Themes
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Royal Connections
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Historical
Associations
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NTHP
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The Royal Oak Foundation
An Exclusive Tour of Royal Palaces and Regal Places
You are cordially invited on a grand tour of England’s magnificent palaces to follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth II and other famous royals. During this regal affair we are treated to a private viewing of the Crown Jewels and discover a fascinating range of iconic landmarks; starting in London before venturing further afield to the Althorp Estate, the childhood home and final resting place of Diana, former Princess of Wales, as well as world-famous Sandringham in Norfolk and charming Highgrove in the Cotswolds, where the spectacular gardens of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort await. As we weave our way around a splendid collection of exquisite castles, idyllic estates, country retreats and some of the most glorious gardens in England, our series of exclusive private tours illuminate the history of these stately treasures.
Special extras included in your itinerary
• Guided tour of Frogmore House
• Guided tour of Windsor Castle
• Private Crown Jewels viewing at the Tower of London
• Royal Day Out (Buckingham Palace State Rooms, The Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews) – should this be included here?
• Private guided tour of Kensington Palace
• Private out-of-hours guided tour of Sandringham
• Guided tour and afternoon tea at Highgrove Gardens
• Guided walking tour of Oxford
• Guided tour of Blenheim Palace
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker
On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Royal Horseguards Hotel, our base for the first four nights of our tour. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
This morning we head to Frogmore House, firm favorite as a royal retreat for centuries. Perched on the banks of the picturesque Frogmore Lake, and nestled within the Home Park of Windsor Castle, the gardens at Frogmore House have been popular with monarchs since the 1790s. During our guided tour of the gardens and the house itself, we discover the impressive Mary Moser Room, commissioned by Queen Charlotte to reflect her passion for botany. The renowned flower painter, Mary Moser, was employed to decorate the room with botanical works, some painted directly upon the wall. There is plenty more to discover, from paintings by Queen Victoria’s mother to a selection of items from the Royal Yacht Britannia, arranged by The Duke of Edinburgh to be moved here. The house also stands near Frogmore Cottage, once home to Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
We continue to The Savill Garden, Britain’s finest ornamental garden in the heart of Windsor Great Park. Tranquil strolls are the order of the day as we explore the oasis of designed gardens and woodland. Created in the 1930s, acres upon acres of interconnected areas include the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood and The Glades. The Rose Garden is an extra special addition, opened by Elizabeth II in 2010 and perfumed with the most beautiful rose-bed scents.
Our last stop is Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the final resting place of Elizabeth II. Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodeled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and State occasions. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art to admire during our evening tour.
Meals: Breakfast
We start the day with a visit to the Tower of London, the oldest building in London. Offering a peek into thousands of years of history, this former royal residence has also housed a famous selection of prisoners, such as the young Elizabeth I (prior to her coronation) as well as multiple wives and associates of Henry VIII. We enjoy a private viewing of the Crown Jewels, the dazzling symbols of British monarchy which are still used in ceremonies today. Afterward, there’s time to explore The Tower at leisure.
No trip to London is complete without a visit to the world-famous Buckingham Palace, our next stop, which has served as the official London residence of the United Kingdom's sovereigns since 1837 and provides the backdrop to the regular Changing of the Guard ceremony. We discover the stunning State Rooms; these are the public rooms where members of the Royal Family entertain their guests on ceremonial, State and official occasions.
Our Royal Day Out ticket also includes entry to The Queen's Gallery in the palace, showcasing historic paintings, rare furniture and unique photographs. After the private chapel was destroyed by an air raid in 1940, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh suggested it should be redeveloped into a gallery for the Royal Collection. We then continue to the Royal Mews, home to the Royal Family’s state vehicles and horse-drawn carriages. Just one of the highlights is the beautiful Gold State Coach, used for every coronation since 1821.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A private guided tour of the gorgeous Kensington Palace awaits this morning. The Palace, now the official residence of The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, boasts the impressively manicured Sunken Garden, perfect for photographs and a favorite of the late Diana, former Princess of Wales. A statue honoring the people’s princess was unveiled here on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday, commissioned by her two sons 20 years after her death. During our visit there’s also time to wander through Victoria’s re-imagined childhood rooms and take in the majestic King’s State Apartments.
