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There is as much beauty close to home as the far flung destinations. Discover beautiful parts of the British Isles that maybe you didn’t know even existed.

Explore the British Isles in style on a Gardeners’ World Magazine 20th Anniversary cruise aboard the Balmoral. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine visits to spectacular gardens with expert advice on tap, and an exclusive visit from Alan Titchmarsh on the first evening of your cruise, who will welcome everyone aboard, getting the cruise off to an exciting start.

As well as his popular role as a TV presenter, Alan is also one of the longest standing contributors and has been writing for Gardeners’ World Magazine since it launched in 1990‡

Read more about Alan Titchmarsh here

Editor of Gardeners’ World Magazine since its launch 20 years ago, Adam is a font of gardening knowledge with years of experience.

Read more about Adam Pasco here

A well-travelled gardener who regularly hosts readers’ holidays, Matt has been gardening professionally for more than 20 years.

Read more about Matthew Biggs here

A leading expert in pests and diseases, Pippa has a passion for growing vegetables. She also hosts gardening tours around the world.

Read more about Pippa Greenwood here

Monday 8 August
Southampton
Embark and settle in to your cabin. Tonight there will be a special 20th Anniversary Welcome get-together hosted by Alan Titchmarsh. Plus photo opportunity – cameras at the ready!

Tuesday 9 August
St. Peter Port, Guernsey*
Tumbling terraces and tiered gardens, stylish boutiques and chic cafes. St Peter Port is a bustling town, with a fascinating waterfront. There will be a tender ashore and then it’s an easy stroll in to the town itself – and if the sun is shining – it’ll be perfect. Before dinner enjoy our private drinks party, a chance for you to mingle with your fellow travelers and hear from the hosts themselves - Adam Pasco, Matthew Biggs and Pippa Greenwood! Plus enjoy a drink or two on us!

Wednesday 10 August
Cruising
A gardeners’ talk will be scheduled plus there’ll be plenty of time for you to indulge in one of the ship's activities. There may also be time for a late afternoon question and answer session with the experts – questions at the ready!

Thursday 11 August
Holyhead, Wales
Today, for all those avid gardeners, there will be an opportunity for you to book an optional tour to Bodnant Garden, one of the finest gardens in the country not only known for its magnificent collections of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias but also for its idyllic setting above the River Conwy with extensive views of the Snowdonia range. Other shore tours to places of interest will also be available for you to book from the ship – the choice is yours.

Friday 12 August
Dublin, Ireland
Enjoy your Gardeners’ World FREE Garden Tour today to Mount Usher Gardens. Voted The Most Romantic Garden to visit in 2010 and The Best Garden to visit in 2009 & 2010 in the Republic of Ireland by BBC Gardener’s World Magazine!

Saturday 13 August
Greenock, Scotland
From Greenock take the shore tour which takes you along the River Clyde to the Glasgow to enjoy this panoramic city tour. Alternatively there may be an opportunity for you to venture into the pretty Ayrshire countryside and visit one of Scotland's most popular castles, Culzean Castle and Gardens, dramatically positioned in a cliff top setting and overlooking the grandest of landscaped gardens and wild deer park.

Sunday 14 August
Tobermory, Isle of Mull*
A charming port on the Isle of Mull, with pastel-shaded buildings set against a backdrop of rolling hills surrounding a pretty waterfront that is busy with fishing boats and pleasure-craft. The area is rich in wildlife and visitors may see red deer grazing and sea eagles swooping overhead. Around the coast otters, seals, dolphins and whales, all thrive, while every conceivable kind of seabird can be found nesting there. Also look out for the gardeners’ get-together later in the day – a chance to catch up with your hosts and ask those all important questions.

Monday 15 August
Scrabster, Scotland*
One of the most important fishing ports in the north of Scotland, Scrabster Harbour lies in a sheltered position on Thurso Bay. The late Queen

Mother’s home at the Castle of Mey with its gardens may be just one of the attractions which competes for your time.

Tuesday 16 August
Cruising
As well as enjoying the ship’s facilities today and hopefully some summer sunshine, there will be two gardeners’ get-togethers for you to enjoy. Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Biggs will both host talks with plenty of time for questions too.

Wednesday 17 August
Harwich
An important port and naval base for several hundred years. Harwich old town – now a conservation area – is fascinating. The streets form a grid that dates back to medieval time, with narrow alleys connecting the main streets that run north to south. From here it is only a short journey to the internationally acclaimed Beth Chatto Gardens, the garden of Britain’s best-loved plantswoman, known for her bold use of perennials. An optional tour to these gardens will be available for you to book.

Thursday 18 August
Southampton
There will be time for breakfast before disembarking Balmoral and your return journey home.

*Denotes anchor port where tenders are required

FREE GARDEN TOUR
Mount Usher Gardens, Dublin

Mount Usher Gardens (main picture) are amongst the loveliest in the country. They combine a long time famous collection of plants, gathered from all corners of the world, with a romantic garden planted in the tradition of William Robinson. Informal paths wander along the river Vartry, across grassy expanses patterned with bulbs, and on through light woodland and groves of eucalyptus and magnolias There are 20 acres of flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns laid out along the river Vartry, comprising of over 5000 different types of shrus and plants. Throughout the garden there is much to interest the serious gardener. The harmony of colour, magnificent setting and landscaping should not be missed.

Click here to read more about Mount Usher Gardens

Optional Garden Tour
Beth Chatto Gardens, Harwich

The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960 when the site was an overgrown wasteland between two farms. Faced with all kinds of difficult conditions Beth and the late Andrew Chatto set out to find homes for many of the plants they wished to grow. With dry and damp soil in both sun and shade, they were able put into practice the underlying principles of what is now referred to as “Ecological gardening”.

Optional Garden Tour
Bodnant Garden, Holyhead

Marvel at plants from all over the world grown from seed and cuttings collected over a century ago on plant-hunting expeditions. Created by five generations of one family, this 32-hectare (80-acre) garden is superbly located, with spectacular views across Snowdonia. With expansive lawns and intimate corners, grand ponds and impressive terraces, a steep wooded valley and stream, as well as awe-inspiring plant collections, there are continually changing glorious displays of colour. Paths throughout allow visitors to explore, discover and delight in the garden’s beauty and enjoy the clean, fresh fragrances of nature.