British Isles
Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen is a prosperous, cosmopolitan city with an historic old town and one of Scotland's most striking skylines. We birth just a 15 minute walk from the centre and a shuttle bus will be available allowing you to explore this historic city.
Excursions
Crathes Castle and Gardens
Our afternoon excursion takes
us 15 miles west of Aberdeen to one of the best preserved 16th century castles
in Scotland, Crathes Castle. It was home to 14 generations of the Burnett family
for over 350 years. Members of this prestigious family have gone on to become
generals, admirals, judges, bishops and even a Governor of New York! This
fairy-tale style castle is truly magnificent with its turrets, gargoyles and
Jacobean painted ceilings that were only uncovered in 1877. This picturesque
castle was finished in 1596 after over 40 years of construction and stayed in
the same family until 1951 when it was presented to the National Trust for
Scotland.
With its portraits, oak ceilings, heraldic shields, Elizabethan fireplaces and
more, Crathes is uniquely preserved. One of the most interesting pieces in the
castle is the Horn of Leys, thought to have been given to Alexander Burnett in
1323 by King Robert the Bruce. The jewelled ivory horn is perhaps the most
famous of the family heirlooms and now takes pride of place over the fireplace
in the Great Hall.
Keep an eye out in the Green Lady's Room for the resident ghost - from the 18th
century, sightings of a woman carrying a baby who then disappears into the
fireplace have been recorded! We will also visit the beautiful and much praised,
walled gardens divided into eight themed areas by 18th century Irish Yew hedges,
which are fantastic examples of topiary. In these areas lie many unusual species
of plant that make the gardens a riot of colour all year round.
At the southern end of the Fal Estuary, the Cornish harbour of Falmouth is surrounded by beautiful coastline with wooded creeks and inlets. The area boasts excellent sandy beaches, and a vibrant town, where narrow cobbled streets lead down to the water's edge. Perhaps visit the excellent National Maritime Museum opened in 2002 and Pendennis Castle, featuring a Discovery Centre and an exhibition on Tudor battles.
Excursions
The Eden Project
Cornwall’s spectacular Eden
Project opened fully in the spring of 2001 and is an unforgettable experience in
a breathtaking location. It occupies a fourteen-hectare site, set in a crater
some sixty metres deep. Plants from all over the world can be found in the great
global garden here, a gateway into the fascinating world of plants and people
and a vibrant reminder of how we rely on each other for our mutual survival.
One of its giant conservatories is a majestic rainforest cathedral, while
another is host to the fruits of the Mediterranean and flowers of South Africa
and California. Outside in the landscaped grounds you’ll find tea and
lavender, sunflowers and hemp.
A good starting point is the Visitors’ Centre, situated on the edge of the
crater, which will introduce you to the story of the Eden Project. You will then
be at leisure to explore.
Two massive biomes, similar to giant conservatories, house tropical plants. The
Humid Tropics biome, large enough to contain the Tower of London, displays
plants including cocoa, rubber and vanilla; while the Warm Temperate biome plays
host to plants from Mediterranean climates. A third, roofless, biome is the
temperate zone, where you can find more familiar plants, as well as some from
regions as diverse as the Himalayas and Australasia. The ground rises in a
series of crescent-shaped terraces, each designed to tell the stories of plants
that changed the world; plants that started wars, halted epidemics, inspired
artists and that fed, clothed and sheltered us.
St Michael's Mount
Originally the location of a
Benedictine priory, the St Michael’s Mount is the daughter house of the famous
Mont St Michel in Normandy. It is also one of the most dramatic and famous sites
in Britain, scene of many a military siege and a well-known place of pilgrimage.
The Mount dates from the 12th century and during its long history it has been a
church, priory and fortress; converted into a private house in the 17th century,
it has been home to the St Aubyn family for over 300 years.
The flanks of the Mount are softened by lush subtropical vegetation and on the
water’s edge there is a traditional harbourside community, formerly an ancient
trading place for tin and other Cornish goods. Now in the care of The National
Trust, this magical island is the jewel in Cornwall’s crown.
On arrival we start the climb up the steep pathways to the castle entrance at
the Mount’s peak, during which we will be rewarded with magnificent views
towards Land’s End and the Lizard Peninsula.
