Join Jennie Bond during a tour of Prince Charles’s lovely Highgrove Gardens
SPANNING six counties, with a mix of bustling market towns, peaceful villages and grand country houses with stunning gardens, the Cotswolds is a fabulous place to stay and explore. No wonder keen gardener Prince Charles chose it as the location for his country retreat – the magical Highgrove House.
You can experience this quintessential corner of England for yourself on our four-day tour.
Since buying Highgrove in 1980, the Prince of Wales has redeveloped the gardens, taking on a new project each year. With the help of his friend Lady Salisbury, he has surrounded the house with scented wisteria, honeysuckle, jasmine and thyme, as well as creating an experimental wildflower meadow of endangered native plants.
During your visit to Highgrove Gardens, you’ll be joined by the BBC’s former Royal correspondent Jennie Bond, who will share insights about the Royal Family and the history of this magnificent country manor.
Jennie spent 14 years reporting on the monarchy and will give a talk and take part in a questionand-answer session.
On your exclusive tour, you’ll also visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, now used by the Queen as her permanent residence. The State Apartments were modernised by King Charles II and are the focal point of the castle. As you tour the lavish interiors, you can admire the many works of art from the Royal Collection that line the walls.
Other highlights of this memorable trip include Henry VIII’s extravagant Tudor mansion Hampton Court Palace, Westminster
Abbey, the Tower of London and a walk around the exterior of Buckingham Palace.
REASONS TO BOOK
Guided tour of Highgrove Gardens: Take in the fragrant wildflower meadow at this beautiful Cotswolds property, which contains more than 30 varieties of endangered native plants as well as many hidden corners and peaceful spaces for you to explore.
Hear from Jennie Bond: You’ll meet Jennie Bond at Highgrove
Gardens, and the Royal expert will share fascinating tales from her many years covering the monarchy during one of its most turbulent periods, as well as answering your questions.
Go inside Windsor Castle: Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, Windsor Castle is the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. Its ornate State Apartments are filled with
gorgeous antique furniture and priceless artworks.
Tour Hampton Court Palace: Perhaps
best known for King Henry VIII’s life of excess, Hampton Court Palace by the River Thames also features a famous maze and lavish rooms. But watch out for ghosts – the ‘screaming’ Queen Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, is rumoured to haunt the Hampton Court Palace halls.
Discover grisly tales: Built by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London was used for centuries as England’s most notorious prison. Former inmates have included Guy Fawkes and the legendary explorer Sir Walter Raleigh.
Stay in comfort: Nestling in 25 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, DoubleTree by Hilton St Anne’s Manor, Wokingham, is a historic countryside manor with a 14-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room and award-winning chef. The hotel also has tennis courts and a 24-hour fitness room.