History and countryside lovers alike will find much to delight them on this 15-day tour around some of southern England’s most captivating sites. Journey through centuries of history from the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge to ancient Roman baths, through medieval and Tudor England, to the White Cliffs of Dover, an icon of the Second World War. Be inspired by idyllic countryside from the honeystone villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the endless skies of Norfolk, to Kent, the Garden of England. Visit the historic university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, and discover the highlights of London on this enthralling English adventure.
Experience the rich heritage of Bath from ancient Roman baths to sweeping Georgian architecture
Uncover the mysteries of the monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge
Admire the undulating countryside and pretty villages of the southern Cotswolds
Discover the highlights of London on an exclusive tour of the city, and walk in the footsteps of royalty in Westminster Abbey
Visit two of the world’s oldest university cities, Oxford and Cambridge, to explore the magnificent architecture of their historic colleges
Discover sweeping beaches, wide-open vistas and elegant stately homes in Norfolk
Gaze in reverence at the modern and medieval shrines in the holy village of Walsingham
See the highlights of Kent from Leeds and Dover Castles to the medieval Canterbury Cathedral
From fresh oysters and locally produced wine to gastronomic dinners, delight in the food and wine of England’s larder
Stay in a handpicked selection of luxury boutique hotels
This is a guide price based on two people travelling together and sharing a room.
Upon arrival in London, you’ll be met by your private driver and transported to the quintessentially English village of Broadway in the heart of the Cotswolds. Check in to your historic hotel – a handsome, honeystone inn dating to the 14th century – and relax.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Take a dip in the pool, refresh after your journey with a treatment in the spa, and stroll around the pretty village, before savouring dinner in the gastronomic restaurant (dinner not included).
Meet your private guide after breakfast for a full-day tour of three iconic English destinations. First to the beautiful and historic city of Bath, where you’ll travel back in time at the exceptionally well preserved Roman baths, and admire the architectural splendour of the sweeping Royal Crescent. You’ll soon understand why this city inspired the novelist Jane Austin!
Then it’s off to Salisbury Plain to gaze in awe at one of the most fascinating prehistoric monuments in the world. Dating back 5,000 years, the collection of monolithic stones at Stonehenge has captured the imagination and sparked wonder for centuries. Uncover the theories behind its original use and significance, and marvel at this feat of ancient engineering and design.
Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through the historic villages and idyllic rolling countryside of the southern Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Leave the Cotswolds after breakfast and head off on your journey towards London. First, you’ll visit Blenheim Palace, birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill, seat of the Duke of Marlborough, and perhaps the UK’s most beautiful stately home. Discover its amazing collection of art, antiques and tapestries, and stroll around the fine landscaped gardens.
Once replenished by lunch (not included), continue to the university city of Oxford, known as the ‘City of Spires’. Explore its famous colleges and see filming locations for the Harry Potter films on a walking tour of the city, before an hour’s punting on the River Cherwell.
Upon arrival in London, check into your five-star boutique hotel close to Buckingham Palace.
Pop on some quality walking shoes today, as your private guide meets you for a full-day tour of London. Use the capital’s famous system of public transport as you traverse the city by bus, black cabs, the tube and even a riverboat, while your guide shares secrets, stories and anecdotes about the capital.
Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, before setting off past iconic sites such as Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, The Mall, Admiralty Arch, St James’s Palace and Park, Clarence House, Hyde Park and the Houses of Parliament.
After a break for lunch (not included), enjoy a specialist tour of Westminster Abbey, site of every royal coronation since 1066, and 16 royal weddings including William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Why not end your day with a flight on the London Eye, for a bird’s eye view over the capital?
You’ve got a free day in London today, so why not indulge in a spot of retail therapy? A trip to Harrods in Knightsbridge is an unmissable experience; this world-famous department store is packed with everything from international fashion brands and perfumes to that famous food hall.
After lunch, perhaps you might head to Bloomsbury to see the world’s treasures at the British Museum, ranging from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures.
Round off your day in style with dinner at a three-Michelin-star restaurant (dinner not included).
Enjoy a day trip out of the city today, as you hop on a train from King’s Cross Station to Cambridge. Your private guide will greet you at the station for a walking tour of the UK’s second oldest university city. Follow in the footsteps of famous academics as you tour the beautiful colleges and admire the written treasures in Trinity College Library.
Savour a special tasting menu in one of Cambridge’s finest restaurants, before a leisurely afternoon’s punting on the River Cam and a stroll along its picturesque banks. Your driver will return you to London for an evening at leisure.