We enter the castle via the west door and proceed through its fascinating rooms,
which include the hall, the living quarters of the Captain of the Mount during
the 16th and 17th centuries; an armoury containing sporting weapons and military
trophies brought back by the family from various wars; a Rococo Gothic drawing
room; and, at the highest point, a 14th century church, still used for public
worship and founded on the rock that forms the summit of the island.
Lands End and Cornwall Drive
The far west of Cornwall is a
beautiful and compelling land, enriched by thousands of years of Celtic
tradition. This tour explores the spectacular cliffs and granite moorland of the
Land’s End peninsula and the contrastingly softer subtropical vegetation,
flower filled lanes and tranquil wooded valleys inland.
Leaving Falmouth, we travel alongside the River Fal, whose tree-lined banks and
creeks fringe our country road as we journey towards the market town of Helston.
Peaceful villages and quiet farmland then give way to flat terrain and
occasional views of the coast as we continue to Land’s End, travelling via the
large harbour town of Penzance, immortalised in the opera Pirates of
Penzance.
The farthest point west on the English mainland, the granite mass of Land’s
End tumbles into the sea at the end of the Cornish peninsula. To English
mariners of old, sighting Land’s End meant the end of long journeys; to early
20th century voyagers, it meant blue-ribboned Atlantic crossings. Arriving at
Land’s End, you’ll see why this rocky headland has been a symbol to
travellers for centuries.
Today this famous point of land has been developed into a popular tourist
complex that even has an amusement park. Passing through the complex, you’ll
have time to walk down to the rocky plateau and viewing area atop the
60-foot-high granite cliffs of Land’s End. On a clear day, this blustery but
majestic headland offers dramatic views of the coastal areas and wind-eroded
outcrops lying just offshore. You will have the opportunity to photograph the
popular signpost that marks the number of miles to New York and other well-known
places.
Our journey also takes us via the sleepy village of Marazion where lying
offshore is a small granite island, rising out of the water like a giant
sandcastle. St Michael’s Mount is connected to the coast by a stone footpath
that is only accessible at low tide. From the shoreline, you can photograph the
island, which is crowned by a castle and a cluster of other buildings hugging
the rock’s peak.
Trebah Garden
Trebah is first recorded in the Domesday
survey of 1085 as the property of the Bishop of Exeter and for six centuries it
passed by sale or marriage through many old Cornish families. The present house
was built in the 18th century and the garden stands at the head of a 25-acre
ravine, 500 metres long and dropping 70 metres to the Helford Estuary.
For thousands of years the Helford River carried trade, migration and war to the
settlements on its shore. In more recent years, Trebah’s private beach on the
Helford Estuary was used to load American tanks and lorries on to waiting
landing craft for the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944.
Trebah is a magnificent, wild, enchanted Cornish garden, the end product of 100
years of inspired and dedicated creation, 40 years of mellowing neglect and 10
years of love and restoration. The subtropical ravine garden runs down to the
private beach below; a stream running down through the water gardens with
waterfalls and Koi carp is flanked with carpets of arums and primula candelabra
and two acres of blue and white hydrangeas; one-hundred-year-old rhododendrons
and magnolias overhang glades of giant gunnera and tree ferns; while the side
curtains of magnificent beeches climbing the steep walls of the ravine, and the
backdrop of the Helford River with the distant Bosahan hills, form a theatrical
set of extraordinary beauty.
At Trebah you will see how the creative genius of the early 19th century Cornish
garden owners and their hunger and passion for exotica led them to sponsor the
great Victorian plant hunting expeditions. The seeds and plants that they
brought back from all over the world helped create these unique examples of wild
and magnificent living theatre.
The gift shop has a wide range of beautiful and unusual gifts, books and
mementoes and you’ll also be able to enjoy some fine photo opportunities in
this peaceful and secluded haven with superb views out over the mouth of the
Helford River.
