Summer Royal Gardens of England, including Hampton Court Flower Show

Arrive in London before 12.00 pm today and be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, experience the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace, the splendid royal residence once home to King Henry VIII. Immerse yourself in centuries of royal history as you tour the palace's majestic rooms and expansive gardens which extend across 60 acres of grounds and showcase a variety of styles, from the Tudor era to the Baroque period. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get to know your fellow travellers.

Travel to Kensington Palace, whose grounds include the Sunken Garden, featuring a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. The statue was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry, and was unveiled in 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday. Continue to Windsor Estate and explore the grounds of Windsor Great Park and visit The Savill Garden. Its themed gardens touch on decades of royal history, from the original weeping willow tree to the magnificent Rose Garden opened by Queen Elizabeth II. We then make our way to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It has served as a royal residence for more than 1,000 years, ever since William the Conqueror founded it in the 11th century. Explore the castle before returning to London for an evening at leisure.

Depart London this morning and travel to Norfolk to visit Sandringham Estate, a favourite country retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and now one of King Charles’ many royal residences. Tour the formal gardens, which include the recent addition of a climate friendly Topiary Garden. Afterwards, visit Norfolk Lavender, England’s premiere lavender farm, which features nearly 100 acres of lavender fields. Finish the day in the university city of Cambridge.

Enjoy a walking tour of Cambridge, during which you will see architectural highlights of some of its most famous universities, including Kings College and Trinity College. King Charles studied at Cambridge University and became the first British heir to earn a university degree. Depart Cambridge, stopping at a private garden as we head toward Tetbury.

Explore the delightful village of Tetbury, and visit Highgrove House and Gardens*, the private residence of King Charles. This property’s organic garden has a wonderful wildflower meadow, as well as an amazing collection of plants. Afterwards, enjoy the chance to spot wildflowers at nearby Westonbirt Arboretum.

Our day is spent at what is considered England’s largest and finest garden show, The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival*, held for the first time at Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire. The festival’s show gardens, floral marquees and pavilions are awash with colour, while a range of talks and demonstrations provoke thought and inspiration. Return to London late today.

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning.