Chelsea Flower Show

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London


London

Tour summary

8 days

England

10 meals

18 guests (max)

Driver

Trip leader

Luxury minicoach

Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy

7 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation

7 nights

Embark on an adventure through South East England’s finest, where regal towns, show-stealing stately homes and manicured gardens meet. Bask in the warmer climes of Kew's magnificent Victorian palm house, feel the buzz of Windsor’s medieval streets and indulge in the traditional flavours of afternoon tea. The jewel in your journey’s crown? The RHS Chelsea Flower Show – bursting with kaleidoscopic colours and dazzling displays that invite you to be swept away by their beauty.

Tour highlights

  • Wander the fabulous show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
  • Tour the historic and beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew
  • Enjoy overnight stays in historic royal towns Tunbridge Wells and Windsor 

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - London (England)

Our tour of England’s green and pleasant land will begin in the country’s iconic capital. After meeting the group at our London hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal.

Our tour of England’s green and pleasant land will begin in the country’s iconic capital. After meeting the group at our London hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal.

Included today

Accommodation

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - London – Ightham Mote and Scotney Castle – Royal Tunbridge Wells

We’ll begin our journey with a visit to one of the most unique manor houses in Kent: Ightham Mote. This medieval house dates back over 700 years and can only be reached via an ancient stone bridge that stretches over its very own moat. This afternoon we'll visit the charming Scotney Castle, where we'll take some time to wander the house and gardens – before we end our delightful day in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight, there’s another sumptuous group dinner on the agenda.

We’ll begin our journey with a visit to one of the most unique manor houses in Kent: Ightham Mote. This medieval house dates back over 700 years and can only be reached via an ancient stone bridge that stretches over its very own moat. This afternoon we'll visit the charming Scotney Castle, where we'll take some time to wander the house and gardens – before we end our delightful day in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight, there’s another sumptuous group dinner on the agenda.

Included today

Accommodation

Royal Wells Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 3 - Royal Tunbridge Wells – Sissinghurst Castle and Great Dixter – Royal Tunbridge Wells

This morning our road will turn east to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an iconic retreat that’s renowned for its romantic design and colourful rose arrangements. Then, we’ll swap sculpted layouts for the quaint, rustic charm of Great Dixter: the family home of famed English gardener Christopher Lloyd. Here we’ll discover how the sublime arts-and-crafts-style gardens inspired Lloyd throughout his career – with time to admire the estate’s vibrant grounds and historic buildings. Upon returning to Tunbridge Wells, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.

This morning our road will turn east to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an iconic retreat that’s renowned for its romantic design and colourful rose arrangements. Then, we’ll swap sculpted layouts for the quaint, rustic charm of Great Dixter: the family home of famed English gardener Christopher Lloyd. Here we’ll discover how the sublime arts-and-crafts-style gardens inspired Lloyd throughout his career – with time to admire the estate’s vibrant grounds and historic buildings. Upon returning to Tunbridge Wells, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.

Included today

Accommodation

Royal Wells Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 4 - Royal Tunbridge Wells – Hever Castle and RHS Garden Wisley – Windsor

After breakfast in Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle – the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. This afternoon will see us wandering the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and enjoying the serene Alpine Meadow. Rich in history and royal tradition, Windsor will be our final stop of the day. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included dinner and share plans for the free day awaiting us tomorrow.

After breakfast in Tunbridge Wells, we’ll make tracks to the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle – the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. This afternoon will see us wandering the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, taking in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and enjoying the serene Alpine Meadow. Rich in history and royal tradition, Windsor will be our final stop of the day. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included dinner and share plans for the free day awaiting us tomorrow.

Included today

Accommodation

Sir Christopher Wren (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 5 - Windsor

What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor’s regal highlights at our own pace? We’ll have plenty of time to visit the Castle (a working royal palace, so just check the opening times in advance), wander the picturesque riverside and sample a delicious afternoon tea at one of the tearooms around town. After a full day of exploring, choose from one of the many cosy pubs and eateries – and enjoy an evening spent at your leisure.

