Date/Time
Date(s) - 19/05/2022
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Location
Coach pick outside Leicester Botanic Gardens
Unfortunately due to some power cuts in the area we cannot go on the original date. The new date is May 19th.
We’ve chosen to make this return visit to Batsford in May as, at this time, the trees and cherry blossom should be at their best.
The 56 acres of Batsford Arboretum has over 1500 different species of trees, shrubs and bamboos, as well as an unusual collection of exotic shrubs from the Far East. It holds the National Collection of Japanese cherries.
Interestingly, the arboretum was planted by the grandfather of the Mitford sisters.
Although we cannot arrange refreshments there are facilities for coffee, tea and light lunches or you may prefer to bring a packed lunch. Picnics are not allowed in the arboretum itself, but there are picnic tables at the rear of the visitor centre.
The house at Sezincote was the whim of Colonel John Cockerell, grandson of diarist Samuel Peyps, who made his fortune in the East India Company. After his death in 1798, it was his younger brother Charles, who commissioned his brother Samuel to design and build an Indian house in the Mogul style of Rajasthan. Once completed, Sezincote dazzled all who came. It was the inspiration for the Brighton Pavillion.
“Down the drive, Under the early yellow leaves of oaks…the bridge, the waterfall, the Temple Pool and there they burst on us, the onion domes”
Summoned by Bells, John Betjeman
The form of the garden has not changed since Repton’s time, but much neglected during the Second World War, was restored in 1968 by Sir Cyril and Lady Kleinwort, advised by Graham Stuart Thomas. Their work includes the canals and Irish yews in the South Garden, evocative of Moghul paradise gardens, a curving conservatory, home to many tender climbing plants, and little pavilion also in Indian style, and all the exceptionally fine planting of the water garden, where many rare plants can be seen.
Sezincote is not open to the general public on the day we visit and we will be able to go round the house and the gardens.
8.30am Depart Glebe Road
10.45am Arrive at Batsford
1.45pm Leave Batsford
2.00pm Arrive Sezincote
4.30pm Depart
We are hoping to arrange a drinks-stop on the way home.
Cost: Friends £39.50 Guests £41.50 (Includes entrances to both places)
Batsford and Sezincote booking form
Please return the booking form by Monday 25th April 2022
For further details contact Elizabeth. Telephone 0116 2705711
*If you are unable to print the booking form send requirements by email.