SHORTLIST

Chelsea Flower Show (Westbound) 2024

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 details

Tour Provider	Back-Roads Touring Co
Price From	$5,219
Number of Days	8
Start Location	London, Europe
End Location	London, Europe
Age Range	Avg. 60+
Group Size	4 to 18
Tour Style	Comfort
Tour Themes	Virtuoso
Physical Rating	Easy

Itinerary Open all

London (England)

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. Accommodation: Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

London – Kew Gardens – London

After breakfast, our day will begin with a visit to the splendid Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a flourish to that holiday photo album. Then, the afternoon will be ours to spend exploring the capital or relaxing back at the hotel. Be sure to recharge those batteries in anticipation for tomorrow’s exciting agenda! Accommodation: Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

London – 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. Accommodation: Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

London – The Savill Garden – Windsor

Today, we’ll pay a visit to The Savill Garden of 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. Then: the rich history and royal traditions of Windsor await! Tonight, we’ll reconvene at the hotel for a delicious group meal. Accommodation: Castle Hotel (or similar)

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 (a working royal palace, so just check the opening times in advance), 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. Accommodation: Castle Hotel (or similar)

Windsor – RHS Garden Wisley and Hever Castle – Royal Tunbridge Wells

After breakfast in Windsor, we’ll make tracks to the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, where we’ll take in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and enjoy the serene Alpine Meadow. This afternoon will see us wandering the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle – the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. We’ll rest our head in historic Tunbridge Wells tonight. Accommodation: Royal Wells Hotel (or similar)

Royal Tunbridge Wells – Sissinghurst Castle and Great Dixter – Royal 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 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 architecture. Tonight, we’ll clink glasses over a farewell dinner back in Tunbridge Wells. Accommodation: Royal Wells Hotel (or similar)

Royal Tunbridge Wells – Ightham Mote – London

For our final day, we’ll have the opportunity to visit 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. Then: it’s back to London, where our tour will come to a close.

Inclusions