From historic estates and intimate country gardens to the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show, discover why England is such a rewarding destination for travellers who appreciate gardens, history, culture and a more considered pace of travel.
There is something special about discovering England through its gardens.
A garden can reveal much more than the plants growing in it. It can tell the story of the people who designed it, the families who lived on the estate, the changing tastes of different generations and the relationship between a historic house and its surrounding landscape.
For travellers who enjoy gardens, history and culture, England offers an especially rich combination.
And for garden enthusiasts, there is one event that stands above the rest: the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
In May 2027, Craig Travel's English Country Gardens journey brings together some of England's most memorable gardens and historic places, culminating in a full day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The 14-day small-group journey departs Canada on May 8, 2027, and combines private garden visits, historic estates, cultural sightseeing and countryside experiences.
Why English Country Gardens Make Such Memorable Travel Experiences
English gardens are rarely isolated from the places around them.
A formal garden may lead to a historic house. A landscape garden may stretch across an estate. A country garden may reflect the personality of the people who created and cared for it.
That connection between garden, architecture and history is part of what makes garden travel so rewarding.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, garden-focused travel gives you an opportunity to notice details: the design of a planting scheme, the view across a landscape, the character of an old estate or the way a garden changes with the seasons.
It also offers a chance to experience different sides of England. On Craig Travel's English Country Gardens journey, the itinerary moves through Sussex, Kent, Somerset, the Cotswolds and London, with gardens complemented by heritage rail travel, vineyards, historic cities and important cultural sites.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show: The Highlight for Garden Lovers
For many garden enthusiasts, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the natural highlight of a visit to England.
Held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, the RHS Chelsea brings together garden design, plants, floral displays and horticultural expertise. The RHS describes the event as an opportunity to inspire, educate and excite visitors about horticulture. The 2027 show is scheduled for May 18–22.
Craig Travel's English Country Gardens journey is timed to coincide with the show, with travellers attending on May 20, 2027.
The day provides an opportunity to see the latest garden designs and floral displays while experiencing one of the most celebrated events on the British gardening calendar. The journey includes a scheduled coach transfer to the show, with a scheduled afternoon return transfer while also allowing travellers the option of staying longer and returning independently.
For someone who has spent years tending their own garden, reading about horticulture or simply appreciating beautiful landscapes, Chelsea can be an inspiring experience. It is a chance to see ideas brought to life on a much larger scale and perhaps return home with a few new ideas of your own.
Beyond Chelsea: Discovering England's Great Gardens and Estates
Chelsea may be the headline, but it is only one part of the garden experience.
The English Country Gardens journey visits a remarkable range of gardens and estates, each with its own character.
At Sissinghurst Castle Garden, visitors explore intimate garden "rooms" and the famous White Garden. The journey also includes Long Barn Garden, where a guided visit explores the garden's history and connection with Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.
At Borde Hill Garden, the focus turns to botanical heritage, rare shrubs and landscaped grounds. Nearby Arundel Castle adds another dimension, combining historic architecture with its impressive gardens.
Then there is Stourhead, an 18th-century landscape designed around a central lake, classical temples and sweeping views. At The Newt in Somerset, the experience shifts toward a contemporary working estate with innovative gardens and woodland.
In the Cotswolds, the journey continues with garden visits including Miserden, while later stops include RHS Garden Wisley and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The variety is part of the appeal. No two gardens tell exactly the same story.
When Gardens Meet English History
A garden tour through England does not have to be only about gardening.
Some of the most memorable stops on this journey are places where horticulture and history are closely connected.
At Hampton Court Palace, for example, gardens form part of the setting for one of England's most famous royal residences. At Blenheim Palace, the gardens and wider landscape complement an extraordinary historic estate and its opulent interiors.
Elsewhere, the itinerary introduces travellers to Salisbury, Bath and Oxford, adding Roman history, medieval heritage and centuries of English culture to the garden experience.
This balance can make a garden-focused journey particularly appealing. You are not simply visiting one garden after another. You are seeing how gardens fit into the broader story of England.
A More Relaxed Way to Experience England
There is also something appealing about experiencing the English countryside as part of a small guided group.
The Craig Travel journey is limited to 25 members and has a CT Rating of 2/5 – Moderately Easy. It is described as a coach tour with a relatively relaxed pace, although garden visits include both guided and self-guided visits, and some walking tours can last several hours or include uneven terrain such as cobblestones and unpaved trails.
That distinction is important.
