Discovering England’s Iconic Summer Gardens
Wednesday 10th – Thursday 18th June 2026 (8 nights)
This tour is now fully booked. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please click here.
This spectacular high-season tour explores some of England’s very best gardens in the delightful Cotswolds and in Kent − known as ‘the Garden of England’. We will enjoy gardens in their full profusion, private tours, fascinating historic houses and attractive scenery.
- Private tour and lunch at The Royal Gardens Highgrove.
- Pre-opening visit to the iconic Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
- Guided garden tour at the wonderful Great Dixter.
- The famous ‘garden of rooms’ at Hidcote Manor Garden.
- Tour of RHS Wisley with private lunch.
- A four night stay at the romantic Hever Castle – enjoy these beauitful gardens out of hours.
- Four superb private gardens with the opportunity to meet their owners.
- Lunch and garden visit to Gravetye Manor – former home of William Robinson, Father of the English Garden.
- Walking tour of the historic spa city of Bath.
Photo credits: Hanham Court ©Martin Bolton; Caisson House ©Jason Ingram; The Royal Gardens at Highgrove ©The Highgrove Estate; ©Town Place Garden.; other images ©Sisley Garden Tours.
Our tour departs the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel at Heathrow Airport mid-morning for a visit to Hanham Court, a privately owned house with award-winning gardens which were designed and developed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman over twenty years. The gardens are truly romantic and a rare treat. We will enjoy a light lunch (included) on arrival followed by a tour of the garden.
In the late afternoon we check in to the 4-star Francis Hotel in the historic spa city of Bath. Dinner is in the hotel (included).
Thursday 11th June
Today we begin by visiting a rather special private garden, full of surprises including a wave lawn, exceptional walled garden, ancient outbuildings and beautiful views.
After our tour we have lunch (included) in a country pub.
In the afternoon we are treated to the gardens at Caisson House which have been restored over the last 12 years, with a focus upon reclaimed materials, regenerative gardening and soil health.
Iford Manor, a Grade I Italianate garden designed by the architect and landscape gardener, Harold Peto, is our final stop of the day. The manor house is famed for its tranquil beauty and romantic setting. We will have a tour of the gardens with the owner.
Your evening is at leisure in Bath for dinner (independent) at one of the many excellent restaurants within walking distance of our hotel.
Friday 12th June
This morning we enjoy some free time in the quaint Cotswolds town of Tetbury. We then visit the Royal Gardens at Highgrove, the private home of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. These gardens are widely regarded as some of the most innovative in the UK. After our tour of the gardens, we have lunch (included).
We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Please note: Visits to Highgrove are limited and dependent on the King’s diary. Dates are released in spring each year, therefore it is not possible to guarantee a visit before this time. Our itinerary may be re-ordered to accommodate the visit, or an alternative garden will be included should a visit not be possible.
Saturday 13th June
We begin today with a pre-opening tour of the impressive 4-acre walled garden of Bowood House which is set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown parkland.
We have lunch (included) and then return to Bath in the afternoon for a walking tour of the city. The remainder of your afternoon and evening are at leisure for dinner (independent).
Sunday 14th June
After check-out we travel to Kent making a stop at West Green Garden, one of England’s finest manor house gardens created by acclaimed garden designer and Chelsea Flower Show award winner, Marylyn Abbott.
We enjoy lunch in the gorgeous garden conservatory (included) and have time to explore the gardens.
In the afternoon, we check in to the rather special Astor Wing at Hever Castle. We have a private tour of this romantic, double-moated medieval castle followed by dinner in the Tudor Dining Suite (included).
Monday 15th June
This morning we enjoy time at leisure at Hever Castle to explore the extensive and superb gardens and to have lunch in the garden cafe (independent).
In the afternoon we visit Town Place Garden. This private 3-acre garden, set around a 17th century Sussex farmhouse features over 600 roses and truly inspirational planting schemes.
On our way back to Hever Castle we stop at a country pub for dinner (included).
Tuesday 16th June
Today we have a pre-opening guided tour of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens − the epitome of the English garden with its series of garden rooms, each filled with different planting schemes and unique designs. We have time for lunch in the garden cafe (independent).
