THE WORLD IS REOPENING ENJOY WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER WITH AN AWARD-WINNING HOLIDAY FROM BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FANTASTIC
OFFERS
£ 50 From
LOW DEPOSIT *
Holidays without flights = £50 Holidays with flights = £100 Long Haul = £300
£200 EARLY BIRD OFFER
*Book before 31 October 2020 and receive up to £200 off selected tours and dates
TAKE A HOLIDAY TRIED & TESTED BY MANY If you’re tired of sitting at home, dreaming of wandering between beautiful borders in glorious gardens or gazing out at stunning Scottish landscapes, the time has come to get back out there. That’s right, travel is once again on the table and we have been working hard to implement initiatives that will get you back out there safely and confidently. Choose Brightwater for your next trip back after the lockdown and you will travel with the reassurance that we’re doing everything to put your health and safety at the absolute heart of your experience with us. How are we doing this? Well, we have just launched an industry leading 11-step COVID-19 plan for each of our departures along with fully comprehensive travel insurance that includes specific cover for COVID-19. So, if you’re wondering whether now is the right time to resume your travels, we hope this information will help put your mind at rest. Travelling post-pandemic, at least for the near future, will probably be quite different from what we have all been used to, but it is certainly possible – especially now with the precautions we’ve put in place. To celebrate the fact that the world’s gardens and sites are finally starting to open up again, we’ve rounded up a range of holidays to tempt you. Many of these trips have featured in our portfolio for years and are favourites of our guests, however there is also a selection of new tours to whet your appetite. If you hadn’t heard, we were recently able to get guests back out on our Classic Scottish Steam Break holiday and their responses to the new Brightwater experience have been overwhelmingly positive. Now is as good a time as any to treat yourself to a place on one of our award-winning holidays. Gardens might be a little quieter, people may be more cautious, and tourism needs us. Why not choose one of our best-sellers and see what makes these holidays so popular. The time has come – and we’ve missed so much of it already. Alison Wilson Managing Director
HOW TO BOOK Give our friendly sales team a call, Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm, on 01334 766 514. Alternatively, please just send us an email at info@brightwaterholidays.com Finally, if you have any questions, do feel free to get in touch with our customer care team on 01334 845 530.
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Brightwater Holidays
*Terms and conditions apply (see website for details).
KEEPING YOU SAFE A NEW WORLD OF TRAVEL IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
The past six months have been difficult for us all, and also disappointing for those of us with travel plans that have been disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our guests love to explore both at home and abroad, and we understand that you are reluctant to postpone holiday plans indefinitely. Naturally, many of us are concerned about travelling in the time of COVID-19 and we share these concerns. Whilst the risk of contracting COVID-19 on your adventures cannot be entirely eliminated, here at Brightwater Holidays we have created an industry-leading series of 11 actions designed to minimise your exposure and to help get you back out there with confidence.
TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH COVID-19 COVER, STARTING FROM JUST £17.50pp If you’re concerned about taking a trip following the life-altering events of 2020, we are delighted to reveal that we recently partnered with a provider to ensure that we can now offer you fully comprehensive travel insurance that also includes cover for COVID-19. What’s more, it starts from just £17.50pp! Some insurers continue to exclude COVID-19 from their cover, as they did from the beginning of the pandemic and others will cover you only if you fall ill during your travels, not if you show symptoms before you depart and need to cancel. We hope that our new insurance policy can provide you with a ‘peace of mind’ level of cover in these uncertain and challenging times.
COVID-19 INSURANCE
11-STEP ACTION PLAN
INDEPENDENT TOURS
We can quote for any age of traveller up to 90 (at the time of departure) and any worldwide destination except the USA and Canada. At a glance, your cover includes: • COVID-19 pre-departure cancellation up to £3,000 • COVID-19 holiday curtailment up to £3,000 • COVID-19 medical and other expenses up to £1,000,000 • Standard (i.e. non-COVID-19) cover for cancellation, delay, missed departure, personal accident, personal property, personal liability, loss of passport and legal expenses
•
In these unprecedented times, it’s important to have options – especially where travel is concerned. With this in mind, we decided that it would be great to give you a choice about how you travel with us. We have introduced a full programme of Independent & Self-Drive Tours for Brightwater. This means we can now prepare itineraries for you outside of our usual group tour settings! Essentially, you can choose any one of our holidays and opt to do it independently. Whether you want to stay in hotels or you prefer the charm of B&Bs, whether you’d like to drive your own car or fly to your chosen destination and hire a vehicle, or whether you want a guide to accompany you or you would prefer to go it alone, we can create a bespoke package to meet your exact requirements based on our existing holidays on offer.
