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Garden Tours

Garden Tours - Flower Shows, Blossoms & Blooms

 

Our garden tours visit a variety of places, including iconic tour destinations, quaint country villages and bustling towns/cities, for a nice balanced touring adventure. The main focus is of course the gardens. There are flower-filled gardens, formal and informal, large and small, planned and wild, all bursting into riots of color and overloading the senses with fragrant smells and sights. We strive to present a garden tour to interest all levels of gardeners, from beginners to horticultural society members. Something to suit all guests!

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Garden Tours - Flower Shows, Blossoms & Blooms
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show, English Gardens of Kent and Cotswolds Tour

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE DEPARTURES

 

This tour is designed as a brief introduction to the gardens in two of England loveliest counties, Kent, and the Heart of England. There are flower-filled gardens, formal and informal, large and small, planned and wild, all bursting into riots of color and overloading the senses with fragrant smells and sights.

 

Going beyond the usual tourist route in our mini-coach, off the beaten track where those herded on impersonal big buses can’t go, we will introduce you to some local treasures as well as the major sites. Your multi-talented driver/guide will fill in each touring day as time will permit, with visits to some little local gems, participants in the National Gardens Scheme, gardens open for charity. We’ll see properties designed by some of the ‘Best of British,’ Gertrude Jekyll, ‘Capability’ Brown and maybe discover the next ‘Big Thing’ at the Chelsea Flower Show.

 

The highlight of our gardening adventure is sure to be an annual membership in the Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS is the premiere UK gardening organization. Membership offers a host of benefits including a garden magazine full of gardening advice, discounted/complimentary entrances to dozens of gardens throughout the year and priority access to the RHS Flower Shows. Your tour package also includes a full day ticket to a member only day to the Chelsea Flower Show. This delightful tour is sure to please everyone, avid gardeners and beginners alike!

 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show anticipated show dates: 25-28 May, 2021 -- the tour visits Chelsea on Members Day Wednesday 26 May, 2021

 

This is our most popular scheduled tour itineraries — Book early to avoid disappointment!

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Gentse Floralien/Ghent Flower Show & Chelsea Flower Show Combo Tour

Custom trip - As you please!

This is quite an adventure for both garden lovers and their partners. See the variety of 3 countries, amazing blossoms and blooms, the finest of cuisine, stunning historical sites and the best of chocolates, wines and beers. Something for everyone!

 

See the city of Ghent/Gent bursts into bloom with the Gentse Floralien/Ghent Flower Show/Floralies of Gent, earning the city the nickname “City of Flowers!” This special event happens just ONCE EVERY 5 YEARS!

 

Chelsea Flower Show is of course one of the world's most prestigious. Enjoy the show on a Member Only Day!

 

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2021 Gentse Floralien/Ghent Flower Show & Holland Tulip Time

Custom trip - As you please!

The ‘Low Countries’ are home to dozens of Europe’s finest gardens, medieval villages and world famous gourmet cuisine, chocolates and beers. Sample a selection of the area’s best gardens. There’s the stunning spectacular that is Keukenhof and Holland’s famed bulb fields, April is indeed Tulip Time!

 

As an added treat, enjoy the Spring Show in Groot–Bijgaarden, Belgium’s rival to Keukenhof plus the flower show in Ghent/Gent. This is a special event, held just once every 5 years. See the city of Ghent/Gent bursts into bloom with the Gentse Floralien/Ghent Flower Show/Floralies of Gent, earning the city the nickname “City of Flowers!”

 

On this Low Countries adventure, also explore the National Botanical Gardens of Belgium, several small Dutch gems off the beaten track all located around stunning mediaeval towns. Experience the distinct local cultures of each country, sample the fine local cuisine, dishes that can be found nowhere else – there are specialty treats, different types of Belgian waffles and the best chocolates in the world. This is a lovely trip in an area all too often overlooked!

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Gardens and Seascapes of Mystical Brittany, Plus Chateaux of The Loire

Custom trip - As you please!

“Close your eyes and take a deep breath...Can’t you just smell the heady scent of lilies and irises? Take a few steps forward and open your eyes. Do you feel as though you’ve somehow arrived in Japan, or travelled back in time to the 17th century? That’s the magic of Brittany’s gardens; in the blink an eye they can take you to a completely different time or place. The formal symmetry of French gardens, Italian Baroque, remarkable trees, forgotten vegetables, mazes that you can simply get lost in and botanical gardens...Let yourself be tempted by a walk in one of Brittany’s parks or gardens: bucolic, romantic or just plain fun!” – Brittany Tourism

 

For many centuries Brittany was a proudly independent realm, with closer connections to Britain than France, Brittany was “petite Bretagne,” as opposed to “Grande Bretagne” across the Channel. The pan-Celtic traditions are still going strong; the Breton language remains proudly spoken, while cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance. The local history stretches back even further than the Celts, as evidenced by the ancient standing stones and mysterious burial mounds of places like Carnac. Brittany is historically one of those European regions where exotic plants found their first new home. Traders and seafarers brought plants or seeds back from overseas. The further west traveled, the more palpable this unique culture becomes – experience wild terrain, where vestiges of ancient forests survive around quaint villages.

