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These days in late May, when the temperature is just right and the flowers dazzle in full bloom, are the pinnacle of Spring. Nature, in concert, beckons us outside. Even the Queen is out at the Chelsea Garden Show, taking in the spectacle.
A group of Royal Oak supporters heeded that call in style last week on our Garden Tour, which this year focuses on the great houses and gardens of Northern Ireland.
Royal Oak’s Garden Tour at Rowallane Garden
Highlights from the trip included visits to the exquisite (and recently renovated) Mount Stewart, with its five separate gardens, and Rowallane, a unique mix of formal and informal garden spaces. The group enjoyed not only the gardens themselves, but special, guided access through them. They also stopped at several spectacular country homes, and meant Lord Belmore of Castle Cool. It was a great trip!
The Garden Tour group at Castle Coole, Northern Ireland with Lord Belmore
Fortunately, if you missed the tour, there are plenty of other chances to visit the gorgeous gardens of England, Wales and Northern Ireland with The Royal Oak Foundation. Of course, Royal Oak members enjoy unlimited access to all of the National Trust’s properties, including its many gardens. We’ve even got your trip-planning started for you, with this list of top ten National Trust gardens.
We also have more curated tours that depart in the coming months, if you’d prefer a guided group tour. These trips visits some truly incredible gardens.
- Legendary Landmarks and Landscapes of Northern Ireland visits both Mount Stewart and Rowallane, along with the charming Springhill
- Brideshead Visited guests will take in Dunham Massey – where they’ll stroll through the same gardens WWI veterans recovered in, when the property was used as a triage – alongside Lyme Park, Nostell Priory, and Hardwick Hall, all of which boast delightful gardens alongside historic homes.
- In the Footsteps of Shakespeare takes travelers to Charlecote Park, site of our 2014 Horan Prize Fellowship and one of the most spectacular gardens in England.
- Castles & Treasure Houses of Edinburgh & Northern Ireland offers yet another chance to take in the wonder of the re-imagined Mount Stewart
Don’t miss out on these special opportunities to enjoy guided access to some of the finest gardens in England- and indeed the world. Heed the call this spring and reserve your spot today! Reserve
