Designed in Denmark: Gardens of Copenhagen, Zealand and Funen

5 days | £4250 per person with flights | 20 - 24 September 2026

Gardens of Copenhagen, Zealand and Funnen

Spread across a myriad of islands with a population of only five and a half million (about as many as Scotland), Denmark is a remarkably successful country: Danes are said to be happier in their daily lives than anyone else in the world. It is no surprise, therefore, to find many well-loved exceptional gardens that reflect the nation’s finest qualities. The nation is also renowned for being environmentally aware (with more than twice the number of bicycles than cars on its roads). Danish designers are well known for their work in furniture, but we also see evidence of innovative design in parks and gardens throughout the tour. We are based on the island of Zealand, starting in Copenhagen at the Phoenix Hotel: We then move to the island of Funen (Fyn) otherwise known as the garden island of Denmark, where we stay at Falsled Kro, a delightful stylish inn with comfortable fresh rooms and delicious Scandinavian food.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Copenhagen. Transfer to the Copenhagen Phoenix Hotel with time to settle in before departure by taxi for a special tour of the Tivoli Gardens focusing on the innovative horticultural features of this tasteful pleasure park. We will enjoy welcome drinks and dinner at Nimb, a luxury boutique hotel that resides in the grand Moorish–style palace in the gardens. Nimb was affectionately named after the original restaurateur, Frau Nimb in the late 19^th century who welcomed guests adorned in a white apron and a friendly smile, serving fine dishes to all including royalty, politicians and writers. The evening concludes with Tivoli’s spectacular end-of-season firework display.

Day 2

We travel north to spend the morning in the recently restored and replanted Frederiksborg baroque gardens, followed by lunch at the Rabarbargaarden ‘Rhubarb Garden’ restaurant in the castle courtyard. Returning to Copenhagen, we stop at Exillion, a garden that expresses its owner, Peter Wibroe’s lifelong delight in Baroque architecture and garden design. The tour concludes with a glass of wine in the spectacular conservatory. We will also have time at the end of this day to visit the Botanical Garden as a group. The rest of the evening will be free for you to dine as you wish.

Day 3

Leaving Copenhagen, we initially cross Zealand (Sjaelland) to Gisselfeld Paradehuset, a remarkable late 19^th Century orangery where Stig Lauritsen and Greg Kobett have overseen the restoration and filled the large glasshouse with rich displays of exotic plants, finding room also for a shop crammed with an eclectic range of goodies. Following coffee, we continue to a very interesting private garden where the present owner has transformed the area around the house to a series of garden rooms each with their own themes incorporating the surrounding landscape and forestscape. This garden is only open to one group of visitors once a year in May though we have been offered an exclusive visit for our group only; in September. We will then drive then across to the island of Funen (Fyn) to our second hotel, renown for fine Danish cuisine and high standards of hospitality. The evening meal is included today.

Day 4

A morning visit to De Japanske Haver, an exquisitely manicured creation divided into four distinct areas: the Garden of Life; the View Garden; the Walking Garden and the Meditation Garden. This disciplined and immaculate garden is tidied and pruned each morning and evening and includes a small restaurant and shop with an interesting array of pruning tools, traditional paper products and beautiful ceramics. Following lunch together visit Sanderumgaard Romantic Garden where the owners have been engrossed in reawakening their late eighteenth-century sleeping beauty. Initially a garden created by Johan Bulow, Lord Chamberlain to Crown Prince Frederick. At its peak the garden boasted thirteen pavilions and more than a mile of canals. This is a gentle green garden of meandering waterside walks interspersed with follies. Return to Falsled Kro to dine together.

Day 5

Leaving Funnen to cross back to Zealand via the privately owned Sandstone show garden before returning to the airport to check in for the return flight to London.

The Phoenix Hotel

Located between the majestic Amalienbord Palace and the colourful Nyhavn is the Phoenix Hotel. As soon as you step through the door you are welcomed with open arms and charmed by its elegant interiors. Each room offers luxury beds and amenities to enhance your stay, as well as being furnished with neutral tones to ensure a calming and restful stay. Its central location is perfect for venturing out to various gardening gems and for independent exploration of the local shopping districts.

Falsled Kro

The Falsled Kro is a historic and charming inn nestled in the coastal countryside of Southern Funen, Denmark. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and is also just a short step away from the sea. Since being transformed into the stunning hotel it now is, it has helped Denmark earn its reputation as a culinary powerhouse - despite the country's modest size. Guests will sleep comfortably in contemporary designed rooms and enjoy sumptuous Michelin-level cuisine in the hotel's restaurant.

With Flights: £4250

Join Direct: £4100

Single Supp: £745

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

20 - 24 September 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Copenhagen
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Phoenix Hotel
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Falsled Kro
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and three lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Greg Kobett

Greg Kobett is a distinguished landscape architect specialising in the stewardship and creative revitalisation of historic gardens and estates across Denmark. At Gisselfeld Monastery, Greg co-restored the remarkable Paradehuset orangery—an enchanting greenhouse filled with exotic plants, softly glugging water features, and filtered daylight through skylights. His deep-rooted commitment extends to public and private estate landscapes. Greg played a key role in replanting and design initiatives at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, enhancing the botanical charm of this historic public attraction. He also advises on the management of Denmark's larger estate gardens—applying exquisite attention to detail and landscape heritage frameworks. Greg Kobett’s approach fuses tactile plant knowledge, architectural intuition, and quiet sensibilities.

Kirsty Fergusson

Kirsty exchanged a career in academia (she has a PhD specialising in French philosopher-novelists) for a life in gardening. Trained at Capel Manor, she was head gardener at Mapperton in Dorset during the early nineties, where a series of fortunate encounters opened the door to garden writing. As well as writing a weekly column for The Express, for many years she was a frequent contributor to Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, Country Life, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent. In 2003 she moved to SW France, where she continues to explore the possibilities of her own (very forgiving) garden – when not travelling, writing or leading tours.