garden coach tours uk

• Best Tours from London >

Best English Garden Tours

Our pick of the best English Garden Tours. From magnificent rose gardens to spectacular country estates and castles, see the best of English gardening! Most of the tours take place during the Chelsea Flower Show in May, combining a visit with a package tour exploring gardens across England. Due to high demand and limited availability, it’s recommended to book these tours well in advance.

Lavender Fields Tour from London – 1 day

Lavender Fields of the Cotswolds

Discover the lavender fields of the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty. On this one-day tour, you will also see many of the picture-postcard hamlets and villages dating back to the Middle Ages. Lunch is included at a traditional country pub. Travel in a small group with a maximum of 16 people, available on selected dates between June and September.

You can see further details via the link here >>>

English Garden Tour from London – 1 Day

Visit Sissinghurst!

Our English garden day tour from London is the perfect way to explore some of the spectacular gardens of Southern England. This is a private tour led by a guide who specializes in English gardens. We will pickup and dropoff from your hotel in London, and you can choose from a variety of different vehicle sizes.

Start the day with a visit to Sissinghurst, the most famous 20th Century garden in England created by Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicholson. The garden has had a profound influence on English garden design and is a must-see for garden enthusiasts. We continue to Sheffield Park which is an informal landscape garden originally laid out in the 18th Century by Capability Brown. It’s considered a horticultural work of art. Finally visit Wakehurst, a wild botanic garden with the world’s largest seed conservation project that is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Alternatively, choose to visit Nymans, an intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins with rare and unusual plant collections.

Availability: Daily as a private tour

More information: Contact us

English & Welsh Garden Tour – 15 Days

Including Chelsea Flower Show!

This 15-day package tour explores the gardens of England and Wales. It’s the best tour if you are looking to combine a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show with an extensive trip exploring the gardens of England and Wales. The tour includes premier accommodation, with transportation in a 40-seater luxury coach.

Starting in London, enjoy a full day at the Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s greatest floral display and spend the next two days exploring the glorious gardens in London. From here journey around England, starting in southern England and travelling all the way up to northern England and into Wales. You’ll experience the magnificent countryside, visit picture-postcard villages, enjoy afternoon teas and more! Discover some of the most beautiful gardens including RHS Wisley, the Lost Garden of Heligan and Bodnant Gardens. The package tour also includes a day at the Chatsworth RHS Flower Show, as well as a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace.

Availability: May

For more information: See here

Chelsea Flower Show Tour – 7 Days

This tour takes you to some of the most beautiful English gardens in and around London. It’s the best tour for those looking to spend a week in the UK during the Chelsea Flower Show. Discover the best of the English countryside, on a small-group excursion. Highlights include visiting Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, RHS Wisley and Kew Gardens. You’ll also visit the gardens at Hever Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor, as well as the French-style gardens at Waddesdon Manor. End the week with a full-day spent at the Chelsea Flower Show.

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 18 passengers and includes 6-nights in boutique accommodation. It takes place during May, starting and ending in London.

More information: See here

Hampton Court Flower Show & English Gardens Tour – 7 Days

This is the best tour for those looking to combine a visit to the Hampton Court Flower Show with an English garden tour. It’s a small-group trip with a maximum of 18 passengers, including accommodation and some meals. The tour takes place during July but has limited availability, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

Spend seven days visiting the prettiest gardens in England. See the iconic roses as Sissinghurst Castle Garden and explore the rock garden and Alpine Meadow at RHS Garden Wisley. Feel like a royal in the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park and enjoy an afternoon tea river cruise. Spend a morning at Waddesdon Manor, a French château built by the Rothschilds, followed by a visit to the colourful gardens at Cliveden.

Availability: July

Gardens of England & Europe Tour – 18 Days

This 18-day trip of a lifetime takes you through the heart of Europe and ends with a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show. You’ll visit a total of 8 countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France and England. The tour includes accommodation in premium hotels, transportation in luxury coaches and an expert travel director. It operates during May.

Start the tour in Amsterdam with a visit to one of the world’s largest flower gardens at Keukenhof, and see the Flower Auction in Aalsmeer. As we make the journey through Europe, you’ll get to see the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein and the Royal Palace at Innsbruck. The Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps makes for the perfect place to relax and unwind before we make our way to Paris. Here, you’ll get the chance to explore beautiful French gardens, including Versailles. The final leg of the tour includes 3 days in England where you’ll explore the gardens of Sissinghurst and RHS Wisley. End the tour with a full-day at the Chelsea Flower Show!

About the English Gardens

Chelsea flower show.

The worlds greatest flower show that attracts over 150,000 visitors each year. The British Royal Family regularly attends this event, which is one of the highlights of summer in London. The Chelsea Flower Show celebrates the best of English gardening as well as exhibits representing gardens from around the world. In recent years, the show has explored themes such as climate change, and has attracted many famous celebrities and public figures. It is an unmissable event for any garden lovers!

Kew Gardens

These botanical gardens contain over 8.5 million items, and are amongst the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Kew Gardens is a designated World Heritage Site. and you’ll find 50,000 living plants which is the largest and most diverse collection on the planet. Visitors can explore the many different gardens and greenhouses and learn about important science and conservation work.

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Wisley is the second most visited garden in England, after Kew Gardens. It covers an area of 240 acres and is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society. Highlights include the Rose Garden, Oakwood and Rock Garden. The Glasshouse houses over 5,000 different varieties of tropical plants and there’s even a waterfall!

more things to do

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring London on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Musicals in London 2024

25 Things to do in London

Get Tickets to Harry Potter Studio Tour If Sold Out

England Vacation Packages 6-Days and More

Highclere Castle Opening Dates 2024

Day Trips and Coach Tours throughout the UK & Ireland

 Wisteria Tours

Our destinations take in some of the UK’s most delightful gardens, stately homes and special places – and we are with you every step of the way. Each tour is accompanied by one of the family making sure you have the very best experience at every destination, whether you are travelling on your own, or with friends.

To find out more call Jacky on 07892 953217 or email [email protected]

Travelling with style

Our stylish coach tours are designed to help you enjoy the essence of the UK countryside and the elegance of our historic houses and cities.  We understand how important it is to feel looked-after and welcome and that’s why we personally oversee every element of the tour.

We pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide to all of our customers. This is why we have become so popular for solo travellers, nervous travellers and newly bereaved or divorced travellers. Our tours are safe, welcoming, and joyous trips where new friendships are formed.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Wisteriatours.

• Latest News
• Enewsletter
• Customer Support
• My Account: Login

Coach Holidays, Escorted Tours & Events

0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, garden coach tours, garden breaks by coach.

Explore some of the great gardens, picturesque parks and fantastic Flower Shows in the UK and Europe.

It doesn’t matter if you have green-fingers or just enjoy beauty of the flora and fauna, you are sure to find something with our great selection of garden holidays and tours. From the grounds of England’s Historic Houses to the delights of Keukenhof Gardens , the world-famous Monet’s Garden to the world's largest single span glasshouse in the National Botanic Garden of Wales, you really are spoilt for choice. Make sure you take plenty of photos while you are on one of the coach tours, so you can recreate these glorious gardens at home.

