Join fellow plant lovers and Juniper Level Botanic Garden Supporters on a one-of-a-kind journey through Scotland and Northumberland. This 10-day journey will take you through historic formal gardens and estates, wild rugged natural landscapes, and even a garden filled with over 100 toxic plants!

Today your international flight will arrive in Edinburgh where you will meet the rest of the group to travel to Northumberland- England’s northernmost county, famed for its wild exposed scenery: half the area is mountain and moorland.

Along the way we will make a stop at the Scottish Seabird Center and take a boat trip to Bass Rock, a steep-sided volcanic island in the Firth of Forth off the east coast of Scotland that hosts the world's largest single-rock colony of northern gannets.

This evening, we will gather as a group at the hotel restaurant for a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight: Alnwick, The Tempus Hotel, or similar.

Alnwick Castle is a grand medieval fortress and the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. Built following the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century to guard the English border against Scottish attacks, it was purchased by the Percy family in 1309, and has remained their ancestral home for over 700 years. We will visit the historic home and its famed gardens. Built to be unconventional, The Alnwick Garden is a unique, contemporary garden in the heart of Northumberland. Lose yourself in the mysterious Bamboo Labyrinth, explore the perils of The Poison Garden or gaze upon the Sage Wealth Management Grand Cascade. Transformed across seasons, no two days in The Garden are ever the same. The Garden’s history is still honored through the traditional Ornamental Garden and mesmerizing Rose Garden.

We will stop for lunch and then continue our exploration with a visit to Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum.

Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, known as 'the hidden gem of Northumberland,' is also the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey since 1319. Discover the history of the 2nd Earl, after whom the famous tea is named, wander through the beautiful gardens created by the 5th Earl Grey and his family including the arboretum—a united nations of shrubs and trees covering over 65 acres. Take a rest from exploring in the Earl Grey Tea House for a bite to eat and a cup of Earl Grey Tea.

Overnight: Alnwick, The Tempus Hotel, or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel we will head out for another day exploring glorious Northumberland starting with a visit to one of the most formidable castles in northern England, once the residence of the powerful Percy family.

Visit one of the most formidable castles in northern England, once the residence of the powerful Percy family. Discover how the great baronial fortress-palace of Warkworth Castle worked in its 15th-century heyday.

From there we head to Amble Harbor for a cruise to Coquet Island, to a rugged sanctuary teeming with life. Each summer, its cliffs and grassy slopes erupt into a frenzy of wings and color as more than 40,000 seabirds return to nest including Puffins, Roseate Terns, Sandwich, Common & Arctic Terns, Kittiwakes, and Eider Ducks. And guarding the island year-round, the grey seal colony basks on the eastern rocks — curious, watchful, and often just meters from the boat. *Tidal dependent.

This evening we will gather at the hotel restaurant to enjoy a locally focused dinner together.

Overnight: Alnwick, The Tempus Hotel, or similar.

Today’s adventures bring us to Bamburgh Castle. Standing guard 150 feet above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years, Bamburgh Castle is one of England's finest coastal fortresses. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing the coast open out beneath you, with sweeping views towards the Farne Islands, Holy Island and Bamburgh village from this extraordinary viewpoint, or its treasure filled staterooms, including the castle’s centerpiece – The King’s Hall, discover a fortress like no other at Bamburgh Castle.

From there we will venture to Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, a small tidal island cut off from the mainland twice a day as the tide comes in. Words can't quite capture the magic of crossing the causeway itself, with staggering views the whole way and the feeling of entering a secret world as the island comes into view. This place of worship, tranquility and beauty was once home to St Cuthbert, said to hold the power of spiritual healing. Cross the causeway and you'll find the 12th-century Lindisfarne Priory, the center of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England and once home to St Oswald. Ransacked by Viking raiders in the 8th century, the evocative ruins include the famous 'rainbow bridge', which arcs skywards where a tower once stood. Perched on a rocky plateau overlooking the island, Lindisfarne Castle has a history rooted mainly in military defense. From around 1570, garrisons of soldiers were stationed here to watch the horizon for trouble, and the excellent condition of the castle when it was rediscovered in 1901 suggests its military history was a relatively quiet one. As well as its history, Holy Island has an exciting range of wildlife to spot. Its island status protects the tidal mudflats, salt marshes and dunes that make up the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.