• • • • • • • • • •
Free ‘Travel Safe’ kits for every traveller, which include hand sanitiser and masks for every day of the tour in question, and will be sent out ahead of departure Enhanced health and safety audits Travel insurance with COVID-19 cover Distanced seating on our coaches Self-drive options available ‘Get me home’ service and private airport transfers available upon request COVID-19 protocols at our hotels and aboard our cruise ships Packed lunches and flexible dining options available throughout Flexible balance payment date and COVID-friendly refund conditions COVID-19 testing and medical training for tour staff Constant monitoring and post-tour tracing
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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Eriskay Harbour © Graham Addison
GRAND TOUR OF THE
OUTER HEBRIDES
6 DAYS FROM
£995
Our tours of the Hebrides have proved extremely popular, offering the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles. Our Grand Tour takes in all the beauty and diversity of this very special environment with 10 different islands and four ferry trips included. Two comfortable hotels ensure that this holiday is as relaxing as possible, while at the same time offering great variety. We take the ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale in South Uist and continue to our hotel in Benbecula. We visit the islands of Eriskay; Vatersay with its fantastic sandy beaches, and Barra, where visits include Kisimul Castle and Cockleshell Beach, which is used as the island’s airport. A captivating journey follows as we travel north by ferry from North Uist and on through the magnificent mountain scenery of Harris and the rolling moorland of Lewis to Stornoway. We continue with visits to the remarkable Standing Stones of Callanish, the tranquil little Norse Mill at Shawbost and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearrannan. Our return route takes us by ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool.
Your Itinerary Day 1 We head to Mallaig to catch a ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist. Upon arrival, we continue over causeways until we arrive in Benbecula. Day 2 Today we head for Barra, travelling via the little island of Eriskay. We enjoy a tour of the island, including a visit to Kisimul Castle. Next, we visit Cockleshell Beach, the unique airport runway whose use is governed by the tides. Finally, we visit Vatersay by the causeway which links the two islands. Day 3 We take the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh. Upon arrival, we visit St. Clement’s Church at Rodel. The tombs here are among the most spectacular in Scotland. Next, we travel along the coast to Lewis, continuing to our hotel in Stornoway. Day 4 This morning we travel to the west coast of Lewis for a visit to the 5,000-yearold Standing Stones of Callanish. From here, we move on to the Black Houses at Gearrannan, typical of the crofting settlements. The final visit is the Norse Mill at Shawbost, a reconstruction of the type of building used by Viking settlers.
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Brightwater Holidays
Day 5 Today we visit Lews Castle and Museum, and view the Outer Hebrides as never before in an audio-visual presentation. This afternoon we visit St. Columba’s Ui Church. We will also see the Port of Ness and the Butt of Lewis, home to the unique Stevenson lighthouse. Day 6 This morning we check out of the hotel and take the early morning ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. Note: The above itinerary is for the Benbecula to Stornoway departures. Please note this tour also operates in reverse on 9 May, 4 July, 1 August and 5 September, 2 nights in Stornoway and 3 nights in Benbecula, from £995pp.
Departures & Prices Benbecula - Stornoway from £1075pp 4 May from £1145pp 22 June from £1045pp 24 August 28 September from £995pp Single Supplement £200
Sea aster
5 Day Package We offer a shorter version of the Grand Tour which begins with a scenic drive via Fort William, Glenfinnan and Mallaig, before taking the ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist. We spend two nights in Benbecula and two nights in Stornoway.
Departures & Prices 6 April 25 May
from £695pp from £865pp
21 September from £845pp 5 October
from £695pp
Single Supplement £160
6 days from £795
5 days from £995
4 days from £595
Achmelvich
Dunrobin Castle
Logan Botanic Gardens
Highland Explorer
Gardens of the Far North
Gardens of Dumfries & Galloway
A classic coach tour of Scotland, with nothing more demanding than sitting back and enjoying one scenic delight after another unfold before you. We travel to the wilds of Assynt and the glorious beach at Achmelvich, enjoy a full day on the Isle of Skye, head west to Mallaig, with views of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, and return via hauntingly beautiful Glencoe. Departing: Jun, Jul, Sep
Top of the bill is Inverewe, a truly wonderful garden, which involves a scenic journey to the wild west coast, closely followed by the Castle of Mey, where the late Queen Mother created a homely garden. Other gardens include Cawdor Castle, immortalised in ‘Macbeth’; Dunrobin Castle, home of the Dukes of Sutherland and Dunbeath, perched on a lonely promontory. Departing: Jul
Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of the country’s most attractive gardens. The artistic highlight is undoubtedly Dumfries House, one of the Adam Brothers’ finest achievements, complemented by an exciting new walled garden. Further highlights include Logan Botanic Gardens, full of exotic rarities, and Drumlanrig Castle, with extensive gardens and fine artworks. Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
5 days from £995
4 days from £575
6 days from £1175
Luskentyre, Harris
Pictish Stone, Aberlemno
Quoy of Houton
