Depart London at 12.00 pm today and travel to Aldeburgh in Suffolk. Check into the quaint Wentworth Hotel. This evening, we meet for welcome drinks and dinner at our hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Aldeburgh. Perhaps take a walk along the coast toward the seaside village of Thorpeness, or else enjoy exploring Aldeburgh’s picturesque High Street, or the Church of Peter & Paul, the final resting place of composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears. Later this morning, we head to Otley Hall. Set within 10 acres of delightful gardens, where swans, geese and peacocks roam, Otley Hall is said to be the oldest house in all of Suffolk. It was from here that one-time owner and consummate mariner Bartholomew Gosnold planned two voyages to North America, arriving in 1602. Explore the house and its gardens before a buffet lunch is served in Martha’s Barn Cafe, celebrated locally for its seasonal and artisan food. 

After breakfast, we depart for Beth Chatto’s Garden in North Essex. In 1960, Beth Chatto OBE took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches and created one of the most amazing gardens in the country. Wonder at the Gravel Garden, formerly a car park and never watered, and look upon the property’s Scree Garden, Water Garden and Woodland. Early this afternoon, we take a drive back to Suffolk, enjoying lunch at the 16th-century Hintlesham Hall, set upon 175 acres of Suffolk landscape. Following lunch, take in a performance by the London Festival Opera, before taking time to stroll Hintlesham’s immaculate grounds. Enjoy dinner at the Wentworth this evening.

This morning, we drive to West Suffolk and the enchanting seven-acre Fullers Mill Garden, which sits along the banks of the River Lark. Created by the late Bernard Tickner, it’s an inspiring garden, where the dappled woodland blends with the property’s collection of shrubs, perennials and lilies. From here, we head to the market town of Bury St Edmunds. Enjoy lunch at the Angel Hotel, whose arresting, ivy-covered façade beckons us in. Visit the town’s celebrated Grade 1 listed Guildhall, dating back to the thirteenth century, the building has a fascinating history. We visit its World War II operational rooms to learn about the role they played during the Battle of Britain. Following lunch, the Guildhall Banqueting Hall sets the stage for another performance by the London Festival Opera. Tonight, we dine at our hotel.

Just beyond Aldeburgh is the home of composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears. The renowned musicians shared the Red House for almost twenty years, and today we find it much as they had left it. Following a light lunch at the Wentworth Hotel, continue to Helmingham Hall, home of the Tollemache family since 1510. The grand residence appears to be seen floating upon its deep moat. The property’s head gardener joins us for a walk around the expansive grounds. A drive along Suffolk’s idyllic lanes soon sees us arriving back in Aldeburgh. Our Farewell Dinner at the Wentworth is accompanied by the music of resident pianist, Nick Raison.

After breakfast, we transfer back to London. Our tour concludes at approximately 1.00 pm at the London post-tour hotel.