 4 days from £795

Bamburgh Castle

Castles and Houses of Northumberland A visit to Northumberland’s low-lying coast and wide open spaces is always a treat, but when it includes a host of historic houses and castles the pleasure is magnified greatly. Perhaps the most impressive of these is Bamburgh Castle, which sprawls over a rocky plateau on the coast, close to the Farne Islands. Late in its long life, it was bought by the visionary inventor and philanthropist Lord Armstrong, whose innovative house at Cragside we also visit.

Further highlights include a trip to the holy island of Lindisfarne, where we explore both the castle and priory; and visits to Belsay Hall, Wallington House, and Alnwick Castle, which is the second largest inhabited castle in all of England.

Departing: 2nd June

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

Lanhydrock

Castles and Houses of Devon and Cornwall Devon and Cornwall offer a selection of historic houses across a range of English history, from medieval times through the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras, and into the 20th century. Highlights include Hartland Abbey, built in 1157 and used a monastery up until 1539 where it became the last dissolved monastery by Henry VIII; Lanhydrock, designed as an ‘unpretentious’ family home, which dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by extensive gardens, ancient woodlands and quaint riverside paths; and Castle Drogo, which was built in the early 20th century by the Edwardian architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Departing: 27th July

4 days from £995

5 days from £1,095

Penshurst Place

Castles and Houses of Kent There can’t be many tours that feature references to such a diverse range of characters as this – Charles Darwin, Sir Winston Churchill, Henry VIII and Sir Cliff Richard! The county of Kent is overflowing with historic castles and houses, which we will explore while learning all about the characters associated with them. Visits on this impressive tour include Chartwell, the much-loved family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922 until 1964; Hever Castle, where we enjoy a private tour and dinner; Down House, where Charles Darwin lived and worked; and Penshurst Place, whose Baron’s Hall was once used as a hunting lodge by King Henry VIII. We also visit Leeds Castle and the cathedral city of Canterbury before the tour ends.

Departing: 14th August 5 days from £1,595

Holkham Hall

Stately Homes and Seaside Castles of Norfolk Our tour begins at the 500-year-old Oxburgh Hall followed by a visit to one of Britain’s largest keeps, Castle Rising. We visit the Blickling Estate, a Jacobean mansion set in magnificent parklands and gardens. After a trip on the North Norfolk Heritage Railway, we head to Sandringham, the much-loved retreat of the British monarchy, for afternoon tea and a private tour. The Palladian-style Holkham Hall and the moated manor of Hindringham Hall are next on our list, with private access to the gardens included at the latter. We also visit Wolterton Park, Hoveton Hall and Mannington Hall, where Lady Walpole takes us on a guided tour of this, her ancestral family home.

Departing: 13th June 8 days from £1,695

Hillsborough

Grand Houses and Gardens of Northern Ireland

Blarney Castle

The Irish Rover

With the help of Ulster-based garden designer, broadcaster and writer Trevor Edwards, who will also be our Tour Manager, we have curated this collection of outstanding gardens in the east of Northern Ireland, featuring a number of special access visits, tours and experiences. Highlights include Guincho, one of Northern Ireland’s greatest private gardens, Ballywalter Park and Mount Stewart. We discover the atmospheric Castle Ward, Clandeboye Estate and the historic Ballyedmond Castle, where we have a tour followed by lunch in the Orangery. Another highlight is Hillsborough Castle, Her Majesty the Queen’s official Northern Ireland residence.

Departing: 18th July

Just like the Van Morrison song, this Irish Rover is wrapped up in glory – the glory of some of Ireland’s finest gardens. A rich feast of horticultural excellence awaits, with memorable and beguiling gardens, enthusiastic and skilful owners and an ever-changing backdrop of lush green hills, fertile fields and glittering seascapes.

We begin in Northern Ireland at the garden of Mount Stewart, truly one of the greatest in the world. We also visit Rowallane and Castle Ward. In Dublin, we meet June Blake, a passionate plantswoman who grows a mix of bamboos, ornamental grasses and perennials, and her brother Jimi Blake at Hunting Brook. We also visit Ilnacullin, the Blarney Castle & Gardens, Mount Usher and Powerscourt.

