Queen Victoria 200: 10 Day Regal Splendour & an Island Getaway

Sunday – Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where you’ll stay for the next four nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

Monday – Windsor and Windsor Castle

Your day begins with a guided walking tour of Windsor, a Royal Borough in the South East of England, situated on the River Thames. A statue of Queen Victoria was erected here in 1887 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, with the Queen herself in attendance at the unveiling. You will then visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is still one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II today. Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodelled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and state occasions. During Queen Victoria’s reign, Windsor Castle was the primary palace for the British monarchy, and the Queen spent the larger part of every year residing here. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art for you to admire. Tonight you will enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Windsor.

Tuesday – Hughenden and Cliveden Gardens

Today you will head first to the stunning Hughenden, previously home to an unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, from 1848 to 1881. This impressive manor provides a fascinating insight into the world of this colourful former-parliamentarian, who is described as Queen Victoria’s ‘favourite Prime Minister’. Next visit is to the Cliveden Gardens, which have uniquely captured the grandeur of a bygone era. In 1837, Cliveden was purchased by Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland, to be used as a home away from London, near to her friend Queen Victoria. Victoria frequented Cliveden on at least eight occasions and with expansive views, these gardens set elevated above the River Thames have a special charm. This evenings dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel followed by a fascinating themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday – Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and St James’ Palace Chapel

Kensington Palace has been a home to the royal family since the 17th century, and today you are able to explore this stunning Jacobean building. Built in 1605, Princess Victoria was later born here on 24 May 1819. The Palace was Queen Victoria’s childhood home and is now the London residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Next you will venture to Westminster Abbey, which since the 11th century has been the coronation church of the British monarchy. Queen Victoria’s coronation took place here on 28 June 1838 when she was just 19 years of age, and the event lasted five hours. There are around 3,300 people buried or commemorated at this iconic Abbey, many of whom are hugely significant figures in history. You will then head to St James’ Palace Chapel. Also described as the Chapel Royal and originally constructed by King Henry VIII, this was the venue of the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in 1840. The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements..

Thursday – Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle is one of the longest inhabited country houses in England, having been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since 1067. Although restored and remodelled in the 19th century, many of the original features remain such as the Norman keep and gatehouse, while the finely preserved interiors are home to priceless works of art. Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert visited the castle for several days in 1846. After enjoying lunch together in Arundel, you will take the ferry to the Isle of Wight, and check in to The Royal Hotel, our base for the next four nights. This evenings dinner will be served at the hotel.

Friday – Osborne House and Cowes

Today you have the chance to explore Osborne House, purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 as a seaside retreat away from London and Windsor. The Italianate palace boasts spectacular views across the Solent. You can take an intimate glimpse of royal family life as you wander through the magnificent Royal Apartments as well as the walled gardens and grounds where you’ll find the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the royal children to learn household management. Afterwards you have some time at leisure in Cowes, home to the world-famous regatta that swells the local population each August. Many of the town’s ornate buildings date from Queen Victoria’s time, in the style popularised by her consort Prince Albert. As well as some upmarket shops, Cowes also has numerous art galleries. This evenings dinner will be served at the hotel.

Saturday – The Needles, Farringford House Gardens, Dimbola Lodge, Mottistone Gardens and St Lawrence Parish Church

You will take a scenic drive via The Needles with some impressive views of Alum Bay, before heading for a brief visit to Farringford House Gardens, surrounding the home of famous poet and friend of Queen Victoria, Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson lived here from 1853 until his death in 1892. Afterwards, you will continue on to Dimbola Lodge, home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, where you can enjoy a guided tour. The house is now a Museum and Gallery dedicated to her life and work whilst also showcasing contemporary exhibitions from photographers around the globe. Next venture is to Mottistone Gardens, one of the most peaceful and magical gardens on the island, surrounding an attractive Elizabethan manor house. Established in the early 20th century, the garden is set in a sheltered valley and is rich in colourful herbaceous borders, shrub-filled banks and grassy terraces. Finally, there will be a visit the Victorian parish church, St Lawrence, which was designed by the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 19th century. Tonights dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Sunday – Nunwell House, North Court Gardens and Godshill

This morning you are to enjoy a guided tour of Nunwell House, a beautiful family home since 1522, set in five acres of tranquil gardens with stunning views across the Solent. The parlour chamber of this historic house is where the illfated Charles I spent his last night of freedom. You will then head on to the North Court Gardens, which boasts 15 acres of beautiful gardens, with a large variety of plants and exotic palms that enjoy the special varying microclimates of the grounds. You will also spend a short while in the pretty inland village of Godshill with its charming thatched-roofed cottages, delightful medieval church, tearooms and gift shops. This evenings dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel.

Monday – Avington Park

After breakfast you will leave the Isle of Wight behind as you take the ferry back to the mainland and then journey to Avington Park for a private guided tour and lunch. This stunning Georgian manor was once the property of Winchester Cathedral and sits in an idyllic location beside the River Itchen. Afterwards, return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday – Departure

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.