English Country Gardens 2022
English Country Gardens 2022
English Country Gardens 2022
8 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Windsor
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEHEGLL-2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Back-Roads with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Aromatic gardens, esteemed stately homes and charming countryside vistas - this leisurely tour of South East England's greatest gardens is certainly one for the photo books. From the romance of Sissinghurst Castle to the opulence of Hampton Court Palace, the historic city of Windsor and the iconic engineering of London's Kew Gardens - we'll take the back roads to uncover the best of this green and pleasant corner of England.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
After meeting the group at our London hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal.
Day 2: London – Ightham Mote – Scotney Castle – Royal Tunbridge Wells
Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells
Accommodation: The Spa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour of England's green and pleasant land will begin at one of the most unique manor houses in Kent: Ightham Mote. This medieval house dates back over 700 years and can only be reached via an ancient stone bridge that stretches over its very own moat. This afternoon we'll visit the charming Scotney Castle, where we'll take some time to wander the gardens before we end our delightful day in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight, there's another sumptuous group dinner on the agenda.
Day 3: Royal Tunbridge Wells – Sissinghurst Castle – Great Dixter – Royal Tunbridge Wells
Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells
Accommodation: The Spa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning our road will turn east to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an iconic retreat that's renowned for its romantic design and colourful rose arrangements. Then: we'll swap sculpted layouts for a naturalistic approach to planting at Great Dixter. Here, we'll tour the old timber-framed house that was once home to famous British gardener Christopher Lloyd - and explore the gardens that were his pride and joy.
Day 4: Royal Tunbridge Wells – Hever Castle – Rhs Garden Wisley – Windsor
Location: Windsor
Accommodation: Hotel, Castle (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast in Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle* – the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. This afternoon will see us wandering the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and relaxing in the Alpine Meadow. Rich in history and royal tradition, Windsor will be our final stop of the day – where a hearty included meal awaits.
*Tours departing on the 4th September 2022 will experience a full day at the RHS Wisley Flower Show and will be unable to visit Hever Castle due to time constraints.
Day 5: Windsor
Location: Windsor
Accommodation: Hotel, Castle (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor's regal highlights at your own pace? We'll have plenty of time to visit the Castle, wander the picturesque riverside and sample a delicious afternoon tea at one of the tearooms around town. After a full day of exploring, choose from one of the many cosy pubs and eateries - and enjoy an evening spent at your leisure.
Day 6: Windsor – The Savill Garden – London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we’ll pay a visit to The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we walk through the themed gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for an array of rare plants from around the world. After some free time wandering the exquisite gardens – we’ll make our way back to London. Spending the evening exploring the capital's array of gastronomic options or relaxing at our hotel – we will look forward to tomorrow’s exciting agenda.
Day 7: London – Hampton Court Palace – London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll take a look around the splendid Hampton Court Palace and Gardens*. With 60 acres of exquisite formal gardens, three National Plant Collections and the world’s oldest puzzle maze – we’ll have plenty of free time to explore this world-famous estate. Following on from our visit, we’ve an appointment to keep at the Beefeater Gin Distillery – where a guided tour of the facility is in store. Tonight, is your last on tour so we suggest spending your free evening dining at one of the capital’s fantastic restaurants.
*Tours departing on the 3rd July 2022 will experience a full day at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show and will be unable to visit the Palace and Beefeater Gin Distillery due to time constraints.
Day 8: London – Kew Gardens – London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
It may be our last day together, but there’s still time to enjoy some more English treasures. This morning we’ll take a stroll around the splendid Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a final flourish to that holiday photo album. We will say our farewells upon returning to the hotel.
What's Included
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Entrance Fees
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Accommodation
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Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
This will vary per location, we pride ourselves on accommodation that speaks to the region we are staying in.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews of this Operator
Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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