DETAILS
Sample the delights of stately life in the picturesque Shires, beautiful rolling English landscapes dotted with majestic castles, spectacular manors and quaint cottages. We uncover captivating stories about the rise and fall of these properties and the families who occupied them, from aristocracy to royalty, with guided tours to inspire our visions of how life once was and, in some instances, how it still is today. We delve into the intricate histories of strongholds such as Waddesdon Manor, Highclere and Broughton Castle, discovering the opulent décor and antique gems contained within. The culinary delights of the Shires await too, from lunch in the lavish gardens of Highgrove to traditional country pub cuisine and fine wine and cheese tasting.
- Pricing from
- $6,300
No Single Supplement, Limited Availability!
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Tours
- Departure Dates
-
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 7, 2025
Nights One, Two and Eight – The Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor
The Macdonald Windsor Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, opposite the famous Windsor Castle. The classic interiors, with a contemporary edge, fit perfectly with the Georgian elegance of this townhouse hotel. The luxury bedrooms are individually designed, and the hotel also offers a stylish bar and restaurant.
Nights Three to Seven – Ellenborough Park Hotel, Cheltenham
A stunning historic country residence, Ellenborough Park Hotel is nestled on a 90-acre estate and offers a luxurious and comfortable stay, complete with a rejuvenating spa and garden retreat. Rooms are thoughtfully decorated to reflect the country charm of this characterful manor house, with original features and countryside views.
Airport transfers from London Heathrow
PLEASE NOTE!
Important UK Entry requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure you have a full passport and we recommend that it is valid for 6 months after the return date of your trip. Tourist visas are not required for US citizens visiting the UK however a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will now be required.
Apply for an ETA
Applications can done via a smartphone app – UK ETA app or online at Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This is a simple process, and decisions are usually communicated within 3 days. It remains your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documentation for your trip.
VACATION CANCELLATION BY YOU: If you want to cancel your booking after we have confirmed it with you either verbally, over the telephone or by email, you can do so over the phone or in writing. The following cancellation charges will apply:
More than 91 days prior to departure $1000
90 days or less before departure 100% of the program cost is non-refundable
If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) providing we are notified no less than two weeks before departure.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
Depart your home city and arrive the next day in London
Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald in Windsor, where we stay for the next two nights. Join the group for a welcome drink and canapés in the evening, followed by dinner.
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day 3
Mapledurham & Windsor Castle
We visit the 12th-century house and farming estate of Mapledurham, which boasts a tranquil watermill, the only one on the Thames that is still in use. The atmospheric Elizabethan manor was passed down by marriage to different owners throughout the 13th-15th centuries, and our guided tour provides the perfect chance to discover the many artifacts on display. Later, we explore Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, founded in the 11th century by the first Norman King of England, William the Conqueror and still used by the Royal Family today. We enjoy a private tour of the castle’s decadent Ceremonial rooms, including the striking Grand Reception Room, extraordinarily decorated with real gold and prominent pieces on display, such as the urn once presented to Queen Victoria by Tsar Nicholas I in 1839.
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day 4
Highclere Castle & Bombay Gin Distillery
After breakfast, we make our way to the world-famous Highclere Castle, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the filming location for the much-loved Downton Abbey TV series and movies. Walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters, explore the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars and admire the spectacular Capability Brown parkland. We enjoy afternoon tea at the castle and from here, we make our way to the nearby Bombay Sapphire Distillery, where we are taken on a tour and enjoy a complimentary drink in the Mill Bar. Bombay Sapphire’s heritage began in 1761 when distiller Thomas Dakin purchased his first site in England and the popularity of a good old G&T continued to surge throughout the British Empire during Queen Victoria’s reign. This evening, we check into the Ellenborough Park Hotel, where we stay for the next five nights.
