Gardens of Scotland & Northern England

{Bon Voyage}

We`re off on a grand tour of public and private, grand and intimate, walled and wooded gardens and stately homes in Northern England and Scotland. Join the ride as we make our way from Manchester to Edinburgh via Chester, York and the Lake District.

Have you received our 2027 Tour Programme? If not, please call the office on 1300 233 200 and we will send you a copy.

#rosstours #rossgardentours #scotland #england #travelwithfriends #rt_scotland

Images: RHS Bridgewater (RHS_Neil Hepworth), shutterstock, Colin Barlow

{Bookings closing Friday 5th June}

Don`t miss out on this grand tour of public and private, grand and intimate, walled and wooded gardens and stately homes in Northern England and Scotland. High summer brings exuberant borders, a flourish of roses and spectacular weather for sightseeing.

Tour dates: 1 -13 July 2026

For the full itinerary, please go to our website: www.rosstours.com/scotland

To book, please call the office on 1300 233 200 or go online. We can help you with flights and other holiday arrangements.

#rosstours #rossgardentours #scotland #england #travelwithfriends #rt_scotland

Images: RHS Bridgewater (RHS_Neil Hepworth), shutterstock, Colin Barlow

{Dumfries House, Ayrshire, Scotland}

Originally built as a home for the 5th Earl of Dumfries in the 1700s, the house and its contents, including its significant Chippendale furniture collection, were saved for the nation by King Charles III as Prince of Wales in 2007. The house and its adjoining estate have been restored and developed, and now serve as headquarters of The King’s Foundation charity. The estate spans more than 2,000 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens including a 10 acres arboretum and The Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden.

We will be visiting Dumfries House on our Scotland & Northern England tour this July. Come with us! For the itinerary, please head to our website: www.rosstours.com/scotland

To book, please call the office on 1300 233 200 or go online.

#rosstours #scotland #travelwithfriends #rt_scotland #dumfires #kingcharles

{RHS Bridgewater Garden, Manchester}

RHS Garden Bridgewater, nestled in Salford near Manchester, is a 154-acre horticultural masterpiece dating back to Queen Victoria. Explore the vibrant Paradise Garden with its exotic planting, the elegant Worsley Welcome Garden, and the tranquil Chinese Streamside Garden. Wander through the Kitchen Garden bursting with seasonal produce, or relax by the serene Ellesmere Lake. The Weston Walled Garden, beautifully restored, showcases intricate designs and rare plants.

We will be visiting RHS Bridgewater on our Scotland & Northern England Tour next July. Why not come with us?

Tour dates: 1 - 13 July 2026

For the full itinerary, please go to our website: www.rosstours.com/scotland

#rosstours #travelwithfriends #rt_scotland #manchester #england #scotland #rhsbridgewater

{Chatsworth, Peak District}

Chatsworth’s 105-acre garden reflects nearly five centuries of cultivation and care by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. This iconic estate beautifully blends history, nature, and art within the stunning Peak District, inviting visitors to wander through its layered landscapes and elegant grounds steeped in English heritage.

We will be visiting Chatsworth on our Scotland & Northern England Tour next July. Come with us!

For the full itinerary, please go to our website: www.rosstours.com

To book your seat, please call the office on 1300 233 200 or go online.

Images: @colinbarlow

#rosstours #chatsworth #england #scotland #rt_scotland #travelwithfriends #peakdistrict

{Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland}

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is home to a collection of wild-origin Chinese plants, a garden of Scottish heathers, Alpine garden, herbaceous borders, a 100-year-old beech hedge, the Queen Mother Memorial Garden and the magnificent glasshouses.

We will be visiting the garden on our Northern England & Scotland tour next July. To book your seat, please go online or call our office on 1300 233 200.

To view the itinerary, please go to: www.rosstours.com/scotland

#rosstours #scotland #edinburgh #rt_scotland #travelwithfriends #botanicgarden

{Castle Howard, York}

Castle Howard, set in the Howardian Hills, is a grand masterpiece known for its dramatic architecture and magnificent gardens. From the Mausoleum to the Pyramid and Temple of the Four Winds, it offers a breathtaking journey through history and beauty, famously featured in Brideshead Revisited.

We will be visiting Castle Howard on our Scotland & Norther England Tour next July.

For the full itinerary, please click here: www.rosstours.com/scotland

To book your seat, simply call the office on 1300 233 200 or go online.

#rosstours #travelwithfriends #rt_scotland #scotland #northernengland #castlehoward #york

{New Tour}

A tour of public and private, grand and intimate, walled and wooded gardens and stately homes in Northern England and Scotland. High summer brings exuberant borders, a flourish of roses and spectacular weather for sightseeing.

Tour dates: 1 -13 July 2026

For the full itinerary, please go to our website: www.rosstours.com/scotland

To book, please call the office on 1300 233 200 or go online.

#rosstours #rossgardentours #scotland #england #travelwithfriends #rt_scotland

Images: RHS Bridgewater (RHS_Neil Hepworth), shutterstock, Colin Barlow

🌿 A midsummer masterpiece in the heart of Edinburgh.🌿

Early summer is one of the most rewarding times to explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where over 350 years of botanical history meet world-class horticultural design. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for growing medicinal plants, it has evolved into one of the world’s leading botanic gardens, blending scientific research with stunning ornamental displays.

At this time of year, vibrant herbaceous borders are bursting with colour from elegant Delphinium, Salvia, Persicaria, Echinacea and graceful drifts of Astilbe, while magnificent specimens of Hydrangea add bold splashes of blue, pink and white throughout the landscape. Towering mature trees including majestic Sequoiadendron giganteum, stately Fagus sylvatica, elegant Acer palmatum and the iconic Araucaria araucana provide structure, texture and year-round interest.

Every garden room has its own character. The intricate rock garden recreates alpine habitats with remarkable precision, the tranquil Chinese Hillside celebrates the beauty of Asian landscapes, and sweeping lawns, carefully framed vistas and expertly layered planting demonstrate why this garden continues to inspire gardeners and landscape designers from around the globe.

Whether you’re fascinated by rare plants, inspired by exceptional planting combinations or simply searching for your next favourite garden, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Which part would you head to first, the Rock Garden, the Chinese Hillside, or the spectacular herbaceous borders? 🌿👇