Free day to explore London at your leisure. Why not head to Borough Market for a true taste of the capital? One of the most impressive and vibrant food markets in the world, this ancient gathering point has existed for over a thousand years. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the multitude of small shops, food stalls and wholesale greengrocers, and treat yourself to lunch at one of the superb restaurants.
If you prefer, we can arrange for a private guided food tour and tasting (at additional cost).
One of the most well-known British figures of the 20th century, Sir Winston Churchill is intimately connected with London and best known as a war leader during the Second World War. If you’re interested in modern British history, why not visit the Churchill War Rooms to see Churchill’s historic bunker and discover how he and his team worked tirelessly to direct military operations and change the course of history.
We can arrange an upgrade for you to end the day in style with an early dinner before an evening at a famous West End show, such as Les Misérables, The Lion King or the Phantom of the Opera.
It’s your final day in London today. Travel back in time to the Tudor era to explore a different, but equally fascinating, period in British History. Jump on the train or hop on a riverboat to Hampton Court Palace, the infamous ‘pleasure palace’ of King Henry VIII. Uncover the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII, his wives and children as you explore this beautiful Tudor and baroque palace, admire its countless treasures, and wander round the riverside gardens. Can you find your way out of the maze?
Departing London today, you’ll make your way to King’s Cross Station to catch the train to Norfolk. Your private driver will greet you upon arrival at King’s Lynn and whisk you to your boutique hotel set between the endless sands of Holkham beach and the gates to Holkham Hall and Park.
Relax after your journey with a stroll on the beach or through the deer park, or ask for an upgrade to spend the afternoon pottering around the coast on a traditional wooden sailboat. We’ve made dinner reservations at the hotel to give you a taste of the splendid Norfolk food scene (dinner not included).
Embark on a captivating tour of Norfolk alongside your private driver-guide. Begin the day in the holy village of Walsingham, known as England’s Nazareth. With an eventful history dating back 1,000 years, discover how this tiny village was one of the most important places of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages, as you visit the medieval and modern shrines, and wander round the atmospheric ruins of the Augustinian abbey.
After a pub lunch in a small town famed as the birthplace of Horacio Nelson, set off to see some of Norfolk’s highlights. Your guide will tailor the rest of the day according to the things you most want to see and do, but you will gat a flavour of the sweeping beaches, windswept marshes, incredible nature and grand stately homes for which Norfolk is renowned.
After a fulfilling breakfast in your hotel, your driver will collect you for the journey to Kent. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view as you travel south to the ‘Garden of England’, where you’ll check into a delightful boutique hotel in a small village just outside Canterbury.
Potter around the kitchen gardens, explore the rambling period property, or treat yourself to a massage in the small spa, before savouring an evening meal of rustic, seasonal cuisine in the superb restaurant.
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of some of the highlights of Kent with your private driver-guide. Start your day at Leeds Castle, and delve into in its fascinating history from Norman stronghold to royal castle and stately home. Surrounded by a magnificent lake and wrapped in 500 acres of parkland, it’s easy to see why it’s often called ‘the loveliest castle in the world’.
Tuck into freshly caught oysters and delicious seafood, washed down with a glass or two of locally produced wine at the pretty seaside town of Whitstable. Then continue to the medieval city of Canterbury for a tour of its breathtaking cathedral. Walk in the footsteps of pilgrims, and uncover its fascinating history from the murder of Thomas Beckett to the establishment of the Church of England, before a little free time to wander the medieval town.
Discover more Kent treasures today, as you set off with your private driver-guide for your final full-day tour of this English adventure. Strategically placed at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe, Dover Castle is one of the England’s largest castles. Discover its fascinating journey from its Iron Age origins to the Second World War, and enjoy splendid views across the English Channel. Then take a stroll along the White Cliffs of Dover, icon of Britain and a symbol for hope and freedom.
Continue around the coast to the historic town of Deal, home to a well preserved coastal fortress built by King Henry VIII and a legendary history of smuggling. Trace old smuggling routes around the narrow lanes and colourful historic houses, and treat yourself to a glass of wine in a chic seaside wine bar.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your private driver takes you to the airport for your departure flight.
Want to learn about England’s burgeoning wine scene? Why not continue your English adventure in Kent and Sussex.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
This sample itinerary is intended to give you a flavour of what we can do.
Enquire Now +44 (0) 20 8877 4940“Thanks for taking the time and trouble to call. You really have set the standard by which we compare all other companies!! Thank you so much for organising a fantastic itinerary with such an interesting and varied range of stop-overs. We are already starting to think about next year’s trip to France so would welcome any suggestions.”
Hilary Alder
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