Experience the very best of England’s magnificent gardens at the peak of spring bloom—culminating in the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a true Mecca for gardening enthusiasts.

From historic estates and Arts & Crafts masterpieces to private gardens and vineyard tastings, this journey is curated for passionate gardeners seeking inspiration, beauty, and exclusive access.

Tour will be led by David Phillips,  Blue Badge Guide   

For questions about the tour please contact Kathy Lindroth, FGCCT Tour Coordinator,  860.836.3407 or kathleen.lindroth@gmail.com.  

Please note that the tour price is based on a minimum number of 25 people travelling. If the number of people booked does not reach this minimum total then we reserve the right to offer the same tour with a surcharge.

The price of your tour or is also subject to surcharges on the following items: government action, increases in local taxes, currency fluctuations where applicable and increased fuel costs. If this means paying more than 10% of the tour price, you will be entitled to cancel your tour or holiday with a full refund of all money paid.

Payment is possible by credit card or bank transfer.

Please note that all participants who wish to join the tour must pay a donation (per person) to FGCCT. This amount is paid directly to the association and is not included in the tour price.

You will find the donation payment link when you select your tour package.

Cancellations and Refunds:

Individual cancellations received in writing on or before Aug 10 2026 will be subject to a forfeiture of deposit payment. Thereafter, individual cancellations will be subject to the following forfeit of the tour price: (a) if received in writing after Aug 10 2026 and on or before February 15 2027: 30% of the tour price; (b) if received in writing after February 15 2027 and on or before April 12 2027: 50% of the tour price; (c) No refund for cancellations received after April 12 2027.

You will find our full terms and conditions here:

Company Terms and Conditions

Welcome to England! After arriving at London Heathrow airport, please make your way to our hotel in Richmond by taxi.     

This evening, meet your fellow garden enthusiasts over a warm Welcome Dinner—your first taste of English hospitality and seasonal cuisine.

Overnight: Petersham Hotel, Richmond

Included Meals: Dinner

Begin your journey at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, where formal Tudor gardens and sweeping landscapes offer a fascinating glimpse into royal horticultural history. The palace was constructed in the 16th century by Cardinal Wolsey and later presented to Henry VIII as a royal residence. The gardens offer something for everyone, including Britain’s oldest surviving hedge maze and a traditional Tudor knot garden. The Great Vine, originally planted in 1768, is believed to be the oldest in the world.

Continue to Nymans, a romantic garden blending formal design with natural woodland, renowned for its rare plant collections.

Travel by private coach through the rolling Sussex countryside and settle into your luxurious country retreat.

Overnight: Ashdown Park Hotel, Sussex
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your day begins with a visit to Gravetye Manor, one of the most revered gardens in England and the former home of the legendary gardener and writer William Robinson. Often considered the birthplace of the naturalistic gardening movement, Gravetye is a living expression of Robinson’s philosophy—where hardy perennials, drifts of bulbs, and relaxed planting schemes create a painterly, almost wild beauty.

In mid-May, the garden is bursting with life: expect flowing borders of early summer perennials, meadows studded with camassias and buttercups, and carefully orchestrated “wild” plantings that feel both spontaneous and deeply intentional. The garden team continues to honor Robinson’s legacy while subtly evolving the design for modern conditions—something American gardeners will appreciate, especially those interested in ecological planting and sustainability.

After your guided tour, enjoy a seasonal lunch at the manor, where ingredients are often sourced directly from the estate’s kitchen garden—a true farm-to-table experience rooted in English tradition.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Wakehurst, the country estate of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This vast and diverse landscape offers a global perspective on horticulture, with plants from North America, Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere thriving in carefully curated collections. Highlights include the dramatic Himalayan Glade, the serene Water Gardens, and the Millennium Seed Bank—an ambitious conservation project safeguarding plant biodiversity worldwide.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Overnight: Ashdown Park Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover a trio of inspiring gardens.