Overnight: Alnwick, The Tempus Hotel, or similar.

Along the way we will make a stop at Floor’s Castle, built in 1721 and the home of the Innes-Ker family for over 300 years. This gem of the Scottish Borders combines one of the finest Victorian Kitchen Gardens in a spectacular Walled Garden with a formal Millennium Garden which features a French-style parterre and a charming summer house known as “Queen’s House” after Queen Victoria visited for tea here in 1867. The 4 acre Walled Garden is a unique showpiece of seasonal color and interest. Enjoy the frenzy of color in the breath-taking herbaceous borders, explore the glasshouses bursting with soft fruit and exotic blooms. Discover a multitude of wonderful cut flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables grown within the ancient walls making the garden as beautiful as it is productive.

At the conclusion of the day, we will check in to our accommodations, the unique and scenic Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel. Given the historic nature of the property, each room is unique- no two are the same!

This Highland cow farm tour gives you the chance to meet, photograph and learn about the iconic Highland cows and Beltex sheep in their natural farm environment. This farmer-led tour is the perfect way to experience life on a traditional Scottish farm. You’ll travel in a purpose-built, wind and watertight trailer with padded seating – designed for comfort, no matter the weather.

Visit Logan Botanic Gardens, a world of rare botanical treasures, a true paradise nestled on Scotland’s south-western tip. Thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate, allowing exotic plants from around the world to flourish. Its vibrant avenues and colorful borders showcase a spectacular array of half-hardy perennials and remarkable plant species rarely seen thriving elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Dinner for the group is included at the hotel.

Overnight: Stranraer, Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, or similar.

We will visit the otherworldly RSPB Wood of Cree- the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland. In spring, it comes alive with Bluebells on the ground and the sounds of Pied Flycatchers and warblers. It’s also the perfect place to see Willow Tits, as well as Barn and Tawny Owls.

If time allows, we will also visit Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn, a pair of Neolithic burial monuments and the lonely resting place of a mythical Scottish king.

The afternoon includes a visit to Glenwhan Botanic Garden, described as one of the most beautiful made gardens in Scotland with unique & stunning sea views across to the Isle of Man, Luce Bay, and the Mull of Galloway. The Gardens are a labor of love, hewn from rough moorland 40+ years ago. They grow many tender plants from around the Southern Hemisphere with a large collection of rare trees such as hollies, birch, and conifers, and shrubs including rhododendrons, hydrangeas, Olearias and many others.

Tonight we will enjoy a stargazing experience right from our hotel with a local astronomy expert!

Overnight: Stranraer, Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, or similar.

We will stop along the way at Dumfries House and Gardens, spanning more than 2,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and gardens. We will include a visit to the Walled Garden, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014. These five-acres have been restored from a derelict area into a beautiful garden with a mix of terraces, greenhouses and topiary.

We end the day in Edinburgh at our centrally located hotel right off the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital, is a city of dramatic contrasts, featuring a medieval Old Town dominated by its castle and a Georgian “New” Town, all set amidst volcanic hills and close to the sea, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant cultural life, and world-renowned festivals like the Fringe, making it a top tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight Edinburgh, Virgin Hotel Edinburgh or similar.

We will spend the morning on a guided tour of Edinburgh Botanic Garden. Founded near Holyrood Abbey in 1670 as a physic garden growing medicinal plants, to its present-day role as a global center for biodiversity science, horticulture and education, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has had a remarkable history over the last 350 years.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city as you wish.

This evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together and share a toast to our adventures!

Overnight Edinburgh, Virgin Hotel Edinburgh or similar

A private transfer will take you to the Edinburgh Airport in good time for your return flight home. As you reflect on your journey through extraordinary landscapes, historic castles, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences, you depart with memories that will linger long after the journey ends.

CANCELLATIONS

25% non-refundable deposit / 75% fee for cancellations up to 90 days prior to arrival / full charge for no shows and cancellations 0–90 days prior to arrival.

*Prices do not include credit card fees. All credit card fees come from the payment processing company and not Limitless Planet. We cannot waive or remove credit card fees. You have the option of paying by check to bypass any credit card fees.

*Payment plans available upon request. Deposit will be required to confirm the reservation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Airfare and Transfers

Limitless Planet is happy to book your airfare. If you use miles, you will be responsible for booking your airfare on your own. If you are arranging your own flights, please send a copy of your itinerary to nancyjane@limitlessplanettravel.com.

Disclaimer Regarding Airline Seat Assignments

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing significant challenges with airline seat assignments, particularly involving codeshare partners. In several cases, seats that have been paid for are not recognized by the operating carrier, resulting in repeated and time-consuming efforts to resolve the issue directly with various airlines.

It is important to note that, despite our best efforts, we have no direct control over airline seat allocation processes or their internal systems. We understand the frustration this causes and want you to know that we have reported these concerns to the U.S. Department of Transportation. While we will continue to advocate on your behalf and assist wherever possible, the resolution of these matters ultimately rests with the airlines themselves. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these ongoing challenges.

Passport

Each traveler will be required to have a passport valid for at least six months after your travel departure date. Limitless Planet is happy to assist you with your passport application or renewing an expired passport. Additional fees may apply. Please send a copy of your valid passport.

Visa

The UK now requires visitors to have a visa. You will need to secure your visas online. Your account manager will send you the link to complete your visa application.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the quote of this itinerary. For your convenience, Limitless Planet offers travel protection plans through Travelex Insurance Services. We are happy to send you a quote.

Health & Wellness

Your health and wellness are very important to us. We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions and special requests. All participants on Limitless Planet’s tours must be physically fit enough to participate in the tour. Limitless Planet reserves the right to deny participation on any of our tours, according to the tour itinerary.

IMPORTANT

For every booking entrusted to us, we require the following information:
Full passengers’ names, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
International arrival/departure flight information, if not arranging through Limitless Planet.
Active medical problems.

Bed preference, subject to availability.

LIMITS ON LIMITLESS PLANET’S RESPONSIBILITY:

Limitless Planet acts as tour operator. It purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other services from various independent suppliers, which are not subject to its control. Limitless Planet cannot, therefore, be liable for death, personal injury, or any other loss that may occur due to any act or omission of any such supplier or by reason of any other event over which it has no control. Domestic flights are occasionally subject to overbooking, cancellation, and schedule changes. If this occurs, Limitless Planet will do all in its power to assist clients in boarding flights or finding alternate arrangements. It must be stressed that this is done as a courtesy to clients, and Limitless Planet cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, the additional costs thus incurred , or payments not recovered for missed land arrangements due to airline delays.

Optional Activities that may be Dangerous

Depending on the itinerary you have selected, optional activities will be available at some of the places you will visit. Some of these activities carry with them the inherent risk of serious personal injury. These activities include, but are not limited to, horseback tours, canoe trips, hiking, river rafting, etc. You should be aware that your personal safety cannot be guaranteed, and Limitless Pl anet assumes no responsibility for your safety.

Acts of God and the Like

Limitless Planet is not responsible for acts of God, fire, acts of local government or other authorities, wars, civil disturb ances, riots, terrorist acts, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, earthquakes, adverse weather conditions, dangers incident to sea, land, and air travel and other similar acts or incidents beyond its ability to control or its suppliers.

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Scotland & Northumberland with Juniper Level Botanic Garden

Scotland & Northumberland with Juniper Level Botanic Garden Tour

Scotland and Northumberland

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