Cornwall, Devon & SW England

Summer in England is paradise on earth! This tour is designed to optimize your time in the gardens. We stay multiple nights in the same hotels so that you don't spend time packing and unpacking. All of the hotels have been toured by Lois in 2025. The gardens have been carefully selected and Lois has visiting most of them to ensure they are the best of the best.

During this 11-night tour, we will enjoy a curated array of breathtaking gardens with time to enjoy what we are seeing. We begin with 1 night at Hilton Heathrow Airport. We then head west, with 4 nights in the ancient city of Exeter with Roman walls still standing. We continue further west and have 4 nights in Truro, filled with charming shops and restaurants. Our final two nights are in the city of Reading. For anyone who has an early flight, you will have the option of staying 1 night in Reading and 1 night at Hilton Heathrow Airport.

You will delight in the company of fellow garden enthusiasts plus opportunities to explore for non-gardeners. We have created a tour with less time on a coach so that you have more time for fun, experiences and exploration.

We will be accompanied by horticulture expert Paul Allison. He is originally from Cornwall and now lives in Victoria, British Columbia. He has worked at Oxford Botanical Garden and has an extensive background with gardens near and far.

The itinerary was designed by Lois Moss of Tour 2 Explore who has orchestrated scores of horticulture-themed tours. The combination of plant knowledge and organizing exceptional tours will make this a memorable experience. You will be pampered and well-looked after throughout the tour.

If you have any questions, contact Lois at Tour2ExploreMore@gmail.com She has visited each of the hotels and most of the gardens. She is happy to answer your questions or give you additional information.

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What's included

11 nights accommodation

1 night at Hilton Heathrow (June 16), 4 nights at Hotel Indigo Exeter, 4 nights The Alverton, Truro and 2 nights at The Roseate Reading (option to have your last night at Hilton Heathrow)

15 meals

11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

Lunches

For days when lunch is not included, we have carefully selected a garden that has a cafe or restaurant. You will be able to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a quick snack, it will be your choice

Dinners

Our hotels are all within walking distance of numerous restaurants or grocery stores, so choosing your dinner will be easy. You can choose something fancy or simple. Our hotels also have a restaurant

Touring glorious gardens

We expect to visit Athelhampton, Forde Abbey, Burrow Farm Gardens, Hestercombe, The Garden House, Tresco Abbey Gardens, Minack Theatre, Trebah, Barrington Court, Private Gardens & More

Independent time

Since we stay multiple nights in the same hotels, it is ideal for people who want to have more independent time or alternatives to gardens such as hiking, cycling, antiquing or exploring

Transportation

We will have a charter coach and local driver

Airport - arrivals

The tour starts with a night at Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow, a hotel that is in the airport grounds. You can walk to the hotel, no shuttle necessary. You can take the Underground subway into London

Airport - departures

At the end of the tour, you will have the option of staying in the city of Reading or at Hilton Heathrow. There is an express bus from Reading to Heathrow, so getting to the airport is easy

Taxes, fees, and tips

Gratuities for the driver and guides are included in the tour price.

Convenient, secure pmts

You can pay using your credit card or ACH electronic transfer on this secure, encrypted booking software. Paying online is more secure than traditional paper checks sent through the mail

2% cash back

For any payments made using ACH electronic transfer, you will receive 2% cash back. Your 2% cash back will be sent to you on April 15, 2026

Deposit and balance due

A deposit of $1500 per person is due at registration. An installment will be due by February 1 and the remaining balance will be due by April 1, 2026

Cancellations & Refunds

A cancellation, regardless of the reason, is subject to the following fees:

From Oct 10 to Jan 16

From October 10, 2025 to January 16, 2026, the withdrawal fee is $750 per person

From Jan 17 to Mar 16

From January 17, 2026 to April 16, 2026, the withdrawal fee is $1500 per person

After March 16

After March 16, 2026 all payments to date are forefeighted

What's not included

Airfare

If you would like help booking airfare

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended. Some policies require purchase soon after your first deposit

Travel after the tour

The tour ends at Heathrow Airport which makes it exceptionally convenient to fly home. If you prefer to stay on afterwards, we can help you decide where to go

Meals not listed

We value your time and individual preferences, so any meals not listed in the itinerary are your choice.

Alcoholic beverages

To be fair to everyone, alcoholic beverages are generally not included

Overview

About your trip