famous gardens, hidden gems, and intriguing historical places
|
An innovative and playful 20th century garden and stunning 15th century house. Cherished home of Christopher Lloyd, renowned garden designer and writer
|
Quirky ornamentation in a darling seaside garden
|
A dramatic hilltop castle and cathedral overlooks a small town, brimming with historical buildings, art galleries and a panoply of one-of-a-kind shops
|
Here is the Map of Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, counties located south of London. Tour area is only 90 miles across.
Includes South Downs National Park and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Includes South Downs National Park and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Dates:
UPDATE 26 October 2022: The 8-night tour in 2023 will be Sunday 14th May - Monday 22nd May, giving you the opportunity to visit the iconic Chelsea Flower Show in the following days. And a rare chance to be in London for the Coronation on Saturday May 6th. As usual, the tour will combine visits to exquisite gardens and intriguing historic places, and we will stay in charming hotels that take you back to a bygone age.
We specialize in going off the beaten path, so we will explore private gardens, as well as local treasures and renowned gardens. The history of the places give us a glimpse into the home lives of the famous, such as Anne Boleyn, Kipling, and Winston Churchill as well as lesser-known folk. Sometimes, we even visit the archaeological remains of a Roman Villa and Gardens. Each tour is individually planned to according the season and interests of the participants. We would love to take you with us!
We specialize in going off the beaten path, so we will explore private gardens, as well as local treasures and renowned gardens. The history of the places give us a glimpse into the home lives of the famous, such as Anne Boleyn, Kipling, and Winston Churchill as well as lesser-known folk. Sometimes, we even visit the archaeological remains of a Roman Villa and Gardens. Each tour is individually planned to according the season and interests of the participants. We would love to take you with us!
Prices:
Note: Many tours quote 'days', which often include the overnight flights from the US and early morning departures. We do not - we quote 'nights'.
Price includes:
This tour does not include flights. The best route is from San Francisco to London Heathrow (LHR) for May 2023. And fares currently amazingly low, even before the King's Coronation! Our meeting point is easily accessible by express train from Central London
Prices are based on double occupancy.
Itinerary:
Each tour is unique. We will visit a selection of fascinating places according to the composition of the group, location of the lodgings, season, and special opportunities that may arise. Some places are so amazing that they are always on the list eg Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and Great Dixter. The itinerary will be provided prior to departure.
See the dropdown menu for this page to see many of the public gardens and historical places in my portfolio of over 60. I specialize in visiting out-of-the way places, so my itinerary is really my secret sauce.
Activity Level:
Expect moderate physical activity over a period of 6-8 hours per day. Historic buildings and towns — built hundreds of years ago — can be challenging. You will encounter cobbled streets, narrow staircases (no elevator), uneven paths, moderate slopes. We visit 2-3 wonderful places a day. You must be able to walk 1-2 miles at a time unaided; climb in and out of the executive minibus several times a day; walk on uneven ground, floors, and stairs. It will be worth it!
Note: Many tours quote 'days', which often include the overnight flights from the US and early morning departures. We do not - we quote 'nights'.
- Tours are 8 nights
- Sunday May 14 - Monday May 22, 2023
- Groups of 12-18 people
Price includes:
- A blend of tours fashioned by local guides and self-guided tours to simply enjoy
- Travel by executive minibus with uniformed driver
- Stays in carefully selected independent, historic hotels. Luxurious rooms with private bathrooms
- All breakfasts and half the dinners
- All entry fees for group activities (2-3 gardens/historic places per day)
- Membership in the Royal Horticultural Society, allowing attendance on members-only days at the Chelsea Flower Show
- Transfer from meeting point in Central London
- Transfer to London Heathrow departures or Central London
- Most gratuities
- Hosted by the Tour Director, Gillian Gray
This tour does not include flights. The best route is from San Francisco to London Heathrow (LHR) for May 2023. And fares currently amazingly low, even before the King's Coronation! Our meeting point is easily accessible by express train from Central London
Prices are based on double occupancy.
- 8 nights $4280 Single supplement $680 [There may be opportunities to share]
- Terms & Conditions
- Travel Insurance
Itinerary:
Each tour is unique. We will visit a selection of fascinating places according to the composition of the group, location of the lodgings, season, and special opportunities that may arise. Some places are so amazing that they are always on the list eg Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and Great Dixter. The itinerary will be provided prior to departure.
See the dropdown menu for this page to see many of the public gardens and historical places in my portfolio of over 60. I specialize in visiting out-of-the way places, so my itinerary is really my secret sauce.
Activity Level:
Expect moderate physical activity over a period of 6-8 hours per day. Historic buildings and towns — built hundreds of years ago — can be challenging. You will encounter cobbled streets, narrow staircases (no elevator), uneven paths, moderate slopes. We visit 2-3 wonderful places a day. You must be able to walk 1-2 miles at a time unaided; climb in and out of the executive minibus several times a day; walk on uneven ground, floors, and stairs. It will be worth it!