Coach trips to RHS Gardens

RHS Garden Bridgwater, Greater Manchester One of RHS’s newest attractions, this wonderful 156-acre garden is based at the historic site of Worsley New Hall, in Salford. One of the largest gardening projects in Europe is the perfect combination of history blended with world-class horticulture. Highlights of this Garden include one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK, several beautiful large gardens as well as woodland, meadows and lakes.

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon Nestled in a North Devon Valley, Rosemoor is another of the stunning gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society. This 65-acre haven has something to visit in every season from the cherry blossom in Spring to the aptly named Winter Garden. Make sure you don’t miss the Hot & Cool Garden as well as the Rose Gardens with over 250 different rose varieties.

RHS Wisley, Surrey RHS Wisley Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world. This historic home of the RHS is home to one of the largest plant collections in the world. There is so much to see here with gardens carefully curated for year-round colour. Wisley not only offers beautiful surrounding, but you you will also find RHS Hilltop, which is the UK’s first dedicated horticultural scientific centre of excellence.

Popular Gardens to visit by coach

The Eden Project Located in St Austell, Cornwall, the Eden Project us home to two massive covered domes (Biomes) which replicate different climates. Wander through the world’s largest indoor rainforest or discover the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean Biome. There are extensive outdoor gardens to be explored with over 20 plant based exhibits, art installations, play areas and colourful seasonal borders.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall The Lost Gardens of Heligan were discovered in 1990 to become one of Europe’s largest garden restoration projects. The gardens have been transformed and restored to some of the finest gardens in the UK. Explore the 200 acres of magical gardens, woodland walks and farmland and make sure you don’t miss the UK’s only outdoor jungle.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Isle of Wight With its own microclimate on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, this garden has a fantastic and unrivalled collection of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors. Make sure you take time to explore its impressive range of exotic plants and visit the large Tropical House.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire Nestled in the west wales countryside, this Garden is dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity and the enjoyment of the visitor. There is no much to see and do including a British Bird of Prey Centre, Double Walled Garden and not forgetting The Great Glasshouse, designed by Norman Foster. It is the largest single span glasshouse in the world and is home to the largest collection of Mediterranean plants in the Northern Hemisphere.

Monet’s Garden, Giverny, France Home to the Master of Impressionism, Claude Monet, these beautiful gardens have been restored and replanted to his original designs. Visit the flower and water garden which were the inspiration for some of the artist’s most famous work.

Coach tours to the Gardens tend to include: return coach travel, overnight accommodation in a quality hotel with breakfast and entrance to the Garden.

• Garden Finder
• Garden Tours
• Garden Design
• Garden Products
• Nursery Finder
• The Landscape Guide »
• Accessories
• Sustainability

Garden Tours in England

A wide range of design styles are well represented in England, although the most famous period in English garden history is the eighteenth century, when the original English landscape gardens were made.  England has some wonderful cloister gardens attached to the great cathedrals. The best are simple rectangles of grass. England also has many castles - but no ancient castle gardens. Nor are there many renaissance survivals. There are baroque gardens but not nearly so many as in France and Germany. But from the eighteenth century onwards Britain has excellent examples of most styles of garden design.

Escorted Garden Tours in England

The gardens of kent and sussex, departing 21st june, 16th august 2024.

Cotswold Gardens and their 20th Century designers, 6-day tour from 16th-22nd June and 3-day tour from 7th-10th July 2024

Chelsea Flower Show, 20th and 23rd May 2024

Great Gardens of Cornwall in the Company of Mike Nelhams, 25th March and 15th April 2024

The Legacy of Gertrude Jekyll, dates TBC

9 of the best garden holidays for 2024

Explore flower-strewn destinations at home and abroad on these incredible garden tours

Country Living's garden holidays take in floral havens with TV stars and experts, invite you to discover the world's botanical wonders and allow you to meet the best-loved designers and gardeners to learn gardening tips and tricks along the way.

Whether you travel in spring or summer, there’s a horticultural break for you. Spring is a fantastic time to seek ideas for your own garden in fabulous venues around the UK, in locations such as the Isles of Scilly or Kent. Or venture further to Madeira with its famously fragrant flower parade or the Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens, renowned around the world for their riotously colourful spring tulips. Meanwhile, Italy and France beckon for blissful holidays with a horticultural slant. Many of these unforgettable trips feature VIP tours and talks by experts in the field – gardeners and garden designers, writers, TV presenters and other fascinating folk keen to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with you as you discover some of the world’s greatest gardens in their company. We guarantee you’ll come away overflowing with new ideas for your own patch. Here are the best garden holidays for 2024.

Marvel at the sensational villa gardens around the Italian lakes

After a leisurely train ride through France, you’ll spend seven nights in a peaceful hotel beside the foothills of the Alps overlooking Lake Orta, exploring the elegant gardens around Orta and the other charming lakes of Maggiore, Como and Lugano.

These include the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, Villa Carlotta with its lavish plant life and the subtropical gardens of the delightful Swiss town of Lugano.

Other highlights include a trip to beguiling Locarno, also in Switzerland, and a day in the Italian fashion capital Milan with its fabulous shopping as well as historic must-sees such as the Duomo. When? April and October 2024

Discover Kent and Sussex's garden secrets with Sarah Raven

This enlightening three-night horticultural break includes an exclusive talk by garden designer, writer and broadcaster Sarah Raven, who, over the course of 25 years, transformed a dairy farm into the 90 acres of botanical delight that is Perch Hill.

You’ll also enjoy a private tour with the gardeners and sit down to a delicious lunch made with the freshest produce from the garden. Guests also benefit from a private early-bird trip to Sissinghurst to see the superb manicured gardens before they open to the public.

Visits to Great Comp Garden, Scotney Castle, Lullingstone Castle, Pashley Manor and Great Dixter are also included, as well as a relaxing base in Tunbridge Wells.

When? June 2024

FIND OUT MORE

Celebrate Madeira’s colourful Flower Festival

Some of Madeira's finest gardens, including the Palheiro Gardens, Funchal Botanical Gardens and Monte Palace Gardens, are all on the itinerary of this trip to the subtropical volcanic island of Madeira.

The Portuguese island is known as the ‘floating garden of the Atlantic’. It’s timed to coincide with the island’s famous Flower Festival, where you’ll get a grandstand seat to watch the Allegoric Flower Parade, with the chance to see (and smell!) fragrant floats passing along the streets of central Funchal to the accompaniment of live music. You’ll be based at the aptly named Hotel Enotel Magnolia in Funchal, with two swimming pools and a sauna. When? April 2023

Witness the wonderful wildlife and gardens of the Isles of Scilly

This six-day trip includes a visit to sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens , dubbed ’Kew without the glass’ and established around the ruins of a Benedictine abbey by Augustus Smith in the 19th century. It’s now home to plants from across the world’s Mediterranean climate zones, including Brazil and Burma.

You’ll also take in the gorgeous harbours of St Martin’s and spot porpoises, dolphins, seals and other wildlife – including some species not seen anywhere else in the UK, which you’ll learn more about during a talk by (and dinner with) Julian Branscombe, head of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

Your base is Star Castle, with a pool and archipelago views.

When? September 2024

Admire the gardens that inspired Claude Monet

Spend four nights in the largest chateau hotel in France, Château de Montvillargenne, using it as a base to explore the gardens that inspired Monet’s famous paintings. The holiday includes a guided tour of Giverny – the little village where Monet lived – accompanied by gardening expert Paula McWaters. This is where you’ll see those famous water lily ponds and the gardens that inspired his work.

