Aromatic gardens, esteemed stately homes and charming countryside vistas - this leisurely tour of South East England's greatest gardens is certainly one for the photo books. From the romance of Sissinghurst Castle to the opulence of Hampton Court Palace, the historic city of Windsor and the iconic engineering of London's Kew Gardens - we'll take the back roads to uncover the best of this green and pleasant corner of England. This exclusive Travel at 60 Group Departure promises to be as unforgettable as it is enlightening.
Highlights
Day 1 - London
After meeting the group at our London hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal.
Stay: The Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals - Dinner
Day 2 - Ightham Mote - Scotney Castle - Royal Tunbridge Wells
Our tour of England's green and pleasant land will begin at one of the most unique manor houses in Kent: Ightham Mote. This medieval house dates back over 700 years and can only be reached via an ancient stone bridge that stretches over its very own moat. This afternoon we'll visit the charming Scotney Castle, where we'll take some time to wander the gardens before we end our delightful day in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight, there's another sumptuous group dinner on the agenda.
Stay: The Spa Hotel (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Sissinghurst Castle - Great Dixter
This morning our road will turn east to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an iconic retreat that's renowned for its romantic design and colourful rose arrangements. Then: we'll swap sculpted layouts for a naturalistic approach to planting at Great Dixter. Here, we'll tour the old timber-framed house that was once home to famous British gardener Christopher Lloyd - and explore the gardens that were his pride and joy.
Stay: The Spa Hotel (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast
Day 4 - RHS Garden Wisley
After breakfast in Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and relaxing in the Alpine Meadow. Rich in history and royal tradition, Windsor will be our final stop of the day – where a hearty included meal awaits.
Stay: Castle Hotel (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Windsor
What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor's regal highlights at your own pace? We'll have plenty of time to visit the Castle, wander the picturesque riverside and sample a delicious afternoon tea at one of the tearooms around town. After a full day of exploring, choose from one of the many cosy pubs and eateries - and enjoy an evening spent at your leisure.
Stay: Castle Hotel (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast
Day 6 - The Savill Garden
This morning, we’ll pay a visit to The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we walk through the themed gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for an array of rare plants from around the world. After some free time wandering the exquisite gardens – we’ll make our way back to London. Spending the evening exploring the capital's array of gastronomic options or relaxing at our hotel – we will look forward to tomorrow’s exciting agenda.
Stay: The Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast
Day 7 - Hampton Court Palace
This morning we’ll take a look around the splendid Hampton Court Palace and Gardens*. With 60 acres of exquisite formal gardens, three National Plant Collections and the world’s oldest puzzle maze – we’ll have plenty of free time to explore this world-famous estate. Following on from our visit, we’ve an appointment to keep at the Beefeater Gin Distillery – where a guided tour of the facility is in store. Tonight, is your last on tour so we suggest spending your free evening dining at one of the capital’s fantastic restaurants. *Tours departing on the 3rd July 2022 will experience a full day at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show and will be unable to visit the Palace and Beefeater Gin Distillery due to time constraints.
Stay: The Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast
Day 8 - Kew Gardens
It may be our last day together, but there’s still time to enjoy some more English treasures. This morning we’ll take a stroll around the splendid Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a final flourish to that holiday photo album. We will say our farewells upon returning to the hotel.
Meals - Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
One Departure Only 4 September 2022
Call our team today on 1300 414 198 to secure your place for this exclusive event!
We can assist with booking flights, insurance and additional accommodation.
7 nights in hand-picked accommodation
How much luggage can I bring? As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.
What clothes should I bring? A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.
What level of mobility do I need?: You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Non refundable deposit of $300 required within 7 days of booking and final payment due no later than 15 April 2022
You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel with this supplier; the only exception to this is if you are medically exempt from having the vaccine.
Fully vaccinated you will need to bring an electronic and/or printed copy of your vaccination status with you to show your Tour Leader on the day your tour departs. Proof of your vaccination status must include your name (matching your passport) and the date on which your final vaccine was administered (which must be at least 14 days prior to your date of departure).
Medically exempt If you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons, you will need to email you a copy of an official government exemption, or a letter from your doctor, at least 14 days before your tour departs. You will also be required to take a PCR test three days before your tour, and email Travel at 60 the result. If we do not receive these within the given time – or your PCR test result is positive – you will be unable to travel with us.
Not vaccinated If you have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and do not hold an exemption from having the vaccine for medical reasons, unfortunately you will not be able to travel with us.
COVID-19: IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with airline and government requirements around passenger safety and COVID-19, including the need to produce evidence meeting airline and border control requirements in relation to a negative COVID-19 test both for transit and final destination passengers. This information is subject to change without notice so we recommend you update yourself in relation to the relevant airline and government policies for your transit and final destination at each of (i) the time of booking, (ii) as you approach your travel date, and (iii)immediately before travel. Airlines, hotels and other travel service providers will need to comply with national and/or local guidance and requirements relating to COVID-19 and will have implemented certain measures as a result. Whilst on the tour, customers may also be required to wear a mask when necessary.
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