 

Here is an ancient corner with much to discover!

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Gardens & Culinary Delights in Bordeaux & The Dordogne

Custom trip - As you please!

This magical tour offers a variety of sightseeing – magnificent historical cities often dominated by powerful hilltop fortresses, miles of vineyards, mountainous scenery, art from prehistory, an amazing array of architectural styles, ancient ports, distinct cultures and naturally – this is France, after all – some wonderful food and fine wines. Our route will take us via the famed grape growing area of Bordeaux and the stunning, oft overlooked region of the Dordogne/Périgord Noir, to experience excellent gastronomic delights.

 

Of course this IS a garden tour so yes we will be exporing many local gems! There are formal French manor gardens, sprawling country gardens with fields of wild flowers, ancient chateux, sharp contemporary spaces, relaxed tropical escapes, several different kinds of water gardens and a unique 'moonscape' topiary all as part of this special touring adventure!

 

Why not 'link' it? Next Bordeaux Wine Festival should be in June, 2020.

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The Freewheelin' London Bike Tour Company

Day Trip!

Freewheelin' London Bike Tours

 

Yep, inspired by Dylan, our cycling explorations around London are designed to be fun, informative, relaxed and carefree, not strenuous. These are 'softy' cycling adventures around the amazing city of London!

 

Explore London BY BIKE, get OFF THE BEATEN TRACK in the green spaces and cityscapes, the oft overlooked local areas of the capital. Take a SPIN in the FRESH AIR to discover hidden gems in your own backyard. 

 

C'mon London, Get On Your Bike - footloose & fancy-free with The Freewheelin' London Bike Tour Company!

 

These are Small Group Adventures, from 1 guest and up on private departures. Travel along safe routes, mostly off the beaten track using side streets, cycle lanes and park paths.

 

BYOB - Bring Your Own BIKE! The comfort of using your own bicycle and equipment.

Or there is the option to hire one on arrival. All our BIKE TRACKS can begin and finish at a Santander bike dock station. Your tour guide is on hand to assist you for a quick and easy process.

 

Our BIKE TRACKS are mostly 3 to 4 hours in duration, travel along reasonbly flat landscapes, and include multiple stops for photos and commentary from your tour guide. There's the odd hill here or there but done at your own pace and heaps of stops along the way!

 

No Lycra Required. We called our bike itineraries TRACKS (besides being a cheeky vinyl record reference) because these are NOT 'hard core' cycling treks. The 8 Track itineraries are between 3 and 6 miles start to finish, with many photo and commentary stops and a comfort break en-route.

 

The goal is carefree, fun, easy and informative!

 

Electric CYCLE-land: But if anyone is in doubt of their fitness, there's the option to go 'Electric CYCLE-land' and hire an electric pedal assist bike for your comfort. (Subject to availability)

 

If A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall, Don't Think Twice, It's Alright   Our tours can go ahead rain or shine, April through September, on a private hire basis. Wet weather gear is available if required.

 

Get out cruising Down the Highway and biways, you Shall Be Free, to explore and Dream. Join us, why not get your hair Blowin' In The Wind...

 

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Gardens of Paris and Loire Valley…including Versailles & Giverny

Custom trip - As you please!

The landscape of Paris is instantly recognizable, historic and iconic sites abound, old and modern sitting side by side throughout the city. On this short tour, sample some of the best of the green spaces that delight the locals. Experience a unique introduction to Paris, its landscapes, its daily life, its artistic heritage.

 

Nearby the city centre are amazing countryside settings, Versailles Palace and the haunts of artists, Monet’s Giverny and Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise. Also, there are the grand houses and châteaux of the Loire Valley, covering many different styles and designs, sitting in magnificent gardens and boasting everything from water features to lavish landscapes. Come and enjoy some of the best gardens surrounding the capital!

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Sussex Gardens with RHS Hampton Court Flower Show

Custom trip - As you please!

