Itinerary

DAY 1

Monday: Arrival

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

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

Tuesday: Polesden Lacey and Standen

This morning we visit one of the National Trust’s most popular properties, Polesden Lacey, described as a ‘delicious house’ by the Queen Mother on her honeymoon there. This peaceful countryside retreat is most closely connected to Dame Margaret Greville, who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time with lavish parties at the manor, still home to her extensive collection of art and ceramics. We also have time to wander the beautiful gardens that are a delight to explore and boast wonderful views out across the rolling Surrey Hills.

Next, we visit Standen, one of the finest examples of an Arts and Crafts property, which combines the skills of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. The light, airy rooms are decorated with Morris’ wallpapers and textiles with William de Morgan pottery to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As we wander around, imagine you are a guest of James and Margaret Beale at their rural retreat, as the house is dressed for a weekend stay in 1925.

Later we check into the Buxted Park Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3

Wednesday: Parham House and Petworth House

We begin the day with a guided tour of Parham House, an idyllic Elizabethan family home with award-winning gardens. The tranquillity and timeless beauty of the house have changed little over the centuries since the foundation stone was laid in 1557. During the Second World War, Parham became home to 30 evacuee children before being requisitioned for billeting Canadian officers. The family lived in part of the house during this time and their descendants still remain there today. Outside, the gardens consist of beautiful pleasure grounds, a four-acre walled garden, an orchard, a vegetable garden and a 1920s Wendy house.

Immortalized in Turner’s paintings, our next stop of 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. We discover masterpieces by the likes of Van Dyck, Reynolds, Blake and Turner himself, displayed in the opulent state rooms and North Gallery.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4

Thursday: Brighton Pavilion

Today we visit the popular seaside resort of Brighton, renowned for its Brighton Pavilion, a Grade I listed former royal residence and a hospital during World War One. Built for George IV as a seaside palace, this architectural treasure combines Regency and Indo-Saracenic styles with its exotic domes and elegant minarets. We find out more on our guided tour.

Afterward we enjoy lunch together in a local restaurant followed by some free time to see the sights. Explore Brighton’s unique antique and boutique shopping area in the Lanes, visit the Prince Regent’s lavish Royal Pavilion or take a refreshing stroll along the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Friday: Arundel Castle

This morning we make our way to Arundel Castle for a private guided tour. This imposing architectural gem is one of the longest inhabited country houses in England, having been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since 1067. Although restored and remodelled in the 19th century, many of the original features remain such as the Norman keep and gatehouse, while the finely preserved interiors are home to priceless works of art.

We then head to Southampton to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight and check in to the Royal Hotel, where we stay for the next four nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6

Saturday: Osborne House

Today we are treated to a lovely visit to Osborne House with a private guided tour and either lunch or afternoon tea included. Osborne House was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 as a seaside retreat away from London and Windsor. The Italianate palace reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s tastes and passions and boasts spectacular views across the Solent; it is no wonder that Victoria herself once said, ‘it’s impossible to imagine a prettier spot.’ We take an intimate glimpse of royal family life as we wander through the magnificent Royal Apartments as well as the walled gardens and grounds where we find the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the royal children to learn household management.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 7

Sunday: Carisbrooke Castle & Museum and Isle of Wight Steam Railway

This morning we head to Carisbrooke Castle, which has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a prison for a king and a royal summer residence over the years. Take the chance to explore the museum, walk around the award-winning Edwardian-style garden and admire the panoramic views from the castle walls. The museum was founded by HRH Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, as a memorial to her husband, Prince Henry of Battenburg, and cares for over 30,000 items connected to the Isle of Wight’s history.

In the afternoon we journey back to a bygone era as we board the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet. Sit back and relax in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages as we enjoy the rolling views of the glorious Isle of Wight countryside. We pass through quaint rural stations, quiet hamlets and ancient woodland on our delightful journey.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8

Monday: Quarr Abbey and Isle of Wight Villages

Our first visit today is to Quarr Abbey, nestled in idyllic countryside and home to a small group of Benedictine monks. Founded in 1132, the abbey was demolished under the reign of King Henry VIII and some of its stone was used to build Yarmouth Castle. Today, we can see the ancient ruins and explore the newer buildings, lovely gardens and visitor centre, which tells the turbulent story of the abbey.

In the afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive through some of the Isle of Wight’s most picturesque and charming villages such as Godshill and Brighstone, as well as the beautiful Steephill Cove.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9

Tuesday: Jane Austen’s House Museum

This morning we catch the ferry back to the mainland and head to Jane Austen’s House Museum, the charming house in Chawton where she spent the last eight years of her life. It was in this country cottage where Austen did the majority of her mature writing, including the timeless Pride and Prejudice. As the only house where Austen lived and worked that is open to the public, the museum tells the story of the author and her family through a host of treasures, including first editions of Austen’s books, jewellery and furniture.

Later, we return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10

Wednesday: Departure

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.

Email us today to reserve at BKennedy@Royal-oak.org or call 212-480-2889 ext. 203