#rt_scotland #RoyalBotanicGardenEdinburgh #Scotland #VisitScotland #GardenPhotography
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Tucked away in the beautiful Lune Valley, Gresgarth Hall is one of England’s true horticultural treasures. Created over four decades by the internationally renowned landscape designer Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd, this remarkable garden is a masterclass in blending formal Italian-inspired structure with the very best of British planting.
July is a wonderful time to visit, when richly layered herbaceous borders are at their peak and terraces overflow with colour. Elegant drifts of roses, Salvia, Nepeta, Astrantia, Monarda, Astilbe, Phlox and Kniphofia mingle beautifully with clipped yew, while the lake reflects magnificent specimen trees and sweeping borders. Beyond the formal gardens lie collections of Magnolia, Cornus, Prunus, Rhododendron, woodland plantings, wild gardens, bog gardens and an exceptional arboretum featuring many rare trees grown from seed collected around the world, including Japan.
The medieval hall dates back to around 1330, but today’s gardens are a contemporary interpretation of the Picturesque landscape, with carefully framed vistas, terraces, sculpture, flowing water and intimate garden rooms that guide visitors through constantly changing scenes. Every pathway reveals another lesson in texture, scale, balance and seasonal succession, making Gresgarth Hall an inspiring destination for anyone passionate about horticulture or landscape design.
If you love exceptional planting design, collect unusual plants, or simply enjoy discovering gardens that inspire every season, this Lancashire gem deserves a place on your garden travel list.
🌿 Which part would you explore first, the magnificent herbaceous borders, the tranquil lake, the woodland arboretum or the beautifully designed kitchen garden?
Follow for more inspiring gardens across Britain and beyond.
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July is one of the most colourful times to visit RHS Harlow Carr in beautiful Yorkshire, where every path reveals another carefully composed tapestry of colour, texture and fragrance.
Originally established as a northern horticultural trial ground, Harlow Carr has evolved into one of the UK’s finest demonstration gardens, showcasing inspirational planting that thrives in northern England’s climate. Every border is meticulously layered, combining structural shrubs, ornamental grasses, herbaceous perennials and seasonal annuals to create interest from spring through autumn.
In July, the magnificent Streamside Garden is alive with elegant drifts of Astilbe, towering spires of Delphinium, vibrant Phlox, graceful Persicaria, colourful Hemerocallis cultivars and long-flowering Salvia nemorosa. The famous RHS Rose Garden reaches its peak, where modern and heritage roses perfume the air while attracting bees and other vital pollinators.
Towering specimen trees provide year-round structure, including majestic Quercus robur, elegant Fagus sylvatica, graceful Betula pendula, colourful Acer palmatum, and impressive conifers that frame vistas throughout the garden. The planting demonstrates how careful repetition, contrasting foliage, seasonal succession and thoughtful colour harmonies create gardens that are both beautiful and sustainable.
Whether you’re a passionate gardener, professional horticulturist or simply someone who appreciates exceptional garden design, Harlow Carr offers endless inspiration with every visit.
Which planting combination would you love to recreate in your own garden?
🌿 Follow for more inspiring gardens, expert planting ideas and beautiful destinations from across the UK and beyond.
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July is one of the most rewarding times to visit the gardens at Castle Howard, where over 300 years of landscape design, architecture and horticulture come together in spectacular fashion. From the magnificent formal South Parterre to sweeping parkland, tranquil lakes and woodland walks, every turn offers something new to discover.
Originally shaped in the 18th century with influences from the English Landscape Movement, the gardens have continued to evolve while respecting their historic character. Carefully clipped yew hedging, colourful herbaceous borders, elegant roses, fragrant lavender and dramatic perennial displays are complemented by majestic veteran oaks, cedars of Lebanon, beeches, lime trees and striking specimen conifers that provide year-round structure.
July sees the borders bursting with Salvias, Echinacea, Phlox, Verbena, lilies, sea holly and Dahlias, creating valuable nectar sources for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It`s a wonderful reminder of how thoughtful planting combines colour, texture, seasonal succession and biodiversity to create a garden that is both beautiful and ecologically rich.
Whether you`re passionate about historic gardens, landscape design, dendrology, perennial planting or simply love finding inspiration for your own garden, Castle Howard is a masterclass in blending art, nature and horticulture.
Which part would you head for first, the formal parterres, the woodland walks or the lakeside views?
🌿 Save this for your next Yorkshire garden adventure and share it with someone who loves beautiful gardens.
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July is one of the best times to explore the remarkable beauty of Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire, where every path reveals another stunning combination of colour, texture and fragrance. Originally shaped by the legendary landscape designer Capability Brown in the 18th century and later enhanced by renowned contemporary designer Tom Stuart-Smith, the gardens perfectly blend historic landscape design with modern naturalistic planting.
The magnificent Italian Gardens provide elegant symmetry, while the famous Rivers of Grass ripple gently in the summer breeze, weaving through vibrant drifts of perennials including Echinacea, Salvias, Verbena, Rudbeckia and ornamental grasses. Towering oaks, cedars, beeches, limes and magnificent Wellingtonias provide structure and shade, while colourful roses, Hydrangeas, lavender and flowering shrubs ensure there is something spectacular around every corner.
One of the greatest achievements at Trentham is its layered planting design. Every border has been carefully composed to provide season-long interest, with contrasting foliage, flower shapes, heights and textures creating a garden that feels both natural and expertly curated. It’s a masterclass in horticultural excellence and a wonderful source of inspiration for gardeners of every level.
If you love garden design, perennial borders, landscape architecture, pollinator-friendly planting and beautiful English gardens, Trentham deserves a place at the very top of your must-visit list. Have you visited Trentham Gardens? Which area would you head for first—the Italian Gardens, the floral borders or the woodland walks? Let me know below! 👇🌿
#TrenthamGardens Staffordshire #VisitEngland #EnglishGardens #GardenDesign CapabilityBrown TomStuartSmith PerennialPlanting NaturalisticPlanting Horticulture GardenInspiration GardeningLife LandscapeDesign PlantsOfInstagram FlowerGarden GardenPhotography PollinatorGarden BritishGardens SummerGarden JulyGarden NatureLovers ExploreBritain VisitBritain GardenLovers RHS HorticulturalSociety GardeningCommunity GardenTravel #rt_scotland

Have you discovered England`s newest world-class garden yet? RHS Bridgewater is proof that great gardens aren`t just preserved... they`re still being created.
Built on the historic grounds of the former Worsley New Hall estate near Manchester, RHS Bridgewater opened in 2021 after becoming one of Europe`s largest horticultural projects. Masterplanned by renowned landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith, it perfectly blends Victorian heritage with innovative, climate conscious planting, creating a garden that`s both inspirational and sustainable.
July is when Bridgewater really hits its stride. The spectacular Paradise Garden bursts into life with vibrant drifts of heleniums, echinacea, salvias, agapanthus, ornamental grasses and dahlias, while lilies shimmer across the tranquil pools. The vast Weston Walled Garden, the largest publicly accessible working walled garden in the UK is overflowing with productive vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and colourful cut flowers, demonstrating both traditional and modern growing techniques.

What makes RHS Bridgewater so fascinating is the incredible attention to detail. Bold architectural planting sits alongside naturalistic drifts, Mediterranean-inspired borders contrast beautifully with productive kitchen gardens and Oriental streams and every path reveals a new perspective. It`s a masterclass in modern garden design that both professional horticulturists and passionate gardeners can learn from.
Whether you`re passionate about perennial planting, garden design, biodiversity, botanical collections, sustainable horticulture, landscape architecture, or simply love beautiful gardens, RHS Bridgewater deserves a place on your bucket list.

📍RHS Bridgewater, Salford, Greater Manchester, England
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