In the afternoon we will visit Great Dixter, a cottage garden on a grand scale created by the late gardening writer and lecturer, Christopher Lloyd where we will enjoy a tour with one of the knowledgeable gardening team.
We return to Hever for dinner in the Castle’s Great Hall (included).
Wednesday 17th June
This morning we enjoy a visit to Nymans Garden, one of the most fashionable and romantic gardens of the Edwardian and interwar years, and the creation of the Messel family.
In the afternoon we have a private lunch at the renowned restaurant (included) and time to explore the exquisite gardens at Gravetye Manor – former home of the celebrated gardener, William Robinson. It is a riot of colour and features a wonderful oval walled garden.
We return to Hever Castle where we enjoy a late English Afternoon Tea (included).
Thursday 18th June
After check out, our last day is spent at RHS Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden. We will enjoy a guided tour so you will be sure to see the very best of these impressive gardens. Lunch is included in the private Tulip Room.
In the late afternoon we drop off at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel and Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 for inter-terminal transport links and the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line trains into London.
Note: Some garden visits await final confirmation at the time of publication.
Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here. To download a printable version of this itinerary, click here.
Our Hotels are 4-star and are selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are ensuite and offer free wifi access.
The Francis Hotel, Bath (4 nights)
The Francis Hotel Bath is located overlooking Queen Square in the heart of the historic city of Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is housed in a wonderful series of seven inter-connecting Regency-style townhouses which are Grade I listed and feature individually designed bedrooms, many with views over the city. There is a large restaurant with botanical-themed decor, comfortable lounge and a buzzing bar. The hotel has recently been fully refurbished.
Hever Castle, Kent (4 nights)
The luxurious, exclusive-use Astor Wing is attached by an enclosed bridge over the moat to Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn − 2nd wife of King Henry VIII. The well-appointed accommodation offers antique furnishings and original features along with all modern comforts. Guests are able to explore the grounds at Hever Castle after the castle closes. There is an outdoor heated pool, tennis court and billiards room for your exclusive use. NB: This hotel does not have a lift due to the historic nature of the building and some rooms are accessed via a staircase. Assistance with luggage will be provided.
| Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room) | Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room) |
| £6,550 (GBP) | £860 (GBP) |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 8 nights’ accommodation at a 4-star hotel and at Hever Castle’s Astor Wing with en-suite facilities.
- Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 6 dinners.
- Assistance with luggage at the hotels.
- All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
- Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
- Transfers to and from the hotel and Heathrow Airport at the start and end of the tour.
- An information pack with detailed booklet about the gardens we will be visiting.
- Services of your Sisley tour director throughout.
- All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
PRICES EXCLUDE:
- Airfares.
- Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
- Meals not included in the tour, drinks, laundry, and telephone calls.
TOUR PAYMENT: A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the tour. Your balance payment is due 120 days prior to the tour departure.
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION: You can get an idea of the cost of the tour in your local currency by using a currency converter. Conversion rates are based on institutional or inter-bank daily rates. Retail conversion rates include fees and will generally differ from these rates.
To book your place(s) please complete our online booking form at www.sisley.co.uk/booking-form/ or click the BOOK NOW button below. As soon as we receive your booking form, we will confirm availability on the tour of your choice and arrange collection of your 10% deposit which secures your booking.
BOOK NOWHOW TO PAY
There are three ways to pay for your tour and you will be asked on the booking form which you prefer:
With our travel partner in North America: You can book your tour in USD$ or CAD$ by credit card or check with our partners at DHTour – a London and UK specialist travel agent who can assist with all aspects of your trip. Find out more about DHTour here.
With Sisley Garden Tours: All clients are welcome to book a tour directly with us. We can accept payment in GBP£ by bank transfer or by credit/debit card via secure online payment link.
With your own travel agent: We are happy to work with your preferred travel agent. Just provide us with their contact details on the booking form and we will take care of the rest.
TRAVEL INSURANCE AND BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is mandatory for all overseas visitors to the UK to have travel insurance before joining our tours. Full details of our booking terms & conditions can be found at www.sisley.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for further information www.sisley.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
We very much look forward to welcoming you, but please email tours@sisley.co.uk if you have any queries..
