The historic houses and gardens of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland played a starring role in the Tudor era. Become a member of Royal Oak, the American partner of the National Trust to experience the real-life places behind your favorite historical figures!
Queens of the Castle: The Roses and Thorns of the Tudors
Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard, Parr – divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Everyone knows the fate of Henry VIII’s six wives, but on this fascinating tour we delve into their stories and celebrate the 16th-century queens after taking inspiration from the smash-hit phenomenon, SIX The Musical.
There is so much to discover, from Sudeley Castle, the home and burial site of Katherine Parr, to Hampton Court Palace, where Catherine Howard was seized before her imprisonment at Syon House. The highlight of this tour, however, is our special experience at the spectacular Thornbury Castle, once owned by Henry VIII.
We are treated like royalty with an impressive falconry display and a lavish dinner before staying overnight in the opulent bedchambers, the very place where the infamous Tudor king and Anne Boleyn stayed for ten nights in 1535! Although the individual women are often immortalized in history textbooks as the famous six wives of Henry VIII, they certainly take the lead on this tour as we transform history into her story.
Dates:
June 18th to 27th, 2023
Open to Royal Oak members. Join today and save 10% with code ROF10.
Places with Tudor Connections to Visit at the National Trust of England
Grand Houses and Gardens to Visit
The Tudor era never fails to capture the imagination: The Wars of the Roses and the rise of a dynasty, Henry VIII’s six wives, the birth of the Church of England, the first queen to rule England in her own right, the Spanish Armada and the golden age of Elizabeth I. Here’s our pick of the best places to visit with Tudor connections.
A Typical Tudor Merchant’s House
This narrow house is typical of the type of prosperous merchant’s house that sprang up when Tenby was a thriving port in the Tudor era. Discover how most of the merchant’s produce was imported from overseas or came through the coastal trade routes around Britain.
Upcoming Events at the National Trust of England
Basildon Park and Lacock Abbey and Village are just two National Trust properties featured in the Downton series and movie!
Summer of Tudors at Ightham Mote
Step back in time and into an authentic and fun-filled Tudor Summer this Summer Holidays at Ightham Mote. With five weeks of exciting Tudor displays, trails, performances and activities, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at Ightham Mote this summer.
The Tudor Songbook at Speke Hall
Step back in time as classically trained soprano Jay Britton presents The Tudor Songbook. Filled with intrigue, double meaning, declarations of love, melancholy and the heavens, the music of this age gives us a fascinating insight into life in the court of Elizabeth I, in as much detail and colour as the most elaborate tapestries.
Continue the Journey
Become a Member of Royal Oak and Experience the Tudors
For more on special places to visit at the Trust, consider becoming a member of the Royal Oak Foundation. In addition to receiving unlimited entry to over 500 sites belonging to the National Trust of England, Wales, & Northern Ireland and the National Trust for Scotland, members receive a host of other benefits such as discounted travel packages and hotels, and reduced admission prices for select events.
Join today and save 10% with code ROF10
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