Iconic English Gardens with Chelsea Flower Show – Sorry – this tour is now fully booked. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email us: tours@sisley.co.uk
Visit the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show on members only day, the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley and the majestic Hampton Court Palace. We also spend four days in Kent, exploring some of England’s most iconic gardens including Great Dixter, Sissinghurst Castle and Hever Castle.
- Members only day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- Pre-opening visit to Great Dixter followed by the iconic Sissinghurst Castle Garden
- Private tour of Hever Castle
- Explore the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Meet the owners and see three private gardens including Long Barn – former home of Vita Sackville-West
- See Churchill’s Chartwell House and RHS Wisley
- Explore the majesty of the Royal Palace of Hampton Court
Photo credits: Hever Castle & Hampton Court Palace copyright VisitBritain; Long Barn & Great Dixter copyright Claire Takacs; other images copyright Sisley Garden Tours.
Our tour starts in Kent – the Garden of England, with a mid-morning transfer available from Heathrow Airport. Our first visit is to Chartwell House, home of Sir Winston Churchill, wartime British Prime Minister. Chartwell is much more than just a fascinating house, it boasts an extensive garden with far-reaching views and his studio which is home to the largest collection of Churchill’s paintings. Lunch at Chartwell is included.
In the afternoon we are treated to an exclusive visit to the beautiful private gardens at Long Barn. This was the first home of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, where they ‘served their gardening apprenticeship’, before moving to Sissinghurst. We will meet the owner and hear the story of these historically important gardens. We check into to the 4-star Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Dinner in the hotel (included).
Friday 20th May
Today we begin at a small, but fascinating private garden. We meet the artistic owner who has created this garden during the last 30 years. Extensive and quirky topiary forms the backbone to the mixed borders.
After, we make our way to Pashley Manor, an immaculate garden with emphasis on colour and form that surrounds a beautiful, timbered Tudor house with 18th century additions. After lunch (included) we enjoy an introductory talk and time to explore the gardens. We return to Royal Tunbridge Wells where the afternoon and evening are at leisure, to explore the town, and enjoy its many cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Saturday 21st May
This morning we take a pre-opening tour of Hever Castle. This picturesque, double-moated castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII. Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and one of the best collections of Tudor portraits. The extensive grounds feature a 35-acre lake, fountains, and magnificent original Roman and Italian Renaissance statuary. There is time for lunch (independent).
In the afternoon we visit a superb, private 6-acre garden that is divided by hedges into smaller gardens, reflecting different periods of English Garden design. After looking around the gardens with the owner, we will enjoy supper in the coach house (included).
Sunday 22nd May
Our first visit today is a private, pre-opening guided tour of Great Dixter House and Garden, a cottage garden on a grand scale developed by the late Christopher Lloyd. The gardens are now superbly curated by internationally renowned gardener, Fergus Garrett.
After lunch (independent), we head to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, a romantic garden created around a slender brick-built castle tower. Its designer Vita Sackville- West’s own words describe the garden: “Profusion, even extravagance and exuberance within the confines of the utmost linear severity”. We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Monday 23rd May
After checking out of the Spa Hotel, we visit RHS Wisley – the Royal Horticultural Society’s headquarters. We will have a guided tour of the superb and varied gardens, followed by free time for further exploration and lunch (independent). In the afternoon we check into the 4-star Mitre Hotel at Hampton Court. This riverside hotel has undergone complete refurbishment and has beautiful views over the River Thames. In the late afternoon we take a private river cruise from the hotel’s jetty, before returning for dinner (included).
Tuesday 24th May
Today we enjoy the first members only day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Marvel at the magnificent floral displays proudly presented by the best nurseries and specialist growers in the main pavilion. Be inspired by the extraordinary show gardens created by the leading lights in horticulture, and see the ‘Fresh Gardens’ designed by emerging talent. Enjoy the extensive array of gardening tools, sculptures, clothing and garden gifts. We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Wednesday 25th May
On this final day of the tour, there is time to stroll across the road to Hampton Court Palace. Discover the world of King Henry VIII and his Tudor Court and the vast formal gardens that extend over 60 acres. You can spend as long as you wish here. We can assist with onwards travel planning to central London, Heathrow Airport or beyond.
Note: This tour includes one year’s membership of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
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 Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells (4 nights)
Situated in 14 acres of picturesque grounds on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Spa is a 4-star family run hotel offering 70 well-appointed and individually styled bedrooms. Originally built in 1766 as a country mansion, the hotel is surrounded by glorious gardens and includes an indoor swimming pool, gym, floodlit tennis court and 2 AA rosette restaurant.
The Mitre Hotel, Hampton Court (2 nights)
Overlooking the River Thames, and built around the same time as Hampton Court Palace, this delightful 4-star hotel is refined, yet relaxed. It has recently undergone a complete refurbishment, and the blend of colour and antiques give each room its own individual style. The riverside bar and restaurant give spectacular views over the river, and Hampton Court Palace is located just a few paces from the front door of the hotel.
| Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room) | Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room) |
| £3,650 (GBP) | £410 (GBP) |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 6 nights’ accommodation at 4-star hotels with en-suite facilities.
- Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 5 dinners.
- All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
- All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
- One year’s membership to the RHS.
- Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
- Transfer from Heathrow to Kent on the first day of the tour.
- Gift information pack with detailed information about the gardens we will be visiting.
- Services of your Sisley tour director throughout
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% deposit is requested at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour. Your tour balance payment is due 90 days prior to 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.
The booking form includes three choices of how to book and pay for your tour:
With your own travel agent: You can book a Sisley Garden Tour in your local currency through your own travel agent. Just provide us with their contact details in your booking form and we will take care of the rest.
With Worldwide Traveler in the USA: You can book a Sisley Garden Tour in USD$ with our partners at Worldwide Traveler – a full-service travel agent who can assist you with all aspects of your trip to the UK. Payment accepted by cheque or credit card.
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Book nowFull details of our booking Terms & Conditions can be found at here. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for further information.
We very much look forward to welcoming you, but please email tours@sisley.co.uk if you have any queries.