Begin at Great Comp Garden, an imaginatively designed seven-acre landscape celebrated for its exotic planting and tranquil atmosphere. Created in 1957 by Roderick Cameron and his wife from rough woodland and paddock, the garden features intersecting grass paths, ever-changing views, and focal points such as statuary, a temple, and a romantic ruined structure. Highlights include woodland areas, herbaceous borders, a heather garden, rose garden, formal lawns, and a newer Italianate garden.

Continue to Long Barn, a beautiful private garden once home to Vita Sackville-West, rich in Arts & Crafts heritage. In 1915, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson purchased the house upon returning from Constantinople and soon began transforming it, attaching a 16th-century barn and creating a three-acre formal garden. Much of the original design remains and is now carefully maintained by the current owners.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Royal Tunbridge Wells, a historic spa town known for its Georgian charm. Stroll along the Pantiles, browse independent shops, or relax with a traditional cream tea. For American visitors, it’s a chance to soak in a quintessentially English town atmosphere.

Overnight: Ashdown Park Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin with a visit to a private garden (details to be confirmed), offering a rare glimpse into the passion and creativity of an individual gardener. These visits are often a favorite for U.S. travelers, as they reveal how English garden traditions are interpreted on a personal scale—often with unique plant collections, clever design solutions, and warm hospitality.

Continue to the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. Perhaps the most influential English garden of the 20th century, Sissinghurst is renowned for its series of “garden rooms,” each with its own distinct character and planting palette. In May, the White Garden begins to glow, the Rose Garden promises what’s to come, and the Cottage Garden overflows with romantic abundance. American gardeners will recognize Sissinghurst’s lasting influence on garden design—particularly in the use of color themes and spatial structure.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Great Dixter House and Gardens, a world-renowned centre of bold planting design and horticultural creativity. Once the home of celebrated gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd, Great Dixter inspired over 40 years of his work and continues today under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust. It remains a historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists worldwide.

Overnight: Ashdown Park Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day at Borde Hill Gardens, home to outstanding plant collections and sweeping views. Set within 383 acres of heritage-listed parkland, this horticultural haven delights visitors with a series of intimate “garden rooms.” Beyond the formal gardens, explore historic woodland, tranquil lakes, and panoramic views across the Sussex High Weald.

Enjoy a quintessential English Sunday roast lunch at a traditional pub.

In the afternoon, visit West Dean Gardens, a beautifully restored estate that blends formal and productive gardens. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, it is considered one of the finest restored gardens open to the public today.

Continue to the historic cathedral city of Winchester.

Overnight: The Winchester Hotel & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, renowned for its vast and diverse plant collection. Originally established as an arboretum, it has grown into an extraordinary garden featuring the longest double herbaceous border in England, several national plant collections, and the largest number of champion trees in the UK.

Continue this afternoon to Mottisfont, a romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens, famous for its collection of old roses.. Trust. Ancient trees, bubbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this lovely old house. Crafted from a medieval priory, it is full of surprises, with art that intrigues and delights.

Return to Winchester to explore the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest medieval cathedrals in Europe.

Enjoy free time to discover Winchester’s charming streets, shops, and cafés.

Overnight: The Winchester Hotel & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel to London and visit the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this extraordinary botanical collection, home to over 50,000 living plants.

Lunch is at your leisure.

Arrive at your central London hotel, with the remainder of the day free for independent exploration—whether visiting museums, parks, or shops.

Overnight: The Rembrandt Hotel, London
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to a full day at the internationally acclaimed Chelsea Flower Show on Members’ Day. Held annually along the banks of the River Thames, this is Britain’s premier horticultural event and a true pilgrimage for garden lovers from around the world.

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge garden design, spectacular floral displays, and innovative ideas from leading horticulturists.

A one-way transfer is included, allowing you to enjoy the show at your own pace.

Overnight: The Rembrandt Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy an exclusive visit to a private English garden—an intimate and memorable experience rarely available to the public.

Later, visit Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and a royal residence for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty through the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments.

As a fitting finale, indulge in a traditional afternoon tea- an iconic British experience.

Overnight: The Rembrandt Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

After breakfast, depart for home filled with inspiration, ideas, and unforgettable garden memories.

Included Meals: Breakfast