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day 5
Waddesdon Manor & Cheeseworks
We make our way to Waddesdon Manor. Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s, the French-inspired château was lavishly designed to entertain guests and showcase his enthusiastic interest in art. Outside is a fine example of late Victorian gardens, featuring a Rococo-style aviary, a Parterre and sculptures. We have time to explore the interiors and are treated to a tour, a private Rothschild Wine Cellar experience and lunch at the house. Next is a visit to Cheeseworks Cheltenham, one of Britain’s finest cheesemongers, for an indulgent evening sampling a spectacular selection of fine wines and speciality cheese. We return to our hotel later for our evening meal.
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day 6
Highgrove & Berkeley Castle
Today we are treated to a guided tour of Highgrove Gardens, the organic gardens of Their Majesties. Over 30 years in the making, Highgrove has one of the most creatively inspired and innovative gardens in the country and embodies The King’s environmental philosophy ‘it is better to work with nature than against it’. Each area has its own purpose and includes the Kitchen Garden, the stunning Wildflower Meadow and a National Collection of Beech trees. We enjoy lunch at Highgrove before moving on to Berkeley Castle, ordered by Henry II to defend the Severn estuary and the Welsh border and a near complete medieval survival. Reigning monarch Edward II was sent to the castle as a prisoner after his wife Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer usurped his power, and we see the room where he is supposedly murdered in 1327. The castle is also the oldest building in the country to be inhabited by the same family who built it. We stop at a traditional English pub to enjoy a delicious fish and chips supper before returning to our hotel for the evening.
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day 7
The Firs, Weston’s Cider Brewery & Eastnor Castle
childhood home of one of the country’s greatest composers, Edward Elgar. The quaint spa town is nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why walking and cycling through the beautiful surroundings inspired Elgar’s music. Next, we visit Weston’s Cider Brewery, founded in 1880 by Henry Weston and still independently owned by the family. On our guided tour, we learn about the traditional techniques used and the passion for sustainability when producing premium homegrown cider. Afterward, we take time for a delicious sandwich and cider lunch at The Scrumpy House restaurant here. We then make our way to Eastnor, a dramatic fairytale castle at the foot of the Malvern Hills surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake, boasting magnificent views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside. The imposing fortress continues to be inhabited by the first Earl’s descendants; the Hervey-Bathurst family. On the way back to our hotel, we stop for dinner in Longhope at a traditional country pub, the Farmers Boy Inn, for one of their special pies.
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day 8
Broughton Castle, Hook Norton & Daylesford
Broughton Castle is a stunning moated manor house, set in idyllic parkland. The manor has been a hive for political exchanges and royal stays throughout the centuries, serving as a meeting place for leading parliamentary opponents of Charles I. James I occupied the king’s chamber in the early 15th century, whilst recent residents include current monarch King Charles III. We have the chance to try some delicious Banbury cakes, a traditional treat. We then head to the picturesque village of Hook Norton to visit its brewery, housed within a five-storey Victorian tower. Our tour takes us through the intricate brewing process, and we finish with a tasting session at the cellar bar. Later, we visit Daylesford farm shop in the quaint Moreton-in-Marsh, with its award-winning artisan products. We have our evening meal at one of Daylesford’s restaurants and indulge in their delicious Sunday roast.
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day 9
Chavenage & Dorney Court
After breakfast, we make our way to Chavenage House, a unique 16th-century family home. With a hands-on approach to opening the doors of their wonderful home, members of the Lowsley-Williams family offer truly memorable tours of Chavenage, featuring the property’s history, engaging personal family stories, humorous anecdotes and myths of the Chavenage curse. We explore the lavish rooms, discover the secrets of the room where Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and spot the famous filming locations of BBC’s Poldark. We then journey to Dorney Court, one of England’s finest Tudor manor houses and home of the Palmer family for more than 450 years. We are treated to a guided connoisseur tour and learn more about the family portraits and varied collections of art that tell a visual tale of everyone who has lived here. Later, we check back into the Macdonald Windsor
Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. -
day 10
Departure
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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