The perfect complement to a visit to Giverny on a Monet-themed trip is calling at Musée de l’Orangerie, where you’ll see a selection of Monet’s paintings, Les Nymphéas.

When? July 2024

Whisk away to the Italian Lakes and tour its grand villa gardens

Join an eight-day escorted tour to Italy on a trip that’s perfect for garden lovers. It’s a holiday with a busy schedule, but one that will inspire you no end. A particular highlight is a trip to the 18th-century baroque palace on Isola Bella, an island in the middle of Lake Maggiore. The gardens here are said to be modelled on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

A special departure in March 2024 included a guest visit from Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein, who will join you on a trip and will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. And if you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your camellias – this is the trip for you. You’ll see 500 varieties of this bloom in the gardens of the private residence of the President of the Italian Camellia Society!

When? March 2024

Be dazzled by carpets of tulips along the Dutch waterways

The sight of millions of brightly coloured spring flowers is a vision to behold – and one you can enjoy at its most spectacular on a four-night cruise along the Dutch waterways in April 2024.

You’ll follow a wonderful itinerary on this exceptional garden holiday, departing from Amsterdam and sailing to Enkhuizen, then Rotterdam, before the Dutch countryside reveals itself around Kinderdijik, where iconic windmills overlook the canal. Your penultimate day includes a visit to the bulb fields of Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, where a kaleidoscopic floral display awaits you.

Keen horticulturalists will be delighted that Adam Frost joins the trip to Keukenhof and will be available to answer questions.

When? April 2024

Celebrate Madeira’s Flower Festival with Frances Tophill

Madeira is a wonderful island for keen gardeners to visit at any time, but timing a visit to coincide with the annual Flower Festival makes for an extra special holiday.

On Country Living Holidays’ trip to Madeira in May 2024, you’ll spend three days exploring the island’s gardens, including the Botanical Garden near Funchal, before the Flower Festival 2024 begins – a one-day celebration of everything floral. On the day of the festival, you’ll be joined by Frances Tophill, a British horticulturist and TV presenter.

In the days following the festival, more of Madeira’s splendid gardens will reveal themselves, including Palherio Gardens. But this wonderful holiday explores the island’s beautiful locations outside of its cultivated masterpieces, and you’ll return home brimming with ideas of how to bring a little Madeiran beauty into your own garden.

When? May 2024

Explore England's grand gardens with Arthur Parkinson

Get to know some of England's finest historic gardens on a special trip with one of Britain's best garden writers, Arthur Parkinson, who'll give an illuminating talk and Q&A.

You will discover the fascinating Easton Walled Gardens, which are at least 400 years old and have been painstakingly restored by their current owners, the Cholmeley family. On a visit to the gardens by Lady Cholmeley herself, you can learn all about the restoration.

Also on the itinerary are visits to Hardwick Hall, known for its orchard, woodland, and romantic rambling roses, and Haddon Hall, an ancient residence with a recently redesigned garden.

Another highlight is the impressive RHS Garden Harlow Carr, one of The Royal Horticultural Society's flagship gardens, where you'll see colourful rhododendrons, specimen trees, fruit and vegetable gardens and an Alpine house.

.css-1shyvki:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-right:-0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-1shyvki:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:none;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:inline-block;}} Countryside .css-c08pe1:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-c08pe1:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-c08pe1:before{margin:0.7rem auto 0.9375rem;display:block;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-c08pe1:before{margin:0 -0.9375rem 0 0;display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scaleX(-1);-moz-transform:scaleX(-1);-ms-transform:scaleX(-1);transform:scaleX(-1);-webkit-background-position:75% 0;background-position:75% 0;}}

5 eco heroes with unusual jobs

National Park Protector Awards 2024

RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch 2024: The results

15 wild swimming spots near London

The butterfly species thriving in the UK

England's heritage sites located in new map

A new hedgehog conservation project needs you

European Tree of the Year has been named

England's largest rhododendron blooms early

Keep dogs on leads in spring, urges charity

The most scenic spring hikes and walks in the UK

• Home / U.K Garden Tours
• Chelsea Flower Show
• Gardeners World Live
• National Trust Gardens
• Monet's Giverny & Paris
• Keukenhof Holland
• RHS Wisley, Polesden Lacey
• Tatton Park Flower Show
• Hampton Court Palace
• Special Offers & Insurance
• New-Garden River Cruises
• RHS Holidays UK/Worldwide

 Holidays and tours for garden lovers, in the U.K & overseas, travel from your local area.

                                 ,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                holidays welcome... to our 2018 selection of coach tours & visits to the most beautiful gardens, and the very best of garden shows, both in the u.k and europe. , holidays designed for those who would enjoy a holiday spending some time visiting beautiful gardens - either in the company of other garden lovers, with your partner or family, or happily solo (like napoleon in the 'man from u.n.c.l.e') - beautiful garden holidays.,  ______________, garden holidays in the united kingdom, h ere on our home page we illustrate a very small selection of  our garden holiday coach tours in the u.k , with local departures from all over the u.k, (and the option of self drive or rail to the base hotel), visiting some spectacular gardens within england, scotland and wales.  , (for visits to garden shows around the u.k and for trips to gardens overseas -  such as bulb fields of holland, monet's garden in northern france and the sub tropical portuguese garden island of madeira, please select the respective tab from our menu top left.), o ur most popular coach tours continue to be the gardens of england, and in particular southern and central england.  here we include the st mawes based 5 day 'gardens of cornwall' tours including full day excursions to both the eden project and the lost gardens of heligan.  and the st.ives based 8 day 'glorious gardens of cornwall and the scilly isles' tours, which now include 3 full day's out to tresco abbey gardens on the isles of scilly, the lost gardens of heligan, and new for 2018 - lands end & trengwainton gardens-a national trust garden, sheltered and bursting with exotic trees and shrubs (nt).  , a lso, we return with our 5 day tour to the 'gardens of north devon', and added for 2018 are two 'welsh delights'-  5 days to the 'hidden gardens of north wales' and another lovely 5 day garden holiday to wales to 'tenby and the national botanic garden', -tenby, the harbour town and resort in south west wales steeped in history with fine victorian houses painted in sugared almond colours, the botanic gardens a jewel in the crown of welsh gardening., wildflower meadow, highgrove,  details of any of these tours can be emailed to you on request, or we welcome your call for anything you would like more information on, having read the brief details here on our website., a ll in all, another exciting program of tours to gardens across the uk in 2018, and developing all the time, so if you fancied a garden tour to a specific region or have particular requirements, please do contact us -we aim to please.  if not featured here, we can search suppliers using our wealth of experience and knowledge and may still be able to find your perfect garden holiday.  , we also tailor make garden holidays, booking flights, trains and hotels to visit gardens you really want to see, whether travelling alone, as a couple or small group.  and if you are a club, group or society a tailor made tour can be ideal too.  if you are a member of your local garden club why not suggest a club trip away  life's too short not to           , f or garden shows such as chelsea flower show , tatton park and gardeners' world live , and also for t ours to gardens in europe & worldwide , please click on the respective menu tab, top left.  for example coach tours to gardens in the uk, please read on...,   garden holidays in the uk,    we look forward to welcoming you on one of our garden holidays, sharing the company of garden enthusiasts whilst enjoying the very best of the worlds gardens.  take a journey into our colorful world of gardens, heading first to the scenic south west of england, to the mild climate of the cornish peninsula..... ,  the scilly isles & the glorious gardens of cornwall from £544 (25th aug departure)- outstanding value, stay close to the golden world-class beaches of st.ives, visit scented sub-tropical gardens, cobbled streets painting a colorful past and stunning cornish countryside.  add the fascinating scilly isles and you have the makings of a holiday to remember..