This tour is designed as a brief introduction to the gardens of Sussex, West London and featuring several properties designed by famed British garden designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Sussex is simply littered with a wide variety of fascinating gardens styles. There are flower-filled gardens, formal and informal, large and small, planned and wild, all bursting into riots of color and overloading the senses with fragrant smells and sights. The lovely countryside of Sussex is comprised of The Weald, what remains of Britain’s ancient woodlands, and The Downs, a chalky hillscape. We are not far from the sea so can add a coastal view or two into the mix as well!

 

The grand finale to our tour is a day to explore Henry VIII’s pleasure palace and amazing gardens at Hampton Court. The tour includes a full day ticket to the famed RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, as an extra special treat for gardens lovers.

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Gardens of North Wales & Cheshire featuring RHS Chatsworth Estate Flower Show

Custom trip - As you please!

Welsh Gardens are lush and green, thanks to the high volume of rainfall, higher altitudes, the climate is certainly wetter and usually windier than in neighboring England, these conditions create uniquely Welsh spaces. North Wales is home to the fantastic scenery of Snowdonia National Park, Isle of Angelsey and the most impressive range of 12th Century castles of anywhere in the British Isles! It is not often appreciated that this northern end of the Principality boasts some of the finest gardens in the UK. Enjoy the wonderful tranquility of a Victorian coastal resort, uncover a fabulous industrial heritage, prehistoric tombs and evidence of the rich Celtic culture of our forefathers.

 

Also explore a sampling of the best Cheshire Gardens. From stately homes and secret gardens, botanic blooms, the quintessentially English at Arley Hall & Gardens to exotic, oriental planting at Tatton Park, it’s the ever-changing landscape of the region that continues to inspire and attract. We also have time to explore the best of the classic stately homes of the Peak District.

 

Our grand highlight of this garden adventure is sure to be a full day at the RHS’s newest flower show, the first annual RHS Chatsworth Estate Flower Show!

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Gardens of Southern Scotland & Northern Ireland

Custom trip - As you please!

"Whatever the season, you’ll find something beautiful to enjoy in Scotland’s gardens. Fresh spring buds, summer blooms, autumnal leaves and wintry scenes are all waiting to delight. See what some of the best gardens in Scotland have to offer, including grand castle estates, tranquil city oases and country havens." - Visit Scotland

 

There are many spectacular big houses and remarkable gardens in Northern Ireland. Appreciate the grandeur of bygone eras by visiting some of the historic stately homes and gorgeous cottages, sweeping estate and tiny country spaces. As they say, all the rain is good for something!

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Gardens of England's Great West Way®

Custom trip - As you please!

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"The Great West Way®" is based on the first road commissioned by the Kings of England. Visitors do not have to travel far out of London to delve deeper into the countryside, the lush green landscapes that hold a wealth of treasures, both the world famous and soon-to-be-discovered hidden gems. Along The Great West Way you will find extraordinary ancient momuments, quaint traditional villages, 'olde worlde' pubs and inns; World Heritage Sites rub shoulders with friendly local communities. The Great West Way is rooted in history. It follows travellers’ routes used for centuries, the routes that brought druids to Stonehenge, drovers to market, Georgian Society to Bath and our industrial revolution to the world. And the GARDENS! There are flower-filled gardens, formal and informal, large and small, planned and wild, all bursting into riots of color and overloading the senses with fragrant smells and sights. Join us to discover the true essence of England and a selection of the best gardens!

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6 day West Country Cornwall Gardens tour

Custom trip - As you please!

Hampshire, Devon, Cornwall & Somerset

 

The south-west corner of England enjoys a more temperate climate than the remainder of the country. Here, the warm Gulf Stream washes the coast and the soft undulations of the hills and high hedgerows shield gardens from the ravages of the worst weather. It’s not surprising, then, to find a concentration of England’s finest gardens all gathered here. First time visitors do gasp at the profusion of species, even finding palm trees totally unexpected!

 

Our tour features a diverse selection of the best gardens - large and small, formal, wild and tropical. All of these stunning horticultural landscapes along with the charming local sites, quaint harbors, rugged coastline, ancient stone circles, freshly caught seafood, local specialties of pasties and cream teas to sample and last but not least, the friendliness of the local people. According to the Cornwall Gardens Guide, “Cornwall is often described as the 'garden capital of the world' as the lush vegetation and colour give garden lovers a feast for the eyes all year round.”

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England's West Country Gardens, Devon and Cornwall

Custom trip - As you please!

The south-west corner of England enjoys a more temperate climate than the remainder of the country. Here, the warm Gulf Stream washes the coast and the soft undulations of the hills and high hedgerows shield gardens from the ravages of the worst weather. It’s not surprising, then, to find a concentration of England’s finest gardens all gathered here. First time visitors do gasp at the profusion of species, even finding palm trees totally unexpected!

