Chelsea Flower Show and Gardens: A British Tradition

After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.

A passport is required for this program. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

This information about travel documents pertains to participants holding U.S. passports. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

United Kingdom

• Your passport must have 1 blank passport page(s) for entry/exit visas in this country.

• A travel visa is required and it must be obtained in advance.

• The cost of this visa is not included in the cost of your trip.

• Your visa can be secured electronically. You may use the services of our designated visa service, Passport Visa Express, please see details on the process and the price at Passport Visa Express. If you prefer you may secure your electronic visa on your own, see the notes below for details.

Please note: American & Canadian passport holders traveling to or through the United Kingdom will need authorization via the UK Government's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Visa. The application is available online and via the UK ETA App at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta. You will need your passport information to complete the form. Once received, the application is expected to be processed within three business days. Once you have received confirmation, it will be valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever occurs first). You must apply before entering the UK.

If Road Scholar is arranging your air travel to and from the program, and you travel on the scheduled start and end dates, you’ll receive free round-trip transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Arrival day is on May 11, 2027

Meet the group at Ashford International Hotel in Ashford, Kent

Start of Trip:  12:30 p.m. lunch at hotel; 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 5:00 p.m. Orientation; 7:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner.

Getting to the site: Heathrow Express trains run directly from the airport terminals to London Paddington rail station, four departures per hour between approximately 5:15 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending upon arrival terminal. Single tickets cost approximately GBP22 to GBP 25 if bought on the day, lower fares are available if booked ahead online at https://www.heathrowexpress.com/tickets-deals/prices-fares. From London Paddington, take a taxi (approximately GBP9-12, about 3 miles) or the London Underground (Circle line or Hammersmith & City line, 5 stops eastbound), to London St Pancras rail station. Trains to Ashford International station depart from London St Pancras throughout the day. There are usually one or two direct trains per hour, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Take a taxi to the hotel from Ashford International station. This should cost around GBP10 a journey of approximately 2 miles.

Getting to the site by train or bus: Heathrow Express and London Underground trains.

Your trip ends on: Friday, May 21, 2027 in London, England at Radisson Blu London South Kensington

End of Trip: 10:00 a.m. after breakfast; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out.

Getting to the airport: A taxi to the airport from the hotel should typically cost between GBP40 and GBP55 (2019 prices), a journey of 15 miles. Heathrow Express trains run directly to the airport terminals from London Paddington rail station, four departures per hour between approximately 5:15 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending upon arrival terminal. Single tickets cost approximately GBP22 to GBP25 if bought on the day, lower fares are available if booked ahead online at https://www.heathrowexpress.com/tickets-deals/prices-fares. Taxis to Paddington Station from the hotel should typically cost approximately GBP10 for a journey of about 3 miles (2019 prices). Using the London Underground is not recommended at busier times of day if you are travelling with bulky luggage, as trains can be quite crowded. If you do wish to travel by London Underground to the hotel, the most straightforward approach is to take a Circle line train directly to Paddington from Gloucester Road (4 stops). If you are departing from London Gatwick airport, take the Gatwick Express train from London Victoria rail station; 4 trains per hour between approximately 5:40 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. Take a taxi to Victoria from the hotel (about 2 miles, approximately GBP10) or take a District or Circle London Underground train from Gloucester Road (3 stops).

Information if you are purchasing your own airfare: Participants who have not purchased airfare through Road Scholar are responsible for making their own transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program, as well as from the last site at the end of the program. The Information Packet Road Scholar sends in advance of the program includes details needed to make your transfer arrangements. If you wish to purchase airfare through Road Scholar, please call (800) 241-1404. Please note: In the unlikely event Road Scholar must make changes to the program's arrival or departure details, we will notify all participants as soon as possible. Participants who have purchased Road Scholar airfare are protected against airline change fees; however, anyone who has not purchased Road Scholar airfare will be required to make their own adjustments and may incur fees imposed by the airline.