Walking in the Outer Hebrides
In the Footsteps of the Picts
Orkney’s Garden Trail
The Outer Hebrides provide some of the best walking to be had in the British Isles, with wide open spaces, deserted beaches and breathtaking vistas at every turn, not to mention the freshest of fresh air and the warmest of Hebridean hospitality. From our base in Tarbert, Harris, we set forth each day on a series of manageable but highly scenic walks. Departing: Mar, Apr, Jul
Living beyond the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, the people of northern Scotland were known as the Picts. They were renowned as one of the most warlike of the Celtic barbarian tribes, yet left behind some of the finest carved stones and jewellery from early medieval Europe, which we will discover as we travel through their southern heartland. Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
The far north of Scotland and the Orkney Isles are well known for their wild landscapes, however they are also home to a collection of very determined gardeners who have created a collection of excellent gardens. We follow Orkney’s Garden Trail with visits to a selection of private gardens, as well as calling in at some of its archaeological and historical wonders. Departing: Jul
5 days from £995
4 days from £565
Port Charlotte, Islay
Islay & Jura Islay is perhaps best known for its distinctive malt whiskies, its sandy beaches and its diverse birdlife, all of which feature while we are here. We also cross to Islay’s neighbour Jura, an untamed and rather mysterious island with just 200 human inhabitants, and offer an optional excursion to Colonsay, with its glorious beaches and a superb woodland garden. Departing: May, Jun, Jul, Sep
4 days from £545
Castle of Mey
Private Gardens of Caithness & Sutherland
The spectacular landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland, right at the very top of Britain, are home to a surprising number of stunning gardens, from formal gardens that surround grand castles with colourful herbaceous borders, to small and homely gardens tucked away in neat little villages. Travelling among the jagged headlands we uncover one gem after another. Departing: Jul
T&C’s - Supplements apply to some dates and single rooms
Culzean Castle
Best of Ayrshire Gardens There is a host of fine gardens to be discovered in this green and fertile county, from grand properties such as Culzean Castle and Dumfries House, to smaller, privately owned gardens. These include Burnside, with its wide range of plants; Carnell, with a traditional walled garden and Barnweil, where a splendid garden has been created in challenging soil. Departing: May, Jul
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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HIGHLIGHTS OF
ORKNEY & SHETLAND
S
ail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery – the Orkney and Shetland isles. Many people have landed there before us, some 6 DAYS FROM as early as 3,000 BC. Most famous of all were the Vikings, but they were not alone and all around you historical treasures can be found. Both Orkney and Shetland have their own identities. Orkney is green and fertile, while Shetland has rugged cliff and sea loch landscapes, however both share a colourful history of Picts, Norsemen, ancient antiquities and seafaring legends.
£1195
Your Itinerary Day 1 We take the overnight ferry to Lerwick with dinner served on board. Day 2 We leave the ship and commence our tour of Shetland. Our first stop is Scalloway, where we visit the ruined castle built in 1600 by the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart. We then continue north to the spectacular cliffs of Eshaness and the narrow isthmus known as Mavis Grind. Day 3 Today we start with a visit to the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, spanning 3,000 years since the days of the Stone Age, travel to nearby Sumburgh Head and visit the RSPB reserve, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins (May-Aug),
Whale bone, Orkney
and have free time in the island’s capital of Lerwick. This evening, we rejoin our ship and sail south to Orkney. Day 4 We have a full day excursion around mainland Orkney, visiting the great stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness; Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe, and Skara Brae with its new visitor centre depicting the history of this world famous monument. Day 5 This morning, we have free time to explore Kirkwall at leisure. Places of interest include St. Magnus Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest architectural masterpieces, and the adjacent Bishop’s Palace. In the afternoon, we depart on a
tour of the south end of mainland Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers, which were built after the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. We also stop off at the beautiful Italian Chapel, built on the site of a former prisoner of war camp. The marvellous paintings in the interior were done by one of the prisoners who returned several times to restore and repaint parts of the building. Day 6 After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and catch the Pentland Ferries sailing to Gills Bay.
Departing: May, Jun, Aug, Sep
AN ARCHAEOLOGIST’S VIEW OF
ORKNEY & SHETLAND
T
he islands of Orkney and Shetland are littered with archaeological remains. 6 DAYS FROM People first came here over 5,000 years ago and many of their remains survive. Research is ongoing here and excavations by archaeologists continue to uncover new information. The islands are therefore of enormous interest to anyone who enjoys first-hand contact with ancient settlements, with visits to sites such as Jarlshof, Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Tomb of the Eagles offering fascinating insights into the lives of long vanished people.
