From London to the Highlands – Experience Scenic Countryside, Royal Heritage, and Stunning Gardens.
Discover the beauty, history and horticultural heritage of England and Scotland on this unforgettable escorted tour. Begin in London with iconic sights and a visit to RHS Wisley, before heading into the countryside to explore charming villages, stately homes and grand castles. Highlights include Churchill’s Chartwell, Hever Castle, Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard, Warwick Castle, the Lake District, and the spectacular landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, and immerse yourself in living history at Hadrian’s Wall and York Minster. Our tour culminates in London with a full day at the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show – a dream for garden lovers.
This carefully curated fully escorted tour combines guided sightseeing with moments of free time at leisure, offering a seamless blend of discovery and downtime. Featuring well-located hotels and many meals included, this is the quintessential UK experience – crafted for travellers who love history, gardens, culture, and stunning scenery.
Your tour highlights
- Churchill’s Chartwell
- Hever Castle
- Blenheim Palace
- Castle Howard
- Warwick Castle
- the Lake District
- Isle of Skye.
- Full day at the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show – a dream for garden lovers.
Tour itinerary
Depart Auckland this evening on an Emirates flight to Dubai.
After a short stop in Dubai, we fly to London Heathrow Airport arriving around midday. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and explore London from our centrally located hotel. This evening we will meet with our local tour director for a welcome drink, then the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: The Tower Hotel or similar – 2 nights
Today we explore the iconic sights and streets of London. We’ll see the famous landmarks of Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London and Trafalgar Square then admire the Royal residence of Buckingham Palace and savour a taste of British pageantry during the Changing of the Guard (if operating). Next, we visit RHS Garden Wisley, gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1903 and since evolved into a world –class garden. Accompanied by a guide we will explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colours, and fragrances. Stroll through the picturesque orchard, the huge cathedral –like Glasshouse and the Exotic Garden before returning to our hotel where this evening is at leisure.
After breakfast, we make our way to the Kent countryside and travel to the pretty village of Westerham where Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green. Here we visit Churchill’s residence of Chartwell, before making our way through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, known for its tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. We cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll through the pretty gardens. We overnight in Winchester tonight and enjoy dinner together.
Accommodation: Voco Hotel or similar – 2 nights
A scenic drive through the New Forest brings us to Beaulieu to visit the Palace House and Abbey ruins and the collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Later we travel to Salisbury, to see the 13th– century Salisbury Cathedral, whose spire is the tallest in the land. After some free time, we visit nearby Wilton House, one of the finest stately homes in Britain. An in-house guide will introduce us to this property which features state rooms by Inigo Jones containing a world-famous collection of paintings. We then head back to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Today we journey north through the heart of England to the charming market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, forever linked with the life and legacy of William Shakespeare. On arrival, we step inside the birthplace of the Bard himself—a beautifully preserved timber-framed house where his story began. As we explore the rooms filled with Elizabethan character, we gain a deeper appreciation for the man who shaped the English language. Later, we settle into our welcoming hotel and enjoy dinner together.
Accommodation: Sunday Retreat Walton Hall or similar – 2 nights
This enchanting day takes us across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate-box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the door! UNESCO World Heritage site Blenheim Palace, considered one of the greatest buildings of the English Baroque period, has been the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Here an in-house guide introduces us to the splendid Baroque architecture of the palace and the gardens designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. After our time at Blenheim Palace, we visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to another of King Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine Parr. This evening we dine together.
Travelling through the orchards of Worcestershire, we head for the border town of Ludlow with its impressive castle ruins. On through the remote Shropshire hills, we pass Wenlock Edge, celebrated in the poetry of A. E. Housman. Soon we reach historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Take time to marvel at the 200-year-old Iron Bridge, before the smooth motorway carries us north to the stunning English Lake District. We gather together this evening for dinner.
Accommodation: North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith or similar – 2 nights
A scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters, and an inspiration to a host of English poets awaits us today. We visit Wordsworth’s grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, largest of the lakes. Here we take a Windermere Cruise & Steam Train Ride , before we return to our hotel for an evening at leisure. The Cruise & Steam Train experience offers a delightful journey through the scenic Lake District, combining a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Windermere with a nostalgic ride on a historic steam train.
We cross the Cumbrian Mountains and the Scottish border at Gretna – for years the destination of eloping English lovers. We have some free time for shopping before enjoying the contrasting beauty of the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Here we discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh which form a remarkable haven of tranquillity within the city, as well as being a world- renowned centre for botanical science.
