Castles, Gardens & Palaces of the United Kingdom

Day 1 - Monday 21 May 2018

Melbourne-Singapore-London

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the designated departure point at Melbourne Airport for your flight to London via Singapore. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

Day 2 - Tuesday 22 May 2018

Welcome to London (D)

An early morning arrival.  We will be met and transferred to our hotel where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Later this evening we enjoy a welcome drink followed by a 3 course dinner.

4 Nights Accommodation - Novotel Greenwich (or similar)

Day 3 - Wednesday 23 May 2018

London Sightseeing (B,AT)

This morning we will be setting off with our Tour Manager for a full day of sightseeing. We will view Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. We also enjoy an afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason or similar. Then return to our hotel for an evening at our leisure.

Overnight - Novotel Greenwich

Day 4 - Thursday 24 May 2018

Chelsea Flower Show (B,D)

After breakfast we will head to the famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the most prestigious flower show in the world showcasing the most up to date and innovative garden designs. Later we enjoy some evening sightseeing and a ride on the iconic London Eye to admire breathtaking views of London whilst enjoying a glass of Champagne followed by dinner at a local restaurant. 

Overnight - Novotel Greenwich

Day 5 - Friday 25 May 2018

London Sightseeing (B)

Today we visit Wisley Gardens historic home of the RHS and undoubtedly one of the finest gardens in the world. Continue on to Hampton Court Palace where we will discover the magnificence of Henry VIII's favourite royal residence. Later we will take a sightseeing cruise on the river Thames to Richmond where we will enjoy a unique view of London.  This evening is at leisure. 

Overnight - Novotel Greenwich

Day 6 - Saturday 26 May 2018

London Sightseeing (B,D)

This morning we head to Westerham, with free time to explore this quanit little village. Continue on to Chartwell where we will visit to Chartwell House once the principal residence of Winston Churchill.  Later we will get the opportunity to visit Hever Castle the childhood home of Anne Boleyn before continuing on to Poole where we will visit Compton Acres Gardens one of the finest pivately owned gardens in England. Our final stop will be in Dorchester where we will spend the night at the Duchess of Cornwall hotel and enjoy a 2 course meal.

Overnight - Duchess of Cornwall Country House

Day 7 - Sunday 27 May 2018

Dorchester - Maenporth (B,D)

Today en-route to the Dartmouth Ferry we will view Agatha Christie’s house with some free time to explore. Travel by ferry to Dartmoor National Park. We will make a stop at Two Bridges for photos before lunch (own expense) at Two Bridges Hotel. Continue on to Maenporth and enjoy a 3 course dinner this evening at our hotel.

2 Nights Accommodation - Hotel Meudon Country House - Nestled in 8.5 acres of gardens, sweeping down to the property's private beach Bream Cove.

Day 8 - Monday 28 May 2018

Sightseeing from Maenporth (B,d)

This morning we will enjoy a walk around Port Isaac, the picturesque village where Doc Martin was filmed. Port Isaac has been an attractive fishing village since the early fourteenth century. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with old white-washed cottages and traditional granite, slate-fronted Cornish houses, many of which are listed as of architectural or historic importance.  Afternoon at leisure before enjoying a 2 course dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight - Hotel Meudon Country House

Day 9 - Tuesday 29 May 2018

Maenporth - Wales (B,D)

Today travelling to Bristol, we will get the opportunity to view the Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge from the coach. A brief stop will be made in Bristol before continuing on to Crickhowell in Wales. Wales is known for it's natural beauty and quaint welsh charm.  The scenic countryside features regged windswept coastlines, deep lush valleys and ancient castles.  Tonight we'll be staying at the Manor Hotel situated in possibly the most beautiful valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park, on the fringe of the pretty and sophisticated market town of Crickhowell.  Dinner Tonight is included.  

Overnight - Manor Hotel 

Day 10 - Wednesday 30 May 2018

Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa, Clywydian Range (B,D)

This morning we travel to Hereford to enjoy a guided tour of Hereford Cathedral. We'll then continue through the Shropshire Hills and make a stop in Llangollen with free time to explore this pretty little town.  We'll then travel over the picturesque Horseshoe Pass before arriving at our destination. Tonight a real treat we'll be staying in a 'real' castle!

