Deep in the English Countryside
Imagine yourself here. . . We make it easy!
Rose & Heather Tours was born when founder, Gillian Gray, a native Brit, indulged her vision to share her love of Gardening and History with her friends in America.
Picture yourself immersed in exquisite English gardens and history via tours carefully designed to tantalize your senses, spirit, and mind. Gillian tailors her tours to satisfy the most discerning traveler. She personally guides small groups along the less trodden paths of her favorite English gardens; from the polished and refined to the whimsical and exotic. And the historical buildings span over 1000 years. The end of the day will find you ensconced in elegant hotels, each unique and steeped in history.
Picture yourself immersed in exquisite English gardens and history via tours carefully designed to tantalize your senses, spirit, and mind. Gillian tailors her tours to satisfy the most discerning traveler. She personally guides small groups along the less trodden paths of her favorite English gardens; from the polished and refined to the whimsical and exotic. And the historical buildings span over 1000 years. The end of the day will find you ensconced in elegant hotels, each unique and steeped in history.
Stay in upscale historic hotels
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This 1580s half-timbered Tudor manor house is truly hidden away amongst the tranquility of perfectly manicured gardens. The reflective ponds are the only remains of an earlier moat.
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The doors to this cozy Coaching Inn had been open for 150 years before Elizabeth I visited in 1573. There is not a straight line nor a right angle in the place, which simply adds to the charm.
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This Victorian colonial style house is located on the edge of an idyllic village. It was home to a renowned horse-racing trainer and manager, who lived adjacent to the training track.
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Experience the delights of Sussex and Kent
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Kipling's poetry took form in these gardens. He walked these paths. And, you can, too...
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Sample fine local ales in a convivial pub. Contrary to myth, English beer is served at cellar temperature, not warm
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As the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the stories this castle could tell! Rescued from ruin, it is surrounded by 125 acres of exquisite gardens
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How are we different?
Small Group
Visualize being part of a small group of garden enthusiasts and history buffs, travelling down the lanes of the English countryside, going places big buses cannot navigate. Small groups foster pleasant interaction and sharing while exploring renowned as well as quirky gardens and breaking bread in quaint pubs.
Focused Area
While England, amazingly, has more than 1300 public gardens, our focus will be on the counties of Sussex and Kent in the South East. We will visit exceptional gardens, restaurants and pubs, mixing with local people, and avoiding the tourist hordes (wherever possible). All within the confines of just 90 miles across!
Handpicked places
Gillian personally picks the gorgeous gardens and fascinating historic sites including a famous mystery garden. We will go to famous gardens but, we will also explore private gardens that are rarely accessible to the public. Historical sites will span from Roman Britain, Medieval and Tudor to WWII. Most gardens are associated with buildings of historical significance, a boon to history buffs. Many are the former homes of celebrated politicians, writers and artists or have royal connections, and are rife with beguiling stories. Historic hotels are a key part of the whole experience, providing a window to eras as long ago as the 13th century.
Please yourself
Several days include 2-3 hours of private time to explore villages or towns with charming shops, quaint buildings and restaurants to suit your preferences.
British Tour Director and Wild about Gardens
Gillian—who is wild about all flora and fauna and passionate about protecting the environment—fondly reflects on her childhood in Sussex. She is open and eager to field all questions.
Small Group
Visualize being part of a small group of garden enthusiasts and history buffs, travelling down the lanes of the English countryside, going places big buses cannot navigate. Small groups foster pleasant interaction and sharing while exploring renowned as well as quirky gardens and breaking bread in quaint pubs.
Focused Area
While England, amazingly, has more than 1300 public gardens, our focus will be on the counties of Sussex and Kent in the South East. We will visit exceptional gardens, restaurants and pubs, mixing with local people, and avoiding the tourist hordes (wherever possible). All within the confines of just 90 miles across!
Handpicked places
Gillian personally picks the gorgeous gardens and fascinating historic sites including a famous mystery garden. We will go to famous gardens but, we will also explore private gardens that are rarely accessible to the public. Historical sites will span from Roman Britain, Medieval and Tudor to WWII. Most gardens are associated with buildings of historical significance, a boon to history buffs. Many are the former homes of celebrated politicians, writers and artists or have royal connections, and are rife with beguiling stories. Historic hotels are a key part of the whole experience, providing a window to eras as long ago as the 13th century.
Please yourself
Several days include 2-3 hours of private time to explore villages or towns with charming shops, quaint buildings and restaurants to suit your preferences.
British Tour Director and Wild about Gardens
Gillian—who is wild about all flora and fauna and passionate about protecting the environment—fondly reflects on her childhood in Sussex. She is open and eager to field all questions.