Radcot House, Radcot OX18 2SX, lunch at Aston Pottery Bampton OX18 2BT and
Finally Ashbrook House, Blewbury OX11 9QA
By coach £37.00 Non-members £40.00
Radcot House is renowned for its spectacular autumn display, dahlias abound. Approximately 3 acres of dramatic yet harmonious planting in light and shade. Extensive use of grasses and unusual perennials with interesting sculptural surprises. Formal pond, fruit and vegetable cages. Convenient seating at key points enables relaxed observation and reflection. DIY coffee & tea.
We follow this with a visit to Aston Pottery. There are 5 very large borders here set around the Gift Shop and Café. We will email those intending to come with the menu so light lunches can be pre-booked. The borders here are certainly ‘in your face’ with riotous colour but nevertheless, worth inspection. This ‘garden’ has featured in the Saturday Telegraph and RHS magazine.
We round off the day with a visit to Ashbrook House on our way home, notable for its connection with Kenneth Grahame who read ‘Wind in the Willows’ to local children and where he took inspiration for his description of the oak doors to Badger’s House. 3.5 acres of chalk & water garden in a beautiful spring line village. Mrs Barrett will give us tea here.
Pick up points: 8.15 Caversham – by Mapledurham Playing Fields
8.30 Valpy Street Bus Stop, Central Reading 8.50 Village Car Park Theale