From unique English manor houses, an elegant French château and grand gardens steeped in history and tradition – we’ll stop and smell the roses on this leisurely tour of South East England’s regal towns and show-stealing stately homes. And the jewel in the crown? A trip to the green-fingered event of the year, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show.
Tour Highlights
On your tour you will spend 7 nights in charming boutique accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.
Book before 3 March 2023 and SAVE $200 per person on selected departures
Twin share from $4,779 per person / Sole use from $5,689 per person
Twin share from WAS 4,549 NOW $4,349 per person / Sole use from WAS $5,689 NOW $5,489 per person
Please call our friendly travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your spot on this once in a lifetime event.
Why not extend your stay and see more of England? Our friendly Australian team can happily help arrange our flights, accommodation and travel insurance.
Please note that prices are land only and subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1 - London
Our tour of England’s green and pleasant land will begin in the country’s iconic capital. After meeting the group at our London hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal.
Day 2 Ightham Mote and Scotney Castle - Royal Tunbridge Wells
We’ll begin our journey with a visit to 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 house and gardens – before we end our delightful day in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight, there’s another sumptuous group dinner on the agenda.
Day 3 Sissinghurst Castle and Bateman's
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 the rustic, wood-panelled charm of Bateman’s: the former home of famed Victorian writer Rudyard Kipling. Here we’ll tour the 17th-century house that Kipling and his wife immediately fell for – with time to admire its mullioned windows, period oak beams and quintessentially English gardens. Upon returning to Tunbridge Wells, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Day 4 Hever Castle and RHS Garden Wisley - Windsor
After breakfast in Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle – the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. This afternoon will see us wandering the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and enjoying the serene Alpine Meadow. Rich in history and royal tradition, Windsor will be our final stop of the day. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included dinner and share plans for the free day awaiting us tomorrow.
Day 5 Windsor
What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor’s regal highlights at our 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.
Day 6 The Savill Garden and Waddesdon Manor
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. Then: swap English country houses for an elegant French château – the Grade One-listed Waddesdon Manor. After taking some time to wander through the exquisite gardens, house and exhibitions 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.
Day 7 RHS Chelsea Flower Show - London
Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be yours to enjoy. From the world-famous show gardens to the astounding floral displays on offer in Chelsea's Great Pavilion – this truly spectacular event showcases the very best of garden design and is sure to be a highlight of our trip.
Day 8 Key Gardens - London
It may be the last day of the tour, but there’s still time to enjoy some more English treasures before we say goodbye. 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. Please note: our tour departing on 18 May will conclude in the evening, as we visit the Chelsea Flower Show on this day instead.
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 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. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
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.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Discover a New Local Terms & Conditions: $200 AUD, $200 NZD or £100 GBP off selected 2023 tour departures, subject to availability. Discount is only applicable to new bookings made between 19 January and 3 March 2023. Existing bookings will not be permitted to cancel and rebook onto the same itinerary and departure date. Discount does not apply to pre- or post-accommodation or transfers. This discount can be combined with two other ‘Loyalty Discounts’, click here for details. Back-Roads Touring reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. For standard booking terms and conditions see www.backroadstouring.com/terms-and-conditions.