Yuletide Festivities – the Cotswolds, Windsor & Bath

Depart U.S./ Arrive Heathrow Airport

Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Hampton Court Palace & Festive Fayre

The festive season begins in regal style at Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre, where the historic palace grounds are transformed with traditional wooden chalets, seasonal treats and the sounds of live entertainment. Browse artisan gifts and festive decorations, warm up with mulled wine or roasted chestnuts and soak up the cheerful Christmas atmosphere beside one of England’s grandest royal residences.

There is also time to enjoy a guided tour of Hampton Court Palace itself, once home to Henry VIII and one of the most magnificent Tudor palaces in Europe. Highlights include the vast Great Hall with Anne Boleyn’s falcon badge, the Tudor kitchens and the beautifully decorated historic interiors, while the riverside gardens and grand yew avenues provide a magical winter backdrop.

 

 

 

 

The Roman Baths, Bath Christmas Market & No. 1 Royal Crescent

Elegant Bath provides a wonderfully festive setting today, with its honey-colored Georgian streets and famous Christmas Market creating a magical seasonal atmosphere. We begin with a visit to the Roman Baths, one of the finest historic sites in Britain, where steaming thermal waters still flow through the remarkably preserved ancient bathing complex. An audio-guided visit brings the stories of Roman Bath to life as we explore the Great Bath, Sacred Spring and fascinating ruins of this once-important religious spa.

Afterward, enjoy free time to discover Bath at leisure, perhaps browsing the charming Christmas Market with its traditional chalet-style stalls, seasonal food and handcrafted gifts, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere of this beautiful UNESCO-listed city. We continue to an iconic address in Bath – No 1 Royal Crescent.  Here we enjoy an after-hours curator-led guided tour of this popular Georgian townhouse museum, which was used for the exterior of Lady Featherington’s home in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. The stunning Georgian interiors dazzle with festive decorations and with a glass of wine accompanied by seasonal canapés, making our visit even more special.

 

 

 

Berkeley Castle, Traditional Sunday Lunch & Scenic Cotswolds Drive

A guided tour of Berkeley Castle reveals one of England’s most remarkable medieval fortresses, beautifully decorated for the festive season. Built in the 12th century to guard the

Severn Estuary and Welsh border, the castle remains home to the Berkeley family, who can trace their ancestry back to Saxon times. Rich in royal intrigue, Berkeley is also famed as the place where Edward II was imprisoned in 1327.

Later, we enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch at Cowley Manor (or similar venue) before a scenic drive through the rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds. Quaint villages, gentle hills and honey-colored stone scenery combine to create a wonderfully atmospheric afternoon in one of England’s most picturesque regions.

 

 

Oxford University, Bodleian Library & Oxford Christmas Market

A guided tour introduces the rich history and traditions of Oxford University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. During our visit, we explore the magnificent Bodleian Library, including the famous Duke Humfrey’s Library and the stunning Divinity School, instantly recognisable to many as a filming location from the Harry Potter films. We also discover the Radcliffe Camera reading room, Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court as we uncover centuries of academic heritage and architectural splendour.

Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Oxford at leisure. You may wish to browse the festive Christmas Market, discover the fascinating Ashmolean Museum or simply soak up the atmosphere of the famous ‘City of Dreaming Spires’.

 

Waddesdon Manor

Built in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Waddesdon Manor resembles a French château set within the Buckinghamshire countryside. Designed for lavish entertaining, the house showcases one of Britain’s finest collections of French decorative arts, English portraiture and Dutch paintings, while the beautifully landscaped grounds include formal gardens, sculptures and the famous Parterre.

Our guided tour reveals the fascinating story of the Rothschild family and the extraordinary treasures housed within this magnificent National Trust property. Afterward, we return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Perhaps take the opportunity to unwind in the spa or simply enjoy the elegant surroundings of our country house hotel.

This evening, we travel to the Five Arrows Hotel, a Grade II listed building located at the gates of Waddesdon Manor. Adorned with beautiful period features and festive decorations, the hotel provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for tonight’s dinner.

 

 

 

 

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a spectacular festive experience, where the magnificent State Rooms are transformed with dazzling decorations, twinkling trees and imaginative seasonal displays inspired by the magic of the season. Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of England’s greatest stately homes, Blenheim provides a truly enchanting setting for a Christmas celebration.

Beyond the festive interiors, admire the grandeur of Sir John Vanbrugh’s architecture and the sweeping parkland designed by Capability Brown, while seasonal displays and holiday cheer bring extra sparkle to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, we return to Hartwell House for a traditional afternoon tea served in elegant surroundings. The remainder of the day is at leisure, offering the opportunity to relax and enjoy the hotel’s exceptional facilities, perhaps taking time to unwind in the spa, explore the grounds or simply soak up the festive atmosphere of this magnificent country house retreat.

 

 

Hughenden Manor, Henley-on-Thames & Greys Court

Our day begins at Hughenden Manor, the much-loved home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, famously regarded as Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister. Decorated for the festive season, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into both Disraeli’s political life and the manor’s surprizing role in secret map-making operations during the Second World War.

Later, enjoy free time in the elegant riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, famous for its Royal Regatta, boutique shopping streets and welcoming cafés, with time to enjoy lunch at leisure.

This afternoon, we continue to Greys Court, a charming Tudor country house surrounded by historic gardens and rolling Chiltern countryside. Still retaining the atmosphere of a much-loved family home, the house and grounds provide a peaceful and atmospheric conclusion to the day.

 

Windsor Castle & Kew Gardens

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of the British Royal Family. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle has been home to monarchs for almost 1,000 years. During our audio-guided visit, we explore the magnificent State Apartments, richly decorated for the festive season and filled with treasures from the Royal Collection.

Later, we experience the magical Christmas light trail at Kew Gardens, where illuminated trees, sparkling installations and seasonal color transform the world-famous botanic gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland. As the trail winds through the gardens, festive music,

glowing displays and tempting seasonal treats combine to create a truly enchanting evening, which is rounded off with a farewell dinner at our hotel.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.