In the past, one way of proclaiming a successful and wealthy life was to design and build your own spectacular home, incorporating your own ideas and moulded on your own personality. North East England has an abundance of such houses - from the Classical Greek-style Belsay Hall to the elegant Palladian charms of Ormesby Hall. All give an insight into the people who built them and, with many open to visitors, they offer unique opportunities to explore exotic, sometimes eccentric and always fascinating architectural wonders.

The gardens that surround these character-packed residences are no less intriguing, making North East England something of a gardeners’ paradise and the subject of many a special interest tour. The Alnwick Garden emphasises the modern with an abundance of fascinating plants, fantastic water features, a poison garden and one of the world’s largest wooden treehouses! Meanwhile, almost in the centre of Durham City, Crook Hall and Gardens combines a 13^th century Grade 1 listed medieval hall with six acres of gardens and delights including a scented walled garden, a moat pool and maze. A quiet oasis in an urban setting, groups can enjoy a cream tea in the courtyard in summer or in front of a roaring fire during winter. 

Exclusively for groups in the heart of Northumberland lie the magnificent gardens of the 17^th century Whalton Manor House, with their beautifully laid out Rose Gardens, Herbaceous Borders, Lawns, Peony Border, Laburnum Grove and classical Italianate summerhouse in which to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings. And in each of these gardens, groups can learn something new, something they can put to use in their own garden at home.