Departing: 18th August

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4 days from £645

4 days from £795

West Somerset Railway

Lundy and Scenic Journeys of the West Country The passage from Ilfracombe to the Isle of Lundy in fair weather is as good as it gets. Settle down in your seat on the graceful MS Oldenburg and watch the world go by, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as seabirds, basking sharks and seals, as we enjoy a few hours to explore Lundy. Elsewhere on this tour, we travel across Somerset on the West Somerset Steam Railway – a 20 mile journey of nostalgia from Bishops Lydeard to the seaside town of Minehead, after which we enjoy a scenic coach tour of Exmoor National Park.

We also ride on board the ‘Tivertonian’, one of only a handful of horse drawn barges left in England, and visit the SS Great Britain.

Departing: 18th August 4 days from £695

Osborne House

Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight Queen Victoria is one of Britain’s most notable monarchs, not just for her longevity and the extent of her dominion but also for the huge social changes that took place during her reign. This tour 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 must be Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria’s favourite home, with its beautiful gardens and extravagant Wendy house where the royal children played so happily. Elsewhere on the island we visit Carisbrooke Castle, Godshill and Shanklin Old Village. On the mainland, our visits include the legendary Windsor Castle and Frogmore House.

Departing: 21st August 5 days from £1,495

Hampton Court Castle

Private Gardens of Herefordshire Rural Herefordshire boasts some of Britain’s finest gardens, offering a great variety of styles, from water gardens to plantsman’s gardens, and from a garden of sentiment and memories to a garden of history and refinement. Highlights on this busy itinerary include Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, Sir Roy Strong’s former garden known as The Laskett and Stockton Bury, a four-acre plantsman’s garden filled with unusual plants. Here we have a workshop, tour and talk with the gardener lined up. No trip to Herefordshire would be complete without visiting Hampton Court Castle’s award-winning gardens, perhaps the most ambitious garden creations of our time, which feature a walled kitchen garden, a magnolia walk and a yew maze.

Departing: 15th August

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

La Seigneurie Gardens

Private Gardens of Guernsey and Sark The island of Guernsey, just 20 miles off the coast of France, flourishes in the warmth of summer and is home to some wonderful gardens. On our first day here, we visit the Guernsey Millennium Tapestry, which provides a colourful introduction to the island’s history, followed by Castle Cornet and a small private garden.

Further Guernsey highlights include Saumarez Park, the Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum, the workshop of a local jeweller and also Candie Gardens. After crossing to the traffic-free island of Sark, we visit the garden of La Seigneurie and wildflower meadows. Local horticulturalist Malcolm Cleal is our Tour Manager for the duration.

Departing: 16th June

4 days from £695

4 days from £625

Lanhydrock

East Ruston Old Vicarage

Private Gardens of Cornwall

Private Gardens of East Anglia

Cornwall’s gardens are renowned for their colour and variety, and there are outstanding examples here, many of them privately owned.

These include the Italianate-style Lamorran and Caerhays Castle with its informal woodland garden. We begin at Lanhydrock, then visit Trewithen with its outstanding collection of Asiatic trees and shrubs, and also take in the more modern Trelissick Garden.

The counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk feature on this tour, many of which have connections to the RHS. Beginning in Essex, we visit RHS Hyde Hall and Beth Chatto’s famous garden and nursery. Other highlights include Helmingham Hall gardens, Wyken Hall vineyard and gardens, Raveningham Hall and East Ruston Old Vicarage. We also visit The Place for Plants and Markshall Garden and Arboretum.

Departing: 21st July

Departing: 5th August

4 days from £595

4 days from £795

Tatton Park

Angel of the North

Arts & Gardens of the North West

Arts and Gardens of Durham

Our tour begins in Stoke at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, which houses many items from the Staffordshire Hoard.

We continue to Liverpool, home to an equally impressive range of fine art, from pre-Raphaelite favourites to the leading-edge contemporary collections of Tate Liverpool. We also pay visits to the Trentham Estate in Staffordshire and to Tatton Park.