"Relaxed" does not mean there is no walking. Garden travel still involves exploring grounds, historic sites and landscapes on foot. Instead, the appeal is the overall rhythm of the journey: travelling together by private coach, staying in carefully selected accommodation, and having the sightseeing and local guiding organized in advance.
For travellers who appreciate knowing what to expect before they leave Canada, that structure can make a difference.
What to Consider Before Choosing an English Garden Tour
If you are considering a garden-focused trip, it is worth looking beyond the list of gardens.
Consider the walking involved. Gardens can have paths, slopes, cobblestones, steps and uneven ground. Ask for the specific activity rating and details of the itinerary before booking.
Look at the balance of the itinerary. Some travellers want almost nothing but gardens. Others enjoy combining gardens with historic houses, museums, villages, rail journeys and local food and wine experiences.
Consider group size. A smaller group can make it easier to travel together and share the experience with fellow garden enthusiasts.
Look at what is organized for you. Transportation, entrance fees, local guides and sightseeing arrangements can remove some of the practical work involved in planning a multi-stop journey.
Most importantly, choose a journey that matches your interests and your preferred level of activity.
Experience English Country Gardens with Craig Travel
Craig Travel's English Country Gardens journey brings together the many elements that make garden travel in England so appealing: remarkable gardens, historic estates, picturesque countryside, cultural landmarks and the excitement of RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The journey departs Canada on May 8, 2027, and culminates with a visit to RHS Chelsea Flower Show on May 20. Along the way, travellers visit gardens and estates across southern England, enjoy a floral design workshop, explore historic places and travel through the Cotswolds before finishing in London.
The journey is led by Peter and Janet Holmes, whose longstanding passion for gardening adds a personal connection to the experience.
If you have ever dreamed of seeing England through its gardens — not simply as a collection of beautiful places, but as part of the country's history, culture and landscape — this journey offers an opportunity to do just that.
Explore the English Country Gardens journey and see the complete itinerary, inclusions and travel details.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Garden Tours
What is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a major annual horticultural event held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. The 2027 show is scheduled for May 18–22 and features garden design, floral displays and horticultural exhibits.
What gardens can you visit on an English garden tour?
Garden tours can include a wide variety of settings, from private and country gardens to major horticultural gardens, historic estates and landscaped palace grounds. Craig Travel's 2027 English Country Gardens journey includes Sissinghurst, Long Barn, Borde Hill, Stourhead, The Newt, Miserden, RHS Wisley and Kew Gardens, among others.
Is a garden tour suitable for older travellers?
It can be, but the specific itinerary and activity level matter. Craig Travel rates the English Country Gardens journey 2/5 – Moderately Easy, while noting that garden visits and walking tours can involve several hours of walking and uneven terrain. Travellers should review the activity rating and full itinerary before booking.
How much walking is involved on an English garden tour?
The amount varies by garden and itinerary. On Craig Travel's English Country Gardens journey, some walking tours can last several hours and may include cobblestone streets and unpaved trails. The journey is not intended for travellers who rely on walking aids.
What makes guided garden travel different?
A guided journey combines the enjoyment of the destination with organized transportation, sightseeing arrangements and local expertise. Instead of planning every transfer and admission yourself, you can focus more of your attention on the gardens, historic places and experiences along the way.
What might you see differently after experiencing England’s gardens?
An English garden can be much more than a beautiful place to walk.
Across England, gardens tell stories about the people, history and landscapes that shaped them. Each offers a different perspective on creativity, nature and our relationship with the places we call home.
- The intimate, romantic landscape of Sissinghurst, shaped by Vita Sackville-West.
- The bold blend of history and contemporary horticulture at The Newt.
- The world of botanical discovery at Kew Gardens, home to plants from around the globe.
- The royal history and formal beauty of Hampton Court’s gardens.
- The creativity and innovation celebrated at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
What can travellers take away from this journey?
Perhaps a deeper appreciation for the thought and creativity that can transform a garden into something meaningful. Perhaps inspiration to see familiar landscapes differently, or simply a renewed connection to nature and the joy of growing things.
Along the way, there are also stories of heritage, local traditions, charming villages and the people who continue to shape England’s gardening culture.
Discover English Country Gardens with Craig Travel and experience a journey through iconic estates, private gardens, historic landscapes and the spectacular RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
📩 tours [at] craigtravel.com (subject: English%20Country%20Gardens%20Blog) (Email a Tour Specialist )or call 📞 1-800-387-8890 to learn more about this journey.
Miserden photo courtesy of Miserden.
ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDENS
An Immersive Celebration of Britain’s Garden Heritage
May 8, 2027 | 14 Days | 25 Meals
Journey Leaders: Peter & Janet Holmes
