British Gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show (15 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 15-day journey through the heart of England and Wales, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of iconic cityscapes, picturesque countryside, and world-renowned gardens. From the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of the Lake District, each day presents a new adventure. Explore historic landmarks, indulge in traditional British hospitality, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of renowned gardens. With expert guidance and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable experience, capturing the essence of Britain's rich heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Included
1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Woking: Visit the beautiful gardens of Wisley, which is one of the world's great gardens, packed with horticultural inspiration.
Chelmsford: Visit one of the finest gardens in the East of England with its 365-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern.
Leeds: During your visit of one of the Treasure Houses of England, Harewood captures your imagination and feeds your curiosity. It's a place filled with art, culture and heritage.
Ripon: Explore a great abbey and elegant water garden at this World Heritage Site. Cistercian monks chose this place to establish Fountains Abbey, then follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden.
Grange-over-Sands: Visit to Holker Hall and its Gardens, the home of the Cavendish Family and is one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain.
Wiltshire: Enjoy a guided visit of the Bowood House has been home to the Lansdowne family since 1754.
Isle of Wight: Visit Osbourne House, a former royal residence designed by Prince Albert himself in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo.
Crawley: Visit this magnificent Grade 1 listed garden was nearly lost forever and has been the subject of the largest garden restoration in England and possibly Europe.
London: Experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, an inspiring and enjoyable showcase of fabulous floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Immerse yourself in colour and ingenuity as you enjoy the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world.
London: See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Witness the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if operating).
Cambridge: Join your Local Expert for a walking tour of a city renowned for its unique, ornate buildings and culture, Cambridge is a historic city full of character.
Hawkshead: Admire the magnificent views of the English Lake District and visit the village of Hawkshead.
Stoke-on-Trent: Explore the magnificent Trentham Gardens. Enjoy glorious ancient woodland, and discover the Italian Gardens, the Rivers of Grass, and the Floral Labyrinth. At its heart is the spectacular, mile long Trentham Lake, a wildlife haven studded with small islands.
Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287.
Wales: Bodnant is home to the earliest and grandest laburnum arch built in 1880, and to Britain’s earliest magnolias introduced from China in the late 1800s. Admire the fine collection of exotic plants, from the Blue Poppy of the Himalayas to the Fire Bush of the Andes, and enjoy Wales’ largest collection of UK Champion Trees.
Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
Cotswolds: This breathtaking area is about as quintessentially British as it gets. Honey-coloured stone houses line the winding streets of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages, while rapeseed fields decorate this colourful part of the UK in splashes of gold. See the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, before heading to the historic city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture.
Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
Isle of Wight: Enjoy an orientation drive of this diamond shape island just off the off the south coast of England.
London: Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has over 50,000 living plants within its grounds. Its magnificent scientific collection contains plants from tropical, temperate, arid and alpine climates. Visit stunning glass houses and walk through beautiful, sculptured gardens, featuring floras from Asia to the Alps.
14 night accommodation
6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
14 Breakfast (B)
Chester: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the Jubilee Clock, the cathedral, city walls and famous black and white Rows.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in London
- London - Arrival day
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Upon your arrival at London Heathrow Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel, The Clermont Victoria (or similar), where you'll stay for the next two nights. Situated near Buckingham Palace, you'll have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Royal Mews or enjoy a leisurely walk through Green Park. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring London
- London
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- Luton Hoo Estate
- Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Today, with the guidance of a Local Expert, you'll explore the iconic sights of London. Witness the grandeur of landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Trafalgar Square. Experience the regal atmosphere at Buckingham Palace and, if possible, watch the Changing of the Guard. Later, visit the RHS Garden Wisley, renowned for its stunning Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and the impressive Glasshouse. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrances as you wander through this world-class garden.
Day 3 – Day 3: Gardens and Universities
- Cambridge
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Begin your day in the serene RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex, where you'll find a blend of traditional and modern garden styles set against a backdrop of rolling hills. Later, travel to the university city of Cambridge. Here, a Local Expert will lead you on a walking tour, showcasing the architectural marvels of Kings College and Trinity College, among other historical sites.
Day 4 – Day 4: Historic Harewood and York
- York
- Leeds
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Visit the grand Harewood House, a Georgian treasure set within a landscape designed by Capability Brown. Enjoy tea and scones before exploring the exquisite State Rooms and Chippendale furniture. Continue your journey to York, one of England's oldest cities, where history and charm await.
Day 5 – Day 5: York and the Lake District
- York
- Ripon
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In York, your Travel Director will guide you through the city's highlights, including the majestic York Minster, the medieval Shambles, and the city walls. Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Continue your journey through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
Day 6 – Day 6: Hawkshead and Holker Hall
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Explore the charming village of Hawkshead, known for its whitewashed cottages and cobbled lanes. Visit the gardens of Holker Hall, where generations of the Cavendish Family have created a garden rich in character and beauty. In the afternoon, consider taking a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England.
Day 7 – Day 7: Trentham Gardens
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Stoke-on-Trent
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Discover the beauty of Trentham Gardens, featuring ancient woodlands, the Italian Gardens, and the Floral Labyrinth. At its heart lies the mile-long Trentham Lake, a haven for wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Day 8 – Day 8: Conwy and Bodnant Gardens
- Conwy
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Travel into North Wales, passing the imposing Conwy Castle before visiting the enchanting Bodnant Gardens. These gardens boast the earliest laburnum arch in Britain and a diverse collection of exotic plants. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and the largest collection of UK Champion Trees in Wales.
Day 9 – Day 9: Shakespeare and Bath
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Bath
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Explore the life and works of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting his birthplace filled with fascinating memorabilia. Journey through the picturesque Cotswold Hills to the elegant city of Bath. Here, your Travel Director will introduce you to the stunning Pulteney Bridge and the historic Bath Abbey.
Day 10 – Day 10: Bowood and Southampton
- Southampton
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Delve into the rich history of Bowood House & Gardens, part of a sprawling country estate designed by Capability Brown. Explore the vibrant gardens surrounding the Georgian house. Later, drive through the scenic New Forest to reach Southampton on the south coast.
Day 11 – Day 11: Isle of Wight
- Isle of Wight
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- Osborne House
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Discover the Isle of Wight, a favorite retreat of Queen Victoria. Visit Osborne House, her opulent holiday home, and admire its Italianate architecture and gardens. Enjoy the island's stunning scenery and charming thatched cottages before returning to the mainland.
Day 12 – Day 12: Leonardslee and Return to London
- London
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Visit the beautifully restored Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, set in a picturesque valley with interlaced lakes and vibrant seasonal displays. In the afternoon, return to London, where you'll have free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 13 – Day 13: RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- London
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Experience the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where you'll be captivated by the stunning show gardens and floral displays. Gain insights from gardening experts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 14 – Day 14: Kew Gardens and Celebration Dinner
- London
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- Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens, home to over 50,000 living plants. Explore the stunning glasshouses and beautifully sculpted gardens. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant, marking the perfect conclusion to your journey.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from London
- London - Departure day
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After breakfast, bid farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travelers. You'll be transferred to London Heathrow Airport for your onward flight, taking with you cherished memories of your journey through England and Wales.
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