Read and Higgins England Explorations

Day 1 - Monday 16^th June - Welcome to England

Today, land in London, immediately enveloped in a sense of anticipation as you make your way through the airport. As you step out, your private transfer is ready and waiting as you are whisked away from the bustling city, traveling through picturesque English countryside. Arrive in the Royal Borough of Windsor, the charm of the historic county begins to unfold at your luxury hotel. An oasis of tranquility, where the evening promises relaxation, check into a sumptuous room, where you’ll be ensured your evening will be a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.

Overnight: Bagshot | Pennyhill Park
Room Type: 2x Heritage Rooms
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 17^th June - Royal Ascot - Day 1

The first day at Ascot in the Queen Anne Enclosure is a blend of elegance, excitement, and tradition. As you arrive, you’re greeted by the immaculate grounds and a vibrant atmosphere, with everyone dressed in their finest, stylish attire and formal hats. Watch the Royals arrive in a moment of awe and excitement, as they glide past in their stately carriages, impeccably dressed and exuding grace, while the crowd erupts in respectful cheers and admiration.

The day unfolds with thrilling horse races, where the crowd buzzes with anticipation and cheers for their chosen favourites, all while enjoying gourmet food and champagne at your private table. Between races, conversations flow amidst the backdrop of live music and the picturesque surroundings. The blend of royal pageantry, sporting excellence, and social celebration makes for an unforgettable experience at one of Britain’s most prestigious events.

Early this evening, your private transfer awaits to return you to your luxurious nearby hotel.

Overnight: Bagshot | Pennyhill Park
Room Type: 2x Heritage Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 18^th June - Royal Ascot - Day 2

On your second day at Ascot in the Queen Anne Enclosure, the elegance and excitement continue, but with an added layer of anticipation. Arrive with a sense of familiarity, eager to immerse yourselves in the day’s events. As the races begin, the thrill of placing bets adds a pulse of excitement, with conversations revolving around the latest odds and racing tips. Hold your breath as horses thunder down the track, the tension heightened by the stakes of their wagers. Between races, the scene is lively with the clinking of champagne glasses and the enjoyment of more British affair, while the buzz of winning or losing bets ripples through the enclosure. The blend of fashion and adrenaline of betting ensures a day that is as exhilarating as it is sophisticated, making every moment at Ascot truly unforgettable.

Your private transfer awaits to return you to your luxurious hotel.

Overnight: Bagshot | Pennyhill Park
Room Type: 2x Heritage Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 19^th June - Glyndebourne & The Cotswolds

Susan & Howard:
Today begins with eager anticipation as you set off for the Glyndebourne Festival. As your driver transports you through the scenic Sussex countryside, rolling hills and quaint villages guide your way. Arrive at the stately opera house, greeted by lush lawns and attendees setting up their picnics. The day unfolds with an exquisite performance, where the world-class opera captivates you in the intimate setting of the historic auditorium. Between acts, you enjoy some fine dining, surrounded by the beauty of the English gardens, savouring summertime delicacies and champagne.

The evening culminates in a magical performance that leaves them you awe, a perfect blend of culture and nature, before your private transfer returns you to your hotel for a peaceful nights sleep.

Accommodation for Susan & Howard: Pennyhill Park Hotel – 1x Heritage Room

Rick & Jane:
Embark on a journey to the countryside, immersing yourself in the quintessential English charm. Your private transfer will whisk you to stop en route in the historic city of Oxford where you will spend an afternoon wandering through Oxford’s cobbled lanes and tranquil courtyards with a local expert, uncovering hidden gems, buildings full of history and charming cafés. Along the way, enjoy fascinating stories and insider knowledge that bring the city’s lesser-known corners to life.

Continue your journey into the Cotswolds, meandering through narrow lanes bordered by honey-coloured stone cottages, each village more picturesque than the last. The gentle pace of life in the Cotswolds invites you to explore the idyllic countryside, with its rolling hills, flower-filled meadows, and charming tea rooms. Arrive at your luxury rural retreat, a serene escape into a world where time seems to stand still, offering a true taste of England’s timeless beauty.

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1x Comfy Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 20^th June - Day 2 in the Cotswolds & Return to London

Susan & Howard:
This morning, meet your private transfer to whisk you to your centrally located hotel in London. After settling in at your hotel, meet your local guide for an afternoon discovering artistic London. Taking you from the vibrant, hidden street art of neighbourhoods, where murals and graffiti brighten the streets, to world-class museums such as the Tate Modern, and intimate galleries showcasing contemporary and classic masterpieces, offering an eclectic and immersive experience of the city’s dynamic art scene.

Accommodation for Susan & Howard: The Kensington Hotel – 1x Deluxe Room

Rick & Jane: 
Spend today out exploring the Cotswolds beginning with a leisurely morning walk through the charming village of Broadway, admiring its honey-coloured stone cottages and browsing quaint shops and cafés. Afterward, hike up to Broadway Tower, the highest point in the Cotswolds, for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Cotswold Lavender, where the fields burst into fragrant purple bloom in summer, offering a perfect setting for a peaceful walk among the flowers. Complete the day by exploring nearby villages, soaking in the idyllic beauty and timeless charm of this enchanting region.

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1x Comfy Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 21^st June - Exploring London's Hidden Gems

Rick & Jane: This morning your private transfer will whisk you from the peaceful Cotswolds countryside to the metropolis of London to meet Susan & Howard for your city adventure.

Susan & Howard: Enjoy a morning of leisure

This afternoon reconvene for your driver will meet you at your hotel to tour the city in classic Mini Coopers, a symbol of British heritage. Your expert driver-guide becomes your storyteller, weaving tales of London’s transformations over the past few decades. Zip through the charming streets, passing by historic landmarks and trendy districts. Listen intently as your guide shares captivating stories about the city’s changing skyline, from the revitalisation of the East End to the evolution of London’s iconic landmarks like the Shard and the Gherkin. This immersive experience not only offers a thrilling ride but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic narrative of London’s recent history, making your journey through the city’s streets truly unforgettable.

Overnight: London | The Kensington Hotel
Room Type: 2x Deluxe Rooms

Day 7 - Sunday 22^nd June - Historical London

This morning, meet your local expert guide who will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of the Churchill War Rooms, where you’ll explore the underground bunker that served as Winston Churchill’s command centre during World War II. As you wander through the maze of preserved rooms and corridors, your guide shares captivating stories of the war effort and Churchill’s leadership.

Afterward, visit the Sir John Soane’s Museum, a hidden gem filled with the eclectic collection of the renowned architect, where your guide will help you uncover the treasures of art, antiquities, and architectural wonders that Soane amassed in his meticulously curated home.

Overnight: London | The Kensington Hotel
Room Type: 2x Deluxe Rooms

Day 8 - Monday 23^rd June - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast