Gardens by the Sea - A Summer Voyage from Oban to Portsmouth

Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Glasgow Central Railway Station and Glasgow Airport at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Gigha is a place apart: heather covered hills, deserted beaches, and a single lane verged with wildflowers that meanders for some six miles between cottages and farms. Privately owned by its 120 inhabitants, it is a gem of a place and somewhere not easily forgotten. After landing by Zodiac, we will walk to the gardens of Achamore House where the Horlick family have created a lovely and eclectic garden with their collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and exotic plants. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to land on Jura. We will go ashore at the village of Craighouse and be welcomed at the cooperage of the Jura Distillery where we will be given an introduction to the distilling process and an opportunity to taste the local whisky. Alternatively, join one of our naturalists on a walk along the shore.

Arrive this morning in Northern Ireland and enjoy some free time to explore the city of Belfast at your own pace or maybe make an independent visit to the Titanic Experience. Located by the site of the ship’s construction, this museum tells the story of the Titanic from her conception through her construction and launch in 1911. After lunch we will make our way to the famous gardens at Mount Stewart, which were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor ‘rooms’ and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world. There will be time to explore the opulent house which reveals a fascinating heritage and historic world famous artefacts and artwork. Do not leave without taking in the magnificent views of Strangford Lough from the Temple of the Winds.

Arrive this morning on the Isle of Man at the main fishing port of Peel. Settlements have been here since the Mesolithic Age and the island also claims to have the longest continuous parliament which was founded in 979 AD. Leaving Peel we will visit Tynwald Hill, located in the little village of St John’s. This grass-topped, tiered hill is made from the soil and stones from each of the island’s 17 parishes and is the point from which, each 5th of July, all the laws enacted in the year preceding are promulgated to the gathered government officials and the public at large, both in Manx and English languages. Continue to Castletown where we board the vintage steam train for a delightful and traditional journey to Douglas. Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the island’s oldest Victorian rail system and this narrow gauge railway still runs with its original locomotives and carriages. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon to explore Peel at your own pace. Perhaps make your way to the cathedral, visit some of the many independent shops or explore Peel Castle. Built by the Vikings in the 11th century, the castle has been a royal residence, centre of government and military stronghold. We sail late for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.

Today we explore the picturesque Lake District on a choice of tours. On the southern tip, on the lower reaches of the River Kent, stands what has been described as ‘one of the wonders of Lakeland’. Levens Hall, a remarkable Elizabethan mansion, evolved from a simple pele tower erected in the 13th century and has an intriguing past with fascinating links to the Duke of Wellington. A tour of the house will take you through Levens’ spectacular rooms lined with exquisite carved oak panelling, leather wall coverings, ornate plasterwork and magnificent collections of Elizabethan furniture and paintings. Then stroll in the gardens, first established in 1694 by Colonel James Grahame. He commissioned a French designer/artist, Guillaume Beaumont, to create the topiary, reputedly, the oldest topiary in the world. In addition to over 100 unique topiary pieces, the gardens also have numerous vibrant showcases of beautiful colourful plants. Alternatively, drive along the scenic banks of Lake Windermere towards Rydal Mount, home of England’s most celebrated poet, William Wordsworth, who lived here from 1813 to his death in 1850. The house is much as it was when the family resided there. Discover the ambience that inspired Wordsworth as you wander through bright ‘lived-in’ rooms filled with furniture bought second hand from country sales and an abundance of Wordsworth’s possessions. Climb to Wordsworth’s attic study, his place of work when he reluctantly agreed to become Poet Laureate. Wordsworth is recognised for his love of flowers, in particular daffodils. He had a keen eye for design and was quite a skilled landscape gardener. Take some time to wander through the delightful gardens, which remain very much as he originally designed them and enjoy the spectacular views of Windermere and Rydal Water.

From our anchorage in Llandudno we will use Zodiacs to land and then drive the short distance to Bodnant Garden, which is situated above the River Conwy and has stunning views across Snowdonia. Begun in 1875, Bodnant Garden is the creation of four generations of Aberconways and features huge Italianate terraces and formal lawns on its upper level, with a wooded valley, stream and wild garden below. There are dramatic colours throughout the season, with herbaceous borders, roses, hydrangeas, water lilies and clematis that delight throughout the summer. You can then choose to return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon in Llandudno. Developed as an upmarket holiday town for Victorian visitors, this seaside town still retains much of its 19th century grandeur, with graceful wedding-cake architecture lining its sweeping waterfront promenade. Alternatively, have lunch ashore and continue to Plas Cadnant, a hidden historic garden, which is slowly being uncovered. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and a pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19th century folly. Work started on restoring the gardens and grounds in 1997, which was a huge undertaking as large areas had not been maintained for more than 70 years. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory.

After a morning at sea we arrive on Lundy, a remote island in the Bristol Channel. Although small, just three miles long by half a mile wide, its isolation has made it a home for a range of wildlife whilst there is also a clutch of listed buildings and monuments. The towering cliffs and rocky shoreline are a haven for migrating seabirds and Sika deer, red deer and Soay sheep can also be seen as we walk along its traffic-free lanes and paths. Spend the afternoon being as active as you wish, perhaps explore the wide bays and coves by way of hanging valleys, see ancient burial chambers, climb the lighthouse or buy the island’s ‘puffin stamps’ at the shop. If conditions permit we may also be able to use our Zodiacs to cruise around the coastline.

Arrive this morning in the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of five inhabited islands and up to one hundred and forty uninhabited islets, located 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall. From our central anchorage, we will use our Zodiacs to visit traffic-free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander at your own pace along the paths, perhaps visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. We also plan to use local tenders to visit the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb to one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies or perhaps visit the vineyard.

Arriving in the Channel Islands we explore Guernsey on a panoramic drive, taking in the beautiful coastline and beaches and visiting the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china. Alternatively spend a leisurely morning wandering through the charming town of St Peter Port. In the afternoon we use our Zodiacs to land on the peaceful traffic-free island of Sark. We can wander the narrow lanes alive with the songs of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle thrush as we see the narrow isthmus which joins Little Sark and Big Sark and the enchanting gardens at La Seigneurie.

Renowned as the sailing capital of the UK, Cowes is our gateway to the Isle of Wight where we have a choice of options this morning. You may wish to explore Osborne House, the holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Built between 1845 and 1851, it brought the Italianate style of architecture to the island. In the house we can see sumptuous state rooms, ornate architecture and a fine art collection whilst outside we can enjoy the walled garden, the woodland walk, the private beach or take in the views over the Solent from the garden terraces. Alternatively, drive across the island to the Mottistone Gardens and Estate, located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. We can see the organic kitchen garden and walk through the orchard and garden terraces taking in the sea views. For those keen to take a walk you may wish to visit the nearby Long Stone, a sandstone pillar which retains a mystical history. The afternoon is free to explore Cowes at your own pace as we anchor overnight.

Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.

Itineraries are subject to change.