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Royal Hothouse Gardens: Kew & Wisley Day Trip

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London's suburbs are home to a rich collection of gardens and parks 'Royalty and the River.'

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Even in winter, chase away the blues on a great day out inside England's best tropical glasshouses!

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Full Day from London

The Western London suburbs of form a lovely area all too often overlooked by visitors. Come and discover this elegant corner of the sprawling capital, explore the Royal history and spend quality time in two world class gardens. This is a great day out for visitors and locals alike!

 

Even in winter, this is sure to be a lovely day out escaping the British weather! Come and enjoy a stroll through a 'tropical jungle,' some lovely orchids and cactus filled 'desert.'

 

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a lavish 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kew offers the largest indoor glasshouse space in the UK and is home to the world's largest collection of living plants, more than 30,000 different kinds! After an orientation chat with your tour guide, you're free to experience the highlights of this wonderful property independently - see your choice of the Alpine gardens, Japanese gardens, The Great Pagoda, Treetop Walkway and Kew Palace. Perhaps stop in the Orangery for a nice bite during your time here too!

 

Over the winter months, focus on the interior gardens of Kew including The Temperate House, the largest intact Victorian glasshouse in the world; there's the 'steamy' Palm House, the Waterlily House, Kew Palace, the Alpine Gardens and the Princess of Wales Conservatory, with its ten climatic zones and amazing orchids. Kew has the oldest living orchid collection, dating back over 200 years, with around 5,000 species showing at any one time.

 

Later we'll route via Richmond, a neighbourhood where many celebrities call home and what once was King Henry VIII's favourite hunting ground, to our next garden of interest. As the flagship garden of the RHS, Wisley captures the imagination. Gifted to the Society in 1903, Wisley has evolved over time into a 240 acre spectacular. Explore the rock garden, alpine garden, wild garden, formal rose courtyards and all that this wonderful place has to offer!

 

Its state-of-the-art glasshouse showcases a world class plant collection. The 'cathedral-like' structure features three climatic zones recreating tropical, moist and dry temperate habitats. Entering the glasshouse is like walking into a jungle, it is filled with tree ferns, tall palms, lush-leaved creepers, dazzling flower displays and a waterfall. Experience 'The World Under Glass' seeing many species internationally classified as rare, vulnerable or endangered. Another indoor space at Wisley is the Alpine Display Gardens, featuring a huge selection of alpine plants from around the globe.

 

 

Oft imitated, never duplicated! This is an original SGT itinerary, property of Special Group Tours and to be used only with express permission/in conjunction with SGT.

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This is a suggested tour itinerary and can be modified to best you your individual wishes.

London Day Trips

A private/custom London day trip is a standard day up to 9 hours total, typically 09:00 - approximately 18:00 - variable by request. You would be picked up from and returned to your central London hotel.

 

Entrance fees and cost of lunch are not included in your up front rate quote and would be paid directly during your touring day.

 

The final price may vary per specific requirements but as a rough estimate, expect approximate rates for a private day trip to be:

Standard car accommodating from 1 - 3 guests, approx $755 USD flat rate

MPV/SUV accommodating from 4 - 7 guests, approx $875 USD flat rate

16 seat mini-coach accommodating from 8 - 15 guests, approx $925 USD flat rate

 

We are happy to assist with your overall holidayplans to UK/Europe if you wish. Please ask us for details. SGT is at your service!

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The Special Group Tours Advantage is our unique and intimate understanding of what you expect traveling in the UK and Europe. We have not only visited but have spent many years living in and loving the cultures you will experience down the ‘B’ Roads and off the beaten track. We have worked with local suppliers and our guide/companion team for over a decade, creating unique special interest itineraries. Special Group Tours offers our “insider” knowledge to you.

 

The SGT Small Group Touring Concept is traveling with just 4 - 14 guests per departure. It is our aim to introduce you to the 'real' country and its people, not just ticking the boxes of a standardized route and treating you as an individual and not a number. Our concept allows for a leisurely touring pace and flexibility to get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Of course you'll see the major sites but so much more too!

 

At Special Group Tours, it is our priority that you have the most enjoyable holiday possible. You deserve it!