England Gardening and Sustainability Tour - June 8-18 2027
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARLES DOWDING AND MURRAY MCMURRAY HATCHERY
A Gardener’s Delight — Tour English gardens, small-holdings, flower farms, and spend an afternoon learning from world-renowned gardener, Charles Dowding, at Homeacres in South Somerset.
Travel and Play is proud to partner with Charles Dowding and McMurray Hatchery in offering an international Gardening and Sustainability tour to England. Registration is now open — reserve your spot today for this exciting tour!
Do you love gardening, growing your own food, or just 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 tour, 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 more 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 mixed with contemporary culture.
While in the London area, we 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 featuring a multi-course farm-to-table meal; tour a flower farm in the English countryside and eat a locally-sourced meal at the local bistro; spend a day in the historic city of Bath, and 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 and farm-to-table dinner at a nearby pub.
The tour concludes with a visit to “BBC Gardeners” World Live – A gardening exhibition filled with garden inspiration, expert advice, tip-top shopping, live entertainment, and much more, it’s a must-visit for garden lovers of all levels!
This popular tour offers travelers the trip of a lifetime. Check out reviews from past participants, and complete the form for more details on the 2027 tour!
Gardening and Sustainability Tour Highlights:
Charles Dowding at Homeacres
Attend a half-day educational session at Homeacres — the home of world-renowned English gardener, Charles Dowding. Learn ‘No Dig’ gardening and composting methodology from the master gardener in his home garden in South Somerset. Then, join Charles for a pint and locally-sourced dinner at his local pub.
Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain at RHS Wisely
A UK Rewilding Project
Historic Castles, Classic Royal Gardens, and Iconic Mazes
Optional Visit to Kew Gardens
Flower Farm and Locally-Sourced Bistro in Somerset
Urban Small-Holding, Garden Allotments, Beekeeping and Poultry in London
Visit a herb farm with experience in sustainably growing and using medicinal and culinary herb plants and seeds.
Small-Holdings and Farm-to-Table Dinners in Picturesque Somerset
Visit BBC "Gardeners' World Live" - A Gardening Consumer Show held at the National Exhibition Center.
Cultural and Historic Tour Highlights:
London, England
Guided walking or bus tour of London and all the major sites including Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and more.
Hampton Court Palace
Historic home of King Henry VIII.
Stonehenge
Most infamous prehistoric monument in the world.
City of Bath
Visit the city of Bath and the world-famous Roman Baths.
Quintessential England
Stroll through historic and iconic English villages, dine at traditional English pubs, have afternoon tea, and more.
Tour Inclusions
- 9-nights in 4-Star hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
- Breakfast daily, plus 3-4 additional meals throughout the tour
- Motor coach transportation as needed
- All listed sightseeing and entrance fees (tour highlights)
- Half-day educational session at Homeacres with Charles Dowding
- Full-time Travel and Play staff support
Flights and health/cancellation insurance not included.
Accommodations
Tour price includes double occupancy accommodation in 4-Star Hotels. Single room supplements are available for an additional fee. Single room bookings can be made during the registration process.
Note: Often there are a number of solo travelers registered for the tour who are looking for a roommate. If you are interested in this option, please indicate your interest during registration.
Tour Planning
Plan to arrive at London Heathrow Airport the first morning of of the tour. Participants are encouraged to Taxi or Uber to the hotel. However, Travel and Play staff can coordinate “meet and greets” and transportation from the airport to the hotel upon arrival at LHR. Meet and Greets and airport to hotel transportation can be booked during the registration process.
Tour Price – $2,850.00 per person (double occupancy)
Single room supplement – $75.00 per night
Click the button below to register for the tour!
The preliminary tour registration deadline is October 1, 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to receive a daily itinerary prior to booking, please complete the form below:
