Highgrove Gardens Small Group Private Tour with Afternoon Tea

Tuesday 12th May 2026 at 3.45pm

Highgrove Gardens, located in Gloucestershire, has been the private residence of King Charles III since 1980. Over the decades, he has transformed the once neglected grounds into a celebrated example of organic and sustainable gardening, reflecting his deep commitment to the environment and biodiversity.

After our visit to Highgrove Gardens last September when we saw the Gardens at the very start of Autumn (see a description of that outing here), we are delighted to offer the trip again, this time in early Spring, just as the beautiful wildflower meadow will be at its best – in full bloom, bursting with colour and life. At this time of year, a vibrant mix of native wildflowers—such as cowslips, oxeye daisies, and early knapweed—creates a rich tapestry of yellows, whites, and purples. The meadow is alive with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, offering a beautiful snapshot of a traditional English meadow at its most spectacular, and managed using time-honoured, traditional hay-cutting methods.

This 1½-hour exclusive Private Tour will be led by one of Highrove's experienced guides. In addition to revealing the gardens’ history, organic management and sources of inspiration, they will explain the hidden curios and horticultural innovations behind them.

After your Garden Tour, indulge in a delicious full afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the Orchard Room. Presented on a traditional, tiered stand, refreshments include a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats, and freshly baked scones, as well as Highgrove tea or coffee.

Highgrove The Orchard Room Afternoon Tea image
View Afternoon Tea Menu

You will also have time to browse in the Highgrove Shop at the Coronation Pavilion during your visit, where you’ll find a selection of bespoke Highgrove products, including special edition artworks. Inspired by the gardens, the collection includes a delicious range of Highgrove food and alcohol, homeware, and accessories, as well as other unique pieces exclusively designed for Highgrove.
Highgrove Estate Shop The Shop image

Travel details: Own arrangements
Date/Time: Tuesday 12th May 2026 @ 3.45pm; ensure you arrive 15 minutes beforehand to allow for security checks)
NB. photographic ID is required
Location: Highgrove Gardens are in Doughton, two miles south-west of Tetbury in Gloucestershire, off the A433 road to Bath. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start of your Garden Tour or Event (no earlier) to allow time for security checks. See on map
- Please note, as Highgrove is the private home of His Majesty The King, it is not sign-posted. There is, however, an A-Board at the entrance, indicating that you have arrived.
Cost: £140 per person

To book your place, and make payment, or if you have any queries at all, contact Helen Sutton on:
E: helen@crownchurchandarts.co.uk
M: 07802 256315

NB. payment is due at time of booking via BACS or cheque (see details below) and places are non-refundable

Payment via BACS:

Account name: Crown, Church and Arts
Account number: 77202325
Sort code: 51-70-08

Payment via cheque:

Cheques payable to Crown, Church and Arts
Post to:
- Helen Sutton, Crown Church & Arts, 68 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3ED

NB. This is a small group exclusive private tour with a limited number of places; please book early to ensure a place.

Wildflower meadow montage2

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet at the Church Building (details here) for our Sunday Service starting at 10am. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team who will be wearing a Welcome lanyard.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits from 10am, before the service begins. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer.

Our Service

The main service begins at 10am with a warm welcome from one of our team members. Then follows a time of sung worship, led by our band. We typically have 2 or 3 songs lasting approximately 20 minutes. Sometimes a person might pray out loud or read a small passage from the bible. Sometimes people share things that they believe God is saying to the whole church family. This might seem strange the first time you hear it but it’s all part of our connecting with God. We then share news and notices, usually about what’s going on in the life of the church. One of our leaders will then give a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. Sometimes there is an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.

images: Services

What about my kids?

We have a great programme lined up for kids of all ages:

Creche (0 months to 3 years). Children under 6 months are welcome but must be accompanied by their parent/grown-up at all times.
Livewires (3-7 years)
Encounter (7-11 years)
Katalyst (11-15 years)
Young people (15+ years) Stay in service.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. At the end of the notices someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups. You will need to go with your children to their groups and register them as part of our child safety policy. Whilst you are dropping your kids off at their groups, we pause to take time to chat to someone sitting near or next to us, giving folk a chance to come back before the sermon begins.

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

Getting Connected

Small Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.

Other Ministries

We also run the following ministries:

Men's Ministries
Women's Ministries
Night Shelter
Foodbank

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Leader 1		Leader 2
Leader Intro		Leader Intro

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes

(Handwritten Signature)