A lovely 8 day coach tour of Cornish & Scilly Isles gardens, with 5 departures from London and the South East of England (for other regional departures please see below),  from June 2nd until September 15th, on a Saturday. 

In 2018 our 3 organised day trips out include as usual the Tresco Abbey Gardens on the beautiful Scilly Isles, the Lost Gardens of Heligan- and new for 2018 a full day to rugged Lands End and the delightful Trengwainton Gardens (a National Trust property).

Trebah Garden-a sub-tropical paradise

Departures from other regions (East & west Midlands, North West, North East & Yorkshire) will stay in St Mawes (see 5 day tour below for resort/hotel descriptions) and will visit a different selection of gardens-details provided on request.

T he romantic Cornish gardens exude a timeless, magical quality.  Included are 3 full day excursions, which depending upon your departure region will comprise 3 trips:  These may include the fascinating, world famous domes of the Eden Project , the Lost Gardens of Heligan , which includes a mystical tour with the chance to explore 'The Jungle' and 'The Lost Valley',  Tresco Abbey Gardens  on the beautiful Scilly Isles, the wonderful Trebah Gardens  and Trengwainton Gardens (NT) . Please contact us with your preferred departure town and we will tell you which 3 day tours are included from your area.

    The Mud Maid, Woodland Walk, Heligan                          Tresco Abbey Gardens

T he special lead-in price of only £544 rises to a maximum of just £693 but please check with us for current prices.  We frequently also offer a discount for early bookings .  The prices include luxury coach with joining points from across the U.K, 7 nts dinner, room and breakfast in St.Ives or St Mawes and all garden visits.  Remember that your departure region will determine which of the two hotels and resorts you will stay in, and also the selection of the 3 full day excursions.  Simply call or email our reservations staff for confirmation of these from your local area. 

N estled among rich, magnificent coastal scenery is stunning St.Ives, enjoying a beautiful setting at the south western tip of Cornwall. Discover crystal blue waters and golden sands, delightful cobbled streets winding their way down to the pretty harbour and sub-tropical temperatures promoting the growth of more unusual plants and shrubs.

O ur welcoming hotel, the St.Ives Bay, enjoys panoramic views of Porthminster Beach and Bay.  The stunning views are complemented by just a short walk to the town and beach, making for a perfect location. There's a lounge area with bar and small dance floor with entertainment on some evenings. In Spring & Summer you may enjoy the outside courtyard.

                  The St Ives Bay Hotel                                    Eden Project, hosing the Tropical Biome 

S ingle room supplement great value and unchanged at £35.00, (advance registration will also open soon for 2019 to ensure availability).   Bedrooms with stunning sea views are available,  supplement also unchanged from £49.00, that's just £3.50 per night each for 2 sharing.

F or St Mawes and the Ship & Castle Hotel descriptions (all departures other than London/South East) please refer to the 5 day tour of St Mawes & Gardens of Cornwall on this page.

    St. Mawes and Gardens of Cornwall, 5 days  from £335 (17th Sept departure) 

A holiday in one of the most exclusive waterside villages within cornwall.  st. mawes, full of character and colour is simply scenic and a superb place from which we can go exploring the array of acclaimed cornish gardens nearby..

A n inexpensive 5 days to glorious Cornwall, boasting some of the most picturesque coastlines and landscapes in the country.  Our base in the pretty harbour village of St. Mawes provides the perfect setting for a leisurely break with a full day tour included to the awesome Eden Project.  These giant 'biomes', big enough to contain the Tower of London, act as the world's climate zones, containing thousands of important and beautiful plants from every corner of the world.  Zones such as the Tropical zone and the Mediterranean zone reproduce exactly the climate and growing conditions of these parts of our planet, and to be able to walk between such diverse environments within a few minutes is truly an experience for the garden enthusiast not to be missed! A short introductory talk is included too.

O ur second excursion is a half day magical mystery tour around the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Exotic plants, lush greenery and a blaze of colour- it's a horticultural haven.

                The Jungle, Heligan                                    The Ship and Castle Hotel, St.Mawes

T here's plenty of time to immerse yourself in the nautical atmosphere of the Cornish Riviera back in St.Mawes, and to unwind back at your hotel-the Ship and Castle.  Set in an enviable position right by the harbour, the bar lounge overlooks the sea and holds relaxed entertainment on some evenings in an intimate atmosphere. 

S ome stunning sea-view bedrooms are available from a £28 supplement.  Our single rooms supplement is just £20. (please book early, these prices are unchanged from 2016 and the rooms go quickly!)

O n your free day you may like to visit St Mawes Castle, one of the best preserved coastal artillery fortresses from the reign of Henry VIII. Or take a walk to the beautiful 4 acre Lamorran Gardens in St Mawes-a sub tropical garden where palm trees abound and with a Mediterranean water garden you could be in Italy, with beautiful views to the sea and Rhododendrons and Azaleas usually peaking around May.

4 departures leave during the season on Mondays from May 21st through to September 17th, returning Fridays.  Prices start from only £335 on the 17th September and rise to just £396 in high summer.  This includes Half Board  for 4 nts sharing twin rooms, return coach from your choice of departure point, and the Eden Project and Heligan excursions.

N ot all tours are available from all joining points so please check with our reservations staff for joining points from your locality.

When should I book?

T ours with limited departure dates or peak dates on any tours should be booked early, and if single rooms are required , very early booking is strongly advisable.  Only a deposit will be required until 2 months prior to departure. And remember there's often a discount on early bookings. Please ask your consultant for any discount currently applicable. 

The Coach Operator- Shearings Coaches

   A ll these tours are once again operated by  Shearings luxury coaches.  With over 100 years' experience of organising superb holidays, Shearings operates the largest, most luxurious holiday coach fleet in the country, offering a wide choice of joining points around the U.K. 

Self drive and Rail :  Should you prefer to make your own arrangements for travel to and from the hotel base by car or train, we can omit the return coach travel and you may then join the group for the full itinerary.

Air Travel :  For those wishing to travel to our hotel base by air, please call our sister operation the  Flightcentre  for flight information and reservations.  

S hould your travelling partner not share your passion for gardens, our comfortable hotels are in attractive settings, such as St.Ives, voted the U.K's best seaside destination consecutively for 2010/2011, where there will almost certainly be enough to keep them occupied whilst you are garden visiting! St Ives Tourist information

Holidays to gardens coming soon!

F orthcoming holidays include the gardens of Yorkshire within the U.K, and France, Holland, North Thailand and South Africa. For details on these, or any holiday destination where you would like to visit gardens during your stay, please contact our reservations staff.  Holidays to destinations featured in the BBC television series 'Around The World In 80 Gardens' can also be arranged by our experienced travel staff.