What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor’s regal highlights at our own pace? We’ll have plenty of time to visit the Castle (a working royal palace, so just check the opening times in advance), wander the picturesque riverside and sample a delicious afternoon tea at one of the tearooms around town. After a full day of exploring, choose from one of the many cosy pubs and eateries – and enjoy an evening spent at your leisure.

Included today

Accommodation

Sir Christopher Wren (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 6 - Windsor – The Savill Garden and Eltham Palace – London

This morning, we’ll pay a visit to the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we walk through the themed gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for an array of rare plants from around the world. Next, we'll turn our attention to the eccentric charm of Eltham Palace. Featuring a grand medieval hall and a chic Art Deco extension, this is eclectic English architecture at its finest! Spending the evening exploring the capital's array of gastronomic options or relaxing at our hotel – we will look forward to tomorrow’s exciting agenda.

This morning, we’ll pay a visit to the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we walk through the themed gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for an array of rare plants from around the world. Next, we'll turn our attention to the eccentric charm of Eltham Palace. Featuring a grand medieval hall and a chic Art Deco extension, this is eclectic English architecture at its finest! Spending the evening exploring the capital's array of gastronomic options or relaxing at our hotel – we will look forward to tomorrow’s exciting agenda.

Included today

Accommodation

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 7 - London – RHS Chelsea Flower Show – London

Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be yours to enjoy. From the world-famous show gardens to the astounding floral displays on offer in Chelsea's Great Pavilion – this truly spectacular event showcases the very best of garden design and is sure to be a highlight of our trip.

Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be yours to enjoy. From the world-famous show gardens to the astounding floral displays on offer in Chelsea's Great Pavilion – this truly spectacular event showcases the very best of garden design and is sure to be a highlight of our trip.

Included today

Accommodation

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 8 - London – Kew Gardens – London

It may be the last day of the tour, but there’s still time to enjoy some more English treasures before we say goodbye. This morning we’ll take a stroll around the splendid Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a final flourish to that holiday photo album. We will say our farewells upon returning to the hotel.

It may be the last day of the tour, but there’s still time to enjoy some more English treasures before we say goodbye. This morning we’ll take a stroll around the splendid Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a final flourish to that holiday photo album. We will say our farewells upon returning to the hotel.

Included today

Meals
  • Breakfast

Worth noting:

You can choose between two directions on this tour: Eastbound or Westbound. Simply view and select your preferred route by clicking on the buttons above! 

Our 2025 Eastbound tours departing on the 14 and 15 May will visit the Chelsea Flower Show on an exclusive Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Member day. This provides guests with special access to flower displays in their prime.

Things we think you'll love

Rows of various wildflowers in bloom.
Signature moment

A private garden tour

Imagine the most beautiful garden - filled with verdant bushes, blooming flowers in all colours of the rainbow, and sleeping trees that stand tall. Watch it come alive before your very eyes on a private tour with a Friend of Savill Garden.

A view of the botanical gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Royal botanic blooms

Graze your hands through a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers on a guided tour through Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens.

Traveller posing for the camera at the refreshment area of the Chelsea Flower Show.

Glamorous flower worlds

Immerse yourself in the glitz and glam of the flower world at the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Read the reviews

Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

3

Anonymous March 2025

Sorry I took so long to rate the tour. Overall I did enjoy the journey but that was due to my travel buddy Mary Anderson who kept things lite and jovial. Also out tour guide Jeremy was fabulous as he...

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5

Jennifer Wa June 2024

Had a good time.

5

Anonymous June 2024

The whoke tour was fantastic. Our guide Jeremy was fantastic a d well knowledgeable. Driver Gordon kept us safe and drove professionally

3

Heather Ri June 2024

The road tour was great but a bit disappointed in the Chelsea Flower show. We felt it was very commercialised and it was to crowded. You could not get a good view of the displays. We thought it looked...

