The Best Historic Houses & Gardens To Visit By Coach In London & The South East

If you’re planning a group day out, school trip, or cultural getaway, few experiences combine beauty, history, and tranquillity like a visit to a historic house or garden. Whether you're coordinating a large group or just want a smooth day with minimal stress, travelling by coach offers a practical and comfortable way to explore the best heritage destinations London and the South East have to offer.

At Centaur Travel, we know what makes group travel work: efficient planning, scenic routes, convenient drop-offs, and the kind of venues that leave everyone saying, “We need to come back here.” In this guide, you’ll find not only the top historic houses to visit, but also a practical overview to help you choose the right ones for your group's needs.

Planning Tips Before You Set Off

Before diving into the destinations, here are a few practical tips to help shape your itinerary:

• Check for coach parking – Most major historic sites offer it, but it’s best to pre-book where possible.
• Group discounts – Many venues offer lower rates for groups of 15+.
• Mobility considerations – Check accessibility options, especially if you have elderly travellers or wheelchair users.
• Time your visit – Some gardens are seasonal; tulips in spring, roses in summer, autumn colour in woodlands.
• Leave room for lunch – Many sites offer tearooms, but coach-friendly picnic zones are ideal for large groups.

1. Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Ideal for: Tudor history lovers, large groups, and scenic garden strolls.

Start your day at one of the most famous historic houses in London. Once home to Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace offers a full day’s worth of intrigue, with costumed guides, grand halls, and expansive gardens.

Itinerary Tips:

• Aim to arrive around 10am to make the most of your time.
• Allocate 2–3 hours for the palace and another 1–1.5 hours for the gardens and maze.
• Grab lunch in the on-site café or bring a group picnic to the riverside park next door.
  

Coach Details:

• Coach parking nearby (pre-booking advised)
• Group discounts available
• Accessible toilets and lifts are available inside the palace

2. Chartwell, Kent

Ideal for: WWII history, poetry, and garden walks.

The former home of Winston Churchill, Chartwell, offers a personal and moving experience. The house reflects Churchill’s private life and achievements, while the hillside gardens offer beautiful views of the Kent countryside.

Itinerary Tips:

• Open mid-March to October – perfect for a spring/summer trip.
• A slower-paced option – give your group time to enjoy the quiet walking trails.
• Make use of the picnic spots near the car park if you're on a budget.
  

Coach Details:

• Free coach parking (pre-book essential)
• Entry is free for National Trust members
• Café serves hot meals and cream teas

3. Hever Castle and Gardens, Kent

Ideal for: Tudor history, garden enthusiasts, family groups.

A real standout, Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, offers a combination of historic interiors and stunning formal gardens. With water features, mazes, and colourful borders, this one ticks all the boxes for an inspiring group outing.

Itinerary Tips:

• Plan your visit for late spring to mid-summer for peak garden beauty.
• Allow 2 hours for the castle and 2 hours for the grounds.
• Recommend a group lunch at the on-site restaurant, or pre-order packed lunches.
  

Coach Details:

• Coach parking on-site
• Discounted entry for groups over 15
• Water maze is great fun for school groups

4. Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, London

Ideal for: Art lovers, smaller groups, and central London access.

Nestled on the edge of Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. Home to a major art collection and surrounded by landscaped gardens, it’s one of the few historic houses in London with free entry.

Itinerary Tips:

• Combine with a walk on Hampstead Heath or a visit to nearby Highgate Village.
• Pack a group lunch for Parliament Hill viewpoints.
• Perfect for a half-day cultural outing if you’re tight on time.
  

Coach Details:

• Coach access is limited to small/mid-size vehicles
• Best for 20–30 seater groups or split groups
• Entry is free, so budget-conscious groups will love this spot

5. Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Ideal for: Edwardian charm, garden photographers, walking groups.

If your group loves flowers and fancy interiors, Polesden Lacey offers it all. Once the home of Margaret Greville, a socialite who entertained royalty, this elegant estate combines rich history with stunning landscape design.

Itinerary Tips:

• Plan for mid-June to July for the best rose garden experience.
• Set aside half a day, and bring walking shoes, there’s lots to explore.
• Ideal stop on a countryside coach tour, pair with Box Hill or Denbies Wine Estate.
  

Coach Details:

• Large coach parking on-site
• Café serves hot and cold group meals
• Dog-friendly grounds (coach pets welcome policy applies)

6. Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

Ideal for: Gardening clubs, slow-paced retreats, romantic backdrops.

One of the most iconic historical gardens in the UK, Sissinghurst is an unmissable stop for anyone with an interest in landscape design or literature. Created by Vita Sackville-West, it’s a series of “garden rooms” that unfold as you walk.

Itinerary Tips:

• Allow for a slower-paced visit, ideal for adult groups who want to wander and absorb.
• The White Garden is most striking from late May through July.
• Pre-order lunch in the National Trust café or reserve picnic tables.
  

Coach Details

• Ample coach parking with advance notice.
•  Informative guided tours are available
• Accessible pathways and rest stops throughout

7. Eltham Palace, South East London

Ideal for: Architecture buffs, history-meets-modern design fans.

This one’s a hidden gem. Combining Tudor palace ruins with glamorous 1930s Art Deco interiors, Eltham Palace offers something a little different. From the medieval Great Hall to the stylish Courtauld family rooms, it's both elegant and fun.

Itinerary Tips:

• Allocate 2–3 hours, then head to Greenwich for a double-stop itinerary.
• Ask staff about the Art Deco dressing room photo ops, great for groups.
• A favourite for architecture students and creative visitors.
  

Coach Details:

• Good coach drop-off point
• Group tours available
• Located within the London Low Emission Zone – ensure your coach is compliant

8. Leeds Castle, Kent

Ideal for: Full-day experiences, mixed-age groups, multi-activity visits.

Set on two islands and surrounded by a lake, Leeds Castle is one of the best all-rounders for group visits. It offers nearly a millennium of history alongside extensive gardens, mazes, falconry shows, and even punting in the summer.

Itinerary Tips:

• Perfect for a 10am–4pm itinerary with plenty of flexibility.
• Check their events calendar; many activities run year-round.
• Great for family coach trips, school outings, and retirement clubs alike.

Coach Details:

• On-site coach parking
• Group ticket packages
• Accessible toilets, restaurants, and shaded picnic areas

Final Travel Tips

• Built in downtime – A coach trip is more enjoyable when there’s time to relax between sites.
• Mix indoor and outdoor experiences – That way, you’re covered for both sunny and rainy days.
• Ask for a custom itinerary – At Centaur Travel, we’re happy to help you design a day that fits your group’s exact needs.
  
  

Let Centaur Travel Take You There

With over 45 years of experience, Centaur Travel provides trusted, tailored coach hire services across London and the South East. Whether you're visiting historic houses in London, exploring historical gardens, or just seeking a seamless, scenic group day out, we’ve got the right vehicle and itinerary support for you.

•  Modern, comfortable coaches
• Wheelchair-accessible options
•  Expert drivers with local knowledge
•  Flexible group pricing

Ready to plan your itinerary?

Get in touch today for a quote and let’s build the perfect heritage adventure for your group.