UK Castles & Gardens Tour

Board the coach and depart for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site spread over 326 acres in south-west London. The gardens employ 1,100 people and runs on an annual budget of £ 66 million Depart Kew and drive the short distance (3.5 miles, 5.6km) to the London Wetlands Centre. London Wetlands is an urban oasis in the city centre, filled with lakes, ponds and gardens. A haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people, it is the perfect place to walk away an afternoon. Overnight Stay in London

Board the coach and depart for the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Wisley RHS Wisley ranks as one of the world’s great gardens, packed with horticultural inspiration at every turn. Depart Wisley and drive the short distance (10.5 miles, 17km) to Hampton Court Palace & Gardens Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s grand palace on the Thames takes you back to the glory days of the Tudor period. Your ticket includes the visit to the Palace and of course also the magnificent gardens. 60 acres of formal gardens, 750 acres of historic parkland, all set along the banks of the River Thames. Highlights include the world’s oldest maze, the Great Grape Vine, the East Front Gardens and the Privy Garden. Overnight Stay in London

The history behind the Garden Museum dates from the medieval era to the present day. The Garden Museum was founded by Rosemary and John Nicholson in 1977 in order to rescue the abandoned church of St Mary’s at Lambeth, which was due for demolition. The church is the burial place of John Tradescant (c1570 – 1638), the first great gardener and plant-hunter in British history. His magnificent and enigmatic tomb is the centrepiece of the Sackler Garden, designed to reflect Tradescant’s life and spirit. Depart the Garden Museum and drive the short distance (10 miles, 16km) to Eltham Palace & Gardens Once a favoured medieval palace and then a Tudor royal residence, Eltham Palace was transformed into a striking Art Deco mansion by eccentric millionaires Stephen and Viriginia Courtauld. 19 acres of gardens feature both 20th century and medieval elements. These include a rock garden sloping down to the moat, a medieval bridge and a stunning herbaceous border. Garden highlights include spring bulbs and the wisteria cascading over the classical pergola in summer. Overnight Stay in London

Today enjoy visits to the homes of two of the most famous Englishmen and their gardens – Down House, home of Charles Darwin and Chartwell, home of Sir Winston Churchill Board the coach and depart for Down House in south-east London With its unique place in the history of science and evolution, Down House, the family home of world-renowned scientist Charles Darwin, is a must-see. Stand in the study where Darwin wrote 'On the Origin of Species', stroll through the gardens that inspired him, and discover his recreated bedroom which overlooks the gardens. Depart Down House and drive the short distance (7.5 miles, 12km) to Chartwell Chartwell was the much loved home of the Churchill family from 1922 and the place from where Sir Winston drew his inspiration until the end of his life in 1965 over 40 years later.The rooms remain much as they were when he lived here with his pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and wide ranging interests of this great statesman. The hillside gardens reflect Sir Winston’s love of the landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the expansive woodland with it’s looped natural trails. Overnight Stay in London

Today a special treat, a visit and guided tour of the wonderful Chelsea Physic Garden. Tucked away beside the Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest Botanic Garden in London. It houses around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible and useful plants. The garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apocetharies because of its direct access to the river and it’s south facing location giving warm air currents and creating its own microclimate. The Physic Garden Café is a delightful place to take lunch on a sunny afternoon overlooking this special garden. This afternoon is free on your own for last minute exploring or shopping for souvenirs or gifts to take home. If not done on the first afternoon the visit to Chiswick House & Gardens can be done this afternoon for those who would like to. Overnight Stay in London

For those heading home board your coach for transfer to London Heathrow airport and your flight