Early roses in the English summer garden: From private estates to international names

9 days | £5850 per person | 20 - 28 May 2027

From private estates to international names

Experience the splendour of England’s gardens at their most vibrant on this special eight-day tour celebrating the very best of early summer. As the season reaches its peak, the countryside bursts into colour with rhododendrons, azaleas, lilacs, and wildflowers brightening hedgerows and woodlands, while herbaceous borders are filled with peonies, irises, and the first flush of summer roses. Combining world-renowned gardens, exclusive private estates, and expert horticultural insights, this journey offers a wonderful introduction to England’s rich gardening heritage.

The tour begins with two full days at the iconic Chelsea Flower Show, the highlight of the international gardening calendar, where innovative design, exceptional planting, and emerging trends set the tone for the week ahead. From Chelsea, the itinerary unfolds through a carefully chosen collection of celebrated gardens and hidden gems, complemented by inspiring rose talks and special access opportunities, showcasing English horticulture at one of its most beautiful and rewarding times of year.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Independent arrival at the Queens Gate Hotel. Tonight we enjoy welcome drinks and some time to familiarise ourselves with each other before our first group meal.

Day 2

Today we dedicate our time to the magnificent Chelsea Flower Show, a renowned display of plantsmanship and creativity. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of the gardening world, the show brings together leading designers, growers and plant specialists to showcase the finest floral displays.

Day 3

Check-out of our London hotel this morning and return to Chelsea Flower Show for a second full day of exploration. Take time to revisit your favourite gardens and exhibits, attend demonstrations and discover details you may have missed on your first visit. Journey out of London and into the historic town of Tunbridge Wells where we check-in at the Hotel du Vin.

Day 4

This morning we depart via coach for a visit to Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Created by Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson, this iconic garden is celebrated for its series of intimate garden rooms, romantic planting schemes, and renowned collection of old roses. Enjoy the garden and discover why it remains one of England’s most influential horticultural masterpieces. Return to Tunbridge Wells where the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town or relax at the hotel.

Day 5

We start the day at Pashley Manor, a garden featuring 11 acres of beautiful grounds and vistas, including a historic walled garden dating back to 1720, extensive herbaceous borders and a variety of sculptures. Our second visit is to Great Dixter, the former home of renowned gardener and author Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006). Lloyd devoted his lifetime to creating one of the most experimental, exciting, and constantly evolving gardens of our time, now managed with sensitivity and skill by Fergus Garrett. Following lunch, we return to the hotel with some free time to refresh before our group dinner. This evening we will be joined by rose expert Michael Marriott for a pre-dinner talk.

Day 6

This morning, we depart Tunbridge Wells and travel north to the medieval market town of Shrewsbury. En route, we will make a comfort stop and enjoy some time to browse the shops at a garden centre. Our journey continues to David Austin Roses, home to some of the world’s most celebrated English roses. On arrival, we will enjoy lunch before going behind the scenes with Daniel Myhill for an exclusive insight into the rose breeding programme. Check-in at the Lion & Pheasant Hotel and dine together as a group in Shrewsbury.

Day 7

Today we start with a tour of Hodnet Hall Gardens, where 60 acres of richly varied landscapes unfold through tranquil water gardens, colourful borders and a traditional walled kitchen garden. After a group lunch, we conclude todays visits with a stop at Wollerton Old Hall Garden. Created around a 16th-century hall, this acclaimed garden features a series of beautifully designed garden rooms, imaginative planting combinations, and exceptional use of colour, texture, and seasonal interest. Return to the hotel for a group dinner where we will be joined by another special guest, Liam Beddall for a pre-dinner talk.

Day 8

Our final day is devoted to two exceptional gardens, beginning at the recently reopened Coughton Court, home of the Throckmorton family. Here, we enjoy a privileged guided tour of its extensive and beautifully varied gardens, from formal planting and rose gardens to herbaceous borders, orchards and peaceful riverside walks. This special tour concludes with lunch in the company of Magnus and Imogen Throckmorton, offering a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the history, evolution, and ongoing care of this remarkable estate. Beginning our journey south towards London, we tour the gardens of Coton Manor. Since 1991, it has been tended by Susie Pasley-Tyler and her daughter Imogen and was voted ‘The Nation’s Favourite Garden’ in a poll conducted by the English Garden magazine. Return to the Queens Gate Hotel for our final night and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 9

Say goodbye to our newfound friends. Independent departure.

Queens Gate Hotel

The Queens Gate Hotel is an elegant property situated in the heart of South Kensington, just moments from some of London’s most renowned attractions, including Kensington Gardens, the Royal Albert Hall, and the city’s world-famous museums. Its well-appointed rooms feature contemporary comforts and modern amenities.

Hotel du Vin

Set within the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Hotel du Vin offers an elegant retreat for those exploring the local area. Occupying a Grade II listed sandstone mansion, the hotel blends historic charm with contemporary style.

Lion & Pheasant Hotel

This privately owned boutique hotel was once an old coaching inn and is now a charming riverside retreat in the heart of Shrewsbury. While the interiors have been thoughtfully refreshed, glimpses of the building's rich history remain visible in its feature fireplaces and historic architectural details.

Price: £5850

Single Supp: £1050

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

20 - 28 May 2027

Duration:

8 nights / 9 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights' bed and breakfast at the Queens Gate Hotel in London
Three nights' bed and breakfast at Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Lion & Pheasant Hotel in Shrewsbury
Private coach transfers and excursions
Five evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Paul Zimmerman

Paul Zimmerman is the owner of Paul Zimmerman Roses, dedicated to *Budding the Rose Grower in All of Us*. A garden designer, consultant, international lecturer, and rose-trial juror, Paul brings more than three decades of hands-on experience in the garden industry to his tours. He is the author of *Everyday Roses*, published by Taunton Press, and has led garden tours throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. His expertise has taken him around the world as a lecturer, garden designer, and consultant to both private and public gardens. Paul also founded a YouTube channel devoted to rose care with more than 5 million views, along with a Facebook group of more than 33,000 rose gardeners. What sets Paul apart is his practical, hands-on approach. He sees gardens not simply as collections of plants, but as living landscapes—and brings that experience, enthusiasm, and stories to every tour.

Kirsty Fergusson

Kirsty exchanged a career in academia (she has a PhD specialising in French philosopher-novelists) for a life in gardening. Trained at Capel Manor, she was head gardener at Mapperton in Dorset during the early nineties, where a series of fortunate encounters opened the door to garden writing. As well as writing a weekly column for The Express, for many years she was a frequent contributor to Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, Country Life, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent. In 2003 she moved to SW France, where she continues to explore the possibilities of her own (very forgiving) garden – when not travelling, writing or leading tours.