Summer Royal Gardens of England, including Hampton Court Flower Show

Arrive in London before 1.00 pm today and be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, take a tour of Kensington Palace, whose grounds include the Sunken Garden, featuring a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. The statue was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry, and was unveiled in 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get to know your fellow travellers.

Accommodation
Two Nights: London, May Fair Hotel or similar

Meals Included

• Dinners

Location
London , United Kingdom

Begin the day with a tour of Westminster Abbey and see where King Charles’ coronation ceremony was held in May 2023. Learn about the history and the role of the Abbey during a specialist guided tour. Afterwards, visit the Garden Museum, housed within the disused church of St Mary-at-Lambeth. The museum tells the story of the Tradescants, a father-and-son team of gardeners who were widely travelled and worked for the kings, Charles I and Charles II. The museum's highlight is its knot garden, a replica of a 17th-century formal garden, whose topiary hedges feature intricate, twirling designs. The churchyard also contains the grave of William Bligh, commander of the infamous HMS Bounty. Afterwards, learn about the floristry involved in the coronation ceremony, which was handled by Royal florist, Shane Connolly and his team. The flowers were all locally sourced and chosen for their symbolic meanings.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Location
London , United Kingdom

Depart London this morning and travel to Norfolk to visit Sandringham Estate, a favourite country retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and now one of King Charles’ many royal residences. Tour the formal gardens, which include the recent addition of a climate friendly Topiary Garden. Afterwards, visit Norfolk Lavender, England’s premiere lavender farm, which features nearly 100 acres of lavender fields. Finish the day in the university city of Cambridge.

Accommodation
Overnight: Cambridge, Hilton Cambridge or similar

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
London , United Kingdom

Enjoy a walking tour of Cambridge, during which you will see architectural highlights of some of its most famous universities, including Kings College and Trinity College. King Charles studied at Cambridge University and became the first British heir to earn a university degree. Depart Cambridge, stopping at a private garden as we head toward Tetbury.

Accommodation
Two Nights: Wotton-Under-Edge, De Vere Tortworth Court Hotel or similar

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
London , United Kingdom

Explore the delightful village of Tetbury, and visit Highgrove House and Gardens*, the private residence of King Charles. This property’s organic garden has a wonderful wildflower meadow, as well as an amazing collection of plants. Afterwards, enjoy the chance to spot wildflowers at nearby Westonbirt Arboretum.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
London , United Kingdom

Spend the day at what is said to be the most spectacular and largest of the English garden shows, Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Set within the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, the festival features show gardens, floral marquees and pavilions, talks and demonstrations. There is plenty to see and do here. Return to London late today.

Accommodation
Overnight: London, May Fair Hotel or similar 

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Location
London , United Kingdom

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Location
London , United Kingdom