Castles and Cathedrals of England
England has been populated for over 5000 years. Uniquely in the world for over 1000 years England has also had a Monarchy. The current Queen has been in power since 1953. In all that time there have been many Royals who have left their mark on the country by building some of the most impressive castles and Cathedrals in the world. There are so many fantastic buildings that to foreign visitors it seems incredible that so many fabulous places could be located in one small island. This means that for many people the only option is to follow the herd and see the "standard" attractions. We think you deserve better. Our tours are designed to help you to explore the best cathedrals and palaces whilst making sure that you also experience some of the great beauty that England has to offer. Tours run regularly through the month year round. Please enquire for the dates that best suit you. These trips are ideal for groups who can obtain substantial discounts on request.
Please Select Your Itinerary Requirements
Historic Castles and Cathedrals of England
- Start Date :
- 31-03-2010
- End Date :
- 30-10-2010
£699
View Itinerary Details
Half Board Basis
Based on 2 people sharing one room
Includes all entry fees and guides and courier
3 star hotels or better
Travel by private coach or car
Departing London
Day 1
Depart 9.30 am for Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. The building itself is remarkable, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of those who erected it.
Arrive around 11 am
Lunch in Salisbury (included)
Visit to the Cathedral and viewing of the Magna Carta
2pm
Stonehenge visit
This circle of stones was created around 3100 BC
It is one of many incredible stone age relics in the area. The blue stone was transported from Wales (approx 250 miles) by man power alone. It is truly a testament to mankinds ability to transform the world.
Arrive Hotel around 5 pm
Day 2
Breakfast
Depart around 9 am for Gloucester
Arrive around 10.30
Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship continuously for over 1300 years, since Osric, an Anglo-Saxon prince, founded a religious house here in 678-9 AD. Little is known for certain about the communities which worshipped here or the buildings they used over the next 400 years although it is believed that the Benedictine Rule was introduced here early in the 11th century.
Lunch (included)
Tour of Gloucester Cathedral
Depart Gloucester 2.45
Arrive Hereford around 6.30pm
Hotel check in
Day 3
Hereford Cathedral
Home of the Mappa Mundi
This beautiful building is the home of a community which has worshipped and worked together here continuously for well over 1200 years.
Lunch
2pm Depart for Stratford upon Avon
Visit to Shakespeare's birth place
Depart 6pm
Hotel
Day 4
Breakfast
Depart 8am
Blenheim Palace
It is the only non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title "palace". The Palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1724. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Full day
Depart for Hotel 4.45 pm
Day 5
Breakfast
Depart 9 am
Rockingham Castle
The site on which Rockingham Castle stand has been in use during the Iron Age, Roman period and by Saxon tribes. Its position on elevated ground provides good defense and clear views of the Welland Valley.
Shortly after the Norman Invasion in the 11th century, a Motte and Bailey castle was built here on the orders of William the Conquerer. His son, King William II, founded the stone castle. A shell keep was added to the large motte and the inner bailey was surrounded by a curtain wall. The castle was used throughout the Norman and Plantagenet periods as a Royal retreat. Especially as nearby Rockingham Forest was good for hunting wild boar and deer.
In 1270, Henry III strengthened the castle's defenses with a twin-tower gatehouse. However only a century later Edward III became the last monarch to visit the castle, during its possession by The Crown.
By the late 15th century Rockingham Castle had fallen into disrepair. In 1485 Edward Watson (founder of the Watson Family dynasty), bought the castle and converted the site into a Tudor house with gardens. In the reign of Henry VIII, the former royal castle had become a hunting lodge for the nobility.
However Rockingham's military might was put to use again when it was garrisoned for Charles I during the English Civil War. The royalists fought several small skirmishes with Parliamentary forces until it was eventually captured by Lord Grey of Groby in 1643. The walls were slighted in 1646.
In the later 17th and 18th centuries Rockingham Castle became a residence again and the seat of the Marquesses of Rockingham. It was restored to its full elegance and grace in the late nineteenth century.
Today the castle is the family home of the Saunders Watson family.
Arrive around 10.30
lunch
Depart 1 pm
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle. It sits on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon.
Warwick Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068
It was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it to a country house. It was owned by the Greville family, who became earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978
From 1088, the castle traditionally belonged to the Earl of Warwick, and it served as a symbol of his power. The castle was taken in 1153 by Henry of Anjou, later Henry II. It has been used to hold prisoners, including some from the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century. Under the ownership of Richard Neville – also known as "Warwick the Kingmaker" – Warwick Castle was used in the 15th century to imprison the English king, Edward IV.
Since its construction in the 11th century, the castle has undergone structural changes with additions of towers and redesigned residential buildings. Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th century military architecture.
Depart 5pm
Hotel
Day 6
Breakfast
Depart 9 am
First we visit Nottingham and see the original scenes from Robin Hood before we contine on to Lincoln.
