This picturesque part of the country is home to a collection of exceptionally beautiful and historically important gardens renowned the world over. The region’s grand houses are no less impressive, from magnificent Stourhead in Wiltshire to the Gothic eccentricity of Devon’s Knightshayes Court.

Stourhead in Wiltshire is world-renowned for its 18th century landscaped garden, which is a delight of classical temples, soothing vistas, exotic trees and hidden grottos – with a magnificent lake as its centrepiece. The grand Palladian house is no less of a draw; venture inside for our included tour, where you’ll discover the colourful secrets of the Hoare family – who were wealthy enough to keep Stourhead as a mere holiday retreat. Bibliophiles will love the Regency library, one of the finest left in existence and there is also a wonderful collection of Chippendale furniture.

Included for free: ‘The Grand Tour of Stourhead House’.

We travel to Tiverton and Knightshayes Court, a wonderful Gothic Revival house set in lovely gardens full of rare trees and surrounded by the verdant Devon countryside. The house was designed by the architect William Burges, whose alarmingly original ideas caused him to be replaced before completion. His influence can be seen on the inside, as well as out, in the romantic, medieval-style furnishings. Other highlights include a fine collection of ceramics and a well-stocked and fragrant kitchen garden.

We begin the day by exploring Killerton, an intimate house that was home for generations to the Acland family, one of Devon’s oldest. Sir Richard Acland’s political beliefs made him give the house to the National Trust during WW2 but echoes of the family can still be felt in every room. The garden is also a treasure, and colourful throughout the year. From here we travel to Barrington Court (pictured left), a now empty Tudor manor house that was painstakingly restored in the 1920s. What it lacks in furnishings it more than makes up for in atmosphere and the garden and orchards are also a delight.

Included for free: ‘400 Years of History’ tour at Killerton.

On our final day we make a short visit to a National Trust property on the way home. We will also visit Killerton on the same day as Knightshayes Court.

Cricket St Thomas
Grade II Listed, 1820

This lovely 19th century mansion took a star turn as Grantleigh Manor for the television series ‘To the Manor Born’ and it was the perfect choice, with its elegant Georgian symmetry and pretty landscaped gardens set in the heart of Somerset’s Cider Country. Known fondly by locals as ‘Cricket House’, it has been brought up to date without sacrificing its abundance of period charms. The light-filled orangery, once used as a parrot house, is now used for bowls and there is also an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room for guests to use.

Upgrade options per person per break

	Signature Room	Historic Room	Dining at Fenocchi’s
5 days	£80	£140	Historic room guests can choose to dine any or all nights in Fenocchi’s or small supplement payable for Signature Rooms or Standard Rooms.
4 Days	£60	£105

 Click here for more details on Warner Leisure hotels.

• Return coach travel
• Accommodation in a Standard Room
• Dinner and breakfast at The Tree Tops Restaurant
• All entrance fees to National Trust properties*
• A historic tour of the hotel garden

From just £279.99

Price includes National Trust members' discount of £45
- Members' discount will be applied during the checkout process if booking on our website.
- Self-drive option available - see the 'Make your own way' section below.
- Single supplement: 4 days, £60; 5 days, £80.