From the grand to the intimate, surround yourself with dazzling beauty and natural wonder on this eight-day journey through England’s iconic countryside. As you meet with local horticulturalists, gardeners, curators and botanists, learn the stories and secrets of the legendary refinement of England’s gardens, and when to break the rules and let nature run wild. Discover how 21st century technology and sustainability efforts are juxtaposed with 18th century manor homes in creating stunning curated spaces, and tips on how to capture the quintessence of English gardens in your own home.

Trip highlights may include:

  • By special arrangement, visit the Kingston Bagpuize estate, featured in Downton Abbey and Emma, hosted by the owner of the estate
  • Stroll the grounds of Great Dixter Garden during an exclusive guided tour led by the head gardener
  • Visit the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden on a guided tour before it opens to the public
  • Enjoy afternoon tea and a private talk at the iconic Blenheim Palace
  • Meet with local experts in the fields of horticulture, botany, and antiques
  • Explore the enchanting, landscaped grounds, and family art collection on a private visit to Buscot House and Gardens, the late-18th century family home of Lord Faringdon

The Itinerary

Day 1

- Meet your fellow travelers and transfer as a group to Oxford

- Enjoy a guided visit to the storied Blenheim Palace Park and Gardens including afternoon tea and talk by a local expert on Sir Lancelot “Capability” Brown

- Gather for a welcome dinner

- Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

- By special arrangement, participate in a full day excursion to Kingston Bagpuize House, a manor which dates back almost 1000 years and has been featured in episodes of Downton Abbey and the feature film, Emma. Hosted by the owner of the estate, tour the historic house and gardens, and indulge in a Downton-style tea

- Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure

- Included Meals: Breakfast, Tea

Day 3

- Meet with a horticulturalist for a talk and guided visit to Hidcote Manor, known for its Arts and Crafts-inspired Garden and intricately designed outdoor spaces

- Visit Kiftsgate Court Gardens, famed for its roses and the creation of three generations of women gardeners

- At Bourton House and Garden, an award-winning garden and 18th century manor house, meet with head gardener Jacky Rae as she takes you on a private tour of the grounds

- Enjoy an evening at leisure

- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

- On a curator-led visit to Buscot House and Gardens, the late-18th century family home of Lord Faringdon, explore the enchanting, landscaped grounds and family art collection

- Sojourn to Kelmscott Manor, a Grade I farmhouse adjacent to the Thames River that was built circa 1600 and served as the summer home of William Morris

- Dine as a group for dinner

- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

- Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer to Wisley Gardens, historic home of the Royal Horticultural Society, for a guided visit led by a plant specialist. RHS Garden Wisley in the county of Surrey boasts over 200 acres and one of the largest plant collections in the world

- Continue through the countryside to Sussex and check in at Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club

- Dine as a group for dinner

- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

- Gather this morning for a pre-opening exclusive visit of the fairytale like Sissinghurst Castle, famous for its brilliant colors and garden “rooms”

- Then explore Great Dixter, family home of gardener and author, Christopher Lloyd. This historic house, garden and center of education is a place of pilgrimage for horticulturalists worldwide. Your private tour will be led by the property’s head gardener

- At Chapel Down Winery, England’s leading winemaker, enjoy a private wine tasting before returning to Ashdown Park for an evening at leisure

- Included Meal: Breakfast

Day 7

- Visit Petworth House in the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside, a family home for over 800 years. Explore the pastoral beauty of this property including its art collection, deer park, lake, and flower garden

- In the picturesque village of Petworth, participate in a private talk with an antiques dealer followed by some time at leisure to visit one of the village’s antiques shops

- Gather for a celebratory farewell dinner on the grounds of Ashdown Park

- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8
- Transfer as a group to London’s Heathrow Airport for individual flights home

- Included Meal: Breakfast

For additional details or to book Enchanted Gardens of England, call 855-890-5298 or click here. View the Enchanted Gardens of England brochure here.