T hank you so much for your interest in our garden holiday programme.  We look forward to seeing you on one of our holidays to the worlds prettiest gardens soon!  And as 'Alan T' used to say 'Whatever the weather- enjoy your garden!'

Bookings and Brochures

Tel: 020 8858 6677   , post: beautiful garden holidays, the flight centre, 95 old woolwich rd, greenwich, london se10 9pp. u.k, shop: if you live near to us, come in and have a chat, email: [email protected] for general holidays, cruises and flights worldwide please visit our flightcentre site at www.flightcentregreenwich.co.uk, useful websites to visit.

www.gardensincornwall.co.uk

http://www.gardenvisit.com

www.gardenlinks.co.uk

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

British Gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show

10 Independent Reviews

financing available at checkout. Learn more .

Reserve with a deposit starting from $200

DATES & PRICING

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

2 countries

Country Roads

Explore the Green Gardens of England & Wales on This 15-Day Guided Tour

Take a once in a lifetime trip across Britain, hobnobbing with London’s high society at the Chelsea Flower Show and promenading through the Trentham Gardens of Llandudno Bay, in Celtic Wales. This grand three-week journey showcases the vast Victorian Greenhouses of the Royal Botanical Society at Kew, the exotic floral beds of Bodnant Gardens and the interlaced lakes and colorful blooms of Leonardslee. From the shores of England’s Lake District to Queen Victoria’s retreat on the Isle of Wight, these horticultural highlights are a joy to behold.

View Itinerary

MAP & ITINERARY

Start London, England. End London, England.

Download Itinerary

Print Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS

PERSONALISE YOUR TOUR

Private custom groups.

Love this tour but looking for a different itinerary or travel dates? Create a tailor-made tour for your group of 10 or more.

On your private custom group guided tour, you'll be accompanied by one of our passionate Travel Directors, who will take care of all of the details for a stress-free journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy your private custom group journey on our customized luxury coaches with extra legroom.

SEARCH FOR ANOTHER TOUR

#insightvacations.

Discover Inspiring, Magical Moments Captured by Our Guests in Destinations Around the World

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

UK and Ireland

USA and Canada

Latin America

North Africa

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

Due to exceptional demand, deliveries are taking slightly longer than normal. Thank you for your patience. >>

Welcome to Highgrove

• About The Gardens

Garden Tours

• Events & Workshops
• The Highgrove Shop
• Plan Your Visit
• Highgrove Crafts

Sign In Create an Account

• View All About The Gardens
• Garden Highlights
• View All About
• Highgrove Estate History
• Environmental Practices
• The King’s Foundation
• View All Garden Highlights
• Kitchen Garden
• The Arboretum
• The Stumpery
• Cottage Garden
• Sundial Garden
• Wildflower Meadow
• View All Garden Tours

Garden Tour

Champagne tea tour.

• Group Garden Tour (26)

Private Garden Tour

Private champagne tea tour.

• View All Events & Workshops
• Events at Highgrove
• Workshops at Highgrove
• Upcoming Events & Workshops
• View All Events at Highgrove
• Herbs at Highgrove
• Father's Day Sunday Lunch
• View All Workshops at Highgrove
• Floral Art with Resin with Emma from Nature's Inspiration
• Candle Making with Natalie from Flourish & Leaf
• Ceramic Herb Shredder Pottery with Zoe & Tanya from The Potthouse Collective
• Leather Dog Collar & Lead Crafting with Tracy from Cotswold Hipster
• Copper Foil Stained Glass with Sarah Davis
• Block Printing with Marea from Art of Jaipur
• Summer Flower Arranging with Jo at Scentiments
• Pheasant Willow Weaving with Emma Stothard
• View All Upcoming Events & Workshops
• View All The Highgrove Shop

View All Gifts

Corporate Gifts

"Thank You" Gifts

View All Food & Drink

Highgrove Hampers & Gift Sets

Highgrove Wine & Champagne

Highgrove Spirits, Liqueurs & Cider

Highgrove Teas

Highgrove Savouries & Preserves

Highgrove Biscuits

Highgrove Confectionery

View All Home & Garden

Kitchen & Dining

Mugs, Cups & Saucers

Teapots & Jugs

Plates & Bowls

Crystal & Glassware

Kitchen Accessories

Kitchen Linens

Dressing the Table

Roses, Seeds & Bulbs

Garden Accessories

Decorative Garden

Throws & Cushions

Decorative Items

Candles & Home Fragrance

• Bath & Body
• Clothing & Accessories

View All Books & Art

Books & Media

Florilegium Watercolours

View All Collections

Highgrove X Burberry

Highgrove Bouquet

Turquoise Mountain

Highgrove X Truefitt & Hill

HM King Charles III 75th Birthday

The Coronation of HM King Charles III

Bramley Bath & Body

His Majesty The King's Watercolour Collection

Prince of Wales Check

Chelsea Porcelain

Fiona Rae Jewellery

Willow Sculptures

Bee Collection

Miriam Collection

Terracotta Pots

Ettinger Collection

Platinum Jubilee

Highgrove Delphinium Ceramics

Bordallo Pinheiro Earthenware

• View All Plan Your Visit
• Visiting Us
• View All Visiting Us
• Accessibility

Important Information

• The Orchard Restaurant
• The Highgrove Shop at The Coronation Pavilion

The Local Area

• View All Highgrove Crafts
• Masterclasses, Programmes & Short Courses
• View All Masterclasses, Programmes & Short Courses
• Weaving and Dressing a Table Loom using British Wool (May)
• An Introduction to Relief Wood Carving (May)
• Create a Gathered Lampshade (May)
• An Introduction to Letter Carving (August)
• An Introduction to Relief Wood Carving (September)
• An Introduction to Letter Carving (September)
• An Introduction to Chair Caning (10th - 11th Oct)
• An Introduction to Chair Caning (12th - 13th Oct)
• View All _book Now

All Profits Are Donated to Charity

UK Next Day Delivery Available

International Shipping Available

Garden Tours take place on selected dates between April and September 2024

Join one of our experienced guides on a tour to discover the history, inspiration, and unique organic management behind this incredible series of gardens.

During your visit, you will be able to visit the Highgrove Shop at The Coronation Pavilion, where you’ll find a selection of bespoke Highgrove products, from  beautiful home and garden ware to country attire   and  artwork by His Majesty The King . The  Orchard Room will also be open to visitors after their garden tour and will be offering refreshments, both savoury and sweet, including hot and cold drinks.

Experience the highlights of Highgrove Gardens

Dine in the glorious setting of the Orchard Room

Browse the Highgrove Shop at The Coronation Pavilion for a range of artisan products

Join a group of up to 26 guests, led by one of our experienced guides, on a tour of the extraordinary and inspiring Gardens at Highgrove.

Find out more

A truly memorable experience, Champagne Tea Tours allow visitors to explore the Gardens in a small group and afterwards enjoy afternoon tea with Highgrove Champagne.

Something extra special – an exclusive tour for private parties to experience the beautiful gardens of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Camilla.

Looking for something extra special? We offer exclusive Champagne Tea Tours for private parties, creating a truly personal way to experience Highgrove.