The North East of England boasts an impressive artistic heritage. A relaxing train journey takes us north from London and we begin our tour at the gardens of Belsay Hall in Northumberland. Two more fine gardens follow, Alnwick Garden and the rock garden at Cragside, and then we visit the Oriental Museum in Durham and its Botanic Garden. We conclude at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

Departing: 31st July

Departing: 11th August

4 days from £775

4 days from £595 LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU Grasmere

Portmeirion

Colours of the Lake District

Gardens of North Wales

Given UNESCO status in 2017, the Lake District’s landscape of rolling mountains and sprawling lakes will inspire every visitor. We embark on a scenic, story-filled tour, paying visits to Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farmhouse known as Hill Top, William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and John Ruskin’s Brantwood. We also visit Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall, and the Arts and Crafts house of Blackwell.

Set among glorious scenery, North Wales is home to outstanding gardens. One of the best is Plas Cadnant, which 25 years ago was an abandoned wilderness of ivy and decrepit fruit trees. Further highlights include the private garden of Maenen Hall with its dramatic views of Snowdonia; Bodnant Garden, with beautiful plants from all over the world, and Portmeirion - a surreal Italianate village.

Departing: 13th June

Departing: 10th June & 12th August

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4 days from £795

4 days from £825

Alnwick Garden

Wakehurst Place

Gardens of Northumberland

Gardens of Kent and Sussex

The largely rural county of Northumberland is home 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. Our tour begins at the gardens of Belsay Hall, which are uniquely set in the quarry that provided the stone to build the house itself. We continue to Mindrum, a large and generous garden, and then it’s on to Kirky Cottage. We also pay visits to Manor House, Newbiggin House and Alnwick Garden, whose inspiration stems from the unbridled passion of the Duchess of Northumberland, and gives us a garden for the 21st century.

If there’s one tour that epitomises the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden, it is this one – with one shining example after another to be savoured and enjoyed. We start at Great Comp, filled with rare and beautiful shrubs, followed by Lullingstone Castle. Nymans Garden offers outstanding plants in a theatrical setting and is twinned with the Sussex Prairie Garden, reminiscent of the work of the great Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. We also visit Sissinghurst and Great Dixter. A stroll around the gardens of Wakehurst Place and a special tour at Perch Hill, the garden of a well-known TV presenter, round off a distinguished tour.

Departing: 12th June, 24th July & 21st August

Departing: 24th June & 19th August

5 days from £695

5 days from £1,255

East Lambrook Manor

Mont Orgueil

Gardens of Somerset and Dorset

Gardens of Jersey

The neighbouring counties of Dorset and Somerset epitomise the timeless and restrained beauty of rural England and are home to a fine selection of classic gardens in a variety of different styles. Both counties offer grand vistas, both natural and man-made and small and intimate treasures, again, both natural and man-made. From our base in Taunton, our tour heads out each day to all four compass points, visiting historic National Trust properties such as Barrington Court, Tintinhull and the wonderful landscape of Stourhead, as well as outstanding gardens such as Kilver Court, Forde Abbey and East Lambrook. We also visit Barrington Court and Lytes Cary Manor.

Situated within touching distance of France, the island of Jersey is blessed with wonderfully mild and sunny weather, making it the perfect destination for an early summer holiday. During our time here, we visit Creux Baillot Cottage Garden, which is set in a tranquil valley and is packed with unusual plants, and Le Noir Pré, where the rare Jersey wild orchid can be found. We also explore the excellent Samarès Botanical Gardens, the Eric Young Orchid Foundation and Domain des Vaux. This particular departure also includes a free day to enjoy Jersey at leisure and it is led by popular Tour Manager Colin Crosbie, former Head Gardener to HM the Queen Mother.