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3

Beverly Ke June 2024

Flower show spectacular.
Hotel in Tower Hill London position in city isolated from shops ie pharmacy & other essential stores.
Back Roads placed me on the West bound tour with out advising me prior...

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5

Anonymous June 2024

A wonderful tour viewing lovely Stately homes and gardens. The small tour bus was ideal, travelling with a friendly group of people and an excellent tour guide Micaela.
Marco drove us safely always...

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4

Anonymous June 2024

The Castles and Gardens Tour was excellent. Rachel was a very good tour leader, well organised and coped with any situation that arose. The mix of people on the tour was reasonably fortunate, and by...

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5

Harold Wi June 2024

Way way exceeded our expectations which were high

4

David Wh June 2024

Venue/event spectacular; a guide to show us around would have made it better

5

Anonymous May 2024

An outstanding Tour Leader and great driver made moving around easy, safe and the history behind what we were seeing enhanced every stop. We all seemed to bond easily and nobody was left out of the...

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5

Anonymous May 2024

The pace was excellent and the tour guide so knowledgeable! The exquisite gardens were a site not to be missed! Lots of opportunity to enjoy quiet moments in nature.

4

Anonymous May 2024

Tour was great.
Some of the accommodation could be improved.
The guide was good.
The bus driver drove too fast to appreciate the country side between stops.
Some of the gardens cafes didn't cater...

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5

Heather He May 2024

Everything was handled expertly by Rachel and I thoroughly enjoyed my journey. Excellent driver Ash. All early arrangements were made very easy by Carolyn’s care and attention to detail.

4

Anonymous May 2024

Excellent tour, well run, our guide and driver were great. The tour met all expectations.

3

Anonymous May 2024

On the original itinerary, the wording was such that one would have expected to be able to see Windsor Castle on the free day. Registrants were later notified that it was closed Tuesdays. The Tuesday...

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5

Beverley Ha July 2023

Everything went very smoothly and it was a very enjoyable experience.

4

Anonymous June 2023

I generally felt that I got what I paid for.

4

Anonymous June 2023

The small group was great, as was the tour guide. A few glitches with accommodation and variations from tour booking, but our tour guide sorted most out. Too many 1 night stays, which was different...

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5

Mary Ja June 2023

Fantastic in every way. Would travel with Backroafs without hesitation

4

Anonymous June 2023

Should have known Windsor caste was closed on the day we were booked in

5

Fredrick Co June 2023

A great world class Exhibit

4

Loma To June 2023

The tour was exceptionally well organised, a fantastic tour guide who went all the way to make the tour enjoyable for everyone. The gardens visited were all quite different and added interest.
I found...

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4

Anonymous June 2023

Very good value for money.

3

Geoff Br June 2023

Really crowded. Felt like I was being crushed by the sheer number of people we got there early but by 9 a.m it was manic. If at all phobic about this don't come. Have made some other comments...

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4

Anonymous June 2023

There was a major problem with the itinerary as on our free day in Windsor the castle was closed. Although a castle visit wasn’t included in our program it was mentioned in the trip notes and it was...

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5

Irene Br June 2023

This is the perfect tour for anyone who enjoys stately homes and gardens, the London hotel was in a perfect location for our “before and after” tour stay. Clean comfortable bus, knowledgeable tour...

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Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.

FAQs

The weather in England is famously unpredictable! Generally, summer can be warm and sunny but rain and cloudy skies are still possible. Autumn and winter are cool, wet and windy. We suggest packing for changeable weather – layers, an umbrella and a trusty raincoat will be essential.  

Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.  

Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day. It’s common for kettles to be included in rooms in England, ready for you to make a refreshing cup of English tea! 

We’ll dedicate an entire day to the magnificent Flower Show, and a morning to exploring the world-famous Kew Gardens. While both visits do not include a guided tour, your expert Tour Leader will orient you and assist with any questions you may have. Then, you’re free to experience these wonderful sites at your own pace.

All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!

Download tour notes

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