Garden Delights of an English Spring
Saturday 1st – Friday 7th May 2027 (6 nights)
In the gentle warmth of spring, the gardens of southern England come alive in a breath-taking display of colour and renewal. This new tour celebrates the best of the season, exploring historic estates, private gardens and delightful towns. Highlights include the world-renowned gardens of Exbury, the Isle of Wight, New Forest National Park and the historic splendour of Arundel Castle; all showcasing natural beauty and horticultural excellence.
- Tour of the RHS Garden Wisley.
- Visit to the Isle of Wight with Osborne House, a favourite of Queen Victoria.
- New Forest National Park with wild ponies.
- Vann Garden, designed in part by Gertrude Jekyll.
- World famous woodland garden of Exbury in its full Spring splendour.
- Exclusive access to four private gardens with opportunity to meet the owners and head gardeners.
- Beautiful Woolbeding Gardens designed by Isabel and Julian Bannerman.
- Arundel Castle and Gardens, home of the Duke of Norfolk.
- Fabulous walled gardens of Parham House and West Dean.
Photo credits: RHS Wisley ©RHS; Osborne House © English Heritage; Fittleworth House © Racing & Green Photography; ©Arundel Castle; ©West Dean; Parham House ©Parham Park Ltd; other images copyright Sisley Garden Tours.
After our morning pick up at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel at Heathrow Airport, we head to the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden at RHS Wisley. We enjoy a guided tour so you’ll be sure to see the very best of these impressive and extensive gardens, which cover some 240 acres and inspire in every season. We have a private lunch (included) in the Tulip Room.
In the afternoon we check-in to the 4-star Rhinefield House Hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Dinner at the hotel (included).
Sunday 2nd May
We begin today with a tour of the world-famous gardens at Exbury, created in the early 20th century by Lionel de Rothschild. The gardens burst with dazzling displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias set against a backdrop of ancient woodland and tranquil waterways.
We continue onto the village of Beaulieu for Sunday lunch (included). In the afternoon, we visit the private Lepe House Gardens, a tranquil coastal retreat, with informal planting, mature trees, and sweeping views across the Solent. This 14-acre spring garden was laid out in 1893.
We return to the hotel where your evening is at leisure (dinner independent).
Monday 3rd May
This morning we make an early start to catch our ferry to the Isle of Wight – England’s largest island and a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Queen Victoria built her much-loved, palatial summer home here, Osborne House. There will be free time to explore the house, recently renovated gardens and have lunch (included).
We return to the mainland by ferry to Lymington driving through the New Forest National Park where we may catch a glimpse of the wild ponies. Dinner in the hotel (included).
Tuesday 4th May
After checking-out, we head east to visit the special Vann Garden. This 5-acre garden surrounds and compliments the family home which dates from the 16th century. It is designed in the Arts & Crafts style and the water garden was laid out and planted by Gertrude Jekyll in 1911. We enjoy a tour of the garden and have lunch (included).
In the afternoon we visit Ramster Garden, a fabulous woodland garden that spans 25-acres and is famous for its extensive collection of rare trees, rhododendrons and azaleas. We continue to the Sussex market town of Midhurst where we check-in to the 4-star Spread Eagle Hotel. Dinner in the hotel (included).
Wednesday 5th May
Today we visit two superb private gardens in the South Downs National Park. We begin with Fittleworth House where we meet the head gardener for a tour of this 3-acre country garden. The property features a redesigned walled kitchen garden and well stocked borders.
There is time for lunch (independent) in the picturesque town of Petworth which is known for its antique shops and galleries.
Later, we meet the owners of Parsonage Farm who will show us around their fabulous garden whose design is based on ‘ferme ornée’ or ornamental farm. The garden is divided by tall yew hedges which house formal and informal areas with carefully chosen colour schemes and unusual plants. We have dinner in a local pub (included).
Thursday 6th May
Our first visit today is to Arundel Castle, a historic medieval castle owned by the Duke of Norfolk. The beautifully restored Arundel Castle Gardens are renowned for their formal terraces, seasonal flower displays, and serene water features. We have a tour of the gardens followed by time to explore the castle and have lunch (independent).
In the afternoon we see Parham House and Gardens. Considered one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses, Parham is known for its superb 4-acre walled garden and pleasure grounds. We will enjoy a tour of the gardens and have time to see the house. We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Friday 7th May
After checkout, we visit the fascinating Woolbeding Gardens; an horticultural haven bursting with colourful planting, a contemporary glasshouse and countryside views.
From here we continue to West Dean for lunch (included). Afterwards there will be time to explore the delightful Edwardian gardens that include the restored walled kitchen garden, pergola, sunken garden and spring walk.
In the afternoon we drop off at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel and Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 for inter-terminal transport links and 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
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.
Rhinefield House Hotel, New Forest (3 nights)
Rhinefield House Hotel is a luxurious country house hotel set within 40 acres of private gardens deep in the New Forest National Park. Steeped in Tudor and Gothic charm, it offers elegant rooms, excellent dining and direct access to forest trails where you might spot deer and wild ponies.
A/C – yes I Lift to all floors – yes I Spa & Pool – yes
The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in historic Midhurst is a charming, coaching inn with 39 individually styled rooms blending period character and modern comfort. Dating back to the 15th century, it features a luxurious spa and an award‑winning restaurant with inglenook fireplaces.
A/C – no I Lift to all floors – no I Spa & Pool – yes
| Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room) | Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room) |
| £5,750 (GBP) | £720 (GBP) |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 6 nights’ accommodation at 4-star hotels with ensuite facilities.
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Assistance with luggage at the hotels.
- All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
- Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
- This tour starts and ends at Heathrow Airport.
- 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 incidentals.
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. 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.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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.
