7 Day Chelsea Flower Show

Itinerary

7 Day Small Group Tour from London to London with Back-Roads

Stop and smell the roses on this leisurely tour of South East England's greatest gardens 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 Chelsea Flower Show.

Day 1: London - Igtham Mote - Scotney Castle - Turnbridge 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 a welcome dinner on the agenda.(D)

Day 2: Turnbridge Wells - Sissinghurst - Great Dixter - Turnridge Wells

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 home to famous British gardener Christopher Lloyd – and explore the gardens that were his pride and joy.(B)

Day 3: Turnbridge Wells - Hever Castle - 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 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.(B/D)

Day 4: Windsor - The Savill Garden - Windsor

What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor's regal highlights? First, we'll visit 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, an afternoon tea cruise awaits us back in Windsor. (B)

Day 5: Windsor - Waddesdon manor - Cliveden - London

This morning we'll swap English country houses for an elegant French château: the Grade One listed Waddesdon Manor. Then: onwards to Cliveden, which boasts colourful gardens for every season (not to mention glorious views over the River Thames). This afternoon, we'll return to London – where we'll look forward to the excitement of the days to come.(B)

Day 6: London - Chelsea Flower Show - London

Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be yours to enjoy. From urban patches with remarkable water features to gardens that conjure images of different countries from around the world, this spectacular event showcases the very best of contemporary garden design.(B)

Day 7: London - Hampton Court Palace - Kew 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 look around the splendid Hampton Court Palace and Gardens before moving on to Kew. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a final flourish to that holiday photo album.(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner