Beth Chatto’s Garden began in 1960, emerging from an overgrown wasteland. It has been transformed into an inspirational and informal garden, working on the principle that garden plants grow best when placed in conditions closest to their natural habitats. Her famous, never-watered, dry garden is an example of this approach. The accompanying plant nursery stocks about 2,000 plants, all sold according to growing conditions. The modern tearoom serves light lunches, homemade cakes and award-winning local ice cream.

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Burghley House in Stamford is one of the grandest of the Elizabethan period.   William Cecil, treasurer to Elizabeth I, started to build it in 1555, finishing some 30 years later.   Generations of the family have filled its 35 grand rooms with wonderful treasures and it now contains a superb collection of Italian Old Masters, fine furniture, a world famous collection of ceramics and more.  We shall start our visit with an introductory talk with coffee/tea and biscuits, and then you will be free to explore the house and the Capability Brown gardens and grounds. Lunch and snacks are available from the two cafes, or bring a picnic. We shall leave at 5.00 pm to return to Norwich by c7.00 pm.

We will first visit Bury St Edmunds Cathedral, arriving at 10.15 in time for coffee before a tour (both being included in the fee).  This wonderful cathedral blends medieval and modern seamlessly.  After free time we will leave for Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, where we will have a tour showing the collection of Constable and Gainsborough pictures, furniture and china.

Paul King, a trustee, has kindly offered to guide us round The Great Hospital. It was founded in 1249 by Bishop Walter de Suffield to shelter poor and ill chaplains of the diocese; later, the church of St Helen was built. There is plenty of parking.  Why not have lunch afterwards at the Adam and Eve pub, which is owned by The Great Hospital?