Departing: 30th June & 18th August

Departing: 31st August

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

6 days from £2,195

Oberammergau and the Austrian Tyrol

©Passion Play Oberammergau 2020

Join popular Tour Manager Kate Williamson for six memorable days on this twin-centre tour, which visits both Austria and Germany. The star of the holiday is, of course, our chance to witness the once-a-decade Passion Play in the charming Bavarian village of Oberammergau, but there are more highlights to enjoy along the way. We will take a ride aboard the Zillertal Steam Railway with a complimentary glass of schnapps, there will be a themed city tour of Salzburg where we get to choose between Mozart or The Sound of Music, and we will explore the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck along with the vaulted halls of Tratzberg Castle.

Departing: 10th August

6 days from £2,195

Oberammergau and Lake Constance Held only once every ten years, the Passion Play of Oberammergau, a spectacular event with a huge cast formed exclusively by the townsfolk of Oberammergau, is a spiritual treat to be savoured. Equally spectacular is the setting for our preamble to the Passion Play, a four-night stay on the shores of Lake Constance, whose sparkling waters form an ever-present backdrop to our touring. We visit Insel Mainau, the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle.and the UNESCO-listed Pilgrimage Church of Wies.

Neuschwanstein

Departing: 23rd August

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4 days from £595

4 days from £795

Amsterdam

Keukenhof

Treasures of Holland ft. Floriade and Amsterdam by Ferry

Treasures of Holland ft. Floriade and Amsterdam by Eurostar

Based at the 4-star Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel, just a short drive from the Floriade site itself, we also pay visits to a selection of great museums and gardens on this four-day tour. These include the beautiful garden of De Wiersse, the spectacular Het Loo Palace and the Museum van Loon – a magnificent private residence from the Dutch ‘Golden Age’, with a large collection of paintings.

Highlights on this tour, besides the once-a-decade Floriade Expo, include the beautiful garden of De Wiersse, the spectacular Het Loo Palace and the magnificent canal-side residence and garden at the Museum van Loon. We are based at the 4-star Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel, conveniently situated in the centre of Almere, with many shops, cafes and restaurants just a stone’s throw away.

Departing: 12th July & 9th August

Departing: 5th August

5 days from £745

5 days from £865

Oude Canal, Delft

Arts & Gardens of Holland inc Floriade Our tour includes visits to the Kröller-Müller Museum with its unique combination of nature, art and architecture, the magnificent canal-side residence and garden at the Museum van Loon, the richly endowed Mauritshuis art gallery, the Royal Delft Factory and the Vermeer Centre, showcasing the work of one of the best known artists from the Dutch Golden Age. Departing: 19th August

Keukenhof

Arts & Gardens of Holland inc Floriade

by Eurostar As well as visiting the once-a-decade Floriade Expo, we visit some of the great artistic treasures of the Netherlands, which include the Kröller-Müller Museum, Museum van Loon, the Mauritshuis art gallery, the Royal Delft Factory and the Vermeer Centre.

Departing: 15th July & 19th August

Trains, Boats and Planes ft Floriade

5 days from £895

In addition to our horticultural day out at the all-important Floriade Expo, which takes place just once every decade, we have arranged an exciting series of transport-themed excursions. We spend a day in north Holland, travelling first on a vintage steam tram and then on an elegant 1950s ferry on the Ijsselmeer, and we then enjoy some free time in the popular picturesque town of Volendam. There are more trains to admire at the national Rail Museum in Utrecht, followed by some ‘Queens of the Sky’ at the Aviodrome Flight Museum at Lelystad. Finally we cruise the waterways of Amsterdam, admiring the magnificent canal-side residences. For this year’s iteration of Floriade, the theme is ‘Growing Green Cities’. With the world’s urban population expanding to 70%, cities will have to find creative, green and sustainable solutions to remain safe, healthy and attractive and these proposed solutions will be central to the exhibits at the 2022 Expo.

Heritage train, Hoorn

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Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022

Departing: 15th July

8 days from £1,995

8 days from £2,495 LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU

Frederiksborg Palace

Wengen

Archaeology of Denmark and Sweden

Alpine Flowers of Wengen

We begin in Uppsala in Sweden, with visits to the archaeological sites at Gamla Uppsala and Anundshög, and the baroque Skokloster Castle. In Stockholm, we tour the Historical Museum and Vasa Museum, which houses the richly decorated royal warship which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. We travel from Stockholm to Malmö and explore the Osterlen region, with visits to the megalithic monuments known as Ales Stenar before crossing the Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen. We tour the Danish capital and then transfer to Aarhus in mainland Denmark. From here we visit the Moesgård Viking Museum, the Viking Castle at Fyrkat and Silkeborg Museum, home to the ‘bog bodies’ – people who died here around 350BC.

