Somerset is a garden-lover's dream destination, with a wonderful variety of stunning gardens. From manicured country house grounds to cottage gardens with lush flower beds and edible plants, there's so much for the green-fingered to see and do in this colourful county.
This tailor-made itinerary is designed to give you a full taste of Somerset life, with trips to several of the area's picture-perfect gardens and an inspiring talk from leading horticulturist David Domoney.
Among the many highlights are visits to Lytes Cary Manor with its Arts and Crafts-inspired grounds, the tranquil Tintinhull Garden in the grounds of a grand Tudor manor house, and a trip to the historic Hestercombe House, whose gorgeous gardens date back to medieval times.
Also on the itinerary is a visit to Batcombe House, with its herbaceous borders and ornamental kitchen garden, where you'll be joined by David Domoney for a special tour. Later on, David will join you for a delicious three-course lunch where he'll give a talk and answer your questions.
You'll also be accompanied on your trip by knowledgeable tour manager Sally Nex, an expert in sustainable gardening, who will give you fascinating insights into the local area and its horticultural history.
Your base for the trip will be the superb Castle Hotel in Taunton, an ivy-clad four-star retreat famed for its food. It's one of the UK's most historic hotels with parts of the building dating back some 1000 years and run for more than 60 years by the Chapman family. You'll also have plenty of free time to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings.
* Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room. Deposit £150pp payable on booking. Single supplement available from £168 for a single room or £228 for a double room with single occupancy. Room upgrades available on request. Prices shown are subject to availability and change.
Today you'll arrive in Somerset and check in at The Castle Hotel in Taunton from 3pm. Later you'll enjoy a welcome drink, dinner with wine, and a talk from your expert guide and host, Sally Nex.
This morning you'll visit The Newt, a country estate with acres of splendid gardens. You'll then head to see the gardens at Kilver Court, a historic house in Shepton Mallet, where you'll have time for lunch (not included). Afterwards you'll visit Lytes Cary Manor for a guided tour. After a busy day, the evening will be free for you to relax at the hotel. Perhaps enjoy a cocktail in one of the bar's plush, private booths.
Today you'll visit Batcombe House in the company of David Domoney and enjoy a guided tour of the grounds followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. You'll then travel on to At the Chapel at Bruton for drinks, a three-course lunch with wine and a talk from David Domoney after which he'll answer your questions in a Q&A. Later in the afternoon you'll return to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
This morning you'll visit East Lambrook Manor, where you'll see its cottage garden created by the renowned 20th-century gardener and writer Margery Fish. Then it's on to the delightful formal Tintinhull Garden where there will be time for light lunch (not included).
Afterwards you'll return to the hotel to freshen up. Later in the afternoon you'll take a transfer to Hestercombe where you'll enjoy a visit to the historic house and a guided tour of the gardens. You will then enjoy a welcome drink and three-course dinner with wine before a transfer back to the hotel.
In the morning you'll visit the gardens of the Bishop's Palace in Wells with free time for lunch (not included). You'll then travel on to the gardens at the Yeo Valley Farm, an organic garden with six and a half acres of ornamental and edible plants. You'll return to the hotel at about 5pm.
The central location means you're a short walk from the city's amenities, but you'll feel miles away from the bustle once you're surrounded by The Castle's elaborate interiors. Plus, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty abound in just about every direction.
Located just off North Street on Castle Green.
By car: 1 hour from Bristol or 1 and a half from Bath or Plymouth, around 2 and a half from Southampton. There is plenty of on-site parking.
By train: 4 hours from Leeds, 1 hour 20 minutes from Plymouth, 2 hours from Cardiff and 4 and a half from York. Taunton station is a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk away. thetrainline.com
By bus: Taunton bus station is less than a minute's walk from the hotel.
The hotel is perfect for parties, families celebrating special occasions and locals who love to take afternoon tea. Although there's an historic feel that lends itself to dressing up in the evenings, dining with other guests in the bustling brasserie for breakfast is a laid-back and joyful affair. Feature lighting accentuates the green-tiled bar and swanky coffee machine which are kept sparkling clean, and adds character to this modern restaurant.
There's an excitable atmosphere at breakfast, which is award-winning and has been served by Gerry Barge, The Castle's breakfast chef, for more than 40 years. A ramp with stylised handrails, as well as a ground-floor street entrance makes Brazz more easily accessible. The hotel is happy to take well-behaved dogs and cats with pre-arranged booking.
- Brazz restaurant
- Cocktail bar
- Afternoon tea
- Events and parties
- Family rooms
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- Rose garden
- Penthouse suite
Crisp white bedding, soft, spotless carpets and shining bathrooms make even the single rooms feel luxurious - and the beds are supremely comfortable. The Garden Room has a country-house feel with patterned fabrics, antique mis-matched furniture, giant bed and garden-view windows.
Cosy Room, Castle Double, Castle Deluxe Double, Garden Room, Castle Suite
Facilities include: satellite TV, work desk, WiFi, tea and coffee-making facilities, safe, room service, hair dryer, ensuite bathroom. Family rooms are a Deluxe Double and Deluxe Twin joined by a hallway or door.
The chunky farmhouse bread and salty butter served as you sit down is scrumptious, but starters steal the show - the homemade salsa verde served with warm chickpea fritters is zingy and refreshing.
Brazz: Café, bar and diner. Modern, chic interiors, booth seating. Open Tuesday - Saturday for breakfast (guests only), lunch and dinner. Dinner mains from £13.50.
Bow Bar: Cocktail bar and café. Artisanal food & drinks including coffee, cakes, bar snacks, charcuterie platters, afternoon tea. Historic archway entrance. Open weekdays 9am-3pm, Fridays & Saturdays til 10pm.
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* Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room. Deposit £150pp payable on booking. Single supplement available from £168 for a single room or £228 for a double room with single occupancy. Room upgrades available on request. Prices shown are subject to availability and change.
