Depart for East Lothian, to visit Broadwoodside, one of Scotland’s finest private contemporary gardens, by special arrangement with the owners, Robert and Anna Dalrymple, who will guide the party. Formally part of the Yester estate of the Tweeddale family and looking out to the Lammermuir Hills, the impressive garden is centred on two beautifully designed courtyards and settled around an ancient agricultural steading.

Lunch at Greywalls, an elegant Edwardian country house hotel showcasing the collaboration of Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll with stunning views of Muirfield Golf Course and the Firth of Forth. Explore the six-acre formal walled garden with the head gardener. Continue to Dunbar to visit the gardens at Tyninghame House to see the spectacular privately owned 4-acre walled garden, by special arrangement with Charnisay Gwyn. The walled garden combines the lawn with sculpture and yew hedges, an apple-walk and extensive herbaceous planting, including roses and peonies with an informal arboretum. Return to the hotel. Dinner under own arrangement.

This morning, visit Abbottsford, the 19th century home of the author Sir Walter Scott. He spent much of his adult life here, the River Tweed and Border countryside offering constant inspiration for his novels. Still furnished much as it was during his lifetime, the house holds his collections of books, armouries and historical relics. The gardens were originally designed by William Atkinson and the main feature is the three part walled garden next to the house, where there are impressive double herbaceous borders and an orangery. Time at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Melrose.

Continue to Earlston for a private lunch at Carolside, an 18th century mansion in the bend of the River Leader, hosted by the owners, Anthony and Rose Foyle. Today, this 200-year-old garden is best known for its delicate herbaceous planting, Broadwoodside Bowhill House Estate striking Delphinium beds, its design of rooms with a secret garden, winter garden and herb garden backed in espaliered pear trees and yellow and white roses. Sweeping lawns lead to an oval walled garden where an Historical Collection of ancient roses is housed including a National Collection of pre-1900 Gallica roses. Afternoon private visit to Portmore Gardens, by special arrangement with the owners, David and Chrissie Reid. This Victorian walled garden has herbaceous double borders, a potager, rose garden, pleached lime walk and ornamental fruit cages. There are large Victorian glasshouses which contain an Italianate Grotto. Outside the walled garden is the water garden leading to a woodland walk and a formal garden of yew and box. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Morning visit to Mellerstain, home of the Earl of Haddington, for a private tour of the house. It was begun in 1725 by William Adam for Lady Grizel Baillie and completed by his son Robert from 1770 – 1778. The interior is outstanding, with fine ceilings preserved in the original colours. The Library is a masterpiece of classical decoration, with plasterwork incorporating marble busts by Roubiliac. There is a superb collection of paintings including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Ramsay and Nasmyth, as well as fine furniture and embroidery. Mellerstain stands in 200 acres of parkland, with an Italian-style terraced garden leading to a sweeping lawn which descends to the lake, with a glorious view to the folly, Hundy Mundy and the Cheviot Hills.

Continue to Floors Castle, the home of the Duke of Roxburghe. Built by William Adam in 1721, the Castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland. Enjoy a private guided tour of the house which houses a marvellous collection of fine art and porcelain including paintings by Matisse and impressive Belgian tapestries. Explore the castle gardens with fine herbaceous borders, fruit trees and meandering paths. The Walled Garden is a showpiece of seasonal colour and interest and a summer house built in 1867 for Queen Victoria’s visit sits overlooking the Millennium Garden. Lunch at the Terrace Café under own arrangements. Transfer to Berwick-upon-Tweed for a train to London Kings Cross (not included in the cost of the tour).