Travel and Play is proud to partner with Charles Dowding and McMurray Hatchery in offering an international Gardening and Sustainability tour to England.

Do you love gardening, growing your own food and living more sustainably? Have you always wanted to visit England? Then join your fellow gardening enthusiasts on an international tour to Southern England in June of 2027!

Join us for an 11-day, 9-night tour of England. Interact with gardening and sustainability experts throughout the country, spend a half day with master English gardener Charles Dowding, visit some of England’s cultural and historical treasures, and learn about gardening and living sustainably, the English way.

Glean new insights and ideas from our creative neighbors across the pond who are incorporating gardening, bees, poultry, and sustainability into their backyards, homes, and businesses.

The tour begins in London, a cosmopolitan city full of rich history and grandeur. Then we will head west through the picturesque countryside of Somerset to the amazing city of Bath, an elegant city full of history dating back to Roman times.

While in the London area, we will visit the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain at RHS Wisely. This cultural landmark features nearly 240 acres of gardens, glass houses, restaurants, and workshops. Take a guided tour, or stroll at your own pace. Additionally, discover Central London with a guided walking tour featuring Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and more. Then, spend the day on your own exploring all that London has to offer, or visit the world-famous Kew Gardens.

Additional trips from your London base include a visit to Hampton Court Palace and its stunning and expansive gardens; the UNESCO world heritage prehistoric monument – Stonehenge; and a day of beekeeping, backyard chickens, and uniquely-British garden allotments in the heart of the city.

The second half of the tour takes you to the Roman City of Bath and South Somerset. Spend a day at a sustainable small-holding and farm in Somerset; tour a flower farm and Jekka McVicar's herb farm in the English countryside, and eat a locally-sourced meal at a local bistro; and spend a day in the historic city of Bath where we will visit the world-famous Roman Baths.  

The highlight of the tour features a half-day learning ‘No Dig’ gardening and composting with world-renowned gardener Charles Dowding at his home in Somerset. Spend the afternoon with Charles at Homeacres as he shares his insights and expertise. Then, join Charles for a pint at a nearby pub.  

The tour concludes with a visit to BBC "Gardeners World Live" and the "Good Food Show" – A gardening and food exhibition filled with garden inspiration, expert advice, tip-top shopping, live entertainment, and much more. It is a must-visit for gardening lovers of all levels!

All Travel and Play tours operate under the Terms and Conditions listed at https://travelandplay.net/terms-and-conditions/

Travel or cancellation insurance is not provided for this tour. After registration, insurance options will be provided.

Arrive London.

Transfer to the Guildford hotel via Taxi or Uber, or book an airport "meet and greet" and hotel transportation through Travel and Play.  

After check-in, you are free for the rest of the day. Relax and recover from your travel day, or explore Guildford with a self-guided tour.

Evening - Welcome meal at local pub and meet your Travel and Play guides.  

Spend the day at the UK Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at RHS Wisley.

Wisley is one of the world’s great gardens, packed with horticultural inspiration.

Optional visit to a Local English Pub in the Evening.  

Walking or bus tour of London viewing the iconic London sites of Buckingham Palace, St. James' Park, Westminster Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, Downing Street, and Trafalgar Square.   

Free time in the afternoon to pursue your own interests, or take an optional visit to Kew Gardens.

Visit Hampton Court Palace, home of King Henry the VIII and its world-famous gardens, which include 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens and 750 acres (304 hectares) of parkland.  

AM - Visit an Urban London Smallholding. 

PM - Transfer to Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. 

Evening - Transfer to Bristol.

AM - Free to explore Bristol - with an optional visit to the SS Great Britain

PM - Tour Jekka McVicar's Herb Farm

AM - Guided tour of Bath

PM - Visit the amazing Roman Baths

Free time in Bath to end your day.      

Visit Blackshed Flower Farm in the AM.

Then spend a half-day at Homeacres – the home of renowned English Gardener Charles Dowding. Let Charles teach you the ‘No Dig” gardening methodology in his home garden.

Visit BBC "Gardeners World Live" and the 'Good Food Show".

The largest Gardening and Food Show in the UK with gardening exhibitions, gardening inspiration, cooking demonstrations, expert advice, tip-top shopping, live entertainment, and much more, it’s a must-visit for garden lovers of all levels!

Evening transfer to an airport hotel near Heathrow Airport.