 

Our tour features a diverse selection of the best gardens - large and small, public and private, formal, wild and tropical. All of these stunning horticultural landscapes along with the charming local sites, quaint harbors, rugged coastline, ancient stone circles, freshly caught seafood, local specialties of pasties and cream teas to sample and last but not least, the friendliness of the local people. According to the Cornwall Gardens Guide, “Cornwall is often described as the 'garden capital of the world' as the lush vegetation and colour give garden lovers a feast for the eyes all year round.”

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Holland Tulip Time and Dutch Gardens

Custom trip - As you please!

The Netherlands is home to dozens of Europe’s finest gardens, medieval villages and gourmet cuisine. We will sample a selection of the area’s best gardens.

 

Along our specialty trail, we will uncover some hidden gems such as the country’s largest collection of orchids and amazing ornamental water displays. Then there’s the famed stunning spectacular that is Keukenhof Gardens and Holland’s famed bulb fields. Their website says, “Haven’t seen Keukenhof? Then you haven’t seen the Netherlands.” The claim that you won’t find such an abundance of colours and fragrances anywhere else is certainly true!

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Gardens of Belgium & Southern Holland

Custom trip - As you please!

The area of Flanders and Southern Holland is home to dozens of Europe’s finest gardens, medieval villages and world famous gourmet cuisine, chocolates and beers. We will sample a selection of the area’s best gardens, formal and backyard, rock gardens, Japanese and botanicals.

 

This is a lovely few days in an area all too often overlooked!

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Belgium-Holland: Spring Blooms, Mediaeval Splendour

Custom trip - As you please!

The ‘Low Countries’ are home to dozens of Europe’s finest gardens, medieval villages and world famous gourmet cuisine, chocolates and beers. Sample a selection of the area’s best gardens. There’s the stunning spectacular that is Keukenhof and Holland’s famed bulb fields, April is indeed Tulip Time!

 

As an added treat, enjoy the Spring Show in Groot–Bijgaarden, Belgium’s rival to Keukenhof. Also explore the National Botanical Gardens of Belgium, Kalmthout Arboretum plus stunning Mediaeval towns/cities Leuven, Antwerp, Gent/Ghent, Brugge/Bruges, Delft and the option to go into Amsterdam.

 

Experience the distinct local cultures of each country, sample the fine local cuisine, dishes that can be found nowhere else – there are specialty treats, different types of Belgian waffles and the best chocolates in the world. This is a lovely week in an area all too often overlooked!

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North Wales Sampler – Celts, Castles & Gardens

Custom trip - As you please!

North Wales is home to the fantastic scenery of Snowdonia National Park, Isle of Angelsey and the most impressive range of 12th century castles of anywhere in the British Isles. Enjoy the wonderful tranquility of a Victorian coastal resort and a steam train ride into the mountains. Uncover a fabulous industrial heritage, prehistoric tombs and evidence of the rich Celtic culture of our forefathers. All in all, this is a lovely short break in the stunning Welsh countryside!

 

This tour can link with the South Wales Sampler tour via easy rail connections between London and Manchester. Please ask us for details

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Yorkshire Gardens with Harrogate Flower Show

Custom trip - As you please!

The dramatic Northern landscapes of The Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors are home to some of the UK’s best gardens. There are sculpted formal stately home gardens, lavish parklands, herberies and local stone cottage gems. Our journey will take us through the scenic landscapes that inspired James Herriot. Experience British Gardens through the ages, waterfalls and wildlife viewing opportunities. Explore charming market towns, magnificent ruined abbeys and monasteries and sample the best of local treats.

 

A highlight of your gardening adventure can be a full day experiencing the largest independent flower show in the UK, Harrogate Flower Show at Great Yorkshire Showground. The show is on twice annually, in April and September. Please contact us for specific date information to include the show in your Torkshire Gardens Adventure!

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Kent "Garden of England" sampler: Sissinghurst & Great Dixter Day Trip

Day Trip!

What makes us different? SGT strives to get you off the beaten track so you can have an authentic experience, the opportunity to mingle with the locals. We do not like 'whistle stops' and it is our goal to have guests off of the vehicle exploring as much as possible.

 

Your SMALL GROUP day trip accommodates from a minimum of 2 guests to a max of just 16 guests per departure. Travel in (dependant on participant numbers) a standard car, MPV/SUV or mini-coach.

 

SGT London Day Trips

London Escapes with a Difference! Small Group Touring. Special Themes: Gardens, Literary Heritage, Downton Abbey, Antiques, Tudors, Britain at War...

 

PRIVATE HIRE DAYS OUT FROM LONDON, ESCORTED BY YOUR PERSONAL DRIVER/GUIDE

 

SGT DAY TRIPS

Shakespeare Country: Stratford-Upon-Avon & Downton Abbey Cotswolds Villages

Jane Austen’s Hampshire: Chawton & Winchester

Jane Austen’s Bath & Lacock

Cambridge & Duxford Aviation Imperial War Museum

Tudor Day Out - Hampton Court & Hever Castle

Garden of England Sampler: Sissinghurst & Great Dixter (April – September only)

Heroes of WWII: Royal Air Force & Codebreakers of Bletchley Park

Royal Gardens/Winter Hothouse Gardens: Kew & RHS Wisley

London Antiques Markets & Shakespeare's Globe London

Spiritual London: Multi Faith City

Dickens' Kent: Rochester and Chatham Historic Dockyards

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Royal Hothouse Gardens: Kew & Wisley Day Trip

Day Trip!

What makes us different? SGT strives to get you off the beaten track so you can have an authentic experience, the opportunity to mingle with the locals. We do not like 'whistle stops' and it is our goal to have guests off of the vehicle exploring as much as possible.

 

Your SMALL GROUP day trip accommodates from a minimum of 2 guests to a max of just 16 guests per departure. Travel in (dependant on participant numbers) a standard car, MPV/SUV or mini-coach.

 

SGT London Day Trips

London Escapes with a Difference! Small Group Touring. Special Themes: Gardens, Literary Heritage, Downton Abbey, Antiques, Tudors, Britain at War...

 

PRIVATE HIRE DAYS OUT FROM LONDON, ESCORTED BY YOUR PERSONAL DRIVER/GUIDE

 

SGT DAY TRIPS

Shakespeare Country: Stratford-Upon-Avon & Downton Abbey Cotswolds Villages

Jane Austen’s Hampshire: Chawton & Winchester

Jane Austen’s Bath & Lacock

Cambridge & Duxford Aviation Imperial War Museum

Tudor Day Out - Hampton Court & Hever Castle

Garden of England Sampler: Sissinghurst & Great Dixter (April – September only)

Heroes of WWII: Royal Air Force & Codebreakers of Bletchley Park

Royal Gardens/Winter Hothouse Gardens: Kew & RHS Wisley

London Antiques Markets & Shakespeare's Globe London

Spiritual London: Multi Faith City

Dickens' Kent: Rochester and Chatham Historic Dockyards

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Kent & Sussex Literary Landscapes: Dickens, 'Bloomsbury Group,' 'James Bond' & Jane Austen

Custom trip - As you please!

The county of Kent is known as ‘The Garden of England’ and we will see a variety of properties connected to some well known British writers including Virginia Woolf, Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens, James Bond's Ian Fleming and some film locations for recent Jane Austen films. See a place or two with a real life connection to our Ms Austen too!

 

In addition to gardens and the marvelously scenic countryside, dotted with oast houses and sometimes lavender fields, this region offers opulent stately homes, historic castles and a rich history dating from the time England began. This tour is designed to hopefully be a fun twist on the usual stately homes and country gardens tour, to satisfy the literary minded and general interest alike!

 

All this, plus if you choose a June departure date, the opportunity to meet the locals at the annual Broadstairs Dickens Festival. Note that the Dickens Festival is held annually 3rd week of June, subject to schedules and availability.

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Downton Abbey and Jane Austen: Stately Homes and Country Villages

Custom trip - As you please!

On this adventure into the 'World of Downton Abbey' we will visit film sites, places immediately recognizable from the show, but also highlight places that would have been a part of the world of the Crawley family. See stately homes, stunning gardens, classical British sites like Oxford and Winchester. Explore what life was like in the time period of Downton, through the Great War, the Suffragette Movement, the rise of 'new American money' families and the emerging art and writing communities like The Bloomsbury group. Along the way, see 'Jane Austen Country' in the lovely county of Hampshire, enjoy sumptuous afternoon teas, country pub meals and time in the ever evolving capital city of London, a favourite of every age!

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Thank You Mrs Pankhurst, Great Women of Britain Sampler tour

Custom trip - As you please!

100 years ago, the women of USA and Britain fought hard for the rights to vote, the first step on the road to real equality. That path ws forged by many strong, trailblazing women before. This tour hgihglights just a few of the amazing women of Britain's history and some of today.

 

Come and celebrate the strong women who paved the way!