Overnight - Ruthin Castle is a beautiful retreat, steeped in history and nestled in acres of parkland beside the Clwydian Range in North Wales. Dinner tonight is included.

Day 11 - Thursday 31 May 2018

Chester - Lake District (B,D)

This morning is ours to enjoy a leisure.  This afternoon we'll continue on our journey to Watermillock, located in the Lake District. The spectacularly scenic Lake District is a popular holiday destination in Cumbria, North West England, attracting countless visitors with its exquisite lakes and its lush, forest-clad mountains. The area is protected by the nation’s largest national park and is a hiker’s dream with many excellent hiking trails available. History enthusiasts will be equally well sated with more than 200 ancient monuments. There are numerous charming towns and villages to explore, discover local castles and historic houses, cruise by wooded islands on the magnificent lake Derwentwater, ascending the thrilling fell walk of Striding Edge, or catching a glimpse of the life of Wordsworth at Dove Cottage on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Grasmere.  

3 Nights Accommodation - Macdonald Leeming House with stunning views of the Cumbrian Fells.  The hotel has 22 acres of grounds and offers croquet on the lawn and private fishing on the river. Indoors, there is a drawing room, library and sitting room with log fires in the winter.  Dinner tonight is included.

Day 12 - Friday 1 June 2018

Lake District - Sightseeing (B,L)

This morning we'll be visiting Holker Hall and Gardens where lunch is also included. Holker Hall is the home of the Cavendish family who happily welcome their visitors to one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay, Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.  This afternoon we'll have at leisure including dinner.  

Overnight - Macdonald Leeming House

Day 13 - Saturday 2 June 2018

Lake District - Sightseeing (B,D)

Today we will visit Hill Top – Beatrix Potter farmhouse before continuing on to Hawkshead where you will have some free time to explore the town.  The prettiest village set in the magnificent vale of Esthwaite, In the heart of the English Lake District, Hawkshead is a truly historic and wonderfully picturesque village characterised by its cluster of whitewashed houses, archways and alleyways, courtyards and squares. Hawkshead has flourished since its beginnings as a medieval market town. Today, with its car-free village centre, it's the perfect place for the visitor to experience the 'real' Lake District. The cobbled streets, squares and courtyards and the beautiful whitewashed cottages, topped with local Lakeland slate, give this little place a magical feel.  The village is steeped in history and heritage, from the ruins of Hawkshead Hall (built by medieval monks) and the 15th-century St Michael's parish church and court house, to later buildings such as the grammar school (1855) which the poet William Wordsworth attended. Take a walk in William Wordworth’s path and then transfer to Bowness on Windermere where we will enjoy a lovely lake cruise. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner included at our hotel tonight.  

Overnight - Macdonald Leeming House

Day 14 - Sunday 3 June 2018

Lake District - Edinburgh (B,D)

Today we farewell the gorgeous Lake District and head north to the famous town of Gretna Green, where we will have free time here to explore. Gretna Green is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations due to its romantic wedding traditions dating back over centuries, which originated from cross-border elopements stemming from differences between Scottish marriage laws and those in neighbouring countries. From here we'll continue on through the Low Lands to Edinburgh where we enjoy a vist to the Botanical Gardens before transfering to our hotel. Tonight a Taste of Scotland Dinner and Show at Prestonfield House.

2 Nights Accommodation - Novotel Edinburgh Centre.

Day 15 - Monday 4 June 2018

Edinburgh Sightseeing (B)

Today we'll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is an architectural treasure trove with enough neoclassical terraces, Georgian grandeur, and late-medieval monuments to thrill even the most avid architecture enthusiast. On our tour we'll view the Victorian Gothic Monument to Sir Walter Scott, The New Town and The Old Town. Entrance to Edinburgh Castle is also included. We'll walk the Royal Mile and visit Drummond Castle Gardens. Dinner at leisure tonight with an array of excellent pubs to choose from.  