Some twenty-five miles south-west of Land's End, the almost 200 Isles of Scilly are scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, their climate tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Many islands are nothing more than granite outcrops, others tiny islets with rocky cliffs and sandy bays and only five are inhabited - St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes and Bryher. St Mary's is the commercial and social hub of the archipelago. Its capital, Hugh Town, offers shops, restaurants, three churches and the Isles of Scilly Museum. Less than two miles away from Hugh Town is Pelistry Bay, one of the most secluded spots on the island. Its crystal-clear waters and irresistible beach are characteristic of St Mary's. Tresco, the second largest island served by only two shops, one pub, one hotel and no cars, bears vivid reminders of the island's long history. The Abbey Gardens act as a magnet for most visitors. Rare plants, shrubs and trees have been collected from around the world, including many subtropical species, which grow nowhere else in Britain and thrive here in the balmy climate
Excursions
St Mary's Island Tour
Some twenty-five miles southwest of
Land's End, the almost 200 Isles of Scilly are scattered in the Atlantic Ocean,
their climate tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Many islands are
nothing more than granite outcrops, others tiny islets with rocky cliffs and
sandy bays and only five are inhabited - St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, St
Agnes and Bryher.
On this short but excellent coach tour we will take a circular route around the
whole of St Mary's. Although the largest island in the archipelago, our journey
will cover just seven miles.
We join the coach in the centre of Hugh Town and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the
island's capital. Sights will include the Star Castle, the Elizabethan fort that
stands above the town; and some of the idyllic sheltered bays. The tour will
also give you an insight into the life of the islanders.
St Mary's Walking Tour
Will Wagstaff, a former conservation
officer of the Isles of Scilly Environmental Trust and now freelance guide, will
lead our walking tour.
It will concentrate on the birdlife and flowers in the Garrison area, taking the
Garrison Walls walk, a path behind the walls once walked by sentinels on duty.
Along this fortified headland are many gun emplacements, defending first Hugh
Town, the capital, then the other islands - the views are magnificent. Some of
the island's resident and migrating birds, wild flowers and other flora and
fauna can be seen.
This is an excellent walk for newcomers to the islands as we will be able to see
many of them from the numerous vantage points. A wealth of interesting
information on subjects ranging from archaeology to wildlife will be offered and
the walk finishes in the centre of Hugh Town, ideal for a little shopping.
Tresco Abbey Gardens
Tresco, the second largest of the
archipelago, bears vivid reminders of the islands' long history. Atop Tregarthen
Hill is a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial chamber, while in the Abbey Gardens,
a ruined archway is a silent memorial to the 10th century Benedictine monks who
founded a retreat here, But it is the Abbey Gardens themselves that act as a
magnet for most visitors.
Founded in 1843, the Tresco Abbey Gardens are very unusual in that they contain
a collection of plants unique to the British Isles, regarded by botanists as one
of the most interesting in the world. Rare plants, shrubs and trees have been
collected from around the globe, including many subtropical species, which
thrive here in the balmy climate.
Many of the beautiful plants may be unfamiliar to the domestic gardener as they
are too tender for outdoor cultivation on the mainland.
We walk from the quayside to the entrance of the gardens, where several staff
members who will lead the tour will meet us. Species from all over the world can
also be seen, including Protea and Aloe from South Africa, Chilean wine palms,
Flame trees from New Zealand, Tree Echiums from the Canary Islands and man, many
more.
There are, in all, about seventy islands that make up Orkney - they lie about 20 miles north of the Scottish mainland between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The largest inhabited island by far is that of Mainland, the most important centre and home to the town of Kirkwall. Just a five minute walk from the quay where the ship's tenders dock is the town centre. It has retained its original form, making it a fine example of an ancient Norse town and providing some unexpected surprises for visitors. Running parallel to the shores of the Peerie Sea is the long, straggling main street, which, half way along its length, broadens out into Kirk Green, the town's original market place. Other attractions include the Bishop's Palace, a 12th century hallhouse; the picturesque 17th century gable-ended buildings of Spences Square and the Earl's Palace.
Excursions
Scapa Flow and Scotch Whiskey
Our excursion starts
with a journey south from Kirkwall along a road overlooking historic Scapa Flow,
a great inlet surrounded by protective islands that was adapted as the main base
for the Grand Fleet in 1912. We continue across the Churchill Barriers, built to
block the eastern entrance to Scapa Flow and linking the Mainland to South
Ronaldsway. In the early stages of construction there were problems due to lack
of labour, and it was only in 1942, with the surrender of Italy, that the labour
problem was solved – by using Italian Prisoners of War.
