Welcome to ARNE & CARLOS' English Gardens of Devon and Cornwall!
At the far edge of England, where the land rolls toward the sea, the landscape softens into a tapestry of green and gold. The air is gentle, the light diffused, and the gardens seem to grow as naturally as the hedgerows that frame them. This is the southwest — a place where nature and artistry have always walked hand in hand.
The journey begins in Windsor, and continues to Somerset, among stately homes and old stone walls draped in wisteria. Here, lawns sweep toward quiet lakes, and borders spill over with lavender, foxglove, and rose. It is a landscape of elegance and order, touched by centuries of patience and care.
Bath, of course, holds a special place in the heart of anyone who loves Jane Austen. Its crescents, gardens, and graceful Georgian streets still carry the quiet elegance of the world she knew. With our guide, Marian Bacon — one of England’s finest Jane Austen specialists — the city opens up gently, revealing the places that shaped Austen’s life and the scenes that inspired her stories. Walking through Bath with Marian feels a little like stepping into the pages of a beloved novel.
Further south, Devon opens wide — a countryside of rolling hills and deep valleys, where the moors rise into open skies streaked with heather and mist. The colours shift constantly, as if the whole county breathes in rhythm with the weather.
And then, Cornwall: bold, lush, and shaped by the sea. The Gulf Stream brings warmth, and the gardens answer — magnolias towering above palms, ferns dripping with rain, and paths that lead down to hidden coves. At its heart lies The Lost Gardens of Heligan, once swallowed by time, now glowing again in shades of green.
From Somerset’s graceful estates to the wild, subtropical valleys of Cornwall, this is England in full bloom — romantic, abundant, and alive with quiet wonder.
The gardens of our tour are carefully selected, representing some of the most beautiful and interesting gardens and manors in the country. The hotels throughout the tour are also chosen for their charm and character, in good locations, and as a fitting backdrop and place of rest after touring the gardens.
Highlights:
• Explore The Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of Europe’s most enchanting garden restorations — a living story of rediscovery and beauty.
• See Bath through Jane Austen’s eyes, with insight from our expert guide, Marian Bacon.
• Wake to sea air in Falmouth, Cornwall’s lively harbour town, surrounded by subtropical gardens and dramatic coastal scenery.
• Step back in time at Lanhydrock House, a perfectly preserved Edwardian home revealing the rhythm of life from grand dining rooms to bustling kitchens and sculleries.
• Visit Antony House, a gem of Georgian architecture — and wander through its whimsical gardens the same way Alice once did in Alice in Wonderland.
• Experience the timeless comfort of Bovey Castle, a five-star country estate nestled in the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park.
• Travel and knit in the warm company of ARNE & CARLOS, sharing inspiration, stories, and quiet moments of joy along the way.
