Iconic English Gardens with Chelsea Flower Show – Tour 2  – this tour is now FULLY BOOKED. If you would like to join a waiting list for this tour please email us on tours@sisley.co.uk

We meet at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel and depart mid-morning. We make the short journey to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. On arrival we will have a guided tour of the extensive gardens which have been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is then free time to further explore and have lunch (independent).

In the afternoon we check into the 4-star Richmond Harbour Hotel, Richmond Hill. Dinner in the hotel (included).

Sunday 21st May

This morning we enjoy a private cruise along the River Thames to Hampton Court Palace which is our first stop today. Discover the world of King Henry VIII and his Tudor Court and the vast formal gardens that extend over 60 acres. There is free time for lunch (independent).

In the afternoon we return to the hotel for dinner (included).

Monday 22nd May

Today we visit RHS Wisley – the Royal Horticultural Society’s headquarters. We will have a guided tour of the superb and varied gardens, followed by lunch (included) in the Tulip Room.

We return to the hotel in the afternoon where your evening is at leisure.

Tuesday 23rd May

After checking-out of the hotel, we enjoy the first members only day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Marvel at the magnificent floral displays proudly presented by the best nurseries and specialist growers in the main pavilion. Be inspired by the extraordinary show gardens created by the leading lights in horticulture, and see the ‘Fresh Gardens’ designed by emerging talent. Enjoy the extensive array of gardening tools, sculptures, clothing and garden gifts.

In the afternoon we travel to Kent and check into to the 4-star Chilston Park Hotel. Dinner in the hotel (included).

Wednesday 24th May

Our first visit today is a private, pre-opening guided tour of Great Dixter House and Garden, a cottage garden on a grand scale developed by the late Christopher Lloyd. The gardens are now superbly curated by internationally renowned gardener, Fergus Garrett.

Afterwards, we head to the delightful town of Rye for lunch (included) and shopping. We continue onto Godinton House and Gardens, a superb ancient estate where we will enjoy a private guided tour of the splendid formal gardens. Both the Jacobean house and gardens have been lovingly restored. Your evening is at leisure.

Thursday 25th May

After a leisurely start, we make our way to Pashley Manor, an immaculate garden with emphasis on colour and form that surrounds a beautiful, timbered Tudor house with 18th century additions. We enjoy an introductory talk and time to explore the gardens followed lunch (independent).

In the afternoon we visit Leeds Castle, said to be ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. There is time to explore the magnificent medieval castle and its extensive gardens. We have dinner in a traditional English pub (included).

Friday 26th May

Today we begin with a visit is to Chartwell House, home of Sir Winston Churchill, wartime British Prime Minister. Chartwell is much more than just a fascinating house, it boasts an extensive garden with far-reaching views and his studio which is home to the largest collection of Churchill’s paintings. Lunch (independent) at Chartwell.

In the afternoon we are treated to an exclusive visit to the beautiful private gardens at Long Barn. This was the first home of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, where they ‘served their gardening apprenticeship’, before moving to Sissinghurst. We will meet the owner and hear the story of these historically important gardens. We have dinner in the beautiful Orangery at the hotel (included).

Saturday 27th May

After checkout, our final visit is to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, a romantic garden created around a slender brick-built castle tower. Its designer Vita Sackville- West’s own words describe the garden: “Profusion, even extravagance and exuberance within the confines of the utmost linear severity”. We will enjoy a private pre-opening tour of the gardens. Lunch (independent) at Sissinghurst.

In the afternoon we drop off at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel and Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 for inter-terminal transport links and the Heathrow Express train for travel into London.

Note: This tour includes one year’s membership of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here. To download a printable version of this itinerary, click here.

Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa, Richmond Hill (3 nights)

Sitting at the top of Richmond Hill, this beautiful 18th-century Georgian property has been named as one of the 100 Best British Hotels by the Sunday Times for its unrivalled park-side position, luxury spa and contemporary interiors. The hotel, located on one of London’s most attractive suburbs, has recently been fully renovated and offers delightful bedrooms, a plant-filled restaurant and lovely spa.

Chilston Park Hotel, Kent (4 nights)

Over the years Chilston Park Hotel has been home to eminent politicians, writers, lords and viscounts and today it is renowned as one of the best hotels in Kent. It is a classic British country house hotel housed in a 17th century manor house with attractive décor, antiques and 22 acres of beautiful grounds to explore. The restaurant has gained 2 AA Rosettes for its delicious seasonal, local food.

PRICES INCLUDE:

• 7 nights’ accommodation at 4-star hotels with en-suite facilities.
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 5 dinners.
• All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
• All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
• One year’s membership to the RHS.
• Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
• Gift information pack with detailed information about the gardens we will be visiting.
• Services of your Sisley tour director throughout

PRICES EXCLUDE:

• Airfares.
• Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
• Meals not included in the tour, drinks, laundry, and telephone calls.

TOUR PAYMENT: A 10% non-refundable deposit is requested at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour.  Your tour balance payment is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION:  You can get an idea of the cost of the tour in your local currency by using a currency converter. Conversion rates are based on institutional or inter-bank daily rates. Retail conversion rates include fees and will generally differ from these rates.

You can book and pay for your tour in three ways:

With your own travel agent: You can book a Sisley Garden Tour in your local currency through your own travel agent. Just provide us with their contact details in your booking form and we will take care of the rest.

With our travel partner in the USA: After 20 happy years of partnership, Worldwide Traveler has retired as our US travel partner. We are currently seeking to appoint a new representative to work with in the US. Please contact us for details.

With Sisley Garden Tours: All clients are welcome to book a tour directly with us. We can accept payment in GBP£ by bank transfer or by credit/ debit card.

Full details of our booking Terms & Conditions can be found at here. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for further information.

We very much look forward to welcoming you, but please email tours@sisley.co.uk if you have any queries.