Overnight at Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Day 16 - Tuesday 5 June 2018

Edinburgh - Harrogate (B,D)

Heading south today after breakfast we'll will make a stop at Rosslyn Chapel (Da Vinci Code Film) to enjoy a guided tour.  One of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings, Rosslyn Chapel has been in the ownership of the Earl & Countess of Rosslyn since its foundation in 1446 and is still used today as a place of worship. We'll then continue on to Melrose where we have arranged a guided tour of Abbotsford House home of Sir Walther Scott. We'll explore the historic house and discover a treasure trove of intriguing objects and unusual artefacts which inspired Scott’s greatest poems and novels.  Later we'll stop to view Hadrian’s Wall before visiting Housesteads Roman Fort – UNESCO heritage site. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant tonight.  

2 Nights Accommodation - Crown Plaza Harrogate

Day 17 - Wednesday 6 June 2018

Harrogate (B,D)

After breakfast we will drive to York where we will visit York Minster and the Shambles.   York’s world-class cathedral with its medieval stained glass and stone masterpieces and foundations rooted in the nation's earliest history. York Minster’s vast spaces come alive with the sanctity and tradition of worship and heavenly music, but you can also find quiet corners revealing great treasures, unexpected stories and human inspiration.  ‘The Shambles’ is sometimes used as a general term for the maze of twisting, narrow lanes which make York so charming.  At its heart is the lane actually called the Shambles, arguably the best preserved medieval street in the world.  It was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of William the Conqueror in 1086.  Many of the buildings on the street today date back to the late fourteenth and fifteenth century (around 1350-1475).  This afternoon we will also visit Castle Howard including the beautiful house and gardens. With 1,000 acres to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquility with extensive woodland walks, temples, lakes and fountains.  The monumental landscape offers breathtaking views at every turn, taking in the countryside of the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Dinner tonight will be served at your hotel.  Overnight Crown Plaza Harrogate

Day 18 - Thursday 7 June 2018

Harrogate - Oxford (B)

Today we depart Harrogate and head south to Stratford Upon Avon where we'll view the main sights of this gorgeous hamlet town.  Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of its most famous resident, William Shakespeare. This Warwickshire country town contains the home where Shakespeare was born, the cottage where Anne Hathaway resided before their marriage and the church where the couple is buried. Entrance to Shakespeare’s birthplace is included. We'll continue on through the pretty villages in the Cotswolds making a stop in Bourton-on-the-Water. regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England and often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ because of the attractive little bridges that cross the gently flowing River Windrush running through the centre of the village.  This village is home to the Cotswolds Perfumery makers of fine english frangrances and the Queen is amongst one of their valued customers! Woodstock will be our next stop where entrance to Blenheim Palace and Gardens is included. The palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1722 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.  We'll arrive into Oxford our last stop for the day with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Holiday Inn Oxford

Day 19 - Friday 8 June 2018

Oxford - London (B)

This morning after breakfest we travel to Bicester where we will enjoy some shopping time in the village which is home to more than 130 fashion and lifestyle boutiques . Continue on to Windsor where we will visit the Iconic Windsor Castle, later continue on to London and enjoy an evening at leisure.

2 Nights Accommodation - London - Tower Hotel

Day 20 - Saturday 9 June 2018

London (B,D)

Today we will visit Kew Gardens, home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world .  The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight we bid farewell to London with a dinner cruise on the Thames where we will be entertained with jazz music and a enjoy a welcome drink.

Overnight - Tower Hotel London

Day 21 - Sunday 10 June 2018

London - Singapore (B)

Today is a day of leisure for last minute packing and shopping.  Late this evening we'll transfer to London Heathrow for our evening flight to Australia via Singapore. Sit back, relax and reminise about great times shared with new friends.  

Day 22 - Monday 11 June 2018

Singapore - Melbourne (Meals Inflight)

Enjoy the inflight entertainment and hospitality of Singapore Airlines as we head towards home.

Day 23 - Tuesday 12 June 2018

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home from an amazing adventure!  Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.