English Gardens and Castles with 5 nights in London

Day 1:  Arrive London

 Arrive London.  Enjoy a city tour to include the Buckingham Palace, the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and views of the iconic Big Ben, the Parliament, and London Bridge.  Have some time to enjoy the city on your own and tonight perhaps enjoy the many restaurants and pubs London Town has to offer. Overnight London

Day 2:  Kew Gardens – Hampton Court – London

This morning take a Thames River cruise to visit Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, housing an eclectic group of garden styles, as well as two art galleries.  In the afternoon travel further west on the river to Hampton Court Palace, which has been inhabited by the British royal family since the 18th century.  It was originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, a favorite of King Henry VIII, circa 1514; in 1529, as Wolsey fell from favor, the palace was passed to the King, who enlarged it.  Attempt to conquer the maze – a challenge for everyone but worth a try!  The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy more of the great night-life in London.

Overnight London

Day 3: London – Bath – Malmesbury – London

Take a tour to Bath today to see the splendor the Roman’s left behind. Visit the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey and have a tour of the city’s incredible Georgian architecture, the pinnacle being the Royal Crescent.  Later travel to Malmesbury to see Abbey House Gardens, a five-acre garden with over 10,000 trees, shrubs, and plants.

Overnight London

Day 4:  London – Kent – Leeds Castle – London

Travel to Kent, “The Garden of England”, today to visit some of England’s most significant gardens.  First see Great Dixter Gardens, which is in the arts and crafts style, standing out as one of the most English of gardens. Later visit Sissinghurst Castle to see their famed gardens.  With compartments of different gardens, Sissinghurst is romantic and intimate, taking you in by all your senses.  Then it’s on to Maidstone for a visit to Leeds Castle.  Located between two lakes, Leeds Castle combines 900 years of history and 500 acres of beautiful parkland, it is the perfect backdrop to your day out in Kent.

Overnight London

Day 5:  London

Today have a day on your own to explore London’s many offerings.  Perhaps visit Westminster Abbey or do some shopping (or window shopping) on exclusive Bond Street, Portobello Road or the landmark departments stores, Harrod’s and Selfridge’s.  You may even enjoy a stroll in Hyde Park where you’ll get a close-up view of Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens, which was the London home of Princess Diana.  Have a farewell dinner tonight in London.

Overnight London