Flower Festivals

The British have always been passionate about their gardens. This is no surprise because our maritime climate ensures that Britain is home to some of the finest gardens in the world. Some hidden gems appear, almost as an afterthought, in the grounds of great stately mansions, while others are the main attraction in their own right.

The Royal Horticultural Society's showcase flower show is Chelsea, but their busy diary also includes shows in Cardiff, Hampton Court Palace and Wisley.

Of course, there are marvellous gardens to be experienced on the Continent as well in France, Belgium, Italy, Holland and Germany.

Whether you have just a passing interest or are a member of a horticultural society, we will tailor-make a tour to strike the right balance and match your group's floral interests.

Wide choice of destinations • Only a small selection featured here • Call to discuss your requirements

Gardens of Cornwall

Cornwall's location on the gulf stream protects its mild climate and encourages lush, tropical vegetation. This is exploited at the many wonderful open gardens that the county boasts. Jewel in the crown for many is the Eden Project, with its ever evolving glass biomes. Further highlights include the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lanhydrock and wonderful Trebah on the Helford River. The programme and hotel selection can be suggested by us or tailored to your requirements.

Gardens of Kent

This corner of England is home to Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill and the place from which he drew inspiration, Walmer Castle and Gardens, built during the reign of King Henry VIII, the tranquil and quintessentially English Penshurst Place and Sissington Castle Gardens, set in the ruin of an Elizabethan house visited by Queen Elizabeth I. Further highlights are RHS Wisley and the exquisite Claremont Landscape Garden. From our hotel base in Maidstone, at the heart of the Garden of England, the difficult decisions will be what not to include.

Gardens of the North East

An area of extreme landscapes, the North East is not only full of history and heritage, it is also home to a fabulous array of gardens. Visit Alnwick, inspired by the current Duchess of Northumberland, Howick Hall Garden, rated one of the top five coastal gardens in the country and the idyllic, medieval Crook Hall and Gardens. Further possibilities are the gardens at Eggleston Hall, Wallington House and Whalton Manor and Birkheads Secret Garden and Nursery.

Italian Villas and Gardens

Some of Europe's most beguiling gardens are found near Italy's Lakes Maggiore and Como. Easily reached by coach or air, according to your preference, our base at Stresa on Lake Maggiore is a wonderful location from which to visit the Parco Nazionale della Val Grande, Villa Carlotta at Cadenabbia, the gardens at Villa Taranto and the baroque gardens on Isola Bella. A tour can be tailor-made to accommodate all of this and more.

Giverny and Gardens of Paris

Forever popular this great tour can be based at a number of our carefully selected hotels in and around Paris. In addition to Monet's tranquil gardens at Giverny we suggest visits to the magnificent palace and gardens of Versailles and the sumptuous chateaux and gardens at Vaux le Vicomte. Time should be set aside for the romantic city of Paris and we will always be pleased to arrange guides and tailor make all arrangements to your requirements.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.