6-Night London and South Downs

Day 2

Accommodation

Exquisite Luxury Historic Hotel - London, Greater London

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.

Included Unique Activities

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Capture the heart of the city’s culture, landmarks and history on our London routemaster bus, whilst sipping on a lovely cup of tea and enjoying the exquisite tastes of England. High tea accompanied with an array of tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries. Your London bus driver will take you round Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more. The Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London sightseeing tour lasts approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic).

Suggested Sightseeing

Buckingham Palace, Greater London

On The Map: Buckingham Palace is located in the heart of London - north of the River Thames and just southeast of Hyde Park: Closest Tube Stops: Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner

Famed Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's Sovereigns since 1837. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors. The Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and Guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. Buckingham Palace is furnished and decorated with priceless works of art that form part of the Royal Collection, one of the major art collections in the world today. George IV's original palace lacked a large room in which to entertain. Queen Victoria rectified that shortcoming by adding a Ballroom 1853-5 which was, at the time of its construction, the largest room in London. Today, it is used by The Queen for State banquets and other formal occasions such as the annual Diplomatic Reception attended by 1,500 guests.

Big Ben, Greater London

On The Map: Big Ben is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to the British Houses of Parliament. Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located right beside Big Ben. When the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in October 1934, it was decided that the new neo-gothic style Palace should include an imposing and impressive clock tower. Thus, one of England's most famous & instantly recognizable landmarks came to be. Interestingly, although the name Big Ben is commonly used to describe the tower, it was initially given to the Great Bell within the tower. The tower itself, which lies to the north of the Houses of Parliament, is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, and was completed in 1859. The Great Clock started on May 31, with the Great Bell's peals being heard for the first very time on July 11. It is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world,after that of Minneapolis City Hall, and is famed for it's unerring time-keeping accuracy. The hands of the clock are 9 and 14 feet in length, and the Great Bell (Big Ben!) weighs-in at 13 tons. Although it is possible to tour the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower is closed to visitors. But with no lift, and 334 steps to the top, this may not be such a bad thing!

The Tower of London, Greater London

On The Map: The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Nearest Tube Stop: Tower Hill - served by the Northern and Jubilee Lines

At Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll see the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders, mysterious Ravens and, of course, the magnificent White Tower. The Tower was built on the River Thames by William the Conqueror. Its purpose was to protect London and to assert the city’s importance and power. Inside you’ll find a unique Romanesque Chapel, the 11th century Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist. You’ll also find the Royal Armouries Collections. 

The Crown Jewels have been displayed in the Tower of London for nearly 400 years. This is an extraordinary collection of 24,000 gemstones and are used in present royal ceremonies, including the Coronation Spoon and St. Edward’s Crown.  Still under armed guard, listen to the stories of their past, who wore them, and what makes them important.

The Tower Ravens are known as The Guardians. It is said that if the Ravens leave, the Tower will fall. Charles II is the first to insist that the Ravens be protected. Ravens are mythic, intelligent birds, and the tower has a Ravenmaster in charge of assuring their continued health and well-being.  

We know the Yeoman Warders by their more common name, “The Beefeaters.” Take a tour with one of the Yeoman and you’ll hear stories steeped in 1,000 years of history. Palace intrigue, betrayals, great loves, tragedy, those imprisoned at the Tower, and illicit liaisons… ask your Beefeater questions!

Westminster Abbey, Greater London

On The Map: Westminster Abbey is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to Big Ben. Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located just 0.2 miles north of Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s great churches, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Paying a visit is truly an essential part of any trip to London. Kings & Queens, Poets & Heroes - all are represented at the Abbey - and it has many fascinating tales to tell. Westminster has long been the traditional venue for the coronation of English Monarchs, as well as their final resting place. The current, wonderful 700-year-old building is literally brimming with amazing artifacts and stunning craftsmanship. Of particular note is The Lady Chapel, begun in 1503, and constructed at the expense of Henry VII. It is regarded as the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture, and in 1545 was heralded as "the wonder of the entire world". The outstanding feature of the chapel is the spectacular fan-vaulted roof with carved pendants. The spectacular Waterford Crystal chandeliers in The Nave were a gift from the Guinness family, in honor of the Abbey's 900th anniversary in 1965. In front of the High Altar is another of the Abbey's treasures - a marble pavement dating from 1268. The method of its decoration is known as Cosmati work, after the Italian family who developed the technique. Audio guides are available in 12 languages, and the highly-popular Verger-led tour is also an option on-site. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year.

London, Greater London

On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.

The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.

Day 3

Accommodation

Landmark Seaview Hotel - South Downs National Park, South East Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:30 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10:30 AM.