Group Garden Tour for Tour Operators and Organisers

Designed for coach parties of up to 26 people, this tour of the inspirational Gardens at Highgrove is led by one of our experienced guides and is exclusive to your party.

Essential information about planning your visit to Highgrove.

Plan your journey on getting to Highgrove Gardens.

Browse our frequently asked questions when visiting Highgrove.

The Orchard Room

The Orchard Room is a waiter serviced dining area where guests can enjoy a selection of meals and refreshments.

Estate Shop

Visit the Highgrove Estate shop where you’ll find an extensive collection of artisan products and gifts.

Other interesting places to visit to help make a full day of your visit to Highgrove Gardens and the local area.

The sale of Highgrove Products, Garden Tours and Events support and enable the life and work of The King’s Foundation.

Receive the Latest Highgrove News

Newsletter signup.

To receive Highgrove Gardens and Highgrove Shop information - including Garden Tour date releases and late availability, and special offers, new product and events information from Highgrove Shop - please add your name and email address to our mailing list. We take your privacy seriously. Read our full  privacy policy . You can unsubscribe from Highgrove emails at any time by clicking the link in the email you receive.

We use cookies. Many are necessary to operate the website and its functions, others are for statistical or marketing purposes. With the decision "Only accept essential cookies" we will respect your privacy and will not set cookies that aren't necessary for the operation of the site.

Statistics & Marketing

Only accept essential cookies

Individual Data Privacy Settings

save & close

Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper functioning of the website.

Marketing cookies are used by third parties or publishers to display personalized advertising. They do this by tracking visitors across websites.

C O O P E R S M I T H' S

Coopersmith's garden tours.

Akaroa Rose Photo by Suzanne Parker

Sissinghurst Castle Garden Photo by Paul Coopersmith

Paul at Borough Market, London Borough has become one of the largest and finest open-air food markets in all of Europe. Photo by Suzanne Parker.

" We have been on 12 Coopersmith tours in the past, starting with Venice and the Italian Lakes in 1994, through Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire in 2023. Our upcoming tour to the Peak District will be our thirteenth, and Jane's farewell tour the fourteenth. So we've been traveling with you for 30 years, with our thanks! " — Kathy and Greg Stern, Jefferson, Maryland

Dear Garden Enthusiast,

Welcome to COOPERSMITH'S, North America's oldest and most trusted international garden and stately-home tour company, now in our 40th year of crafting One-of-a-Kind Tours® for the discerning traveler.

Over the years, people have asked me, “What made you decide to go into the tour business?” My answer, simply put, is that travel has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. Having grown up in New Jersey, some of my fondest childhood memories were the car trips our family took to places like Niagara Falls, Smokey Mountains, and Williamsburg. While in high school, I savored week-long bicycle tours in Nova Scotia and Martha’s Vineyard.

Later, while attending the University of California, Berkeley, I hitchhiked annually between West and East coasts. Upon graduating, I set out for Europe, where I thumbed my way around the Continent for six months before settling in London. In the ensuing three years, I researched and wrote a guide book for like-minded travelers ( Rule of Thumb: A Hitchhiker’s Handbook , Simon & Schuster, 1973).

Back in Berkeley, where I supported my travel habit by working for over ten years as a landscape gardener, contractor, and garden designer, I co-founded A Taste of Britain, later to be renamed COOPERSMITH'S One-of-a-Kind Tours®. My passion was, and still is, crafting unique, small-group, upscale garden and manor-house tours that I, myself, would feel comfortable being part of.

The following elements have always formed the foundation for those tours:

World-class tour leaders, with a minimum of ten years' experience in the field

Exceptional gardens, featuring private tours by owners and head gardeners

Small groups: as few as six and never more than 20 participants

Relaxed pace: on average, one visit in the morning, and one in the afternoon

Limited time on the motorcoach, with plenty of extra seats

In-depth focus on one or two regions of one country

Four-to-seven-nights in atmospheric country inns and manor-house hotels

Gourmet meals, often locally-sourced

Now, four decades later, we’re still going strong. Our tours typically fill up 12 to 18 months in advance. We have dozens of clients who travel with us on a regular basis, some up to two or even three times a year. I love what one of our clients once wrote on his feedback form: "Going on a COOPERSMITH'S tour," he said, "is like taking part in a traveling house party, focusing on beautiful homes and gardens, with Jeeves doing all the work!"

When people go on a COOPERSMITH'S tour, odds are they’ll be signing up for another one soon - sometimes even before finishing the one they’re on! Come join us in 2024 and help us celebrate our forty years in the business. And see for yourself what makes our tours truly One-of-a-Kind®!

Happy travels,

"A company that specializes in small groups [where members] are often taken to private gardens rarely seen..." — The New York Times

"My wife recently had the good fortune to meet and speak with [famous English horticulturalist] Penelope Hobhouse, who recommended your garden tour as one of the two best in Europe..." — Collier Espy, Jr., Dothan, Alabama

When people go on a COOPERSMITH'S tour, odds are they’ll be signing up for another one soon-- -sometimes even before finishing the one they’re on! Come join us in 2024 and help us celebrate our forty years in the business. And see for yourself what makes our tours truly One-of-a-Kind®!

Home    Coopersmith's Style   2024 Garden Tours    Small is Better    Frequently Asked Questions    Washington Post Review    Making It Easy    Tour Updates & Special Offers   Reservation Form    Request Catalog    Giving Back to the Community    Contact    Terms and Conditions

2024 Garden Tours

We are delighted to present our 2024 garden tours. Staying at 4 & 5-star hotels, or an English Castle, our small group tours (no more than 22 guests) visit the very best gardens across the British Isles, with the opportunity to meet owners and head gardeners. You’ll be accompanied throughout by your experienced Sisley tour director, enjoy great food, good company and many exclusive experiences. Let us share superb gardens, stately homes, historic towns and beautiful countryside with you. Where a tour is fully booked, we hold a wait list and will contact you if a place becomes available.   Please register here…

Garden Gems of Cornwall, Devon & the Isles of Scilly

9th – 16th May 2024 (7 nights) – FULLY BOOKED An exciting tour to England’s gorgeous south west & the Isles of Scilly with RHS Rosemoor, Glendurgan, Tresco and Heligan. Read more…

Great English Gardens with Chelsea Flower Show − Tour 1

17th – 24th May 2024 (7 nights) – FULLY BOOKED RHS Wisley, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst and more with RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Read more…

Great English Gardens with Chelsea Flower Show − Tour 2

18th – 25th May 2024 (7 nights) – FULLY BOOKED RHS Wisley, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst and more with RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Read more…

Chelsea Flower Show, Cotswolds & the Royal Gardens at Highgrove

19 – 25th May 2024 (6 nights) – FULLY BOOKED Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Wisley and the Royal Gardens at Highgrove with superb private gardens in the delightful Cotswolds. Find out more…

Classic Cotswolds with the Royal Gardens at Highgrove

2nd – 7th June 2024 (5 nights) – FULLY BOOKED Immerse yourself in the Cotswolds and see the Royal Gardens at Highgrove, Hidcote Manor and some of the loveliest gardens in England. Read more…

Exclusive Gardens & Magnificent Roses in the heart of England

9th – 14th June 2024 (5 nights) – FULLY BOOKED Explore Stratford-upon-Avon, the wonder of David Austin Roses at peak rose season, superlative country estates and beautiful private gardens. Read more…

