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Enjoy the open spaces of London and get lost in Hampton Maze before spending an unforgettable day at the Chelsea Flower Show. Then, based in Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, visit the many famous and historic gardens that help give Kent the title "Garden of England.

Like all our tours this one can be easily adapted to perhaps avoid the busy time of Chelsea or to include specialist visits to places such as the headquarters of The Royal Horticultural Society in Surrey, The Beth Chatto Garden in Essex or any of the smaller gardens available via The Red Cross or Yellow Book Charities

 

 

Day 1 – Arrive London

Arrive in London and meet with your specialist tour guide at the airport before enjoying a panoramic coach tour of the iconic sights of London on the way to the hotel and check-in. London is well known for its open space - the parks, squares, community gardens, cemeteries and churchyards – as well as four World Heritage Sites, one of which is The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. This afternoon relax and unwind or why not visit Kew at leisure.
Overnight London

 

Day 2 – Hampton Court Palace and Gardens

This morning visit Hampton Court, one of Britain's most magnificent Royal palaces, with stunning state rooms and over 60 acres of spectacular riverside gardens. Take time to wonder the Privy Garden, the Rose Garden or possibly get lost in the world famous Hampton Maze. In contrast to the grand Palace gardens this afternoon a visit is arranged to one of the several private gardens in London that opens its doors for the National Garden Scheme, raising money for charity, and enjoy a tour of the garden guided by the owner. A dinner cruise on the Thames ends a full day.
Overnight London

 

Day 3 – Chelsea Flower Show

Today enjoy a full day at the world famous Chelsea Flower Show, organized by the Royal Horticultural Society. Chelsea is the undisputed highlight of the horticultural calendar and has over 600 exhibitors. An early transfer to the show is provided, but make your own way back to the hotel so that each group member can spend as long as they like at the show.
Overnight London

 

Day 4 – Kent

This morning depart London and head into Kent, the ‘Garden of England’. Visit Chartwell , the home of Sir Winston Churchill, and see the rooms and garden that remains much as he left them. The beautiful terraced gardens give superb views and contain the lakes Sir Winston dug, the water garden where he fed his fish, and his garden studio in which many of his paintings are displayed. Arrive in Royal Tunbridge Wells, check-in the hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this quaint town.
Overnight Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Day 5 – Canterbury

To Canterbury this morning and a visit to Goodnestone Park, a haven of beautiful tranquillity hidden away in south-east Kent. The gardens have been created by generations of the FitzWalter family and Jane Austen was a regular guest. Lady Fitzwater herself will give a talk on the gardens over morning coffee! The afternoon a special behind the scenes tour of Canterbury Cathedral is arranged.
Overnight Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Day 6 – Great Dixter & Sissinghurst

Today visit two of Kent’s most prestigious gardens. Great Dixter is a Tudor house with a famous twentieth century Arts and Crafts garden designed by Nathaniel Lloyd and planted by his son Christopher Lloyd, and restored by Edwin Lutyens. Sissinghurst, the creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson, enjoys an intimate setting in the grounds of an Elizabethan mansion, a sophisticated garden where rare plants are neighbours to traditional cottage garden flowers.
Overnight Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Day 7 – Royal Tunbridge Wells

Enjoy a full day at leisure for individual shopping and sightseeing in and around Tunbridge Wells which retains much of the charm and elegance of its Georgian heyday. It lies at the heart of one of the most scenic stretches of countryside in England surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Weald. In Georgian times this popular spa town gained a reputation as the place to see and be seen amongst royalty and fashionable members of the aristocracy.
Overnight Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Day 8 – Leeds Castle & Wine!

Leeds castle has long been a favourite of royalty and aristocracy alike, from King Henry VIII, who courted Ann Boleyn here, to Lady Baillie, who bequeathed a trust to preserve the castle for the nation. Today’s visit will provide an opportunity to see the fine collections of art and antiques and the splendid gardens, aviary and its vineyard. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard, and a tasting of the Leeds Castle wines!
Overnight Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Day 9 – Hever & Penshurst Place

This morning a visit to romantic Hever Castle which was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Enjoy the majestic formal Italian Garden and topiary, the informal meanderings of the lakeside and Sunday Walk, the Water Maze on Sixteen Acre Island and the Yew Maze that challenges both adults and children alike! Later visit Penshurst Place and Gardens which has changed little over the centuries and is set in the rural Weald of Kent surrounded by picturesque countryside and ancient parkland.
Overnight Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Day 10 – Departure

Join the coach for the departure transfer to the airport.