Best of London and the Cotswolds

Mike, Idelle and Leah

Sunday 4th May – Sunday 11th May 2025

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

V7 – 19th Feb 2025

Highlights

  • Landmarks of London Mini Cooper Tour
  • Private Tour of the National Gallery
  • Enjoy a Traditional Afternoon Tea
  • Private Foodie Tour including the Historic Borough Market

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 4th May - Welcome to London

On arrival in London, enjoy a private transfer to your centrally located hotel, the Haymarket 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.

After an early dinner at your hotel you will experience a fantastic concert by candlelight featuring the music of Vivaldi and Handel at the beautiful St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. This venue is only a 5 minute walk from the Haymarket or the hotel will be more than happy to arrange a taxi for you.

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 | Haymarket Hotel, London
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe King as single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 5th May - Iconic Mini Cooper Tour

Your driver will meet you at your hotel in the morning to tour the city in a classic Mini Cooper, 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, trendy districts and London’s most romantic spots. Listen intently as your guide shares captivating stories about the city’s changing skyline. 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.

After the tour your dapper driver will drop you back at your hotel. Once you have taken time to relax and recharge, Idelle and Leah can make their way to their shopping destination of choice while Mike meets up with his private tour guide to discover more about London’s Spies and Secrets. The tour takes you through the history of espionage, mostly factual but with a nod to James Bond locations, and you’ll even discover some real Tradecraft. The route includes The St Ermin’s Spy Hotel, where SOE was created and during the tour you will encounter stories about Kim Philby, Anthony Blunt, Ian Fleming, The Berlin Spy Tunnel, MI6 and GCHQ.

Overnight: London | Haymarket Hotel, London
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe King as single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 6th May - Art and Afternoon Tea

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, make your way to the National Gallery where you will meet your expert guide and embark on a private tour taking in the highlights of over 700 years of art. If you fancy a stroll then the National Gallery is only a 3 minute walk from your hotel, alternatively the hotel reception staff would be more than happy to arrange a taxi for you. Feel free to see more of the Gallery in your own time after the tour has finished.

Once you have finished your art appreciation you can indulge in the quintessentially English tradition of taking afternoon tea back at your hotel. The history of afternoon tea dates back to the 1840s and this ritual is still hugely popular today. The Haymarket offers a fantastic afternoon tea, featuring delicate sandwiches, scones and desserts along with the essential menu of tea and coffee options along with the all important glass of Champagne.

* Please note that Champagne afternoon tea is included in your trip cost

Overnight: London | Haymarket Hotel, London
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe King as single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 7th May - Visit Churchill's Historic War Rooms and Westminster Abbey

Your London guide will meet you at your hotel and will travel with you to the Imperial War Museum where she will lead you on a tour of Churchill’s War Rooms. You’ll explore the meticulously preserved rooms and exhibits that reveal the tense atmosphere of wartime strategy, including Winston Churchill’s private office and the map room, all while learning about the pivotal decisions made during one of history’s most turbulent times.

Next your guide will take you over to Westminster Abbey where she will accompany you on the tour, providing interesting snippets of information along the way. From Westminster Abbey stroll over to The Houses of Parliament with your guide. The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Your guide will then see you back to your hotel.

After a busy day, relax as you make your way to the Royal Opera House to watch the breathtaking Balanchine Ballet.

Overnight: London | Haymarket Hotel, London
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe King as single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 8th May - Borough Market Food Tour and the Tower of London

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before being transported to Borough Market by private transfer, one of the oldest, most historic food markets in London and home to an eclectic mix of speciality food producers. Marvel at this London institution as your expert guide takes you on a culinary journey where you will sample some of the best that the market has to offer. Your foodie adventure will also take you to London Bridge, The Shard and other fascinating local sites.

Once you have completed your foodie tour your London expert guide will meet you and take you to discover the secrets of the iconic Tower of London and see the stunning Crown Jewels up close as your personal London guide takes you on a fascinating tour of one of London’s most famous landmarks. Your guide will then be on hand if you wish to see any other nearby places of interest such as Tower Bridge. Your expert guide will then see you back to you hotel.

Later on, Idelle and Leah will enjoy the powerfully uplifting Six the Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre while Mike takes prime position in the Jury Box at Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall.

Overnight: London | Haymarket Hotel, London
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe King as single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 9th May - Relax in the Cotswolds

This morning, enjoy a private transfer and leave the bustling metropolis of London behind and head west where you will make a short stop in Oxford to meet your guide to the Cotswolds. After a chance to stretch your legs and admire the views over this ancient City your guide will take you further into the Cotswolds – a region cherished for its pastoral charm, pretty villages, flower-rich limestone grassland and deep incised valleys. The inspiration for many works of art and literature, including Beatrix Potter, J.R.R Tolkien and Laurie Lee, it’s a pretty and interesting place to explore.

Pass through beautiful chocolate box villages before arriving at Thyme, a historic country estate which will be your home for the next two nights. Thyme is a classic English Manor House and Farm with the emphasis on health and wellbeing. Set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside the on-site Meadow Spa offers a range of botanical treatments.

Overnight: Southrop Manor Estate | Thyme
Room Type: 1 x Elegant Double for single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 10th May - Explore the Cotswolds

After you have enjoyed a hearty breakfast your guide will collect you to further explore the surrounding area. Visit picturesque villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold, featuring honey-coloured stone cottages and charming streets. Explore Lower Slaughter, a tranquil village with a picturesque watermill, stone cottages, and the slow-flowing River Eye. One of the most romantic and unspoiled spots in the Cotswolds. Then there’s Snowshill – a hidden gem with quaint cottages and the renowned Snowshill Manor, an eccentric collection of artifacts from around the world.

After you’ve worked up an appetite why not indulge in an afternoon tea or a lovely pub lunch at one of the many local eating establishments or pop into the renowned farm shop Daylesford Organic to pick up some foodie gifts.

Enjoy your final night in this English paradise as you reflect on your trip highlights.

Overnight: Southrop Manor Estate | Thyme
Room Type: 1 x Elegant Double for single occupancy and 1 x Twin for double occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 11th May - Depart the Cotswolds

Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the airport in preparation for your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast on days 2-8, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of an expert London guide including transport on day 4
  • The services of an expert London guide including transport on day 5
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide on Days 6 and 7 in the Cotswolds
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Transfer to Borough Market
  • Private Transfer from London to Oxford
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Tickets to Vivaldi and Handel by candlelight concert at St Martins-in-the-Field
    • Mini Cooper tour of London
    • Private tour of the National Gallery
    • Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Haymarket Hotel (service charge not included)
    • Privately guided exploration of London including:
      • Entrance and audio tour of Churchill’s War Rooms
      • Tour of the Tower of London (not private)
      • Entry into Westminster Abbey
      • Private guided Spies and Secrets tour for Mike
    • Tickets to the Balanchine Ballet
    • Private foodie tour of Borough Market
    • 2 x tickets to Six the Musical
    • 1 x VIP Jury Box ticket to Witness for the Prosecution
  • 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
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

Pricing:

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 3 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £7475 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.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

Haymarket Hotel, London

1 Suffolk Place, | London |
SW1Y 4HX | England
Phone: +44 (0)20 7470 4000
Web: firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/haymarket-hotel

Thyme

Thyme | Southrop Manor Estate | Gloucestershire |
GL73NX | England
Phone: +44 (0)1367 850 174
Web: thyme.co.uk


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