Later we check in to the University Arms Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights. After dinner at the hotel, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we spend some free time in historic Cambridge. Highlights include the exquisite architecture, ancient colleges and the pleasant river which winds its way around this classic university city. There are also plenty of unique shops and cosy pubs and cafés to enjoy.
Next, we visit the ultimate country retreat, the Sandringham Estate, loved by Elizabeth II herself and the private residence of four generations of British Monarchs since the 1860s. We learn all about its royal connections during our private out-of-hours guided tour, discover the collection of royal cars in the Transport Museum and spend some time outside to discover the magnificent walled and water gardens. We also take a peek inside St Mary Magdalene Church, where members of the Royal Family attend services when in residence at Sandringham.
Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Cambridge, we head to Althorp Estate, set in 550 acres of attractive parkland. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, it has been home to 19 generations of the Spencer family and houses one of Europe's finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics. Althorp was also the childhood home of Diana, former Princess of Wales as well as her final resting place. In addition to exploring the beautiful interiors, we have time to wander round the magnificent park, remodelled gardens, arboretum and peaceful Round Oval lake.
Later we check into the Randolph Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning takes us to Tetbury where we walk in the footsteps of royalty. This lovely town in the Cotswolds is the private residence of His majesty the King and Camilla, Queen Consort. Expect chocolate-box cottages, atmospheric streets, traditional pubs and historic buildings such as the Grade I-listed Market House, built in 1655.
We then explore Highgrove Gardens, the organic gardens of Their Majesties. Over 30 years in the making, Highgrove has one of the most creatively inspired and innovative gardens in the country and embody The King's environmental philosophy ‘it is better to work with nature than against it’. Each area has its own character and purpose and includes the Kitchen Garden, the stunning Wildflower Meadow and a National Collection of Beech trees, with Highgrove House always visible in the distance. After an expert-led guided tour we enjoy a delicious afternoon tea to round off our visit. Highgrove is also just a few miles from Gatcombe Park, the country residence of Anne, Princess Royal.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
We make our way to Oxford, known as the city of dreaming spires and famed for its world-renowned university colleges as well as the Ashmolean, the world’s first public museum. We discover the history and many of the magnificent buildings of the city during our guided walking tour before enjoying lunch here (not included).
Our final visit is to Blenheim Palace, designed on an awe-inspiring scale by Vanbrugh and set in beautiful parkland landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture. The palace also has family connections to the Spencer family, and we learn more on our guided tour.
Later we check in to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.
Included
• Return airport transfers from London Heathrow*
• 3 nights at the Royal Horseguards Hotel
• 2 nights at the University Arms Hotel
• 2 nights at the Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels
• 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel
• Welcome drink and canapés
• Full English/Continental breakfast each day
• 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 5 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee)
• 1 dinner in local restaurants
• Services of a tour director throughout your stay
• Travel to and from all excursions
• All excursion costs
• Porterage where available
*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports and all other locations, including central London
Special extras included in your itinerary
• Guided tour of Frogmore House
• Guided tour of Windsor Castle
• Private Crown Jewels viewing at the Tower of London
• Royal Day Out (Buckingham Palace State Rooms, The Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews) – should this be included here?
• Private guided tour of Kensington Palace
• Private out-of-hours guided tour of Sandringham
• Guided tour and afternoon tea at Highgrove Gardens
• Guided walking tour of Oxford
• Guided tour of Blenheim Palace
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker
Nights One to Three – The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London
The Royal Horseguards is a stunning five-star hotel steeped in history. Overlooking the River Thames, the hotel combines classic Victorian grandeur with elegant, contemporary comfort. A lovely restaurant is joined by multiple bars plus a secret herb garden on the terrace – perfect to watch the sun setting over the striking London skyline.
Nights Four and Five – University Arms Hotel, Cambridge
The University Arms is a historic hotel situated in the heart of Cambridge. Recently renovated, the style of this boutique hotel reflects classic Edwardian interiors with contemporary design. Hotel amenities include a fitness room, library, bar and Parker’s Tavern, a quintessentially English brasserie.
Nights Six and Seven – Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels, Oxford
Standing proud in the heart of Oxford, the stunning Randolph Hotel offers a lovely base to unwind and relax after a busy day of sightseeing. The landmark hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms with period features as well as a wood-panelled bar, restaurant, cosy cocktail lounge and a wellness center.
Night Eight – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor
