Our Chelsea Flower Show and Gardens of England tour is a nature lover’s dream come true. It offers an enriching and varied experience, taking you on a journey through some of England’s most beautiful gardens, each with its own unique charm and history. With us, the Chelsea Flower Show becomes more than a single event; it becomes a gateway to the best of English horticulture.

Benefit from our knowledgeable tour guides who, with years of experience, offer invaluable insider tips to enhance your experience. Our 2024 guide, Robin Powell, brings over 20 years of expertise in gardening photography and writing. Choose the convenience of our comprehensive garden tours of England, sparing you the stress of planning and logistics. Relax in air-conditioned coaches between garden viewings and unwind in world-class hotels like The Royal Garden Hotel, The Spa Hotel, The Winchester Hotel & Spa, and The Petersham Hotel. Let us handle the details so you can fully enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of your garden exploration.

Let’s explore some of the historic gardens you’ll visit if you tour with us!

Churchill’s Chartwell

Churchill’s Chartwell, the expansive estate that was home to Winston and Clementine Churchill for a period of 40 years, is the first stop on our itinerary after the Flower Show. The property, now under the careful guardianship of the National Trust, is a captivating blend of historical significance, horticultural beauty, and architectural elegance.

The gardens at Chartwell offer a sensory feast for the botanically inclined. There are several gardens to roam, filled with fruit and vegetables, cut-flower beds and roses, each meticulously maintained and presenting a riot of colours and scents. The property also boasts an orchard brimming with many varieties of apples set in a wildflower meadow, the serene Butterfly Walk, and the Marlborough Terrace, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

The Churchill’s former home is also included in our visit. Stepping inside is like stepping into a time capsule! The interiors of Chartwell remain largely unaltered since the time the Churchills lived there, offering an intimate and well-preserved look at their life. Whether it’s the personal artefacts, the original furnishings, or the preserved living spaces, each room adds a layer to the story of this remarkable family.

Experience the charm of Chartwell on one of our garden tours England, where history and horticulture come together for an unforgettable journey.

Sissinghurst

Sissinghurst is a remarkable garden that stands as a testament to the art of horticulture and the importance of balance and harmony. This garden is the result of a collaboration between Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson. The unity and coherence of the garden are a testament to their shared love and passion for horticulture.

One of the most enchanting experiences at Sissinghurst is climbing the tower. This offers a panoramic view of the garden, allowing you to appreciate the geometric precision and lush abundance of the gardens. The tower also hosts Vita’s writing room. Looking into this space, you’ll get a sense of how Sackville-West’s love for nature and the beauty of her surroundings seeped into her writing.

Beyond the tower, a network of pathways leads visitors through the various compartments of the garden. Each pathway holds a new surprise, a new vista, or a carefully composed plant grouping to admire.

The Moat Walk, for instance, is a visual delight with its abundant herb garden. Moving beyond this, the latest addition to the garden, the Delos Garden, offers a striking contrast. Drawing inspiration from their visits to the Greek island, this garden presents a landscape of ruined stone fragments and Mediterranean plants.

Great Dixter

Our next stop is Great Dixter, the former home of British gardening royalty, Christopher Lloyd. As we arrive, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the sheer vibrancy and boisterous energy of the place. The gardens at Great Dixter are not merely a collection of plants; they’re an explosion of life, a cacophony of colour, and a testament to the boundless creativity of its famous former inhabitant.

Now under the careful stewardship of Fergus Garrett, Great Dixter has not lost any of its charm or appeal. Garrett, a skilled and knowledgeable horticulturalist in his own right, was Lloyd’s head gardener for many years. His deep understanding and appreciation of Lloyd’s vision have allowed him to carry forward the unique gardening style of Great Dixter. There’s a sense of continuity here, a living legacy that’s been meticulously maintained and curated.

One of the highlights of choosing Ross Tours is the guided tour by Garrett himself. This is an exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. His deep knowledge of each plant species, their optimal growing conditions, and their unique characteristics make for an enlightening journey.

Mottisfont Rose Gardens

For those who are passionate about roses, the Mottisfont Rose Gardens is nothing short of a paradise. Recognised globally as one of the finest rose gardens, Mottisfont is a tribute to the timeless beauty of roses and the dedication of one man, Graham Stuart Thomas, an eminent rosarian. Founded in 1970, these gardens serve as a protective sanctuary for the National Collection of pre-1900 old garden roses, some of which could have become extinct without the efforts of Thomas.

To fully appreciate the Mottisfont Rose Gardens, it’s essential to understand the significance of old garden roses. Unlike modern hybrids, these roses are known for their exceptional fragrance, diversity of form, and resilient nature. They bloom once a year, reaching their peak in early summer, transforming the walled garden into a riot of colours and intoxicating fragrances.

While the allure of the roses is undeniable, the overall layout and design of the Mottisfont gardens are equally captivating. The walled garden, traditionally used to protect delicate plants from harsh weather, adds an air of timeless elegance.

Malverleys

As part of your Ross Tours experience, you will have the unique opportunity to meet the head gardener of Malverleys, Matt Reese. The private garden is a testament to his understanding of horticulture, combining a plethora of flora to create a harmonious and breathtaking landscape.

Malverleys is known for its long borders and abundant Terrace Garden. The Terrace Garden is not just a feast for the eyes but also an educational experience as you’ll learn how various species interact and work together to create a stunning display.

One of the most enchanting areas of Malverleys is the shady Stumpery. This garden uses tree stumps as a base for ferns and other shade-loving plants. The Stumpery at Malverleys is a perfect example of how to create a tranquil, woodland-like atmosphere in your own garden.

RHS Wisley

The RHS Garden Wisley, often simply referred to as “Wisley,” serves as the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society. Wisley is a testament to mastery and innovation in garden design. It is an impressive showcase of diverse gardening styles, each with a unique appeal that leaves visitors in awe.

One of Wisley’s most significant features is the Glasshouse, with its fascinating array of exotic plants. This cathedral-like structure, covering the areas of 10 tennis courts, is a paradise for plant lovers, housing three different climatic zones. With a humid cloud forest, an arid desert, a tropical jungle and a new orchid house, there’s no shortage of exciting and intriguing plants to explore.

Wisley’s gardens are the work of renowned designers, among them Tom Stuart-Smith and Piet Oudolf. Stuart-Smith, a multi-award-winning garden designer, is known for his ability to combine naturalism with modernity. His designs at Wisley are a testament to this, offering a harmonious blend of wild beauty and contemporary style. Oudolf, on the other hand, is a leading figure in the New Perennial movement, known for his innovative use of perennials and grasses. His borders at Wisley are a feast for the eyes, with their intricate layers of colour, texture, and form.

The Ultimate English Garden Tour with Ross Tours

If you’re looking to explore England’s most revered gardens with less hassle, Ross Tours Gardens of England tour is the perfect option. With comfortable accommodation, knowledgeable guides and a selection of world-renowned locations, this is an unmissable experience. 

With over 40 years of experience and 1000 tours under our belt, there’s no better way to experience England’s best than with Ross Tours. Our Chelsea Flower Show & The Gardens Of England tour sells out fast, so book your tickets now to avoid missing out!