Gardens of London and the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show

May 17 - 23, 2026

Join Cornell University as we visit the world’s greatest flower show and experience the beauty of London’s world-class gardens with Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor of Horticulture at Cornell University.

Gardens of London and the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show

Experience the best of London’s world-renowned gardens and the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Explore iconic sites such as the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, RHS Garden Wisley, and Hampton Court Palace & Gardens, while enjoying the vibrant culture and history of England’s capital city.

Tour Highlights

At a glance

Gardens of London and the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show

Your Week in London!

Day 0 - New York City to London Flight

17-May-2026

Depart New York for London, Hosted by Dr. Bridgen

Arrive at JFK International Airport

Arrive at JFK International Airport at least three hours prior to departure to check-in for your flight to London. You will need your air ticket and passport. At the airport, you will be greeted by Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor of Horticulture at Cornell University. He will be your host for the week and guide you through each day’s activities.

American Airlines flight 106: New York JFK to London

May 17, 2026

JFK

19:29

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

7h 16m

May 18, 2026

LHR

07:45

London Heathrow Airport

American Airlines flight 106 departs at 7:29PM for London. Flight duration is 7 hours 16 minutes. Dinner will be served on the overseas flight.

Dinner on flight

Dinner will be served on the overseas flight.

Day 1 - London Arrival, City Tour, and Welcome Dinner

18-May-2026

Arrive in London, Explore City, Welcome Dinner

Arrive at London Heathrow and Meet Guide

A light breakfast will be served before landing at London Heathrow Airport at 7:45AM local time. Clear British immigration control then collect your luggage at the baggage claim before going through Customs [green channel if nothing to declare] and you are met by our local tour guide in the Arrivals Hall holding a sign that says “Agrotours”. Once everyone is ready, our guide will contact the waiting coach driver to dispatch from coach park and pick up the group. Upon boarding the coach, she will distribute audio headsets to each person for use throughout the tour.

Introductory London City Tour

We begin with an introductory tour of this world class city. London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its center stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city.

Lunch at Covent Garden (on own)

Lunch is at your leisure, on your own, in the Covent Garden, then we continue our sightseeing tour of London.

Hotel Check-in

At about 3:00PM, we arrive at the hotel and check-in for a 5-night stay.

Welcome Dinner at Manzi's of Soho (Seafood)

1-8 Bateman's Buildings, London W1D 3EN, United Kingdom

All attendees will enjoy a welcome dinner together at 7:00 PM at Manzi's of Soho, an upscale seafood restaurant about a 9-minute walk from the hotel. The meal includes three courses and water. Drinks are to be paid individually.

Website

Courthouse Hotel

19-21 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7HL, UK

Check inMonday, May 18, 2026

Check outSaturday, May 23, 2026

Experience the Courthouse Hotel, located in the lively Soho district, perfect for those who seek adventure in London. This unique hotel, set in a historic courthouse, features an original courtroom bar and an on-site cinema. Guests can unwind at the luxurious spa or enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace.

+44 20 7297 5555

Website

Courthouse Hotel Soho Website

Day 2 - Chelsea Flower Show – Members Only Day

19-May-2026

Experience the Prestigious Chelsea Flower Show

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast is served beginning at 7:00 AM in the hotel restaurant.

Morning Departure to Chelsea Flower Show

Please be in the lobby and ready to go by 7:45 AM, as we will depart promptly at 8:00 AM by private motor coach. The transfer to the Royal Hospital Chelsea will take approximately 30 minutes. We will be dropped off at the Embankment, which is about a 5-minute walk from the Bull Ring Gate entrance.

Chelsea Flower Show Entry and Guidelines

Please note that this is a temporary, outdoor event and is subject to varying weather and ground conditions. The majority of the show takes place on hard surfaces. Please check the weather forecast for the day and wear suitable clothing and footwear. Please also be aware that there is no re-entry to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show once you have departed the showgrounds.

Photos by Dr. Mark Bridgen

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

We spend a full day at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where you will see the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea transformed with stunning horticultural displays.

Chelsea Flower Show Highlights

Enjoy the floral equivalent to London Fashion Week, at this famous event which attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year, including members of the Royal Family. Every year, world-renowned garden designers, plant specialists, florists and nurseries come together in one of London's most charming and affluent neighborhoods to show off cutting-edge garden designs and inspirational floral exhibits. Stroll through show-stopping gardens designed by famous designers, learn about rare flowers and plants, or revel in creative floral artworks. You can also spot emerging gardening trends as you browse the horticultural products on sale, from gardening gadgets to sculptures and plants.

Lunch at Chelsea Flower Show (on own)

Enjoy lunch on own at one of the show’s restaurants or cafes.

Return to Hotel

At 4:00 PM, we board the coach and return to our hotel.

Day 3 - Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

20-May-2026

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel starting at 7 AM.

Morning Departure to Kew Gardens

Please be in the lobby ready to go by 9:00 AM, as we will depart promptly at 9:15 AM by private motor coach to Richmond. The journey will take approximately one hour.

Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

This day is dedicated to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. This 300-acre garden is one of the world’s greatest collections of plants with over 50,000 living plants and is featured as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photos by Dr. Mark Bridgen

Guided Tour of Kew Gardens

Upon arrival, we will head directly to Elizabeth Gate to begin our 90-minute guided tour of the gardens which will include the history and significance of Kew Gardens as well as reflecting on the seasonal flora. We will split into four groups with our guides, Janet Bostock, Vicky Davey, David Crank and Veronica Greenwood.

Free Time at Kew Gardens

Following the tour, you have the remainder of the day to explore the gardens and get lunch on your own at one of the Garden’s restaurants or cafes. Entrance to Kew Palace is also included.

Return to Hotel

At 3:30PM, we board the coach and return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 4 - RHS Garden Wisley Surrey.

21-May-2026

Explore RHS Garden Wisley Surrey

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast is served beginning at 7:00 AM in the hotel restaurant.

Morning Departure to RHS Garden Wisley Surrey

Please be in the lobby and ready to go by 9:15 AM, as we will depart promptly at 9:30 AM by private motor coach to Surrey, an approximately 1hr 15min drive.

Photos by Dr. Mark Bridgen

RHS Garden Wisley Surrey.Visit

Today we will visit RHS Garden Wisley, the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society and home to some of the largest plant collections anywhere in the world. At 11:30, we will have a 90-minute private guided tour of the Gardens, then you have time to explore and enjoy lunch on own at one of the Garden’s restaurants or cafes.

Planting schemes are continuously evolving, with something to inspire visitors on every visit. Key highlights throughout the seasons include the Rock Garden, Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, Mixed Borders, Seven Acres, and the tropical-inspired Exotic Garden. In June 2021, RHS Hilltop - The Home of Gardening Science opened at RHS Garden Wisley. Head here to explore an impressive exhibition space and three beautiful gardens. Entrance includes self-guided access to all areas of the gardens. As an added bonus all group visitors receive a £5 retail voucher to redeem in the gift shop on purchases over £25.

Return to Hotel

At 3:30 PM, we board the coach and return to our hotel.

Day 5 - Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

22-May-2026

Explore Hampton Court Palace and Gardens

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast is served beginning at 7:00 AM in the hotel restaurant.

Morning Departure to Hampton Court Palace

Please be in the lobby and ready to go by 9:30 AM, as we will depart promptly at 9:45 AM by private motor coach. The journey to Surrey will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Photos by Dr. Mark Bridgen

Hampton Court Palace & Gardens Visit

Today we visit the Hampton Court Palace & Gardens which include 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens and 750 acres (304 hectares) of parkland, all set within a loop of the River Thames.

Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace

Upon arrival, we will head to the West Gate Main Entrance to meet our guides, Peter Cowin and Ann Crack. We have a 90 minute guided tour with a walk through the Formal Gardens including the Great Fountain Garden, the Privy Garden and the Great Vine.

Free Time at Hampton Court Palace

The remainder of the day is on your own to visit the yew tree maze, formal gardens, and other unique garden destinations. Admission to Hampton Court Palace includes entrance to all open public areas of the palace, the gardens, courtyards, the Maze and the Magic Garden. Due to the nature of items on display at the Palace, and the size of exhibition spaces, visitor numbers are limited in some visitor routes. Larger groups will be asked to divide into smaller parties and admission may be staggered at the discretion of staff. This is to avoid congestion during peak times to ensure the enjoyment of all visitors.

Return to Hotel

At 3:30 PM, we board the coach and return to our hotel.

Farewell Dinner at Circolo Populaire

40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX, United Kingdom

All attendees will dine together for dinner with their new friends at a local restaurant to celebrate the end of a successful week. Dinner is booked for 7:00 PM at Circolo Populaire, an Italian restaurant about a 9-minute walk from the hotel. The meal includes three courses and water. Drinks are to be paid individually.

Day 6 - London Departure and Return to New York

23-May-2026

Depart London and Return to New York City

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel begins at 7 AM.

Hotel Check-out

Please be checked out of your room and settle any incidentals by 9:30 AM. We will board our private coach with luggage and depart for the airport at 10:00 AM. The transfer will take about one hour.

American Airlines flight 105: London to New York

May 23, 2026

LHR

14:10

London Heathrow Airport

7h 49m

May 23, 2026

JFK

16:59

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

Check-in for the flight either on your mobile app or at the airport. American Airlines flight 105 departs at 2:10 PM, arriving at JFK International Airport at 4:59 PM local time. Flight duration is 7h 49m.

Lunch on Flight

Lunch will be served on the overseas flight.

Loading Map…

Our tour stops in London

1. Courthouse Hotel Soho

19-21 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7HL, UK

2. Manzi's of Soho

1 Bateman's Buildings, London W1D, UK

3. RHS Chelsea Flower Show (Royal Hospital Chelsea)

Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4SR, UK

4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE, UK

5. RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB, UK

6. Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

Hampton Court Palace, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK

7. Circolo Popolare

40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX, UK

8. London Heathrow Airport

Longford TW6, UK