England Gardening and Sustainability Tour - June 2027
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MCMURRAY HATCHERY AND CHARLES DOWDING
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 McMurray Hatchery in offering an international Gardening and Sustainability tour to England.
Do you love gardening, growing your own food, or just living more sustainably? Have you always wanted to visit England? Then join your fellow enthusiasts on an international tour to Southern England in June of 2027.
Join us for a 10-day, 8-night tour of England. Interact with gardening and sustainability experts throughout the tour, spend a half day with world renowned 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 the tour heads west through the picturesque countryside of Somerset, and 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, the first half of the tour features a day touring the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain at RHS Wisely. This cultural landmark features nearly 240 acres of gardens, glass houses, restaurants, and gift shop. Take a guided tour, or stroll at your own pace. Travelers will certainly delight at the world-famous Kew Gardens in London; the stunning and expansive gardens at Hampton Court Palace; the well-manicured grounds at Windsor Castle; and a day of beekeeping, backyard chickens, and uniquely-British garden allottments in the heart of London.
Discover 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 – from historic sights, museums, shopping, dining, and guided tours.
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 with a guided tour and a visit to 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 South 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.
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, 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
Kew Gardens, London
Historic Castles, Classic Royal Gardens, and Iconic Mazes
Flower Farm and Locally-Sourced Bistro in Somerset
Urban Small-Holding, Garden Allotments, Beekeeping and Poultry in London
Small-Holdings and Farm-to-Table Dinners in Picturesque Somerset
Cultural and Historic Tour Highlights:
London, England
Guided walking 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
Windsor Castle
Home of King Charles III and former home of Queen Elizabeth II
Stonehenge
Most infamous prehistoric monument in the world.
City of Bath
Guided tour 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
- 8-nights in 4-Star hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
- Breakfast daily, plus 3-4 additional meals
- Motor coach transportation as needed
- All listed sightseeing and entrance fees (tour highlights)
- Half-day educational session at Homeacres with Charles Dowding
- UK Airport transfers (offered twice on arrival day and once on departure day)
- Full-time Travel and Play staff support
Flights and health/cancellation insurance not included.
Accommodations
Tour price includes double occupancy accommodation. Single room supplements available for an additional fee.
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
Participants arrive at London Heathrow Airport the first morning of of the tour. Travel and Play staff will assist in coordinating transportation from the airport to the hotel upon arrival.
For participants arriving prior to, or staying beyond, the tour dates contact Travel and Play staff for additional details.
Registration Opens Spring 2026!
For more information on the Travel and Play Gardening and Sustainability tour, complete the form below:
