Belmond Royal Scotsman - Glorious and Grand -
A Private Garden Four Night Tour 2022
This four-night tour showcases outstanding autumnal gardens as you travel on a scenic rail journey into the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and South West Scotland. Special guest hosts on board are photographer Patsy Floyd and Gardening writer Sue Chivers.
Itinerary
Day One : Edinburgh - Scarborough
Your adventure begins as you board Belmond Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh Waverley Station, ready for departure at 13:40. The train travels south towards Alnmouth on England's east coast for your first stop, which is at Alnwick Castle.
This magnificent estate dates back to the norman period, and is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK, although it is probably better known today as the location for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Robin Hood movies. Twelve-acres of fascinating and flourishing gardens that have been transformed by the Duchess of Northumberland are home to the world's largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets and the worlds largest Treehouse Restaurant. Enjoy canapés and drinks in the castle before stepping out on a tour with the head gardener.
Return to the train for a delicious informal dinner as you journey south to your destination for tonight, Scarborough, a pretty seaside resort on the North Yorkshire coast.
Day Two : Scarborough to Penrith
Watch the scenery pass by this morning whilst enjoying a leisurely breakfast on board as Belmond Royal Scotsman travels along the Settle to Carlisle Railway. Look out as we cross the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 massive stone arches standing 104 feet above the moor. A great time to head to the observation veranda.
After an early lunch you disembark in Hexham to visit nearby Chipchase Castle and Gardens. An imposing Grade I listed building 17th Century Jacobean Mansion, incorporating a substantial 13th Century pele tower set in formal and informal gardens, including a lake and two walled gardens. Explore the grounds and architecture of this imposing mansion, and enjoy the wonderful views across the River Tyne.
Dinner on board this evening is informal, followed by live music in the Observation Car.
Day Three : Lake District
Today's adventure takes you to Derwentwater, a spectacular expanse of water nestled in the heart of the Lake District, just a ten minute walk from the centre of Keswick. To the west of the lake rise the fells of Cat Bells and to its east is the fantastic viewpoint of Friar's Crag, which juts into the lake. Its southern foot is the entrance to the beautiful Borrowdale valley.
Spend the morning exploring the charms of this beautiful location which was an inspiration for Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'.
Lunch is served at Hutton-in-the-Forest, an historic Cumbrian house, which is the home of Lord and Lady Inglewood. After lunch, take a private tour of the estate, with its elaborate gardens around the house dating from the late 17th century.
Return to the Royal Scotsman for an indulgent, informal dinner as the train travels northwards to stable for the night.
Day Four : Dumfries and Galloway
Continuing north this morning, the train heads back over the Scottish border to Dumfries and Galloway.
Disembark the train to tour the Garden of Cosmic Speculation, based at the home of the late Charles Jenks, a landscape architect and post modern theorist. Covering thirty acres, the gardens include forty major areas with bridges, landforms, sculpture, terraces, fences and architectural works. The garden uses nature to celebrate nature, both intellectually and through the senses, including the sense of humour.
After lunch on board, disembark in Sanquhar to see Drumlanrig Castle, the Dumfrieshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. The Castle has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers and from your very first glance you'll know you're entering a special place. As you stroll through the formal gardens you can't help but admire the 183m Long Terrace Walk, along a magnificent stone balustrade that's famous for growing tender climbing plants. Marvel at the restored Victorian glasshouses and the distinctive Heather Houses and explore the modern additions to the gardens, included a rambling Woodland Garden and magnificent Rhododendron collection.
Return to the train for your final dinner on board, a formal affair and indulgent delight! Later, make your way to the Observation Car for a farewell nightcap with your travelling companions.
Day Five: Edinburgh
After breakfast the train wends its way back to arrive in Edinburgh Waverley station where your journey ends.
Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.
Departures
2022 :
September 2.
Prices (Per Person) 2022 :
Twin/Double/Single from
£5,650
Single Occupancy of Twin Cabin
£9,040
Prices are per person and include all table d'hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single compartment.
Add Personal Travel Insurance with Covid-19 cover from £5 per person