91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ

Dates: May 20-28, 2027

Price: From $10,395.00

Tour Operator: International Seminar Design, Inc. 

Experience England at its most enchanting on this immersive journey through London and the Cotswolds, timed to coincide with the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Begin in the heart of London, where elegant accommodations and expertly guided touring introduce you to the city’s rich blend of history, literature, and culture. Stroll through Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, admire the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and explore iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, the Churchill War Rooms, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tower of London. Along the way, enjoy memorable culinary experiences, from a celebratory welcome lunch to gourmet dinners in some of the city’s finest settings. A highlight of the journey is a full day at the Chelsea Flower Show, where dazzling floral displays, innovative garden design, and the excitement of this celebrated annual event create an unforgettable experience.

Leaving the city behind, continue into the idyllic English countryside and the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds. Discover some of England’s most extraordinary gardens and private estates, including Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Hidcote Manor Garden, and, pending confirmation, King Charles III’s renowned Highgrove Gardens. Exclusive visits to private homes such as Rodmarton Manor, Chavenage House, and Owlpen Manor offer rare insight into the traditions, architecture, and hospitality of the English countryside. Charming villages like Castle Combe and Bibury provide the perfect backdrop for leisurely walks and relaxed country living, while Stratford-upon-Avon brings the world of William Shakespeare vividly to life, culminating in an evening performance at the celebrated Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Thoughtfully paced and rich in cultural and horticultural treasures, this journey offers a sophisticated and unforgettable exploration of England in springtime.

Traveling With You

Join James Lambert as he meanders between literary and natural splendors through London, the Kent countryside, and the Cotswolds. James began serving as Director of Lifelong Learning in July 2025. Previously he served as Provost and professor of English at Southern Virginia University, and prior to that worked as Chair of the English Department at the American University of Kuwait. He received an MA in American Literature at University of Arizona and a doctorate in Early Modern British Literature at the University of Iowa. He has published on Shakespeare, Milton, and a smattering of Renaissance poets and religious thinkers, and he continues to think about teaching, learning, and everything in between. For the last 15 years, James has been professionally and personally invested in the way a liberal arts college functions for good in communities, nation, and world, and he believes W&L’s Lifelong Learning is crucial to a student’s experience of the good life. In addition to his work as the Director of Lifelong Learning, James is also the host and executive producer of the W&L After Class Podcast and has a courtesy appointment as professor in the English Department.