£1245
Your Itinerary Day 1 We take the overnight ferry to Lerwick with dinner served on board. Day 2 Arriving in Lerwick, we take a scenic tour of the island, crossing to Mousa to visit the 2,000-year-old Mousa Broch, an Iron Age tower still standing at its original height of 13 metres. Returning to the mainland we head to the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, where three millennia of history may be traced in the remains and buildings, from oval-shaped Bronze Age houses to Viking longhouses and medieval farmhouses. Finally, we visit the nearby cliffs at Sumburgh Head before transferring to our hotel. Day 3 We travel down to St. Ninian’s Isle,
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Brightwater Holidays
Standing Stones of Stenness
with its church dating from the 6th century, when Christianity first came to Shetland. We travel to Scalloway, Shetland’s former capital, where we visit the ruined castle of the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart before continuing through Tingwall Valley, site of the old Norse parliament. We return to Lerwick to explore the town before sailing to Orkney. Day 4 This morning we depart on a tour of southern Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers built after the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. We stop first at the Italian Chapel, built on the site of a prisoner of war camp. The marvellous paintings in the interior were the work of one of the prisoners. We continue to the Tomb of the Eagles and the Liddle Burnt
Mound – two exceptional sites discovered by the same farmer some 50 years ago. Day 5 Today we enjoy an excursion to the heart of Neolithic Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit Maeshowe, home to the largest collection of runic inscriptions to be found in one place in the world, the Ness of Brodgar and the world-famous prehistoric stone settlement of Skara Brae. Later, we visit the iconic Standing Stones of Stenness and Neolithic village of Barnhouse. Day 6 We check out of the hotel and catch the Pentland Ferries sailing to Gills Bay. Departing: Apr, May, Jul, Aug
4 days from £795
5 days from £1295
Duart Castle
Tiree
Mull, Staffa and Iona
Coll and Tiree
The Isle of Mull is a place of tumbling burns, high peaks, dramatic views, and a silent, lonely beauty. From Tobermory, with its famous multi-coloured waterfront, we sail on a wildlife cruise that takes us to the Treshnish Isles, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins (seasonal), and Staffa, a natural cathedral of basalt columns. We also cross to the isle of Iona, with its calm and peaceful abbey. Departing: May, Jun, Aug, Sep
Coll and Tiree are two little jewels basking in the Hebridean Sea. Steeped in the romantic legends and the tangled history of the western isles, they abound with natural wonders, abundant wildlife and ancient remains. Offering peace, tranquillity and spiritual calm, they can also be wildly invigorating as the machair (coastal meadowland) comes alive with flowers during the summer months. Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
5 days from £995
5 days from £675 LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU
Skara Brae
Brodick Castle
Undiscovered Orkney
Arran ‘Scotland in Miniature’
Orkney is an archipelago of 70 islands, each with their own distinctive history and natural beauty. We offer an opportunity to visit previously unexplored areas as we discover the historic landmarks and captivating landscapes of Westray and Hoy, as well as exploring the sites that are collectively known as the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’, including Maeshowe, Brodgar and Skara Brae.
Often described as “Scotland in Miniature”, Arran has a blend of Highland and Island scenery with granite peaks and deep glens to the north of the island, contrasting with its rolling and lush farmlands to the south. Only 56 miles around its coastline, the small villages are compared to ‘jewels on a necklace’, strung out like pearls around the island.
Departing: Jun, Aug
Departing: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep
7 days from £1675
5 days from £1045
Isle of Iona
Shetland seascape
Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides
Shetland and its Outer Isles
This grand yet relaxing tour takes in the principal Inner Hebridean isles of Mull, Islay and Jura as well as the famous little island gems of Staffa and Iona. While on Mull we enjoy an exciting boat trip to the tiny island of Staffa and its famous Fingal’s Cave and visit the wonderfully peaceful island of Iona. Moving on to Islay we explore historic sites and taste the island’s most famous product. Departing: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
If you want to get away from it all, Shetland is the place to be. There are over a hundred islands here, each with its own individual character. Our tour offers the opportunity to visit four of them, providing a real taste of the diversity of this amazing archipelago. As well as the principal island, we visit Mousa, with its superb Iron Age broch, and the northernmost islands of Yell and Unst. Departing: Jun, Aug
T&C’s - Supplements apply to some dates and single rooms
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
7
The Jacobite steam train
A CLASSIC
4 DAYS FROM
SCOTTISH STEAM BREAK
£595
Steam locomotion has an enduring fascination for many of us and combined with the wonderful scenery of Scotland it becomes utterly irresistible. The Jacobite Steam Train, from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today, an 84-mile round trip through some spectacular scenery, which features an impressive list of superlatives. It starts near Britain’s highest mountain, (Ben Nevis), passes its most westerly mainland railway station, (Arisaig), deepest freshwater loch, (Loch Morar), shortest river, (River Morar) and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, (Loch Nevis). ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine’s 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct is just one of the engineering marvels we encounter on our journey, which is made all the more enjoyable by the sound and fury of the steam locomotive at the head of our train, forging its way along the Iron Road to the Isles. A gentler pace is set as we sail ‘Doon ra Watter’ on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the PS Waverley (subject to confirmation of the Waverley’s timetable), still elegantly plying her trade on the Clyde. There can be no better way to enjoy the gentle beauty of the Argyll hills and the Kyles of Bute than from the deck of this grand old lady. We also enjoy a relaxed and informative cruise on the calm waters of Loch Katrine amid the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs and a boat trip on the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift.
Your Itinerary Day 1 We travel to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift and enjoy the truly spectacular scenery.
Watter’ on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer - The Waverley, the last ocean going paddle steamer.
Day 2 We journey back in time aboard the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.
Day 4 This morning we depart on a cruise on Loch Katrine which is one of the most attractive fresh water lochs in Scotland. We will have free time in Callander in the afternoon.
Day 3 Today we enjoy our sail ‘Doon ra
We offer two different packages for this tour in 2021 following the same itinerary; one staying at the Arrochar Hotel and one staying at the luxurious Stirling Highland Hotel.
