An English Christmas

The Barnes

Friday 19th December – Saturday 27th December 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

V2 – 5th May 25

Highlights

  • Festive afternoon tea at the legendary Savoy Hotel
  • Carol Concert at the Royal Albert Hall
  • See Blenheim Palace in all it's Christmassy glory
  • Have a very Cotswolds Christmas

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 19th December - Welcome to London and enjoy a festive afternoon tea

Upon arrival in London, settle into your centrally located hotel, The Rubens at the Palace, and enjoy time to unwind after your journey.

Later on, make your way to the Gallery at the Savoy Hotel,  a British institution, famed for it’s sumptuous afternoon tea. This wonderful tradition is elevated at Christmas as the Savoy wow their guests with an very special festive afternoon tea, showcasing the very best seasonal ingredients. A feast for the eyes and an experience not to be missed.

As night falls, the soft glow of London’s skyline sets a memorable scene before the adventure to come.

Overnight: London | Reubens At The Palace
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 20th December - See top London show, Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution

This morning you are free to explore London at your own pace. Christmas in London is a magical time, with the city glowing under twinkling lights and festive decorations. Iconic locations like Oxford Street and Covent Garden transform into winter wonderlands, while Christmas markets and ice rinks pop up across the city.

Tonight you will experience the spine-tingling Agatha Christie story, Witness for the Prosecution. This fabulous courtroom drama has received rave reviews and is based in the historic London County Hall.

Make your way back to the Savoy where you can reflect on the days’ events.

Overnight: London | Reubens At The Palace
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Afternoon tea

Day 3 - Sunday 21st December - Cheer on an English football team

Watching an English football match is an unforgettable experience filled with energy and emotion. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, with passionate fans singing chants and waving scarves in support of their teams. You will enjoy a Premium Experience including access to exclusive premium bars and lounges whilst taking in all of the action from some of the best seats in the house.

*Please note that Autumn/Winter 2025 fixtures have not been released yet so this experience will be subject to availability

Overnight: London | Reubens At The Palace
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 22nd December - Enjoy a festive carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall

This evening, make your way to the Royal Albert Hall.

What could be more festive than sipping a warm glass of mulled wine as you listen to a mixture of traditional and modern festive favourites. Featuring a full orchestra, choir and a chance for a sing-a-long, this fantastic experience at one of London’s most iconic venues will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

Overnight: London | Reubens At The Palace
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Tuesday 23rd December - Visit Blenheim Palace en-route to the Cotswolds

A private transfer will collect you from your London hotel and take you to your Cotswolds base, the Lygon Arms but not before stopping at a very festive Blenheim Palace.

Blenheim Palace at Christmas transforms into a magical winter wonderland, enchanting visitors with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and a beautifully adorned Christmas market. The grand stately home and its gardens come alive with sparkling light trails, themed displays, and a towering Christmas tree in the Great Hall.

Your private transfer will then whisk you to the beautiful Lygon Arms in the heart of the Cotswolds where you will enjoy a traditional English Christmas.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Cottage Four Poster Bed
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Wednesday 24th December - Enjoy a walk around the village followed by carols in the hotel lounge

This morning venture out to explore the quaint village of Broadway. Wander down tree-lined streets and visit some of the independent shops and boutiques to stock up on any last minute gifts. Pop into the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, located in a Tudor House and soak up the festive atmosphere of this pretty English village.

If you have time, take a taxi to nearby Broadway Tower, an iconic Cotswolds landmark and the brainchild of designer ‘Capability Brown’. If you’re feeling energetic climb to the viewing platform for a breathtaking view over the Cotswolds, or embark on one of the short circular walks, looking out for the magnificent red deer. There is also a cold war bunker and museum on site.

Return to the Lygon Arms where, later on you will enjoy the sound of carollers to get you in the Christmas spirit before enjoying a 3-course feast. You could then venture out to a midnight mass in one of the local Churches before settling down for the night.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Cottage Four Poster Bed
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 - Thursday 25th December - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a glass of Champagne as you look forward to a traditional Cotswolds Christmas.

Perhaps take a stroll around the village to work up an appetite before enjoying a lavish 4-course Christmas lunch.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Cottage Four Poster Bed
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 26th December - Boxing Day

After breakfast, head into the village to witness the annual North Cotswold Hunt, a popular event for both riders and spectators.

Upon returning to the Lygon Arms you will enjoy a buffet lunch in Grill by James Martin or the Russell Room. You can then spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Cottage Four Poster Bed
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 27th December - Depart the Cotswolds

This morning, your private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you to London Heathrow to make your onward connection, taking with you some enduring memories of Christmas in the Cotswolds.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Private transfer from London to Cotswolds stopping for 4 hours at Blenheim Palace
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Festive afternoon tea at the Savoy
    • Witness for the Prosecution tickets
    • Christmas carol concert experience at the Royal Albert Hall
    • Premium football match package – Tottenham if possible
    • Entry into Blenheim Palace and the Illuminations trail
    • Entry into Broadway Museum and Art Gallery
    • Combined entry to Nuclear bunker, tower, Museum and grounds at Broadway Tower
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £7230 GBP per person

Conservation ContributionThis voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.

Barnes Price Breakdown – PDF: View Now

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.