English Home & Garden Tour Sussex & London
Best time to visit: May
Best for: Friends, Solo Travelers, and Couples
For this exciting trip, Valise is partnering with British Architectural Historian, Oliver Gerrish, who has curated a stellar itinerary including visits to notable historic properties and gardens in Sussex and London, along with other private, bespoke experiences in the area. The trip will culminate with a private guided tour of the Chelsea Flower Show with Helena Gerrish, a notable Garden Historian and Gardening Author. The group size is limited to 10 people, ensuring an intimate and personal tour.
A private and bespoke experience in Sussex and London with access to spectacular private homes and gardens.
What to expect
Sample Itinerary
International Arrivals to London Heathrow
Behind-the-scenes tour of Liberty of London with the archivist
Lunch at a notable local restaurant
Transfer to Amberley Castle (1.5 hours)
Afternoon free at Amberley Castle for a private stroll or a guided garden and grounds tour
Dinner at Amberley Castle
Breakfast at Amberley Castle
Morning tour of Goodwood House with the Duke’s curator James Peill, former Christie’s vice-president and an English and Irish furniture specialist. Peill will give you a glimpse into the historic estate, famous throughout the world as England’s greatest sporting estate. Goodwood has been the home of the Dukes of Richmond for over three hundred years.
The house tour will conclude with a private lunch in the Egyptian dining room. After lunch, you will tour Goodwood’s grounds and gardens and end your visit with tea.
Return to Amberley Castle
Dinner at The Black Horse restaurant
Breakfast at Amberley Castle
Morning tour of Arundel Castle with Dr John Martin Robinson, one of Her Majesty’s Heralds and Librarian to the Duke of Norfolk.
Lunch at The George pub in Burpham with the Earl and Countess of Balfour – Lady Balfour is the sister of the current Duke of Norfolk.
4:00pm – Private afternoon tour of the Royal Pavilion at Brighton
Dinner at Amberley Castle
Breakfast at Amberley Castle
Morning Tour of Borde Hill Garden, created by Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke from seeds gathered by the Great Plant Hunters of the early 1900s. This Edwardian Garden is renowned for its rare shrubs and champion trees.
Lunch at Borde Hill
Afternoon free before your gala dinner at Stansted Park, home of Count Aleramo Lanza and his maternal family, the Earls of Bessborough. Enjoy a champagne reception followed by a lute and countertenor recital (by internationally renowned young lutenist Sam Brown and Oliver Gerrish).
Farewell dinner in the state dining room with delicious locally sourced food
Breakfast at Amberley Castle
Morning tour of Parham House, one of England’s great Elizabethan Houses. It houses a magnificent Great Hall and Long Gallery. Parham is a wonderful example of a great country house restored.
Lunch at Parham House before departure to London
Arrival and check in to the Egerton House Hotel, London
Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral
Dinner at 5 Hertford Street
Breakfast at Egerton House
Tour of Spencer House, built for the 1st Earl Spencer and his wife Georgiana to celebrate their love. It houses the earliest neoclassical room in Europe.
Lunch at a notable local restaurant
Free afternoon to explore Knightsbridge – Harrods and the V&A Museum are within walking distance
Dinner at a notable local restaurant
Breakfast at Egerton House
Morning visit and tour of the Chelsea Flower Show accompanied by celebrated author and gardener, Helena Gerrish
Lunch with Helena Gerrish and Lady Caroline in the dining room at Syon House. Lady Caroline is an interior designer and the eldest sister of the Duke of Northumberland.
Tour of Syon House and the Great Conservatory with Lady Caroline.
6Evening drinks reception at Egerton House with ‘The Downton Jewels’ shown by their creator, Andrew Prince. He will also give a short and entertaining lecture on the great American heiresses and their jewels.
Dinner at a notable local restaurant
Breakfast at Egerton House
International Departures
Itinerary is subject to change