What we love: The gorgeous, fragrant RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an unmissable summer event, and this exceptional trip gives you access on a members-only day
English gardens are at their finest in May, when the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show is held, and gardens are in resplendent bloom.
Spend four days exploring seven beautiful English gardens, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, on a day exclusively for RHS members. You'll also visit RHS Garden Wisley, the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, where you will receive a complimentary guide book. It's an opportunity that offers unparalleled insight into the ongoing work that keeps the gardens looking splendid year-round. You'll also find out about the pioneering research at RHS Hilltop, offering gardeners plenty of inspiration to take home.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, there are 50,000 plants across this UNESCO World Heritage site, and you'll spend a morning exploring the Palm House, Temperate House, and Princess of Wales Conservatory. You'll also visit Ham House and Garden in Richmond, a 17th-century Stuart house on the banks of the River Thames with one of London's most productive walled organic kitchen gardens.
A final day begins at Chiswick House and Gardens, where exquisite Italianate gardens filled with temples, statues and obelisks hidden among the trees steal the show. A fascinating look at London's oldest botanic garden follows, established by the apothecaries in 1673 to grow medicinal plants on four acres on the edge of the Thames.
A visit to Sky Garden is a fitting finale to the trip. London's highest public garden has 360-degree views of the city's skyline and features drought-resistant Mediterranean and South African species, chosen because they flourish year-round in full colour.
The tour begins with a visit to RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey where you'll enjoy exploring with a complimentary guide book. This splendid garden is the flagship of the Royal Horticultural Society and a fitting start to your four-day tour of some of England's best gardens.
Later, you'll check into Richmond Harbour Hotel and join your group for dinner in the evening in the hotel's chic restaurant, The Gate.
After breakfast, you'll board your coach for a full-day visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a day exclusively for RHS members, where you'll see over 20 full-sized show gardens. Hundreds of floral displays incorporating new, rare and unusual plants are a particular highlight inside the Great Marquee. Other popular features include flower arranging, floristry and garden design marquees, courtyard gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets.
The Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an intriguing collection of plants from all over the world. The Palm House recreates a tropical rainforest environment, and the Temperate House houses the world's tallest indoor plant. The Princess of Wales Conservatory contains ten climatic zones and a wide variety of plants, including orchids and cacti.
In the afternoon, you'll visit Ham House and Garden in Richmond. Rich in history, Ham House was created mainly by the Duchess of Lauderdale in an extravagant statement of wealth. The restored gardens are an excellent example of 17th-century design.
After breakfast, you'll head to Chiswick House and Gardens, an 18th-century house designed by the third Earl of Burlington. He drew inspiration from his Grand Tours of Italy, creating a neo-Palladian style across 65 acres along with architect and landscape designer William Kent.
You'll then pay a visit to Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries' Garden, to train apprentices in identifying and producing medicinal plants.
A visit to London's Sky Gardens, a magnificent rooftop garden with panoramic city views, is a fitting finale to the trip
We love the fact that the hotel is surrounded by greenery. You could easily spend the day exploring the area without barely seeing a car.
The hotel is on top of Richmond Hill, with Richmond Park across the road.
By car: the hotel is 4 hours from Manchester, 2 hours 30 mins from Bath and 1 hour 30 mins from Southampton. Free parking is available on-site.
By train: London Waterloo to Richmond takes 20 minutes. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the station. thetrainline.com
Perfect for those seeking comfortable digs with great facilities that won't break the bank. We love the laidback atmosphere and tasteful, vibrant furnishings that bring a homely touch.
The treatment rooms are equipped with massage tables draped in dark sheets. When you place your head in the face cradle, it's all dark, making for a particularly soothing and relaxing massage experience.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Fitness centre
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
We love the spacious Superior Rooms, equipped with king size beds and adorned with nature-inspired prints by London-based artist Kristjana S Williams. The fun design with bright pops of colour lends the interiors a youthful vibe.
Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Standard Room, Cosy Double Room
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, bathrobe & slippers, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi
The atmosphere and décor is busy, fun and eclectic - think textile art on the walls, wicker chairs, nut-brown leather armchairs and hanging potted plants. There's also a lovely outdoor patio shaded by a huge magnolia tree. The rib-eye steak is particularly good. Rich and juicy, it melts in the mouth.
The Gate: modern British dishes, all-day dining and afternoon tea. Mains include pork chop with sage mash and monkfish tail with wilted spinach. Open daily. Dishes from £14.
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