Stirling Highland Hotel
Departures & Prices 1 July
from £675pp
19 August
from £695pp
Single Supplement £120
Arrochar Hotel
Departures & Prices
PS Waverley
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Brightwater Holidays
24 June
from £655pp
8 July 22 July
from £595pp from £635pp
12 August
from £635pp
26 August
from £595pp
14 October
from £595pp
Single Supplement £90
5 days from £745
4 days from £595
John O’Groats
4 days from £595
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
Strathspey Railway
Scotland’s Northern Edge
Caledonian Days
Scenic Scottish Railways
The coastal views and landscapes are breathtaking – sometimes quite literally, as the wind whips in off the Pentland Firth and snatches the breath from your mouth. Standing here on the northern edge of mainland Britain you are moved to reflect on the awesome, unstoppable power of the sea and the equally indomitable strength of the ancient rock beneath your feet. Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
This new tour is an unashamedly nostalgic recreation of the type of day trip enjoyed by millions in the time before car ownership, along with the opportunity to see some of the locomotives and ships that still survive from the golden age of excursion travel in Scotland. These include a trip across the Firth of Clyde to the resort of Rothesay and a highly scenic train ride to bustling Oban. Departing: Jun, Jul, Sep
The challenge of building railways through some of the most difficult terrain in the British Isles was taken up by the great engineers of the Victorian age. Their legacy is in the sweeping curves and majestic viaducts of the single‑track lines, which cross wild moors and glens. We take diesel trains north to Wick, west to Kyle of Lochalsh and ride the Jacobite steam train. Departing: May, Jul, Sep, Oct
4 days from £595
4 days from £475
A dram
Speyside’s Whisky Trail Join us on a whisky tasting tour in the heart of Speyside, home to some of the most famous single malts in the world and one of the most splendidly scenic corners of Scotland. The tour will appeal both to whisky connoisseurs and those who are just getting to know the manifold delights of the ‘water of life’. We enjoy tours and tastings at Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Cardhu and Strathisla. Departing: Jun, Aug 4 days from £995
4 days from £695
Assynt
Scotland’s Extreme North West
The rugged and remote north-west coast of Scotland takes on a majestic character in the early spring and autumn months as Mother Nature lays on a spectacular display of beauty. Enormous waves roll in from the Atlantic and hurl themselves against the shore in an awesome display of raw natural power and the coastal views are even more breathtaking at this time of year. Departing: Mar, Apr, Oct 4 days from £695
Puffins on the Island of Lunga
Bottlenose dolphin
Highland Wildlife Safari Scotland’s natural environment is second to none with a more diverse range of habitats than almost any other country of comparable size. On this distinctly Scottish safari we hope to see ospreys, deer, otters, red squirrels and woodland birds; dolphins, beavers and a wildcat project; mighty salmon making their way upstream as well as a host of exotic zoo animals. Departing: Jun, Jul 4 days from £465
Abbotsford House
Inveraray
Mull Wildlife Experience
Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders
Spring and Autumn in the West Highlands
With its diverse landscape of mountains, sea lochs, moorland and peatbog, the Isle of Mull is home to a wide range of mammals and birds, and has established itself as one of the UK’s top wildlife destinations. We hope to see big raptors such as the golden eagle and white-tailed sea eagle as well as a multitude of seabirds; dolphins, porpoises and whales; otters, seals and red deer. Departing: May
The Borders have a quiet, understated beauty of their own, with softly rolling hills draped in early morning mist and peaceful valleys dotted with sheep farms. The region is also home to a remarkable number of historic houses, such as extravagant Manderston House; Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland and magnificent Floors Castle. Departing: Apr, Jun
Spring and autumn are wonderful times to visit the West Highlands of Scotland. In spring the trees are in fresh green leaf and rhododendrons bring the first splashes of colour to the gardens. By autumn the trees have taken on a golden hue while the gardens put on one last defiant display of colour before winter returns. The gardens of Arduaine, Ardkinglas and Glenarn feature. Departing: Mar, Oct
T&C’s - Supplements apply to some dates and single rooms
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
T
his tour combines the colour, prestige and excitement of the RHS Chelsea 7 DAYS FROM Flower Show with some of the south of England’s finest gardens, affording the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of horticultural excellence. Our two centre holiday includes visits to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the unmissable RHS Garden Wisley, as well as to stunning Sissinghurst and Great Dixter. We start in the West Country, where visits include ‘Capability’ Brown’s famous landscape garden of Stourhead and the Jekyll masterpiece Hestercome.
£1295
Your Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up points in London and travel to Tyntesfield, a fine Victorian country house and garden. We continue to our hotel in Somerset. Day 2 Today, we visit Iford Manor, where we have an exclusive private visit. Its Italianate garden is Grade I listed and was created by the architect and landscape grdener, Harold Peto. In the afternoon we head to Bath for some free time. Day 3 We start our day at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset, a stunning medieval building, and we enjoy a special ‘Horticulture at the Palace’ tour. In the afternoon, we visit Hestercombe, one of Jekyll and Lutyens’ greatest works.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019
Day 4 We make our way to the gardens at Stourhead, first opened in the 1740s. Temples, urns, a grotto and a wealth of trees all contribute to the special atmosphere of this celebrated landscape garden. In the afternoon we visit the gardens of Wilton House, which has been the country seat for the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years and its gardens are simply gorgeous.
Day 6 Today begins at the manicured gardens of Sissinghurst, where we are treated to an exclusive guided tour before the gardens open to the public. We continue to another classic English garden – this time, Great Dixter. The distinguished garden writer Christopher Lloyd was the genius behind the elegant gardens of a timbered 15th century house.