Accommodation: Apex City Hotel or similar – 2 nights
Today we join a local expert to explore the enchanting city of Edinburgh, where history and heritage meet vibrant culture. In the Old Town, pass the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th –century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle , home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
The rest of the day is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of one of the UK’s most iconic destinations – why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?
Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. With its striking peaks, wild landscapes, and sweeping glens, Glencoe offers a haven for native wildlife. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve this remarkable natural environment for generations to come. We join a local ranger to learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work of reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Skye accommodation – 2 nights
It’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills. Enjoy the day taking in this charming island on the Misty Isle Boat Trip– a truly unique experience that explores this spectacular wild location in the company of local experts. Be entertained with fascinating tales and legends of the area as you cruise through outstandingly beautiful Highland scenery, with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife along the way.
Today we make our way to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. On arrival an orientation drive through the city will introduce us to the city’s grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to experience this vibrant city with its striking architecture, lively music venues and welcoming spirit.
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel or similar – 1 night
Our journeys today travel through the Borders region to visit Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. This large turreted mansion now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts collected throughout his lifetime. We then head south, past Jedburgh Abbey, and over the border to visit Hadrian’s Wall. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, this remarkable structure stretches 73 miles across northern England and stands as the most iconic and best-preserved frontier of the Roman Empire – an enduring testament to Roman engineering and ambition. Our destination today is the town of Harrogate, a well-known spa since the 16th century and famous for its gardens. Tonight we enjoy a highlight dinner in a typical local inn.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Harrogate or similar – 2 nights
After breakfast, we make the short journey to the walled city of York with its ancient walls, winding medieval lanes, majestic Minster and fascinating Viking history. Here we see the huge Minster, Britain’s largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets including the Shambles. This afternoon we visit the fabulous 18th –century Castle Howard, with its tapestries and costume museum, before returning to our hotel in Harrogate. Dinner is included this evening.
Today we travel south to visit Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts. Our local guide will show us the chilling dungeon which contrasts with the splendour of the State Rooms and baronial Great Hall. From here we continue to London and check in for our two-night stay. This evening is at leisure however you may wish to take the opportunity to see a West End theatre show, a must do while in London! (extra cost – not included).
Accommodation: Hilton London Kensington – 2 nights
This morning we enjoy a true highlight of the tour – a full-day visit to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this iconic event is the pinnacle of the horticultural calendar. Our general admission ticket allows plenty of time to wander through spectacular show gardens, admire imaginative floral displays, and explore the latest trends in garden design and planting. Garden lovers from around the world come to be inspired by cutting-edge concepts and timeless beauty. After a memorable day, we return to our hotel in London. We dine together for our final night in the United Kingdom.
We have a leisurely breakfast, then our hotel will store our luggage once we check out. We have a day at leisure in London before our early evening transfer to Heathrow Airport to check in for our onward flight home. We fly with Emirates to Dubai Airport arriving early morning on 23 May 2026.
Our Emirates flight to Auckland departs Dubai Airport mid-morning.
We arrive Auckland International Airport mid-morning. After completing entry formalities, we will transfer to our home ports.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $21,950
Single Supplement: $3,850.00
Total for Single $25,800
PLUS Airline taxes & surcharges (approximate): $650.00
*Images courtesy of Leisure Time Travel
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
- Fully escorted from New Zealand by Leisure Time Travel
- Door to door home collection & drop off service available from select areas.
- Strata Lounge access at Auckland International Airport
- Return international economy flights: Auckland – Dubai – London
- 17 nights quality hotel accommodation. All rooms based on twin/double rooms, all with private facilities (single rooms available with surcharge)
- Tour admissions as per itinerary
- Meals where indicated on your daily itinerary
- 17 Breakfasts (B)
- 8 Dinners (D)
- In-Flight Meals (FM) on international sectors
- Welcome drink with tour director on arrival
- London sightseeing tour
- Guided tour of Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden at RHS Wisley
- Visit Hever Castle
- Explore the Palace House and Abbey ruins at Beaulieu
- National Motor Museum visit
- Guided tour of Wilton House
- Visit William Shakespeare’s birthplace
- Guided tour of Blenheim Palace
- Visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle
- Windermere Cruise & Steam Train Ride
- Edinburgh sightseeing tour
- Visit Edinburgh Castle
- Misty Isle Boat Trip at Skye
- Orientation tour of Glasgow
- Visit Abbotsford House
- See Hadrian’s Wall
- Castle Howard visit
- Tour of Warwick Castle with guide
- Full day general admission ticket to Chelsea Flower Show