Enroute Sightseeing

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Greater London

Kew Gardens, formally Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, botanical garden located at Kew, site of a former royal estate in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. In 2003 Kew Gardens was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Kew Gardens contains some 28,680 taxa of living plants, an herbarium of approximately seven million dried specimens, and a library of some 130,000 volumes in addition to archived materials, periodicals, and prints and drawings. The collections of tropical orchids, succulents, tropical ferns, and Australian plants are exceptionally fine.

Chartwell House, South East Region

Visit the home of Winston Churchill - one of the most famous Prime Ministers in United Kingdom’s history. Chartwell is a beautiful country house in Westerham, Kent and was home to Churchill for over 40 years. The home played a very important part in Churchill’s life - from a place of refuge to a place from which he could run his campaigns, Chartwell was extremely important to him. Today, Chartwell is protected by the National Trust and visitors are invited to explore the house itself as well as Lady Churchill’s Rose Garden and a replica of the playhouse he built for his children. The home also plays host to rotating art exhibits, so be sure to check what’s on display during your visit!

Overnight Location

South Downs National Park, South East Region

Explore rolling hills, bustling market towns, white cliffs, ancient woodland, traditional country pubs and stunning vineyards at South Downs National Park. The park covers about 1,600 square km of land and is dedicated to preserving every inch of it. South Downs features over 3,300km of walkways and roads to explore - you can even bring your dog! With cycling paths, farms, galleries, gardens, museums and historic sites, this park is truly a nature-lover’s paradise! 

Day 4

Accommodation

Landmark Seaview Hotel - South Downs National Park, South East Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:30 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10:30 AM.

Included Unique Activities

South Downs & Seven Sisters Tour from Brighton

Discover England’s picturesque South Downs without the hassle of public transport on this day trip from Brighton. The convenient small-group trip, which is limited to just ten people, showcases the highlights of a hilly region that’s difficult to navigate without a car. Admire views from Devil’s Dyke, visit Middle Farm, and spot Neolithic carvings in the Seven Sisters Country Park — all with commentary from a driver-guide.

Duration: 6.5 hours

Suggested Sightseeing

Royal Pavilion Brighton, South East Region

The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house and museum mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China. 

Brighton, South East Region

On The Map: Brighton is a coastal city in the southeast of England, located just 65 miles directly south of London.

Brighton is a seaside resort townin the southeast of England. A mere 1-hour train journey from London, the city is a very popular day-trip destination for Londoners. The town is well known for Its broad pebble beach, and Victorian-era Brighton Pier, which first opened in 1899. Packed with amusement arcades, rides and a wealth of food kiosks, the Pier is buzzing destination for the whole family. The Royal Pavilion (pictured) is not the type of architecture one expects to find in England! Construction of the pleasure palace began in the late 1700s, as a seaside retreat for Prince George. British Airways i360 is one of England's newest attractions - glide more than 500 feet to the top of the slender tower for a panormic view of Brighton and surrounds. Brighton also boasts exceptional Regency architecture, around several stunning squares across the city. Brighton has also garnered a reputation as a shopper's paradise, including a wide variety of chic boutiques and vintage markets.

Day 5

Accommodation

Landmark Seaview Hotel - South Downs National Park, South East Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:30 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10:30 AM.

Suggested Sightseeing

Day of Leisure at Hydro Hotel, Wales

Spend today exploring Hydro Hotel’s surroundings. Thanks to its unique location right on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park and near the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the entire area surrounding Hydro is a haven for the outdoors. With so much to see and do within just 30 minutes of the hotel, you could spend multiple days here. Be sure to check out Eastbourne Pier and Waterfront (a classic example of a Victorian Pier), Hertmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds (a 300-acre estate, complete with a moated castle), Sheffield Park and Garden, Cuckmere Valley (offering inspiring views of the Seven Sisters) and Alfriston Clergy House (a medieval thatched Wealden hall-house). 

Day 6

Accommodation

Convenient Heathrow Hotel - London, Greater London

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.

Suggested Sightseeing

Windsor Castle, South East Region

On the map: Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture.

A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, Winsdor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world, remains a working palace today. The Queen uses the Castle both as a private home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as an official Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties.

The Royal Wedding of Pince Harry and Meghan Markle is set to take place at St George's Chapel on the grounds.

Runnymede, South East Region

Famous for being the site of the sealing of Magna Carta, Runnymede is now home to a number of memorials to the struggle for liberty. Nearly 800 years ago, King John met a group of barons at this now historical site to seal the Magna Carta - a moment in time that is seen by many as the symbolic first step on the road to modern democracy. Along with the Magna Carta Memorial, visitors can see a Kennedy Memorial and a Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial!

Overnight Location

London, Greater London

On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.

The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.

Day 7

Depart From

Depart from London Heathrow Airport, Greater London

Return to London Heathrow Airport three hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.