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
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 Royal Tunbridge Wells - Sissinghurst Castle and 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 the quaint, rustic charm of Great Dixter: the family home of famed English gardener Christopher Lloyd. Here we’ll discover how the sublime arts-and-crafts-style gardens inspired Lloyd throughout his career – with time to admire the estate’s vibrant grounds and historic buildings. 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 Windsor - The Savill Garden and Eltham Palace - london
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. Next, we'll turn our attention to the eccentric charm of Eltham Palace. Featuring a grand medieval hall and a chic Art Deco extension, this is eclectic English architecture at its finest! 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.
Various departures available in May 2025
Below Pricing is based on 18 May 2025 departure
Please call our friendly travel team on 1300 414 198 to enquire about alternative dates and secure your place today.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
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.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.