On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Castle Hotel Windsor- MGallery, Windsor Hotel where we stay for the next two nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Our first stop today is Rotherhithe – the London homeport where in July 1620, the Mayflower took on board 65 passengers before journeying onwards to Southampton, and eventually Plymouth where it set sail for the ‘Land of the Free’. Rotherhithe has a long seafaring and ship building history and was the home of Christopher Jones, captain of the Mayflower, as well as many other crew members. It is also where the Mayflower returned in 1621.

We head to the Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe village, the oldest pub on the River Thames where we enjoy lunch together. This traditional, typically English pub is surrounded by cobbled streets and boasts stunning river views. You can also spot the original 1620 mooring point of the Mayflower.

This afternoon we have some free time to explore England’s vibrant capital city of London. You may like to spend your time discovering one of London’s many museums and art galleries, or perhaps enjoy some sightseeing. There will also be time for you to find somewhere for dinner before we return to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Southampton is steeped in maritime heritage. It was a thriving sea port and many of the buildings and streets familiar to the Pilgrims then still exist today. The Mayflower arrived in Southampton in late July 1620, before being joined by the Speedwell, setting sail on 15 August with the intention to sail in company direct to America. We visit Merchant’s House where we take in the history of Southampton’s ‘old town’. Built in about 1290 by a wealthy wine merchant, the house survived many centuries of domestic and commercial use largely intact and has now been restored to its mid-14th century appearance.

We then head to the medieval city of Winchester, ancient capital of England. Winchester’s history is rich and long, with ancient walls, a medieval Round Table, a magnificent military past and an awe-inspiring Norman cathedral. The cathedral’s hidden treasures include the tomb of the author Jane Austen and the Winchester Bible, one of the finest 12th-century bibles to have survived.

Later, we check in to the Lainston House Hotel where we stay overnight with dinner included.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is a historic seaside town and fishing port, nestling in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Jurassic Coast. The town has a fascinating maritime heritage and rich history stretching back to the 8th century and we discover more on our guided walk.

We then enjoy some free time in the picturesque holiday resort of Exmouth, a bustling little town surrounded by glorious countryside with a vibrant shopping centre, a lovely small harbour and many tempting bars and cafés.

From here, we travel to the Bovey Castle Hotel, our base for the next five nights. We enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We start our exploration of the region with a visit to Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s Arts and Crafts-style house built for the D’Oyly Carte family. The sophistication of the house’s surviving Art Deco interior contrasts with the magical 30 acre garden, complete with views out to sea.

Our next stop is Buckfast Abbey, nestled in a beautiful wooded valley on the banks of the River Dart. Dating back to 1018, the abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks. Here, we have the chance to explore the Abbey church with its art treasures, wander the tranquil gardens or browse the gift and produce shops.

On our way back to the hotel this evening, we stop to enjoy dinner in a traditional country pub.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We board the ferry to Greenway, the much-loved holiday home of the famous author Agatha Christie and her family. Nestled on the side of the River Dart and surrounded by a picturesque woodland garden, this atmospheric house is set in the 1950s and contains many of the family’s collections.

Next we head to Saltram, an elegant Georgian mansion set in a rolling landscape park and one of the National Trust’s least discovered treasures. Home to the Parker family for several generations, the house is a rare survival of the period; particularly because it comes complete with its original, impressively lavish contents, including stunning paintings, ceramics and textiles.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner