Tuesday 1st October – Thursday 10th October 2024
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the glorious Kent countryside known as the ‘Garden of England’. Upon arrival at Hever Castle you will be met by peaceful grounds set in over 150 acres. Spend the afternoon settling into your abode for the next few days and soak in the sense of history at Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. Close the curtains on your first night as adventure awaits.
Overnight: Edenbridge | Hever Castle
Room Type: Anne Boleyn Wing
Meals Included: None
You’ll spend today exploring the history and stories behind Hever Castle. Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, famously the second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I, a tumultuous chain of events in these grounds changed the course of Britains History. Marvel at the fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery. Witness the depiction of the saga from the Wars of the Roses to the Reformation in the Long Gallery room. Learn about the Astor family and how their fortune was used to restore and extend the castle in the 20th Century. Enjoy the breath-taking display of the 125 acre gardens; see the Italian Garden and The Dahlia Border in all its glory as the autumnal colours cast a warm glow across the striking landscape.
Overnight: Edenbridge | Hever Castle
Room Type: Anne Boleyn Wing
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture deeper into the Wealden countryside with your guide and visit Sissinghurst Castle to discover the home of author Vita Sackville-West and husband Harold Nicholson. In the 1930’s, the couple purchased the property as a run down mansion and completely renovated the house and garden to create a symbol of love and horticultural ambition. Enter the Formal Garden, Vegetable Garden, Library and Tower; home to Vita’s writing room where she sought inspiration for her poems. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the top over the 450 estate and the quintessence of the English garden. Your guide will transfer you back to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight: Edenbridge | Hever Castle
Room Type: Anne Boleyn Wing
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a day at your leisure to relax and explore the castle grounds. Perhaps discover the unique collection of model houses commissioned by the current owners of Hever Castle to represent the architecture of English country houses through the ages. Spend time in the KSY Military Museum learning about the soldiers stories from reconstructions and sound effects during World War 1 and 2. Maybe enjoy a quintessential Afternoon Tea at The Waterside and savour finger sandwiches with fluffy scones and delicate pastries or perhaps visit the Prosecco bar for an aperitif overlooking the Lake.
Overnight: Edenbridge | Hever Castle
Room Type: Anne Boleyn Wing
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Hever Castle and meet your guide to journey West towards the South Downs and stop along the way to admire Waverley Abbey, a monastery founded almost 900 years ago. Feel the solitude experienced by the monks while absorbing the tranquil surroundings in a loop of the River Wey.
Shortly, arrive at your accommodation in Alton with the opportunity for some free time to explore this market town with historic buildings, shops and eateries.
Overnight: Alton | Alton House Hotel
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will meet you and transfer you to Chawton House, an Elizabethan manor belonging to Jane Austen’s brother, Edward. Referred to as the ‘Great House’ in Austen’s letters, admire the restored house and relax in the tranquil gardens as the peaceful settings bring this historic literature estate to life.
Later in the afternoon, travel to Jane Austen’s House for a private exclusive tour of this treasured site. As the birthplace and home of Austen’s six novels, you’ll make your visit extra special with a bespoke out of hours guided tour as an expert to takes you through Jane Austen’s life, house, works and legacy with the opportunity to ask questions and gain inside knowledge.
Please note: Availability not yet confirmed for private tour of Jane Austen’s House
Overnight: Alton | Alton House Hotel
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, set off with your guide into the picturesque landscapes of Wiltshire for a morning filled with ancient wonder. Stop and be taken back in time to the Neolithic marvels of Stonehenge, where colossal stones stand sentinel against the ages. Feel the weight of history in the air as you explore this iconic site, marvelling at the architectural ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
Continue South to arrive at the rugged coastline and cross over onto Burgh Island. Depending on your arrival time, step onto the beloved hydraulic sea tractor (the only one of its kind in the world!) and be transported across the waves to your charming hotel where a marvellous stay awaits. Spend the evening settling into your accommodation by the sea.
Overnight: Bigbury-on-Sea | Burgh Island
Room Type: Luxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Meet your guide and visit the nearby Greenway House, a 1950’s Georgian holiday home to Agatha Christie and her families collections. Imagine Agatha and her family making memories together over many summer times and Christmases, this home is filled with items close to the family’s hearts. See inside the impressive Library where a 5,000-strong collection of books awaits with unexpected hidden gems. Stop and appreciate the spectacular views of River Dart from Agatha’s bedroom which contains her treasured mother-of-pearl chest. After your day exploring this dream house, your guide will transport you back to Burgh Island for the evening where you will bid them farewell and enjoy your final day at leisure.
Overnight: Bigbury-on-Sea | Burgh Island
Room Type: Luxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today is yours to explore Burgh Island. this iconic landmark and retreat boasts it’s own unique beauty and stories of eccentricity. Take the opportunity to see the islands enchanting landscape and perhaps wander the tidal beach to spot the flora, fauna and even discover the natural sea water Mermaid Pool. Admire the art Deco interior, regarded as one of the best experienced within Europe. Visit one of Englands oldest taverns and spend the afternoon enjoying local cuisine in this coastal hideaway with inspiring landscapes. Feel the solace of the island and hear the sound of waves crashing as you imagine Agatha Christie be inspired to write her novels as she made Burgh Island her second home.
Overnight: Bigbury-on-Sea | Burgh Island
Room Type: Luxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the train station to make your onward connections in London. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
Tuesday 1st October – Thursday 10th October 2024