Kent and the Garden of England—7 day tour
A tour primarily designed for those with a keen interest in English gardens. However many visits on the itinerary are equally renowned for their historical significance as well as their outdoor appeal. The highlights of London are also included.
Included Highlights
- Kew Gardens
- Hampton Court Palace
- RHS Wisley
- Chartwell
- Sissinghurst
- Leeds Castle
- Canterbury
Hotel Nights
- London 2
- Tonbridge 4
Day 1 London
Arrival at one of London's airports. Meet and greet by a professional London guide who will accompany us by motor coach on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London. The tour will pass iconic landmarks including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
Overnight London
Day 2 London
Our guide takes us on an in-depth tour of London from a gardening and horticultural perspective. Visit The Museum of Garden History and the Chelsea Physic Garden. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Tonight a pre-theatre dinner and tickets to a top West End performance, with private transfers, are included.
Overnight London
Day 3 London – Hampton Court – Wisley – Tonbridge
Departing London we visit Hampton Court Palace and Gardens, including its world famous maze. Groups may wish to coincide a tour of Kent with the renowned Royal Horticultural Society Garden Shows at Chelsea or Hampton Court Palace. Continuing into Surrey we have a guided tour of the RHS Garden at Wisley. Wisley is one of Britain's best-loved gardens with 240 acres offering a fascinating blend of practical gardening techniques and innovative design. Travel on to Kent, aptly referred to as the 'Garden of England'.
Overnight Tonbridge
Day 4 Chartwell – Scotney Castle
Begin the day with a visit to Chartwell, the family home of Winston Churchill. Next stop is Chiddingstone, a beautiful example of a Tudor one-street village, owned entirely by The National Trust. Our day is completed with a visit to Scotney Castle, with its romantic gardens designed around the ruins of a 14th Century castle.
Overnight Tonbridge
Day 5 Sissinghurst – Royal Tunbridge Wells
Venturing deeper into Kent we visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden, one of the world's most celebrated gardens. Created by Vita Sackville-West, the different gardens provide spectacular colour throughout the seasons. A stop is also made at a local vineyard, for a tour and a chance to find out why English wines are winning awards all over the world. Also enjoy some time at leisure in the nearby spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Overnight Tonbridge
Day 6 Leeds Castle - Canterbury
A day of contrasts, starting with a visit to Leeds Castle. Set on two islands on the River Len, in the heart of Kent, Leeds Castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1,000 years. Continue to Canterbury where we join a guided walking tour and visit the Cathedral that was built in the 6th Century. Since the murder of Thomas Becket in the 12th Century the Cathedral has been a site of pilgrimage. The afternoon is at leisure in Canterbury.
Overnight Tonbridge
Day 7 London
Group transfer to the airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.