Linked by a mile-long causeway to the mainland is Lamb Holm, home to our first
visit, the Italian Chapel. Built out of two Nissen huts by Italian Prisoners of
War and decorated with wrought iron tracery and beautiful frescoes (later
restored by their original artist), the chapel is a fitting memorial to those
lost in wartime and today it is one of the island’s most visited sites.
On our return we visit the Highland Park Distillery. Many believe that the
unique character of Highland Park 12-year-old single malt whisky comes from the
local peat beds that have absorbed the salt spray of centuries and which impart
a rooty, heathery quality to the whisky. We enjoy a video and guided tour of the
visitor centre with a complimentary 'wee dram' before returning to the ship.
Mysterious Ancient Monuments
There are, in all,
about seventy islands that make up Orkney. Situated 20 miles north of the
Scottish mainland, between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea,
Orkney’s largest inhabited island is Mainland, home to the town of Kirkwall.
Founded around 1040 by the Norse Earl Rognvald Bruason, Kirkwall's strategic
position at the heart of the archipelago ensured its status as an important
crossroads, and today some 7,000 of the islands’ 20,000 inhabitants have made
it their home.
From Kirkwall we drive along the northern shore of Scapa Flow, the Royal
Navy’s Home Fleet anchorage during the two World Wars, then across moorland
and agricultural country to the narrow causeway between the Loch of Harray and
Loch of Stenness. Our tour takes us past the Standing Stones of Stenness,
originally a circle of twelve stones of which four now remain, to visit Skara
Brae, a prehistoric village dating from the Stone Age and in a remarkable state
of preservation. First revealed after a fierce storm in 1850, it is one of the
few archaeological sites that make it possible to imagine the lifestyle of the
inhabitants.
We then continue to the adjacent Skaill House, the finest mansion in Orkney and
steeped in 5,000 years of family history. Built in 1620 over an ancient
graveyard, its striking architecture is a blend of styles spanning four
centuries. On our tour we see memorabilia reflecting the various exploits of the
generations of Lairds who lived here, and have the chance to look around the
small shop before rejoining the coach.
En route we visit the Ring of Brodgar, a great henge monument superbly sited on
the Ness of Brodgar. The Ring originally comprised a perfect circle of 60 stones
erected with mathematical precision over 5,000 years ago. Only 27 of the stones
remain standing and its exact purpose remains unknown.
Our return to Kirkwall follows scarcely travelled roads where we are bound to
encounter many varieties of Orkney’s impressive birdlife.
Historic Kirkwall and Choral Concert
As the war clouds gathered in
the early 20th century and Britain acknowledged the threat of the German High
Seas Fleet, a northern naval base was sought for the British Grand Fleet. The
southern ports, the traditional bases used in the conflicts with France and
Spain, were in the wrong place for mounting a distant blockade of the German
ports and the exits from the Baltic Sea, so in 1912, after a series of
manoeuvres around Orkney and largely because of the enthusiasm of Lord Fisher
and Admiral Jellicoe, the natural anchorage of Scapa Flow was chosen.
It is against this great historical background that we board our coach for
Houton where we join the ferry for a 35-minute journey across the historic
waters of Scapa Flow to Lyness on the island of Hoy. On arrival we walk the
short distance to the Visitor Centre and Naval Museum. Dedicated to the men and
women who served here during the two World Wars, the Visitor Centre is housed in
the former oil pumping station of the Lyness Naval Base, built in 1917 as part
of the Royal Navy’s refuelling facility for the Grand Fleet stationed at Scapa
Flow. By 1940 there were over 12,000 military and civilian personnel here; it
even had its own services newspaper, the Hoy Polloy, full of comments
and humour about life at Lyness.
The pumping station closed in 1956, but today it is full of splendid and
poignant artefacts, photographs, memorabilia and a display of small arms used by
British troops during the Second World War. We return by ferry to Houton and
board the coach for the transfer to Kirkwall.
The north coast of Scotland is an almost untouched paradise with miles of craggy headlands and dramatic cliffs. From the port of Scrabster an excursion will be available to the Castle of Mey, a delightful 16th century castle, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. The castle was renovated and restored by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother who owned the castle for over 40 years and created the beautiful gardens you will be able to visit.
Excursions
Scenic Drive and Strathnaver Museum at Bettyhill
The communities of northern
Scotland have always been known for their resilience and independence,
especially during the Highland Clearances. Between 1812 and 1819, thousands of
people were evicted from their houses and smallholdings to make way for sheep
farms. The Clearances are still the subject of debate and controversy.
We head west along the most northerly main road in Britain which takes in the
scenic coastline from Scrabster towards Bettyhill. Here we visit the Strathnaver
Museum, housed in what was the parish church of St Columba. Built around 1700,
it is steeped in local history as one of the focal points of the Clearances. It
once had galleries in the main room holding a reputed 1500 people at a time.
The museum is a locally run project that first opened to the public in 1976. It
tells the story of the Clearances with graphics, artefacts and models. The local
schoolchildren have contributed by writing the story on display as well as
providing paintings, models and a great deal of enthusiasm. The museum also has
a wide range of exhibits, ranging from a Neolithic cist and pot dating back to
approximately 1800 BC to a plastic fishing buoy, plus ancient carved stones,
including the 8th century Farr Stone, a display about the Clearance village of
Rosal, crofting items, fishing exhibits, and Boer and World War I medals and
memorabilia.
The Queen Mother's Castle of Mey
When the Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth the Queen Mother first saw the Castle of Mey, it was in a poor state
of repair. Recently widowed and looking for somewhere to escape from the public
eye, she vowed to save the castle from destruction – and in doing so, created
a much-loved holiday home she returned to every summer for the rest of her life.
The castle is kept as it was when she was in residence and is one royal
residence that never feels grand or intimidating. It is first and foremost a
home, and this tone is set as soon as you step inside the entrance hall and see
the bowls from which the corgis were fed every evening. There is no shortage of
fine furniture and works of art in the castle, but nothing is designed simply to
impress.
Our tour takes in both the formal rooms where the Queen Mother received visitors
and entertained family and friends, and the private rooms such as the library
where she dealt with correspondence, played after-dinner games and watched
television. Certain bedrooms, including the Queen Mother’s will also be open.
The walled garden was dear to the Queen Mother’s heart and represents a real
triumph over the neglect of time and the onslaught of the elements. Within the
shelter of the Great Wall of Mey, a traditional Scottish kitchen garden has been
lovingly recreated. Her personal touch is everywhere, from the magnificent
floral displays in the greenhouse to her much-loved shrub roses in the Shell
Garden, a favourite spot until the end of her life.
John O'Groats, Dunnet Head and Canisbay Church
From the bustling port at Scrabster, we
head through Thurso and across the far north easterly peninsula where the land
is much flatter and more fertile than other districts and is some of the finest
farming land in Scotland. We pause at Canisbay Kirk, one of three churches in
Caithness and regularly used by the Queen Mother when on holiday at the Castle
of Mey.
Continuing to the ‘end of the road’, we reach John O’Groats, with
wonderful panoramic views across the stormy waters of the Pentland Firth to
Orkney. John O’Groats is the furthest village from Land’s End on the British
mainland, some 876 miles away. It got its name from the Dutchman, Jan de Groot,
who established a ferry link with the newly acquired Orkney Island in 1496. A
flag pole near the John O’Groats House Hotel marks the site of his famous
house. His seven sons quarrelled about precedence and so he built an octagonal
house with eight doors, one for each of his sons and himself, and an eight-sided
table so nobody was seated at the head. There will be some free time to wander
around the small harbour area, browse in the shops or pose for a photo
underneath the famed signpost.
We continue to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland
from where we can enjoy the views of the clean sweep of Dunnet Bay and, on a
clear day, across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. We then return to the ship.
Backed by forested hillsides, the pretty harbour of Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, is lined with brightly painted houses, small hotels and a sparkling of tempting shops. The view as we drop anchor is unforgettable. The coastline here is beautiful - it twists and turns with fjord-like inlets cutting at Scapa Flow will be available.
Excursions
Isle of Mull and Torosay
Full of visiting yachts in the summer and
sheltered by the steep hills behind, the colourful town of Tobermory boasts fine
stone, brightly painted houses and something of a continental atmosphere.
Our excursion takes us south from the town, along a coastal road to Craignure
and the station for the Mull and West Highland Narrow Gauge Railway. This was
Scotland's first inland passenger railway, and we join it or the scenic and
nostalgic 1¼ mile journey to Torosay, offering splendid views of the coastline
and inland across the Isle of Mull.
