This morning we are treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the ultimate country retreat, Sandringham. Loved by Elizabeth II, it has been the private residence of four generations of British Monarchs since the 1860s. We learn all about its royal connections, discover the collection of 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.

We continue to the ruined medieval fortress of Castle Rising, another of Norfolk’s highlights. This historic gem dates back to the 12th century and boasts one of the finest surviving stone keeps in the country (circa 1140AD). The most notable period of its history was when it fell into the hands of Queen Isabella, the mother of Edward III, following her role in the demise of her husband, Edward II (more on him later)! As we stand before this imposing fortification, recall the words of historian William Taylor as he imagined ‘the royal standard; the banner of D'Albini, the pennon of Montalt, proudly floating on the battlements, prancing steeds in the courtyard and the hall (ringing) with the sound of festive revelry.’ So much has happened throughout Rising’s history and yet since 1544 it has remained in the same family, the Howards, with the current owner a descendant of William D'Albini II, the nobleman who founded the castle.

Meals: Breakfast

Leaving Cambridgeshire, we make for the award-winning Richard III Visitor Center. Here, the fascinating story of Richard III’s life and death is told through riveting displays and state-of-the-art technology. We learn how the medieval king was killed in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth, buried by the Grey Friars and, fast forward to 2012, found buried underneath a modern city centre car park in Leicester. Drawing on meticulous detective work, his remains were to be one of the most remarkable finds of the century, as we find out during a fascinating talk entitled ‘The King Under the Carpark’ at the mighty Leicester Cathedral, where the monarch’s tomb is housed.

For our final stop today, we visit the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Center to examine the national importance of this medieval conflict. In August 1485, figurehead of the Lancastrians Henry Tudor raised a rebel army to attack the royal army of the Yorkist Richard III. The monarch was killed during the battle, thus conceding the throne to King Henry VII, a changing of the guard which ended the 300-year-long Plantagenet rule, established the Tudor dynasty and dramatically altered the course of British history thereafter.

Later we check into the New Hall Hotel, where we stay overnight.

After dinner at the hotel, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A royal treat is in store for us as we head to the private residence of The King to discover 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 sovereign’s environmental philosophy ‘it is better to work with nature than against it’. Each area has its own character 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.

Berkeley Castle is our second visit of the day, built by Robert Fitzharding in the 12th century and ordered by Henry II to defend the Severn estuary and the Welsh border. Berkeley is a real jewel, an almost complete medieval survival that allows us to imagine how it might have been to live there. Reigning monarch Edward II was sent there as a prisoner after his wife Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer usurped his power, and we can even see the room where he is supposed to have been murdered in 1327. The castle is also the oldest building in the country to be inhabited by the same family who built it, and the Berkeley family are one of only four in England who can trace their ancestry from father to son right back to Saxon times.

This evening we journey back in time with our overnight stay at Thornbury Castle, the only Tudor Castle to be opened as a hotel. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn spent ten nights here in 1535 and the beautiful Tudor castle was once owned by Henry. We are treated to a fascinating talk about their visit before retiring to our lavish bedchambers, boasting distinctive castle features and traditional décor.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Those who watched the scenes of Elizabeth II’s funeral or Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding will no doubt recognise Windsor’s Long Walk, a tree-flanked avenue which is lined with people on state occasions. Today we follow in the footsteps of royalty and enjoy a special horse-drawn carriage ride along the 2.5-mile boulevard, created by Charles II in 1682-85.

Upon reaching Windsor Castle, we take a Blue Badge guided tour of this ancient fortress, which stands proudly as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. 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. There’s plenty to examine in the magnificent State Apartments, including some fine works of art.

There’s also time to explore St George’s Chapel, the site of many significant weddings in British history and the final resting place of a host of famous royals, including Elizabeth II.

Later we check back into our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor, and 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