Themes

  • Artists

  • Literature

  • Gardening

Associations

  • NTHP
  • The Royal Oak Foundation

Glamour of the South East:

Georgian Grandeur to Art Deco Elegance

Prices From $5,640p/p

Glamour has taken many forms through the centuries, from ornate gilding and prestigious portraits in Georgian interiors through to the sleek and angular decorations of 20th-century Art Deco, and on this tour we explore it all. We indulge in some 1930s charm at Eltham Palace and coastal De La Warr Pavilion, take in some Victorian Arts and Crafts at Standen and are treated to some lavish luxury at historic Petworth and sumptuous Firle Place.

Special extras included in your itinerary 
• Afternoon tea at The Dorchester
• Guided tour at Glynde Place
• Lunch at Firle Place
• Guided tour at Charleston
• Private guided tour of Standen
• Guided tour at Farleys House & Gallery
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Day 1
Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our hotel for the night, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

Day 2
Monday: London, The Dorchester and Eltham Palace

This morning we head into London for some free time to explore England’s vibrant capital city. You may like to spend your time discovering one of London’s many museums and art galleries, or perhaps take a trip on the iconic London Eye, followed by a stroll through Hyde Park.

We then enjoy a luxurious early afternoon tea at The Dorchester, an elegant hotel situated in the upscale Mayfair area near to Hyde Park. An occasion to remember, an afternoon tea here features an exquisite range of tea and cakes in the picturesque setting of this stunning hotel steeped in history.

Afterwards we travel to Eltham Palace. This stunning 1930s Art Deco mansion was built by the wealthy Courtauld family next to the remains of Eltham Palace, childhood home of Henry VIII. The result is a fascinating blend of glamorous 20th century interiors in ancient surroundings, including the magnificent medieval Great Hall, plus 19 acres of beautiful gardens.

We continue on to check in to our hotel for the next five nights, the South Lodge Hotel, where we also enjoy dinner together tonight. 

Day 3
Tuesday: Glynde Place and Firle Place

Our day begins at Glynde Place, situated at the tip of the village of Glynde boasting impressive views over the Weald and Sussex Downs. Built in 1569 by William and Anne Morley, the house is still a family home today and boasts a mix of stunning portraits, lavish ornaments and fine furniture which we can take in on our guided tour.

From here, we continue on to Firle Place, seat of the Gage family for over 500 years and nestled in the heart of the Sussex Downs. Firle Place was originally built in Tudor times but transformed into the house we see today in the 18th century, styled to resemble a French château. A number of interesting architectural features of the original Tudor house are exposed to view. We’ll also enjoy lunch here in this picturesque setting.

After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Day 4
Wednesday: Charleston and Nymans Estate

This morning takes us to Charleston, home of artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell (sister of Virginia Woolf), and country meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Group. The house was transformed by artists who painted the walls and furniture, and filled rooms with textiles, ceramics and works of art from their collection. Here we will enjoy a guided tour.

In the late 19th century, the Messel family bought the Nymans Estate and created one of the country’s great gardens, with experimental designs and new plants from around the world. Partially destroyed by fire in 1947, the romantic ruins of the fairytale Gothic mansion remai

Tonight we venture to a local pub for dinner together. 

Day 5
Thursday: Standen and Farleys House & Gallery

After breakfast we journey to Standen, the finest Arts and Crafts property in the care of the National Trust, which combines the skills of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. Here we take a private guided tour of the house which was built in 1892-4. The light, airy rooms are decorated with Morris’ wallpapers and textiles with William de Morgan pottery.

We continue on to Farleys House & Gallery, home to the photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose. The house became a meeting place for leading figures in the world of Modern Art including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro. We take a guided tour here and see works by many of the Surrealist artists that are on display in the house, which still looks as it did during the Penrose family’s occupation.

This evening is left free for you to make your own arrangements for dinner.

Day 6
Friday: Bateman’s and De La Warr Pavilion

17th-century Bateman’s so enchanted Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling when he discovered it, that he made it his home in 1902. With its stone-mullioned windows and Sussex oak beams, it’s a romantic retreat that has been left virtually untouched since Kipling’s tenure here. The tranquil gardens include an orchard, formal garden and a colorful wildflower meadow, through which a river flows.

Our next stop is Bexhill-on-Sea, home to the De La Warr Pavilion. A grade I listed building located on the seafront, this Art Deco style building was built in 1935 and now houses a variety of exhibitions.

Later we have dinner in a local restaurant together. 

Day 7
Saturday: Petworth and Gilbert White’s House

Immortalized in Turner's paintings, Petworth House is an impressive estate that combines a deer park landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown with a vast 17th-century mansion, which houses the National Trust’s finest collection of art and sculptures. Masterpieces by the likes of Van Dyck, Reynolds, Blake and Turner himself are displayed in the opulent state rooms and North Gallery.

Afterwards we visit the property that was once home to the 18th-century pioneering naturalist, Gilbert White. White was only a child when his family moved to the house and the rooms have since been restored following descriptions in White’s own correspondence and decorated with family portraits and bed hangings embroidered for him by his aunts. You will also see on display the original manuscript of his book The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.

We then return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we enjoy a final farewell dinner together.

Day 8
Sunday: Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.

What’s Included
• Airport transfers from London Heathrow*
• 2 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel
• 5 nights at the South Lodge Hotel
• Welcome drink
• Full English breakfast each day
• 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 4 nights at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee)
• 1 dinner at a local pub
• 1 dinner at a local restaurant
• Services of a tour director throughout your stay
• Travel to and from all excursions
• All excursion costs
• Porterage

*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Special extras included in your itinerary
• Afternoon tea at The Dorchester
• Guided tour at Glynde Place
• Lunch at Firle Place
• Guided tour at Charleston
• Guided tour at Farleys House & Gallery
• Private guided tour of Standen
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Nights One and Seven– Macdonald Windsor Hotel
The Macdonald Windsor Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, opposite the famous Windsor Castle. The classic interiors, with a contemporary edge, fit perfectly with the Georgian elegance of this townhouse hotel. The luxury bedrooms are individually-designed and the hotel also offers a stylish bar and restaurant.

Nights Two to Six – South Lodge Hotel
The South Lodge Hotel is a magnificent Victorian country house hotel close to Horsham in West Sussex. Set amongst acres of woodland and parkland overlooking the South Downs, the hotel offers individually designed bedrooms and a newly-refurbished gym, while the original subterranean Victorian cellar has been beautifully restored, creating a unique space for guests to enjoy.