Today we head out of London to the world-famous gardens at Wisley, home of the Royal Horticultural Society and a trailblazer in garden design, innovation and cultivation techniques. Every type of garden is featured, and there are beautiful water features and woodland walks. This afternoon we head out into Kent, our highlight being the wonderful Hever Castle. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife, this is all that a real castle should be, from its gateway and courtyard to its surrounding moat. The garden comprises 30 acres of classical and natural landscapes, including the Italian Garden and the Rose Garden. You can stroll through the Tudor Garden, the Rhododendron Walk and along Anne Boleyn’s Walk.
(D)
Overnight accommodation: The Royal Well, Tunbridge Wells or similar
We head to Sissinghurst this morning to see Vita Sackville-West’s world-famous home and garden. The grounds have a formal structure with extensive views, but a sense of privacy has been achieved by dividing the garden into separate enclosures including the White Garden, the Rose Garden, the Orchard and the Cottage Garden. We are also able to visit those parts of the house open to the public. Next on to Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s famous home. The house contains a wonderful collection of paintings, photographs and memorabilia, while in the grounds there are beautiful rose and water gardens, a restored vegetable garden and delightful countryside walks offering stunning views.
(B)
Overnight accommodation: The Coach and Horses Hotel, Kew or similar
Today we spend much of the morning exploring the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, an absolute must on any garden tour. Kew, which has just celebrated its 250th anniversary, is responsible for the world’s largest collection of living plants, more than 30,000 species in all. And the herbarium, also the largest in the world, has over 7 million plant specimens. There are many gardens and stately homes along the banks of the Thames, but for our afternoon visit we have chosen Ham House, a magnificent Stuart mansion with lavish interiors. The beautiful gardens include the famous Cherry Garden, the 17th century Orangery and formal avenues of more than 250 trees.
(B/D)
Overnight accommodation: The Coach and Horses Hotel, Kew or similar
Our last day is devoted to the Show, Hampton Court Palace providing a spectacular backdrop for what is the world’s largest flower show. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and you can spend the day amidst the fine show gardens and horticultural exhibitions. Show tickets do not automatically include entry to the Palace itself, but it would be a pity not to explore this great and historic building while you are in situ, so we are happy to include entry to this also to make your day complete. After a wonderful day our tour finishes back in London.
(B)
In the event we are unable to visit a garden due to unforeseen changes in opening hours or bad weather, we will substitute an alternative garden of equal interest.
Tour departs at 0830hrs from and returns 1730hrs to:
Lancaster Gate Hotel
66 Lancaster Gate
London W2 3NA
Back-Roads Touring Company Ltd.
Level 1, 107 Power Road,
London W4 5PY
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 208 9870 990
(Mon - Fri: 0900 - 1800 GMT)
Fax: +44 (0) 208 9940 888
info@backroadstouring.us
