A Royal Passion for Gardens & the Lord of the Highlands
In 2025, Botanica guests Judy and Peter Fitzgerald set out to explore England’s iconic Royal Gardens and the spectacular canals and landscapes of Scotland. They’ve shared with us their reflections and top five highlights from this journey filled with heritage, history, and botanical beauty. Read on to discover their experience on this truly remarkable Botanica adventure, once again departing in 2027.
Five Highlights of the Highlands & Royal Gardens
1. Life Aboard the Lord of the Highlands
The luxury of our stay on the “Lord of the Highlands” ship. We appreciated the opportunity to unpack our suitcases and totally relax for seven nights and enjoy the indulgent food and company of wonderful staff and guests. It was smooth waters over the whole trip and scenery to marvel at. The low hanging clouds shrouding the rugged rocky mountains while gliding smoothly on inland loch’s was awesome.
2. Exploring Highgrove House
Our visit to King Charles private residence, Highgrove House, was a highlight. We enjoyed the bus trip through the English countryside passing through quaint English country towns arriving at Highgrove set amongst a wonderful organic garden with wild flowers and grasses. As a farmer I was intrigued how the grass land was left long to allow natural seeding afterwards bring sheep in to graze. We enjoyed the “high class” lunch provided, we thought we were hosted by royalty with all the trimmings, the only person missing was the King himself.
3. The Majesty of Sandringham Estate
Our visit to Sandringham added to the intrigue that goes with a Royal residence. The vast woodlands and open fields opening up to an amazing royal residence with three carefully manicured topiary gardens leading to the front entrance. The tour inside revealed huge paintings of previous royals and exquisite furniture that ordained the many rooms. The quaint little church at the end of the path way where the royals would attend church on Christmas day left a lasting memory of our visit.
4. The Garden Gems of Dumfires House
Dumfries House set in picturesque surroundings as part of a larger farm was an image that any farmer would like their farm to look like. More spectacular was the 5 acre walled garden filled with colour from roses, flowers, shrubs and trees carefully planned to reflect heritage led regeneration. We sat quietly and took in the ambience of a wonderful garden.
5. The Colours of Tobermory
Our visit to pretty Tobermory on the Isle of Mull was amazing. We wandered peacefully around the harbor admiring the brightly coloured buildings and cray pots stacked on the wharf depicting a vibrant fishing village with the friendliness from shop owners selling their wares. A visit to the Ledaig whisky distillery is a must if only for taste testing which can be continued on the Lord of the Highlands as they have a great selection on board.