All tours are provided by qualified Blue Badge tourist guides driving their own cars. There is no set tour; they are all tailored to the clients’ interests. Tours can also be by train or public transport. Guides are members of the Association of Professional Tourist Guides or the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides. Tours are up to 8-10 hours.
* Windsor Castle And Hampton Court:
- Windsor Castle. Originally built by King William the Conqueror. Today the castle is an official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Visit the magnificent State Apartments.
- Hampton Court Palace. The Palace was started by Cardinal Wolsey in 16thc. King Henry VIII brought his wives here. Later King William III and Queen Mary II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild it. Vast Tudor kitchens and gardens with the world-famous maze.
* Bath and Stonehenge:
- Bath. Famed for its Roman baths and glorious Georgian architecture.
- Stonehenge. A prehistoric stone circle. How was it built and by whom? Come and find out all about it.
* Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds:
- Warwick Castle. Everything that you imagine in a castle, including a dungeon.
- Stratford-upon-Avon. Birthplace and burial site of William Shakespeare. Come and see where he lived.
- Cotswolds. A range of scenic hills with pretty villages. Some cottages have thatched roofs.
* Kew Gardens And Syon Park:
- Kew Gardens. Home of the Royal Botanic Gardens with a world-wide reputation. 300 acres of plants from many countries. A centre of study and plant conservation.
- Syon Park. The London home of the Duke of Northumberland since 16thc. with some fine Robert Adam interiors.
* Knole And Sissinghurst:
- Knole. The largest private home in England and birthplace of the writer Vita Sackville-West. Important collection of paintings and furniture.
- Sissinghurst. A 6 acre garden created by Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West.
* Windsor Castle And Wisley: Wisley. The 240 acre gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society. Planting ideas, glasshouses and Model Gardens.
* Oxford And Blenheim:
- Oxford. Famous for its ancient university. Visit the college buildings and go punting on the River Cherwell. Harry Potter connections.
- Blenheim Palace. Still home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
* Canterbury And Leeds Castle:
- Canterbury. The town where St. Augustine founded English Christianity in 560 AD and Thomas Becket was killed in 1170. The cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican religion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Leeds Castle. The "loveliest castle in the world", set in the middle of a lake, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens. Aviary and maze.
* Brighton And Arundel:
- Brighton. A seaside resort with the exotic Royal Pavilion built for King George IV. Interiors decorated in the Chinese style. Visit the Lanes, narrow alleys with antique shops.
- Arundel. A Norman castle rebuilt in 19thc. Home of the Duke of Norfolk. The town has many antique shops.
* Hever Castle And Chartwell:
- Hever Castle. Anne Boleyn's family home with parts dating from 1270. Visited by King Henry VIII. The estate was bought in 1903 by the American William Waldorf Astor, who restored the house and grounds.
- Chartwell. Family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death. See many of his paintings in his garden studio.
* Rochester And Leeds Castle:
- Rochester. The town associated with Charles Dickens. Visit the Dickens Center, the Norman castle and the Cathedral, which was founded in 604AD.
- Leeds Castle. The "loveliest castle in the world", set in the middle of a lake, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens. Aviary and maze.
* Salisbury and Portsmouth:
- Salisbury. This city is known for its lovely cathedral with a soaring spire. It also houses an original Magna Carta.
- Portsmouth. A seafaring town with ships to explore. HMS Victory, which was Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, Warrior and the Mary-Rose. D-Day Museum.
* Gardens of Kent:
- Sissinghurst. A 6 acre garden created by Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West.
- Scotney Castle. A romantic garden in the picturesque style. Vistas to the ruined 14thc. moated castle.
- Great Comp. Ruins, terraces, woodland walks and sweeping lawns.
- Yalding Organic Gardens. 14 newly created gardens, all organic.
- Emmetts. A 19thc. informal garden influenced by William Robinson.
* Gardens Of Sussex:
- Great Dixter. A 15thc. manor house, birthplace and home of the gardening writer, Christopher Lloyd.
- Pashley Manor. Award winning garden. A sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative planting and fine old trees. A quintessential English garden.
- Merriments. A naturalistic garden with richly planted, colour themed borders.
- Sheffield Park. 120 acre garden laid out by 'Capability' Brown in 18thc. Spectacular autumn colour.
- Wakehurst Place. Run by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. A superb collection of trees, shrubs and other plants. Water garden, winter garden and rock walk.
- High Beeches. 20 acres of woodland and water gardens. Wildflower meadow.
- Nymans. A great garden with rare and beautiful plants, shrubs and trees. Wall garden, hidden sunken garden, laurel walk and romantic ruins.
- Leonardslee. One of the largest and most spectacular woodland gardens of England. 240 acre valley set around 7 lakes. Laid out by Sir Edmund Loder since 1889. Rock garden, Bonsai in the walled courtyard, Alpine House.
- Borde Hill. Award winning garden created in 19thc. 'Linked' gardens, each with a unique style.
Vehicle: Toyota Previa or similar. If the Previa is not large enough to accommodate your party, twelve- or fifteen-seat vehicles can be reserved for a minimum of one week.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes:
- Price varies depending on length of tour, number of people, distance covered and transportation used
- 10% non-refundable deposit guarantees the booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before the tour starts
- Payments must be made in Pounds Sterling, and can be by international Money Order, Electronic Funds Transfer direct to our bank, or certified bankers’ draft. If you are already in Britain, cash is acceptable
- Prices do not include meals and entrance fees.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
History Whiz
Archeology/History
Garden Tours
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