A coach visit to Melbourne Hall Gardens and Bluebell Arboretum Nursery

SCHEDULE

• 8.30am: Prompt coach depart from Oxford Parkway Park & Ride (formerly Water Eaton P & R)
• 6.00pm: approx arrival back at Park & Ride
• Washroom on board.

Melbourne Hall Gardens

Melbourne Hall Gardens will be specially opened for us at 12.00pm, before the public enter at 1.00pm. We shall have an introductory talk from the Head Gardener and then enjoy private access to the gardens. Melbourne Hall Gardens with its broad sweeps of lawn, avenues and unexpected vistas is one of the most treasured historical gardens in the country and is the best surviving early 18th century English garden in the manner of Le Nôtre. Noted for its long tunnel of yew, its wrought iron arbour created by Robert Bakewell and its statuary by Jan van Nost, Lord Ralph Kerr took over running the Melbourne estate in 1987, and his wife, Lady Ralph Kerr’s passion for gardening has developed the garden in many ways. Her eye for colour and detail means it is a haven of delightful and unusual specimen trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders. On arrival coffee and biscuits included. Lunch can be purchased or enjoy a picnic by the lake.

By kind permission of Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr

Bluebell Arboretum Nursery

On our return journey we will visit the Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery, the award-winning, family run nursery, specialising in trees, shrubs, climbers and woody herbaceous plants with some very rare and unusual varieties! Founded in 1979, it is now one of the leading suppliers of rare, woody plants in the UK. A perfect opportunity to maybe purchase one or two new additions for your garden.

By kind permission of Bluebell Arboretum

TICKETS

• Friends £50, guests £55
• Maximum 40

Book now using our Booking Form. See our Privacy Policy

For further information, please contact Freya Jones at fobgaticketing@gmail.com or telephone 07472 365 001.