A Garden Lovers’ Tour of Chester, Chatsworth & the Peak District

16th – 22nd June 2023 (6 nights) -FULLY BOOKED Historic Chester, the wild and beautiful Peak District, majestic Chatsworth House, new RHS Garden Bridgewater and many fabulous private gardens. Read more…

Grand Houses and Gardens of Yorkshire & the Lake District

23rd – 30th June 2024 (7 nights) – FULLY BOOKED Spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales & the Lake District national parks, impressive stately homes, private gardens and sumptuous hotels. Read more…

NEW TOUR: Marvels of Monmouthshire

25th – 28th June 2024 (3 nights) – FULLY BOOKED An exclusive garden tour in partnership with The English Garden . Stunning private gardens & spectacular Welsh countryside. Read more…

Discovering England’s Iconic Summer Gardens

3rd – 11th July 2024 (8 nights) – FULLY BOOKED All the garden greats: Highgrove, Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Wisley, Hever Castle, Hidcote &  RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival. Read more…

Scotland’s Finest Castles and Gardens

1st – 8th September 2024 (7 nights) – FULLY BOOKED Stunning castles & gardens across the spectacular Scottish Highlands, the buzz of Edinburgh and the best gardens of the fertile Scottish borders. Read more…

Bespoke group garden tour planning

Bespoke group garden tours We are delighted to tailor bespoke tours for groups of friends, garden clubs or businesses (min.12pax), Please get in touch….

The 7 best garden holidays for 2024

From Kent to Madeira, we've selected the best places for a garden tour in 2024

On these wonderful garden tours around the world, you can soak up the subtropical gardens of the Isles of Scilly and explore the dazzling Madeira Flower Festival with a gardening expert.

Whether you're after a spring holiday with gorgeous gardens in bloom or a late summer getaway to explore glorious gardens after the crowds have gone home, we've got you covered with our selection of incredible horticultural escapes.

Luckily, you don't need to know your hyacinths from your hydrangeas to enjoy one of Good Housekeeping's garden holidays. Enjoy the acres of rainbow-coloured tulips as you cruise through Holland's canals to Keukenhof Gardens or wander around the Grade I gardens designed by Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. Our hand-crafted itineraries bring together some of the finest horticultural displays in Europe. Add in the guided tours and Q&As from experts such as Sarah Raven and Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost and you'll return home with increased knowledge and appreciation of all things green. Check out our best garden holidays in the UK and Europe for 2024.

See the tulips of Keukenhof in full bloom on a spring cruise with Adam Frost

The world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens in all their spring glory are the focal point of this gorgeous five-day cruise along Dutch waterways, with Gardeners' World presenter and award-winning landscape designer Adam Frost joining you for a talk and Q&A.

Other fantastic sights include the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk and the inland bay of Ijsselmeer, and there are also the canals and art museums of Amsterdam and the architecture of Rotterdam to discover.

When? April 2024

Delve Deep into the gardens and plant-inspired art of northern France

Monet’s two-metre-tall artwork Les Nymph é as (The Water Lilies) were inspired by his iconic gardens in Giverny, and you can see them them in Paris’ gorgeous Musée de l’Orangerie as a wonderful prelude to this look at some of northern France’s loveliest gardens. Monet’s gardens have been maintained as they were in his time, along with his house, while the surrounding village is lovely for a wander, with artists’ studios to peer into.

From there you’ll head to fairytale-like Château de Chantilly, with glorious landscaped gardens and vast estate to lose yourself in. You will also spend time with garden columnist Paula McWaters.

When? July 2024

FIND OUT MORE

Visit walled gardens and other English gems from a Peak District manor

You’ll discover the once-abandoned, gorgeously renovated 16th-century Easton Walled Gardens with their Victorian flourishes with young horticulturalist Arthur Parkinson as part of this trip.

You’ll also get to wander around the Royal Horticultural Society's innovative northern flagship, the RHS Harlow Carr, one of the oldest medieval manor houses in the UK, Haddon Hall, and Hardwick Hall, a Elizabethan country house amid orchards, woodlands, and roses - and in-between those relax in a Peak District manor-house hotel and spa.

When? June 2024

Combine Loire châteaux and Monet’s garden on a tour of the 'Garden of France'

The Loire Valley is world-famous for its magnificent châteaux and their superb gardens, along with churches and cathedrals and fabulous French cuisine. Among icons you’ll visit on this marvellous tour are Chenonceau, Villandry, Chinon, and Amboise, while you’ll also enjoy idyllic landscapes in spades in this vineyard-dotted region with its wine-cellar tours with tastings.

You’ll also get to venture up to Monet's house and garden at Giverny, to see the sublime Japanese water garden that inspired some of his most famous works, and the spectacular Château de Fontainebleau, which includes the largest formal garden in Europe, Le Grand Parterre.

When? May 2024

A horticultural hurrah in the Atlantic's 'floating garden'

Renowned for its volcanic landscape and lush gardens, Madeira – a.k.a 'The Floating Garden in the Atlantic' – grows a diverse array of flora from the purple-bloomed jacaranda trees, rare orchids to bird of paradise flowers. See them all in their glory on a garden tour of the Botanical Gardens, Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Palheiro Gardens. A highlight of this trip is tickets to the annual Madeira Flower Festival, where floral-filled classic cars parade along Avenida do Mar and Comunidades Madeirenses in Funchal.

When? May 2024 FIND OUT MORE

Visit the rolling estate gardens in the Garden of England

Stay a little closer to home and enjoy a quintessential garden holiday in Kent, aka the Garden of England. Named after its sheer abundance of orchards and hop gardens, the southeastern county and bordering Sussex are jam-packed with some magnificent gardens to explore. Take a garden tour of the roses and lavender beds in Pashley Manor, visit the romantic woodland glades and walled gardens in Scotney Castle or enjoy a stroll around Great Comp Garden, the grounds of a beautiful Georgian farmhouse.

A highlight of any trip to Kent is Sissinghurst Castle, home to possibly Kent's most famous gardens. The Grade I parkland was created by poet and author, Vita Sackville-West, and her husband, Harold Nicolson, who were particularly charmed by the views of the estate from the top of the castle's Elizabethan Tower. You'll also get to meet designer Sarah Raven and listen to a special talk.

Go garden Scilly on the UK's most southwesterly archipelago

White-sand beaches, crystal clear waters and some spectacular gardens, the Isles of Scilly are often confused with somewhere more tropical. While the archipelago off the southwest of England has five inhabited islands, this trip is based on the main island of St Marys. After breakfast in The Atlantic Hotel, take a boat trip over to the other islands and witness some of its famous wildlife, including dolphins, whales and the Atlantic grey seal.