Day 5 A full day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a great British tradition and exciting source of inspiration and advice. One of the highlights of the show is the collection of over 20 full-sized show gardens. Inside the Great Marquee, visitors are dazzled by hundreds of floral displays.
Day 7 This morning we transfer to the showpiece RHS Garden Wisley, where we enjoy a guided tour. This outdoor space is home to glasshouses, an arboretum and many glorious gardens. Departing: May
HIGHGROVE
AND THE COTSWOLDS
O
4 DAYS FROM ur tour of the Cotswolds features an exclusive visit to Highgrove House, the country home of HRH The Prince of Wales. This will be a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens, which are cultivated using wholly organic methods. Some of the finest gardens in England are to be found nestled among the green and rolling hills of Gloucestershire, such as the Arts and Crafts house of Rodmarton Manor, Hidcote Manor with its innovative and quite magnificent ‘garden rooms’ and the splendid National Arboretum at Westonbirt.
£595
Your Itinerary Day 1 We head for the garden of Rodmarton Manor. The grey gabled ‘Arts and Crafts’ house has an intricate garden of lively atmosphere, formal in spirit but with a cottage-garden feel to it. The eight-acre Cotswold garden was originally designed as a series of outdoor rooms and is still the same today, with each part of the garden having different characters. Day 2 This morning, we visit the gardens of Hidcote Manor, near Chipping Camden. Although among the best known gardens in Britain, Hidcote Manor still has the power to startle, thanks to the innovative use of garden ‘rooms’, each one an absolute gem of form and colour. Everywhere something enticing is glimpsed through an opening, framed by a gate or across a pool.
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Brightwater Holidays
Local residents, Chipping Camden
We then visit Kiftsgate Court, which offers an admirable selection of plants and flowers, not least of which is the well known rambling rose R. filipes ‘Kiftsgate’. Day 3 This morning, we transfer to Highgrove, the country home of HRH the Prince of Wales (subject to successful application). This is a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens. Since buying the property in 1980 His Royal Highness and his friend Lady Salisbury have laid out parts of the garden with scented plants: wisteria, honeysuckle, jasmine, loboellia, lillies and thyme were chosen to surround the house. On the advice of Miriam Rothschild, another gardening expert, the Prince created an experimental wild flower meadow which already boasts around 32
different varieties of endangered native plants. Day 4 En route home, we pay a visit to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, which is perhaps the most important and widely known arboretum in the United Kingdom. It is managed by the Forestry Commission and was established in 1829 by Robert Stayner Holford. It comprises some 18,000 trees and shrubs, over an area of approximately 600 acres. We will see numerous ‘champion’ trees including rare magnolias, tree rhododendrons and maples as well as a wide variety of smaller trees. Departing: Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep
5 days from £695
4 days from £795
8 days from £1545 LE T G N N E SI EM O L N PP SU
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Gardens of West Wales In the rolling hills of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire are some fine gardens, large and small; ancient and modern. The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a spectacular re-interpretation of the original garden blended with Norman Foster’s impressive single span Great Greenhouse. Aberglasney, Dyffryn Botanic Gardens and Cae Hir are among the other highlights. Departing: Jun, Sep 4 days from £795
Alnwick Garden Tree House
Gardens of Northumberland
The Irish Rover
The largely rural county of Northumberland is home to a range of individual and imaginative gardens, with each one giving an unusual insight into the pleasure of gardening in this most beautiful and tranquil corner of England. Alongside the now well established Alnwick Garden we visit a wide range of intriguing private gardens.
As in the song by Van Morrison, this Irish Rover is wrapped up in glory – the glory of Ireland’s finest gardens. Among the highlights are Mount Stewart with its dazzling garden and micro-climate; special access to the new private garden of Helen Dillon in Dublin; Powerscourt, perhaps the most famous garden in Ireland, and magical Ilnacullin, a jewel set in Bantry Bay.
Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug
Departing: May, Aug
4 days from £595
4 days from £595
Great Dixter
Portmeirion
Gardens of Kent & Sussex
Gardens of North Wales
If there’s one tour that epitomises the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden, it is this one – with one shining example after another to be savoured and enjoyed including Great Dixter and writer and broadcaster Sarah Raven’s Perch Hill. Top of the bill is Sissinghurst, where we enjoy a special ‘early bird’ visit.
Set amongst glorious scenery that includes the mountains of Snowdonia, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles, North Wales is home to some outstanding gardens. One of the best is Plas Cadnant, which over 20 years ago was an overgrown, abandoned wilderness of ivy and decrepit fruit trees. Its new owner brought it back to life and it has emerged as a gem of a garden.
Departing: Apr, May, Jun, Aug
Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug
4 days from £595
Mount Stewart
The historic pleasure gardens at Walmer Castle in Kent have been dramatically brought back to life thanks to a £2.3m restoration project funded by English Heritage, and they form the centrepiece of this new tour, which also visits the ‘Cinque Ports’ of Hastings, Sandwich, Hythe, Dover and Romney. Other visits include Pashley Manor and the Salutation Gardens.