A quick pint in "ye Olde Jerusalem Inne" in the city of Nottingham - the worlds oldest pub - will set us up for the rest of the day.
Lincoln Cathedral arrive around 2.30 pm
Site of the Da Vinci Code film.
It was reputedly the tallest building in the world for nearly a quarter of a millennium (1300–1549), though this height has been questioned.[1] The central spire collapsed in 1549 and was not rebuilt. It is highly regarded by architectural scholars; the eminent Victorian writer John Ruskin declared, "I have always held... that the cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have."
Farewell lunch
Depart Lincoln 4.45 for London
Arrive London around 7 pm
Based on 2 people sharing one room
Includes all entry fees and guides and courier
3 star hotels or better
Travel by private coach or car
Departing London
Day 1
Depart 9.30 am for Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. The building itself is remarkable, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of those who erected it.
Arrive around 11 am
Lunch in Salisbury (included)
Visit to the Cathedral and viewing of the Magna Carta
2pm
Stonehenge visit
This circle of stones was created around 3100 BC
It is one of many incredible stone age relics in the area. The blue stone was transported from Wales (approx 250 miles) by man power alone. It is truly a testament to mankinds ability to transform the world.
Arrive Hotel around 5 pm
Day 2
Breakfast
Depart around 9 am for Gloucester
Arrive around 10.30
Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship continuously for over 1300 years, since Osric, an Anglo-Saxon prince, founded a religious house here in 678-9 AD. Little is known for certain about the communities which worshipped here or the buildings they used over the next 400 years although it is believed that the Benedictine Rule was introduced here early in the 11th century.
Lunch (included)
Tour of Gloucester Cathedral
Depart Gloucester 2.45
Arrive Hereford around 6.30pm
Hotel check in
Day 3
Hereford Cathedral
Home of the Mappa Mundi
This beautiful building is the home of a community which has worshipped and worked together here continuously for well over 1200 years.
Lunch
2pm Depart for Stratford upon Avon
Visit to Shakespeare's birth place
Depart 6pm
Hotel
Day 4
Breakfast
Depart 8am
Blenheim Palace
It is the only non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title "palace". The Palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1724. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Full day
Depart for Hotel 4.45 pm
Day 5
Breakfast
Depart 9 am
Rockingham Castle
The site on which Rockingham Castle stand has been in use during the Iron Age, Roman period and by Saxon tribes. Its position on elevated ground provides good defense and clear views of the Welland Valley.
Shortly after the Norman Invasion in the 11th century, a Motte and Bailey castle was built here on the orders of William the Conquerer. His son, King William II, founded the stone castle. A shell keep was added to the large motte and the inner bailey was surrounded by a curtain wall. The castle was used throughout the Norman and Plantagenet periods as a Royal retreat. Especially as nearby Rockingham Forest was good for hunting wild boar and deer.
In 1270, Henry III strengthened the castle's defenses with a twin-tower gatehouse. However only a century later Edward III became the last monarch to visit the castle, during its possession by The Crown.
By the late 15th century Rockingham Castle had fallen into disrepair. In 1485 Edward Watson (founder of the Watson Family dynasty), bought the castle and converted the site into a Tudor house with gardens. In the reign of Henry VIII, the former royal castle had become a hunting lodge for the nobility.
However Rockingham's military might was put to use again when it was garrisoned for Charles I during the English Civil War. The royalists fought several small skirmishes with Parliamentary forces until it was eventually captured by Lord Grey of Groby in 1643. The walls were slighted in 1646.
In the later 17th and 18th centuries Rockingham Castle became a residence again and the seat of the Marquesses of Rockingham. It was restored to its full elegance and grace in the late nineteenth century.
Today the castle is the family home of the Saunders Watson family.
Arrive around 10.30
lunch
Depart 1 pm
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle. It sits on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon.
Warwick Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068
It was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it to a country house. It was owned by the Greville family, who became earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978
From 1088, the castle traditionally belonged to the Earl of Warwick, and it served as a symbol of his power. The castle was taken in 1153 by Henry of Anjou, later Henry II. It has been used to hold prisoners, including some from the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century. Under the ownership of Richard Neville – also known as "Warwick the Kingmaker" – Warwick Castle was used in the 15th century to imprison the English king, Edward IV.
Since its construction in the 11th century, the castle has undergone structural changes with additions of towers and redesigned residential buildings. Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th century military architecture.
Depart 5pm
Hotel
Day 6
Breakfast
Depart 9 am
First we visit Nottingham and see the original scenes from Robin Hood before we contine on to Lincoln.
A quick pint in "ye Olde Jerusalem Inne" in the city of Nottingham - the worlds oldest pub - will set us up for the rest of the day.
Lincoln Cathedral arrive around 2.30 pm
Site of the Da Vinci Code film.
