The Gardens Trust Devon Spring Break

Friday Evening
We begin at the Hartnoll Hotel, Tiverton, with a special In Conversation event featuring renowned garden writer Tim Richardson and Alasdair Forbes, creator of Plaz Metaxu—hailed as one of the most significant gardens created in Britain in the 20th century. Together, they’ll explore the ideas, inspirations, and philosophies behind this extraordinary landscape.
The evening concludes with a three-course dinner.

Saturday Garden Visits
We’ll visit two exceptional gardens:

• Castle Hill: A magnificent Grade I 18th-century 50-acre landscape park, featuring classical temples, romantic follies, and—weather permitting—rare rhododendrons in bloom. Our tour will be led by Lady Arran and Tim Richardson.
• Plaz Metaxu: A deeply philosophical and artistically rich garden, where Alasdair Forbes and the head gardener will guide us through its unique landscape.

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ACCOMMODATION

Rooms have been reserved at a discounted rate on a dinner, bed, and breakfast basis at The Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham Rd, Tiverton EX16 7RA

Please book directly with the hotel, quoting “Gardens Trust Event” to access the offer. Payment is due on departure.

· £148.00 for single occupancy to include breakfast & 3 course dinner at the event.

· £216.00 for double occupancy to include breakfast & 3 course dinner at the event.

Online booking will not recognise this offer, and will report no available accommodation for our dates , so please phone the hotel and speak to the front desk.

Hotel contact number: 01884 252777

Note that a £25 non-refundable deposit will be charged at the time of booking.

Please book your accommodation as soon as possible as our room allocation is only available for a limited period.

FULL ITINERARY

Friday 8th May

• 6.30 pm Drinks in the main atrium
• 7.00 pm In Conversation: Tim Richardson and Alasdair Forbes
• 7.45 pm Dinner

Saturday 9th May

· 9.00 am Coach departs from Hartnoll Hotel

· 10.00 am Arrival at Castle Hill - Welcome & Garden Tour

· 12.00 noon Lunch

· 12.45 pm Depart Castle Hill

· 1.45 pm Arrive at Plaz Metaxu - Guided Tour

· 3.30 pm Tea and free time to explore

· 4.40 pm Coach departs for Tiverton Station, in time for the 17.31 train to London then returns to the hotel for those extending their stay or collecting cars.

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There are limited places available for this visit, and booking is essential.

This event is for Gardens Trust members only.

Should you wish to become a member of the Gardens Trust, annual subscriptions start at £45.00. Visit our website for more information.

Closing date for tickets 31st March, 6.30pm.

Regretfully refunds will not be possible unless a replacement is found.

Please be aware that parts of the visit involve rough, steep ground and gravel paths. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the organisers in advance.

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Images courtesy of: Castle Hill, Tiverton; Plaz Metaxu, Witheridge