Another highlight of the trip is a day tour of Tresco, where you'll discover Tresco Abbey Garden, a 19th-century garden. Known as 'Kew without the glass', this beautiful botanical gardens grows legions of subtropical plants and rare species from more than 80 countries. You'll be joined by Julian Branscombe, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

When? April and September 2024

Looking for more inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

Glacier Express: Everything you need to know

Cruise to Japan's cherry blossom displays with GH

Everything you need to know about Japan in spring

The best hotels in Sydney

Our guide to Danube river cruises

The best river cruises

The best cruises for 2024

5 amazing holidays to Japan

The best spring holidays for 2024

Lake Orta is the hidden gem of the Italian Lakes

Best time to visit Japan: Here's when to go

Exclusive collection

Fine quality tours & unique short breaks in Britain & abroad

Special interest holidays

Heritage Touring has a wealth of experience in organising and escorting special interest short break tours for over 30 years. In particular we specialise in garden tours both in the UK and Europe that include privileged visits and special access to many private gardens and historic houses. Our unique holidays can include cultural and royal events, literary and music festivals, Tall Ships, opera and London theatre weekends whilst staying in luxury hotels.

Contact: 01794 342249 Email: [email protected]

Latest Tours

The Gardens of Ninfa

Historic and Private Italian Gardens near Rome 6 - 10 May 2024 Villa Tuscolana Park Hotel, Frascati (4 nights) ...

Gardens of Cheshire

RHS Garden Bridgewater From The Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa 10 – 13 June 2024 (3 nights) ...

Gardens of Rutland and Lincolnshire

Burghley House and Rutland Water Staying at the Talbot Hotel, Oundle nr Peterborough 17 – 20 June 2024 (3 nights)    ...

The Gardens of East Sussex

Staying at the Buxted Park Hotel (4*) 1 - 4 July 2024 (3 nights) ...

London Theatres and Thames Cruise

A Chorus Line and Hello Dolly Westminster – Kew on the Thames Westminster Cathedral, Apsley House, The Garden Museum From the Cavendish Hotel, St James’s 16 – 18 ...

Late Summer in Scotland

Historic Houses and Gardens The Firth of Forth, Jupiter Art Land From the Norton House Hotel and Spa (4*) Edinburgh 2 – 6 September 2024 (four nights) ...

Bath Tour “The couple of days in Bath was absolutely delightful, the hotel looked after me very well, which isn't always the case travelling alone. Weren't we lucky with the weather, the company was good, food delicious, and altogether a ...

Windsor Tour “A very happy visit to Windsor – I enjoyed it all, the concerts, the company and the added bonus of the Queen’s Chaplain”

Cotswolds Gardens “Once again a wonderful tour. The gardens were lovely – all very different but equally interesting”

Interactive Virtual Magazine

• Magazine Contacts
• Follow @Coach_ToursUK

Login or Register FREE Account

Forgot Password?

Barnsdale Gardens – Spectacular gardens all year round!

Barnsdale Gardens in the East Midlands will be the place to be next year. Why? Because no matter what the season is, the 38 individually designed gardens have plants that WOW all year round!

A visit in the summer will be the perfect time for your group to come and indulge in the extensive range of stunning plants throughout the gardens.

Tours around the gardens can be arranged for groups at any time of year, which usually lasts around two hours. The inclusive cost of day garden entry and tour for up to twenty-five people with Nick is £500, with a supplement at the usual group rate (please see NB at the bottom of the page) per each extra person for groups larger than twenty-five.

Tours with Head Gardener Jon Brocklebank are £350 for up to twenty-five people with a supplement at the usual group rate (please see NB at the bottom of page ) per extra person for groups larger than twenty-five.

Your group will be amazed at how much colour there is to enjoy.  Here is just a taster of the gardens in fabulous bloom in summer below:

The ‘Artisan’s Cottage Garden’ was built for the BBC series ‘Geoff Hamilton’s Cottage Gardens’ and designed around the old-fashioned gardeners’ theory that every plant will find its best place. All the features can be easily made by the average DIY enthusiast, and the plants are easy to grow and propagate. The entire garden epitomises Geoff’s approach, with the plants packed in and allowed to do their own thing.

© Steve Hamilton

The ‘Formal Pool and Knot Garden’ is a real stunner and highlights how, when designed properly, ‘less’ can be incredibly effective. Designed around a large water feature containing four cast bronze statue fountains by Lily Sawtell, this garden has a formal feel, and the stone seats and balustrade give it a distinctive Italianate atmosphere. In summer, the surround is a mass of scarlet as these beds are planted with just one variety of rose, the David Austin-bred Rosa ‘Sophy’s Rose’, edged with Lavandula angustifolia ‘Melissa Lilac’.

The ‘Modern Estate Garden’ is the size of an average housing estate garden and was built with a small family in mind. It incorporates a patio, lawn and enough plant features, borders, scree and pergola to interest any keen but busy gardener. This garden is resplendent all year round!

And, of course, you do not have to book a tour. Your group is free to wander around at their leisure, too!

There’s plenty to see and do all year round at Barnsdale Gardens! For more information, visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

NB: There is a special entry to Barnsdale Gardens rate for groups of over 20 people. This is £12.50 per person. Groups can also enjoy one of our delicious Afternoon Teas for only £17.45.

You might also like

Leading tour operators set to Discover North East England

Mountain Goat set for a greener future through new charity partnership

Continuum Attractions Brings Stories to Life

This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer, these are in place to ensure that you receive the best possible experience when using the Coach Tours UK website.

Summer Special Offer - Save up to £400

NEW 2025 Brochure

Still Time to Book: Singapore

Adventure Awaits

Summer Special Offer

2025 Brochure

Singapore 2024

A Breath of Fresh Air

An adventure with Brightwater Holidays brings you closer to nature with awe-inspiring encounters with wildlife, flora, fauna and our ancient past. Breathe a breath of fresh air into your holidays and let our knowledgeable tour managers satisfy your curiosity with unforgettable experiences.

Every adventure will provide you with a new perspective, spectacular views and lifelong memories to share.

Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Inveraray Castle, Scotland

Ring of Brodgar, Scotland

Inverewe Gardens, Scotland

Beth Chatto Gardens, UK

Sicily, Italy

Alhambra Palace, Spain

Discover Scotland with Brightwater

Brightwater Holidays has been bringing guests to our home country of Scotland for over three decades. With this kind of longevity comes a lot of experience, and our time in the travel industry has allowed us to become the No.1 tour operator for holidays in Scotland.

Holiday Inspiration

Garden Holidays For Flower Fans

A Guide To Island-Hopping In Scotland

Our Archaeology Holidays for Fans of History and the Ancient World

Our tour managers, our travel awards.

We were delighted to win Gold for Best Travel Company for Coach Holidays at the 2023 British Travel Awards, along with Silver for Best Company for UK Coach/Touring Holidays, adding to our successes in previous years. Additionally, we also won the Feefo 2024 Trusted Service Award for excellence in customer service throughout 2023, so you can book with Brightwater safe in the knowledge that your holiday will be operated by a multi-award-winning travel company.

INTERNATIONAL GARDEN TOURISM AWARD This has turned out to be a momentous year for us here at Brightwater Holidays as we were also voted Garden Tour Operator of the Year at the International Garden Tourism Awards in Canada. Ibo Gülsen, Chair of the International Garden Tourism Network stated that, along with other recipients, we “exemplify true leadership in the world of garden tourism”, a truly wonderful accolade for a small company such as ours.

Why Choose Brightwater?

Opt-in to our email newsletter and hear about new offers first – view our  privacy policy  for details.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

BrightWater is part of Specialist Journeys, an award winning UK-based tour operator.

Tour Enquiry

The team is available Monday to Friday from 8am – 6pm (GMT)

Call us: 01334 657 155