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Historical Houses and Gorgeous Gardens… A Luxury Tour of Southern England

9 days from £2,924 / $4,678 per person

This 9 day tour takes you to The Cotswolds, Somerset and Sussex to explore some of Southern England’s finest historical homes and influential arts and crafts gardens. Discover some of the United Kingdom's most beautiful countryside and picturesque villages, whilst delving into its fascinating heritage – from medieval castles, including the home of Anne Boleyn, to the private gardens of Prince Charles at Highgrove and Blenheim Palace, the birth place of Winston Churchill.

Throughout this journey you will stay at our selection of luxury properties, which are set in rural landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Discover the rich history of each of these locations and learn about how many of the former residents of these grand homes dedicated their lives to their extraordinary gardens. Return to London for your final night and stay at one of the most iconic hotels in London, Claridge’s.


Itinerary details

9 days from £2,924 / $4,678 per person

  • Day 1 - Lower Slaughter Manor - The Cotswolds
    Drive from London to The Cotswolds. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
  • Day 2 - Lower Slaughter Manor - The Cotswolds
    Morning exploring the highly influential arts and crafts garden at Hidcote Manor, followed by the 18th century house and gardens of Buscot Park. In the afternoon, visit the birth place of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace.
  • Day 3 - Lower Slaughter Manor - The Cotswolds
    Enjoy the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, take part in a champagne tea tour and explore the private gardens of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at High Grove.
  • Day 4 - Babington House - Somerset
    After breakfast, transfer to Babington House. Spend the afternoon at leisure in their beautiful grounds, or relax in the Spa.
  • Day 5 - Babington House - Somerset
    Take a trip to Hestercombe to explore the 50 acres of lakes, woodland and terraces built up over the last 300 years. After lunch visit Stourhead gardens – a stunning English landscape garden by Henry Hoare.
  • Day 6 - Gravetye Manor - Sussex
    Drive to Sussex via Highclere Castle where BBC’s Downtown Abbey is filmed and visit RHS’s flagship garden, Wisley gardens. Arrive early evening.
  • Day 7 - Gravetye Manor - Sussex
    Spend the morning at Great Dixter and Sissinghurst Castle to explore their marvellous gardens. In the afternoon visit Wakehurst Place, situated in an area of outstanding national beauty.
  • Day 8 - Claridge's - London
    Drive to London via Hever Castle where you will see its award winning garden. The castle was the home of Anne Boleyn and dates back to 1270. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the sights of London.
  • Day 9 - In transit.
    Check out from your hotel.
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Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

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