At Torosay we walk the short distance to the castle, a splendid 19th century
Scottish baronial building with all the embellishments so loved by the
Victorians. Here there will be time for a self-guided tour, including the Front
Hall, adorned with red deer antlers, wildlife pictures and stuffed Mull birds;
the elegant Drawing Room, with uninterrupted views of the gardens and coast
beyond; and the chance to browse through the family scrapbooks or the photograph
archive room.
We return to Tobermory, passing the spectacular ruins of the 14th century Aros
Castle standing on its promontory guarding Salen Bay.
Duart Castle and Scenic Drive
We drive south along the coastal road,
through the small community of Craignure to Duart Castle, a 13th century
fortress and home to the 28th Chief of the Clan Maclean and his family.
Standing proudly on a clifftop at the end of the peninsula guarding the Sound of
Mull, Duart enjoys one of the most spectacular and unique positions on the west
coast of Scotland. The base of the Clan Maclean's formidable sea-borne power for
over 400 years, it embodies all the romance of a mediaeval stronghold and the
sea views from its windows are spectacular.
During our leisurely independent exploration we may see the principal parts of
the castle including the staterooms - perhaps walk through the dungeons or climb
to the top of the keep from where it is easy to appreciate the strategic site of
the castle.
During our visit we also hear something of the ancient history of Duart and the
Macleans who have continued to use the castle as their base since the earliest
of its years.
We return towards Tobermory, appreciating the Isle of Mull en route, one of
those rare and fortunate places that seem untouched by the passage of time. The
coastline is beautiful - it twists and turns with fjord-like inlets cutting deep
inland, and its summer meadows are dotted with colourful wild flowers.
Mull and the Isle of Iona
We begin our journey southwards across
virtually the entire length of the island, enjoying fine views across the Sound
of Mull to the Scottish mainland. We drive along the narrow roads, around lochs
and through mainly rural landscapes backed by hills and mountains where, on a
clear day, we may even catch a glimpse of the massive shape of Britain's highest
mountain - Ben Nevis - as we look out across the east coast of Mull.
A short ferry crossing brings us to the beautiful and atmospheric island of
Iona, the 'Cradle of Christianity', and our first sight is of white cockleshell
sand and vivid green slopes, splashed with rust-red granite and wild flowers.
The story of Iona is inextricably linked to St Columba and his followers who
established a church in Scotland in the 6th century.
The island is mostly traffic free, and a leisurely walk of about 15 to 20
minutes past quaint cottages and small shops takes us to Iona Abbey. We will
stop to admire the surrounding countryside and fine coastal views across the
white sands as we stroll towards these ecclesiastical buildings, situated in the
middle of green fields at the edge of the sea.
After Columba's death, the influence of Iona Abbey gradually declined, a process
hastened by the raids of Viking pirates who ransacked the abbey and massacred
its monks on several occasions. In spite of this, the saint's tomb brought many
pilgrims to the island and, because of its sanctity, Iona became the burial
place of many of the early Scottish Kings. The abbey buildings we see today are
based on those of the Benedictine monastery established here in the 13th
century.
We leave the peace and tranquility of Iona, crossing by ferry to Fionnphort and
rejoining the coach for our return to Tobermory.
The last of London's bridges before the Thames flows out to the sea, stately Tower Bridge has become a symbol of the city, and the nation as a whole. Constructed in 1895, the neo-Gothic towers support a roadway, still raised at times to allow tall shipping traffic through. The upper elevated walkways, 140 feet above the river, were designed for everyday use by the public. Europe's largest city, with a population of 8 million, London has humble beginnings as a Roman stores depot, Londinium, founded in AD 43. The first wave of expansion began in the 11th century under William I - he built the White Tower, heart of the Tower of London, and expanded the palace on the present site of the Houses of Parliament. Sadly little of mediaeval or Tudor London remains, as much was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. The Tower and Westminster Abbey are the only major buildings to survive. However, the fire allowed great architects to recreate the city, most famously Sir Christopher Wren's magnificent St Paul's Cathedral.
Excursions
Panoramic London
This leisurely half day tour
is a great way to obtain an overall impression of one of the most lively and
interesting cities in the world. Our coach tour takes us on a circular journey
around the capital, beginning at the financial heart of the country, close to
the historic Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. From here we continue to
Westminster, passing the neo-gothic Parliament buildings, set on the banks of
the River Thames, and the adjacent bell tower, Big Ben. From Parliament Square
we will be able to look across to St Margaret's Church, scene of many society
weddings. Here we shall also pass Westminster Abbey, the setting for every
Coronation since 1066, and many royal occasions.