Lying in the Bernese Oberland region at the heart of Switzerland, Wengen, at a height of some 1,274 metres, is ringed by some of Europe’s highest and best known mountains including the Eiger and Jungfrau. With breaktaking scenery, rich green alpine meadows and spruce forests below, it is a superb destination for a range of native flora as well as bird and butterfly spotting opportunities. This eight-day tour is led by popular Tour Manager Colin Crosbie. Each day we walk a different route of up to five miles, sometimes taking a mountain railway to the starting point. We also take the rack railway to Schynige Platte to visit the Alpine Botanic Garden, which has 600 different species of local plants.

Departing: 4th July

Departing: 30th June

4 days from £895

8 days from £1,995

Monet’s Garden

Villa Taranto

The Genius of Monet

Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

Just as the gardens at Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, so they continue to enthrall countless visitors more than 90 years after his death. The lovingly restored gardens give a vivid impression of Monet’s favourite subjects. The gardens are filled with poppies, lupins, delphiniums and peonies, and throughout the year the atmosphere is of abundant colour and luxuriant growth. During this tour, we also visit the Orangerie Museum in Paris, the Château de Chantilly with its extensive collection of fine art and its gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and the pleasant market town of Senlis. Our hotel is the stunning 4-star Château de Montvillargenne, which is set in a 15 acre park.

The fabulous scenery and benign climate of the northern Italian lakes have attracted aristocrats and the wealthy for years, and today their elegant villas and lush gardens perfectly complement the natural landscape. From our bases on the Gulf of Borromeo on Lake Maggiore and at the foot of Lake Como we will explore a succession of villas and their gardens, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glittering water. We will visit the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society, the stunning Borromean Islands and also the elegant 18th century Villa Carlotta, and we will be treated to a special private tour with the owner of Villa Cicogna Mozzoni.

Departing: 22nd July

Departing: 22nd June

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EXPERIENCE DAYS Memorable Days Out With Exclusive Experiences

I

n a new venture for Brightwater Holidays, we are delighted to unveil our collection of Experience Days. While a full-length tour is always a treat, sometimes an immersive day out is enough to give us that sense of escapism a holiday offers. With this in mind, we are excited to announce that we have created a brand new range of Experience Days, many of which offer activities not normally available to the public. Others cater to the recent trend of people taking up new hobbies, such gardening, which allows them to get closer to nature while improving their mental health and general well-being.

For the green-fingered among us, choose between a number of glorious garden visits that showcase stunning plants and trees.

We also delve into history on a few of our Experience Days and offer encounters at fabulous museums – the choice is yours. The full range is available to view online, but we’ve outlined three unique days out below that depart over the next few months, which may just be of interest.

JULY - OCTOBER LULLINGSTONE CASTLE & THE WORLD GARDEN OF PLANTS WITH TOM HART DYKE 1 day | 5 July & 13 September | £99 EGYPTIAN DISCOVERY AT CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE 1 day | 11 July & 5 October | £75 GARDENS OF DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY THROUGH THE SEASONS WITH COLIN CROSBIE 1 day | 20 July & 13 October | £119 THE GARDENS OF SCONE PALACE WITH BRIAN CUNNINGHAM 1 day | 9 August & 20 September | £99 SCOTTISH HISTORY & BRITISH ART AT KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM 1 day | 13 September | £95 GLASGOW RIVERSIDE MUSEUM 1 day | 14 September | £95 BATSFORD ARBORETUM WITH TREE EXPERT TONY RUSSELL 1 day | 11 October | £135

How to book

Call today: 01334 766 507

or visit our website: brightwaterholidays.com 20 Brightwater Holidays | Summer 2022