Frequently Asked Questions
What is G&T Garden Tours? G&T Garden Tours is a luxury garden tour company founded by Jason Goodwin and Simon Tiffin (hence G and T), offering exclusive small-group tours of private gardens and grand estates in England’s West Country and the Cotswolds. Our tours combine exceptional garden visits with gourmet dining, comfortable accommodation in historic country houses, and expert-led experiences.
What regions do you cover? Our tours focus on the breathtaking gardens and landscapes of Dorset, Somerset, and the Cotswolds—regions rich in horticultural heritage, historic estates, and natural beauty.
When do tours run? We offer tours primarily in May and June, which are peak months for English gardens. Our 2027 schedule includes three Dorset based tours, Earthly Paradise (May), Secret Gardens (June), Summer Glow (June), and the Cotswolds Garden Foray (June). We also offer bespoke private tours throughout the season.
How is G&T different from a typical garden tour company? Three things: we run small groups (around 14 guests, not 40+), we minimise travelling time by staying in one place for the week, and we focus on a single region we know personally rather than covering the whole country. Much of our garden access comes from personal friendships built over many years rather than commercial arrangements. We also cover all expenses from start to finish, and prioritise good local cuisine throughout.
How many people join each tour? Our tours are intimate experiences limited to around 14 guests. This small group size ensures personalized attention, easier access to private gardens, and a more convivial atmosphere.
Who are your typical guests? Our guests come from around the world—including the UK, USA, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond—united by a passion for gardens, beautiful landscapes, good food, and convivial company.
Is there a single supplement for solo travellers? Yes: the supplement is reflected in the booking price.
How much walking is involved? What’s the fitness level required? You’ll need to be able to walk unaided around the gardens, and to climb stairs to reach the bedrooms.
Is there a minimum age for guests? 16 and over.
What’s included in the tour price? Tours start at £5,450pp and include: 6 nights’ accommodation in a historic country house; all meals and drinks (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including teas and cakes); private access to gardens not normally open to the public, often with a personal introduction from the owner or head gardener; talks and sessions with guest experts; and pick-up from, and drop-off at, the designated station for guests arriving by train (and parking if you bring a car). Not included: travel to Dorchester or Kingham, and travel insurance.
Do you arrange airport or station transfers? We collect guests from the designated railway station only.
Where will I stay? You’ll stay in a beautiful historic country house that serves as our comfortable home base for the week. This means no constant packing and unpacking—just daily excursions to nearby gardens and returning each evening to the same welcoming accommodation.
Will I have access to private gardens? Yes! One of our specialties is providing access to gardens that are normally closed to the public, such as Ashington with the Bannermans, Chilcombe, Jasper Conran’s home at Bettiscombe, Bruern Abbey and Emma Keswick’s Rockcliffe in Oxfordshire, to name just a few. Many of our visits include personal tours with the garden owners themselves, depending on their schedule.
What about the food? Guests consistently rave about our cuisine. Our in-house chefs prepare truly delicious dinners each evening, and we serve scrumptious cakes for afternoon tea. Lunches are at carefully selected local restaurants, all included in your tour price.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements? We can accommodate most requirements (gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian).
Do you look after your guests? Yes — guest care is a 24/7 priority for the whole team, not just Jason and Simon. That can mean anything from arranging a doctor to tracking down a forgotten hat. Many guests return year after year, and several have become lasting friends of the tour.
Do you offer private or bespoke tours? Yes, Simon and Jason can arrange bespoke garden tours for individuals and small groups. Contact us to discuss your requirements and preferred dates.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy? The deposit is non-refundable, but we can reapply it to another tour. Once the final balance is paid (28 days ahead of the tour), the tour is non-refundable.
How do I book? Easy! You can book here on the website, email us directly, or ring Simon on +44 7739 087056.