The coach continues to Whitehall, where we pass the end of Downing Street, the
Cenotaph war memorial and Horse Guard's Parade en route to The Mall, the stately
approach to Buckingham Palace and Clarence House. Passing by Admiralty Arch, we
reach Trafalgar Square, dominated by Nelson's Column, and flanked on one side by
the National Gallery. Close by is the church of St Martin in the Fields.
Our tour then heads towards the West End to view the shops of Oxford Street,
Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, where we can also see the statue of Eros.
We shall also see Park Lane, home to famous hotels and the green expanse of Hyde
Park, stretching up to Marble Arch.
River Thames and London Eye
Having come ashore at Tower
Pier, we join a river boat for a journey along London's great waterway, the
Thames. Travelling upstream towards Westminster, we enjoy fine panoramic views
of the many fine buildings that line the river.
At Waterloo Pier we disembark ready for our flight on the London Eye. The
world's largest observation wheel, it was built in various location throughout
Europe, with each piece then individually transported up the Thames before being
assembled at its present site.
Our flight on the Eye gives us the opportunity to enjoy one of the world's
greatest cities from a totally new angle and a unique perspective. The specially
designed capsules are attached to the outside of the rim, meaning that your view
is not obscured. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Windsor Castle,
some 25 miles away. Returning to earth, we rejoin the river boat for the return
journey downstream to Tower Pier.
London Physic Garden
Founded to train London’s
apothecaries in herbal medicine in the 17th century, the Chelsea Physic Garden
is still actively involved in research into herbal medicine and plays an
important botanical role. Its proximity to the river creates a warmer
microclimate, allowing the survival of many non-native plants – such as the
largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain – and, more importantly, to
allow plants to survive harsh British winters.
The garden’s 3½ acres are tucked between Cheyne Walk and Swan Walk, and we
will enjoy an enlightening introductory talk before the guided tour. Our visit
will show us the fascinating range of medicinal plants grown there; as well as
the rare and interesting trees, there are also beautiful ones such as the
magnificent golden rain tree. The garden also houses what is believed to be one
of the earliest rock gardens in Europe, created from basaltic lava brought back
from Iceland by botanist Joseph Banks in 1772.
You will see the main part of the garden is devoted to systematically ordered
beds of plants, but there are also displays associated with the plant hunters
and botanists who have played their part in the development of the garden. There
is also an attractive woodland garden and a new Garden of World Medicine,
showing the use of medicinal plants by tribal peoples.
Palace and Gardens of Hampton Court
Set in 60 acres of
world-famous gardens, Hampton Court Palace is a living tapestry of history from
Henry VIII to George II. From the elegance of the recently restored 18th century
Privy Garden to the domestic reality of the Tudor kitchens, you are taken back
through the centuries to experience the palace as it was when royalty was in
residence.
We will see part of the Royal Collection, the largest private collection of art
in the world. Spanning some 500 years it is remarkably complete and contains
some important material from the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries. Paintings,
tapestries and furniture collected between 1530 and 1740 are shown in the rooms
for which they were intended and in the manner in which they were originally
displayed. The earliest surviving works were collected by Henry VIII and the
remains of his tapestry collection is of outstanding importance.
Our visit also includes the gardens, a blend of 500 years of royal gardening
history. Originally farmed by the Knights Hospitallers to raise funds for their
military activities in the Holy Land, the present gardens owe much of their form
to Henry VIII, and William and Mary. We visit the Privy Garden, the king’s
private garden, created for William III and recently restored. The small Knot
Garden, made of box hedging, was planted in 1924 and illustrates the sort of
garden that might have been here in the 16th century.
Nearby are the Pond Gardens, three sunken gardens that were originally
ornamental ponds used for holding freshwater fish until they were needed in the
kitchens for cooking. Today they contain impressive displays of spring and
summer bedding. Not to be missed is the great Fountain Garden. On a truly grand
scale, this immense semi-circle of grass and flower beds with central fountain
is one of the most impressive elements of Hampton Court.