Christmas Lights & Castles of England

Welcome to Windsor, one of England's most charming and historic towns, where royal tradition and timeless English character combine beautifully. A welcome drink and dinner tonight is included. An ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

This morning, delve deeper into the rich heritage of Windsor on a guided walking tour that brings the town's royal connections and fascinating past vividly to life. From charming streetscapes to riverside vistas, Windsor offers countless delights around every corner. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Browse the local shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch, discover hidden corners along the Thames or simply take time to appreciate the relaxed pace and welcoming character of this quintessential English town.

Today is a day of royal splendour and festive magic. We begin at magnificent Hampton Court Palace, one of England's most celebrated royal residences and the grand former home of King Henry VIII. Explore the impressive State Apartments, historic courtyards and beautifully decorated festive displays that evoke the grandeur of Tudor England. 

After free time for lunch in delightful Richmond-upon-Thames, we continue to the world-famous Kew Gardens. As daylight fades, experience the spectacular ‘Christmas at Kew’, where illuminated trails wind through the gardens beneath sparkling canopies of light. Dazzling displays, festive music and a truly magical atmosphere combine to create one of Britain's most memorable Christmas experiences.

This morning, visit iconic Windsor Castle, the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world and an enduring symbol of the British monarchy. Explore its magnificent interiors and discover the rich traditions that continue to this day. 

After free time for lunch, we travel to the beautiful university city of Oxford. A guided walking tour introduces its famous colleges, stunning architecture and centuries-old academic traditions. Known as the "City of Dreaming Spires", Oxford captivates with its blend of history, elegance and scholarly prestige.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with ‘MyTime’ in Oxford. Wander the cobbled lanes, admire the honey-coloured stone architecture, visit a college courtyard or browse the city's wonderful collection of bookshops and boutiques. 

Later, we visit magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of Britain's finest stately homes. Enjoy a 2-course lunch at the Palace, then explore the popular Christmas Market before dusk transforms the estate into a wonderland of festive lights. A spectacular illuminated trail guides you through the palace grounds, where sparkling installations, colourful displays and enchanting seasonal scenes create a truly unforgettable evening before we return to Oxford.

Today we journey through the heart of the Cotswolds, a region renowned for its rolling countryside, honey-coloured villages and timeless English charm. Enjoy time in picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds", before visiting historic Cirencester, once one of the most important Roman settlements in Britain. 

This afternoon we arrive in elegant Bath, one of England's most beautiful cities. With its graceful Georgian architecture and rich Roman heritage, Bath is the perfect place to slow down and savour English life.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before joining a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Discover Bath's remarkable history as you explore its elegant streets and architectural masterpieces. 

Visit magnificent Bath Abbey and the remarkably preserved Roman Baths, one of Britain's most important ancient sites. Later, enjoy the timeless tradition of English Afternoon Tea in the historic Pump Room Restaurant, an experience synonymous with the city itself. The remainder of the evening is free to enjoy at your own pace.

Today we visit Wells, England's smallest city and one of its most atmospheric. Dominated by its extraordinary cathedral, Wells offers a delightful blend of medieval streets, historic buildings and unique English character.  

Enjoy ‘MyTime’ before gathering for a relaxed lunch at the elegant Swan Hotel. Afterwards, we return to Bath, where the balance of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Travelling east into Kent, we stop in Royal Tunbridge Wells before continuing to the magnificent Leeds Castle, surrounded by tranquil lakes and beautiful parkland. Enjoy a guided tour through its beautifully furnished rooms before dusk reveals the enchanting festive light trail woven throughout the estate. This evening becomes even more special as we enjoy a drink in the castle library before dinner and a truly memorable overnight stay within the castle itself!

This morning we depart for London, stopping first in historic Greenwich, renowned for its maritime history, village atmosphere and important place in Britain's seafaring story. From here we board the Thames Clipper for a memorable journey along the River Thames into the heart of London. Relax and enjoy unique views of some of the capital's most famous landmarks as they unfold before you from the water. Meanwhile, your luggage is transferred seamlessly by coach, waiting for your arrival at the hotel.

Today is devoted entirely to ‘MyTime’ in London. With our hotel ideally located in the heart of Covent Garden and London's vibrant West End, you are perfectly placed to experience the city exactly as you wish. 

Visit world-renowned museums, discover historic landmarks, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Fortnum & Masons or Harrods perhaps? The city is yours to explore, or simply watch London life unfold from a bustling café or cosy pub. This evening we gather for a special farewell dinner.

After breakfast, our festive journey through England comes to an end. As we say farewell, you'll take home unforgettable memories of royal palaces, historic cities, charming villages and some of Britain's most magical Christmas experiences.