Read and Higgins England Explorations - V3

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

On arrival in London, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair.

Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.

Overnight: London | Hotel Indigo - Kensington
Room Type: 2x Queen Bed Suite 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: London | Hotel Indigo - Kensington
Room Type: 2x Queen Bed Suite 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: London | Hotel Indigo - Kensington
Room Type: 2x Queen Bed Suite 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: Hotel Indigo – Kensington

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 your guide, uncovering hidden gems, buildings full of history and charming cafés.

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 | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Classic 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, the afternoon is yours to spend at your own pace.

Accommodation for Susan & Howard: Hotel Indigo – Kensington

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 | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Classic 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 London adventure.

Susan & Howard: Enjoy a morning of leisure and reconvene with Rick and Jane.

All: Take a stroll through Hyde Park and escape into nature with tree-lined paths and the peaceful Serpentine Lake contrasting the bustle of London. Approach the regal Kensington Gardens, leading you to the stately Kensington Palace. Inside the palace, grand rooms filled with period furniture and royal portraits tell the stories of historical figures like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. The serene beauty of the palace interiors, paired with views of the surrounding gardens, creates a harmonious blend of history, nature, and royal elegance.

Overnight: London | Hotel Indigo - Kensington
Room Type: 2x Queen Bed Suite Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 22^nd 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