4 days from £595
Hampton Court Castle
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Gardens of Herefordshire
RHS Garden Bridgewater opens to the public in 2021 and we are delighted to offer the opportunity to be among the first to visit it. Based on an overall design by leading landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, this once in a generation project includes one of the largest walled gardens in the UK, beautifully landscaped grounds, living plant collections and horticultural trails. Departing: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Rural Herefordshire boasts some of Britain’s finest gardens, offering a great variety of styles – from water gardens to plantsman’s gardens, and from a garden of sentiment and memories to a garden of history and refinement. Highlights include The Laskett, the ‘uniquely autobiographical’ garden by Sir Roy Strong and a workshop, tour and talk with the gardener at Stockton Bury. Departing: Jun, Aug, Sep
T&C’s - Supplements apply to some dates and single rooms
Walmer Castle and the Cinque Ports
Departing: Jun, Sep
4 days from £695
Italian Gardens, Trentham Estate
Walmer Castle Gardens
Beth Chatto Garden
Private Gardens of East Anglia
The adjoining counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk feature on this tour of some of the finest gardens that East Anglia has to offer. We have the privilege of visiting Raveningham Hall, the garden of former RHS President Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt, along with East Ruston Old Vicarage, an inspirational exotic garden that lies less than two miles from the North Sea. Departing: May, Aug
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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3 days from £395
3 days from £395
Jane Austen’s House
5 days from £995
Thomas Hardy’s Cottage
Lanhydrock
Literary Trails of the South Coast
Literary Trails of the West Country
Walking in Cornwall
It is a truth universally acknowledged that many of the giants of English literature, including the author of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ herself, have associations and connections with the south of England. This tour unites some of our best loved and most celebrated authors in this corner of the country, such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and Virginia Woolf.
This tour takes us on the trail of further literary greats but also features Jane Austen and as the tours can be taken back to back will appeal to anyone with a particular interest in that author. As well as visiting Austen’s Bath we spend a day in Devon on the trail of the queen of crime writers, Dame Agatha Christie, and visit two Dorset properties connected with Thomas Hardy.
Our Cornish walking experience is based around the Saint’s Way that runs coast to coast from Padstow to Fowey, along the route of early Christian travellers making their way from Ireland to the Continent, unlocking the atmosphere of the fascinating Celtic traditions of the region. Walking in the mornings, the afternoons are spent relaxing in local gardens.
Departing: May, Sep
Departing: May, Sep
Departing: Apr, Aug
5 days from £795
4 days from £795
Monsal Trail
4 days from £695
Ffestiniog Railway
Wensleydale Railway
Walking in the Peak District
Scenic Railways of North Wales
Steam Trains of Yorkshire
The Peak District of Derbyshire offers some of the finest walking in England, with its distinctive limestone-scarred landscape of rolling hills and wooded dales. Bracing walks in the morning are complemented by stimulating visits in the afternoon featuring the historic houses and natural wonders of the region, such as Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and the Blue John Caverns.
When the extension of the Welsh Highland Railway from Rhyd-Ddu to Porthmadog was completed it became possible to travel by railway all the way from Caernarfon to Blaenau-Ffestiniog, a journey of some 40 miles, hauled by the most powerful 2-foot gauge steam locomotives in the world. We also enjoy a leisurely puff to the top of Snowdon and ride the Llangollen Railway.
The star of Channel 5’s ‘The Yorkshire Steam Railway’, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, is one of the most popular heritage railways in the country and also one of the longest, travelling through some glorious scenery in a truly authentic recreation of the golden age of steam. In addition to this we travel over the Wensleydale and Keighley and Worth Valley Railways.
Departing: Sep
Departing: May, Sep
Departing: Jun, Oct
4 days from £675
5 days from £695
Bosvigo Hot Garden
4 days from £695
Stourhead Garden
Windsor Castle
Private Gardens of Cornwall
Gardens of Somerset & Dorset
Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight
Cornwall’s gardens are justly famous for their colour and variety, and there are some truly outstanding examples here. Choose between spring when the rhododendrons burst into life or high summer when the hydrangeas run riot. Highlights include Bosvigo with its bold and imaginative planting, new planting and fresh ideas at Trewithen and lovely Marsh Villa. Departing: Apr, Jul
The neighbouring counties of Dorset and Somerset epitomise the timeless and restrained beauty of rural England, and are home to a fine selection of classic gardens in a variety of different styles. Visits include the wonderful landscape of Stourhead, Kilver Court and East Lambrook, recognised as the ‘Home of English Cottage Gardening’. Departing: Jul, Aug
Ascending to the throne at just 18, Queen Victoria reigned over an empire, the likes of which will never be seen again. Our tour takes us to locations that played an important part in her life as well as offering the opportunity to visit some of the outstanding attractions on the Isle of Wight, including magnificent Osborne House, Victoria’s favourite holiday home. Departing: Aug
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Brightwater Holidays
Archaeology Tours
Bom Jesus do Monte
Our archaeological tours have proved extremely popular thanks to a combination of outstanding sites, well-paced itineraries and engaging experts. They are designed to provide a broad understanding of the archaeology and history of the country or region while at the same time offering a relaxing holiday experience. The awe-inspiring antiquities of the Mediterranean and the Balkans are well represented, with tours to Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Malta and Portugal, each one filled with remarkable visits, many of them UNESCO World-Heritage sites. Our wide-ranging tour of Sweden and Denmark uncovers a host of Nordic gems, while closer to home our archaeologist’s view of Orkney and Shetland provides fascinating glimpses of lives that were lived 5,000 years ago.