It was reputedly the tallest building in the world for nearly a quarter of a millennium (1300–1549), though this height has been questioned.[1] The central spire collapsed in 1549 and was not rebuilt. It is highly regarded by architectural scholars; the eminent Victorian writer John Ruskin declared, "I have always held... that the cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have."
Farewell lunch
Depart Lincoln 4.45 for London
Arrive London around 7 pm
The dreaming spires of Southern England
- Start Date :
- 01-11-2009
- End Date :
- 01-12-2010
£645
View Itinerary Details
Travel by coach
Departing London
3 star or better hotels
Service of a tour guide throughout
Based on 2 people sharing
Single person supplement £200
Day 1
Depart 9.30 am for Windsor Castle (arrive around 10.30 am) is the largest inhabited castle in the world and, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, is the oldest in continuous occupation.
Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Her other two residences, Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, are the Royal Family's private homes. You may not visit these other palaces.
Most of the Kings and Queens of England, later Kings and Queens of Great Britain, and later still kings and queens of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace, the castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war, the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day.
4pm Depart for Oxford
Arrive Hotel around 5 pm
Eveing free to explore this ancient city with its wonderful pubs and historic clositers
Day 2
Breakfast
Self guided walking tour of Oxford
Depart around 1.30 pm for Blenheim Palace
Blenheim is the only non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title "palace". The Palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1724. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Evening spent in Oxford
Day 3
Breakfast
Depart at 10 am
The morning will be spent at Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. The building itself is remarkable, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of those who erected it.
Lunch - we travel to a traditional English pub to sample the beer and fine foods (Food and beer are not included in the tour price)
After lunch we travel to Stonehenge for a visit.
We move hotels today so coaches take us nearer to our next destination - Winchester and its Cathedral
Day 4
Winchester is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.
It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Swithun and is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester and centre of the Diocese of Winchester.
Visit to the Round Table
An imitation Arthurian Round Table hangs in the Great Hall. The table was originally constructed in the 13th century, and repainted in its present form for Henry VIII, around the edge of the table are the names of King Arthur's knights.
Evening at the Hotel
Day 5
Breakfast
Depart 9.30am
A Full day at Hampton Court Palace
This is the story of two palaces: a Tudor palace, magnificently developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, alongside a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II.
Depart 5pm
Hotel
Day 6
Breakfast
Depart 9 am for Cambridge
Cambridge is best known as the home of the University of Cambridge, one of the world's premier universities. The university includes the renowned Cavendish Laboratory, King's College Chapel, and the Cambridge University Library.
Arrive about 10.30
Farewell late lunch
Depart Cambridge 5.45 for London
Arrive London around 7 pm
Departing London
3 star or better hotels
Service of a tour guide throughout
Based on 2 people sharing
Single person supplement £200
Day 1
Depart 9.30 am for Windsor Castle (arrive around 10.30 am) is the largest inhabited castle in the world and, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, is the oldest in continuous occupation.
Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Her other two residences, Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, are the Royal Family's private homes. You may not visit these other palaces.
Most of the Kings and Queens of England, later Kings and Queens of Great Britain, and later still kings and queens of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace, the castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war, the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day.
4pm Depart for Oxford
Arrive Hotel around 5 pm
Eveing free to explore this ancient city with its wonderful pubs and historic clositers
Day 2
Breakfast
Self guided walking tour of Oxford
Depart around 1.30 pm for Blenheim Palace
Blenheim is the only non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title "palace". The Palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1724. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Evening spent in Oxford
Day 3
Breakfast
Depart at 10 am
The morning will be spent at Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. The building itself is remarkable, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of those who erected it.
Lunch - we travel to a traditional English pub to sample the beer and fine foods (Food and beer are not included in the tour price)
After lunch we travel to Stonehenge for a visit.
We move hotels today so coaches take us nearer to our next destination - Winchester and its Cathedral
Day 4
Winchester is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.
It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Swithun and is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester and centre of the Diocese of Winchester.
Visit to the Round Table
An imitation Arthurian Round Table hangs in the Great Hall. The table was originally constructed in the 13th century, and repainted in its present form for Henry VIII, around the edge of the table are the names of King Arthur's knights.
Evening at the Hotel
Day 5
Breakfast
Depart 9.30am
A Full day at Hampton Court Palace
This is the story of two palaces: a Tudor palace, magnificently developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, alongside a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II.
Depart 5pm
Hotel
Day 6
Breakfast
Depart 9 am for Cambridge
Cambridge is best known as the home of the University of Cambridge, one of the world's premier universities. The university includes the renowned Cavendish Laboratory, King's College Chapel, and the Cambridge University Library.
Arrive about 10.30
Farewell late lunch
Depart Cambridge 5.45 for London
Arrive London around 7 pm
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