Chelsea Flower Show 2020
Small Group Tour with Back-Roads Touring Co.
London, Tunbridge Wells, Windsor
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.
THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE
- Stroll the fabulous show gardens at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show
- Tour the historic manor houses and beautiful gardens of South East England
- Enjoy overnight stays in historic royal towns Tunbridge Wells and Windsor
Map
ITINERARY
DAY 1 LONDON – IGHTHAM MOTE – SCOTNEY CASTLE – TUNBRIDGE 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)
Accommodation: The Spa Hotel (or similar)
DAY 2 TUNBRIDGE WELLS – SISSINGHURST CASTLE – GREAT DIXTER – TUNBRIDGE 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)
Accommodation: The Spa Hotel (or similar)
DAY 3 TUNBRIDGE 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)
Accommodation: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel (or similar)
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)
Accommodation: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel (or similar)
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)
Accommodation: Richmond Hill Hotel (or similar)
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)
Accommodation: Richmond Hill Hotel (or similar)
DAY 7 LONDON – HAMPTON COURT – 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)
Includes
- 6 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily full English breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
- Afternoon tea river cruise in Windsor
- Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including: Ightham Mote, Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Great Dixter, Hever Castle, RHS Garden Wisley, the Savill Garden, Waddesdon Manor, Cliveden, Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace and Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
Please Note:
Prices shown based on low season travel - details on request
Please note: There are a number of dates where more than one departure will be running at the same time. There are also departures where the itinerary is reversed.
Due to the large number of visitors during peak season, entrance to all attractions (apart from Chelsea Flower Show) will be subject to availability. In the event that we are unable to visit an attraction, we will make alternative arrangements.
Travel dates:
Specific travel dates apply
Terms and Conditions Apply *