Tour departures An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland
Archaeology of Denmark and Sweden Albanian Archaeology Archaeology of the Peloponnese Bulgarian Archaeology Crete Archaeology Malta’s Archaeological Heritage
Portuguese Archaeology Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey
26 April
from £1295pp
31 May
from £1245pp
12 July
from £1445pp
23 August
from £1395pp
5 July
from £1895pp
6 September
from £1925pp
4 May
from £1395pp
12 October
from £1395pp
26 April
from £1495pp
4 October
from £1495pp
11 May
from £1595pp
5 October
from £1595pp
20 April
from £1595pp
14 October
from £1595pp
9 March
from £1345pp
4 May
from £1495pp
9 November
from £1345pp
20 April
from £1895pp
14 October
from £1895pp
20 April
from £1895pp
T&C’s - Supplements apply to some dates and single rooms
Jarlshof
Mystras
To book your Brightwater holiday, call our travel experts today: 01334 766 514
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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European Garden Tours and Cruises
Keukenhof Gardens
A short hop by train or plane to continental Europe opens up a whole world of possibilities for the garden enthusiast. Spain, France and Italy provide the majority of our destinations and it’s not hard to understand why. From the glories of Granada to the romantic, flower-filled ruins of Ninfa; from the sun-kissed gardens of the French Riviera to the aristocratic villas of the Italian Lakes there is a cornucopia of horticultural delights to be discovered there. New additions for 2021 include the Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey featuring the Istanbul Tulip Festival; the colourful Spring Flowers of Crete and, slightly further afield, the alluring Gardens of Marrakech. Many wonderful gardens also feature in our expanded cruise programme, which includes a unique opportunity to navigate the River Loire.
Tour departures Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo
11 May
from £1295pp
from £1495pp
8 June
from £1295pp
10 May
from £1495pp
7 September
from £1295pp
13 September
from £1495pp
Spring Flowers of Crete
12 April
from £1495pp
23 March
from £1395pp
Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey
20 April
from £1895pp
13 April
from £1395pp
Gardens of Marrakech
17 April
from £1395pp
Arts and Gardens of the French Riviera 20 April
from £1395pp
5 October
from £1395pp
22 June
from £2395pp
Castles and Gardens of the Loire
2 July
from £1995pp
Legends of the Rhône
11 August
from £2095pp
Picardy Gardens Cruise
20 May
from £1495pp
17 June
from £1495pp
Douro Discovery
13 October
from £2395pp
Dutch Bulbfields Cruise
16 April
from £1195pp
Gardens of Madeira
1 November
Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia 22 March
Gardens of Mallorca
Gardens of the French Riviera featuring the Menton Lemon Festival
from 1395pp
2 September
from £1465pp
18 February
from £1395pp
Gardens of the French Riviera featuring the Grasse Rose Festival
6 May
from £1595pp
The Genius of Monet
7 May
from £895pp
23 July
from £855pp
23 March
from £1795pp
20 April
from £1795pp
Gardens and Villas of Sicily
Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes 5 May
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Brightwater Holidays
from £1895pp
23 June
from £1895pp
3 September
from £1895pp
Alpine Flowers of Wengen
Cruises
To book your Brightwater holiday, call our travel experts today: 01334 766 514
Long Haul Tours Silleteros Parade
The rigours of a long haul flight can be tough but the rewards are immense. It’s one thing to explore a country through the pages of a book or the images of a website and quite another to be there with your feet upon the ground and the sun upon your back. To look up at a troop of sifaka sunbathing in the treetops in Madagascar; to wander round an exquisite Japanese garden; to climb to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan or stand at the foot of a Patagonian glacier – these are the stuff that dreams are made of. Escorted throughout by an experienced and knowledgeable tour manager, assisted by local expert guides, our carefully crafted and gently paced itineraries bring out the best of every country and provide experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
Tour departures Flora and Fauna of Madagascar
3 November
from £5295pp
South Africa’s Garden Route
21 September
from £3995pp
Bhutan and Nepal
15 October
from £5395pp
Seasonal Gardens of Japan
30 March
from £4995pp
10 November
from £4995pp
15 May
from £2895pp
Grenada – Gardens of the Spice Island
2 October
from £2895pp
Gardens of Costa Rica
28 January 2022
from £3995pp
Southern Costa Rica
8 February 2022
from £3295pp
New Zealand
25 October
from £6995pp
9 January 2022
from £6995pp
Flowers and Flavours of Colombia
15 February 2022 from £3995pp
Landscapes and Flora of Patagonia
30 November
Hummingbird
from £6995pp El Calafate
To book your Brightwater holiday, call our travel experts today: 01334 766 514 T&C’s - Supplements apply to some dates and single rooms
01334 766 514 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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H
eld every ten years at a different venue in The Netherlands, Floriade is one of the premier events of the horticultural world.
COMING
SOON
Full details of packages, dates and prices will be announced in due course but if you would like to register your interest please call 01334 766 514.
OBERAMMERGAU
AND THE AUSTRIAN TYROL - 2022
ŠPassion Play Oberammergau 2020