The Town and Country House Tour

Day 2 –  Syon Park is one of the last surviving ducal residences in Greater London.  Today we’ll visit the Duke of Northumberland’s London home, view the magnificent State and Private Apartments and the spectacular Great Conservatory, along with 40 acres of gardens. This afternoon, we’ll make the short drive to Osterley Park  – a Georgian architectural gem by Robert Adam once belonging to the Child family of influential London bankers. Robert Child left his entire estate in trust for his eldest granddaughter, Lady Sarah Sophia Fane, who married the 5th Earl of Jersey. As Lady Jersey, Sarah Sophia was a bank director and became one of the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms. After touring the house, you’ll have time to visit the gardens, parkland and the shops. Don’t forget to stop for tea in the Tudor Stables. Pub dinner this evening in Windsor.

Today begins with a visit to Apsley House, home of the Duke of Wellington and one of the few examples of a private mansion in London. Furnished period rooms, a stunning art collection and items connected to the first Duke combine to illustrate life in an aristocratic London house. Afterwards, we’ll visit The Wallace Collection, housed within historic Hertford House, another grand London townhouse. Within the galleries, you’ll find unsurpassed displays of Old Master paintings and portraits, furniture and porcelain collections and a world class armory. After touring the galleries, we’ll enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in the Wallace Restaurant.

We’ll spend a full day exploring the interiors and grounds of Windsor Castle. Stroll through a thousand years of history as you view the iconic Castle’s State Rooms, marvel at Queen Mary’s dollhouse, the Royal collection of art and porcelain and the impressive Waterloo Chamber. There will be plenty of free time to explore one of the town’s many atmospheric pubs, to browse the unique shops along Peascod Street before we cross the Thames via the footbridge to explore the adjoining hamlet of Eton. Dinner this evening at the riverside Cote Brasserie.

Today you’ll visit Waddesdon Manor, the fabulous showplace of the Rothschild family. Built in the 19th century, and modeled upon a French chateau, Waddesdon was meant to impress, to showcase the family collections and, unbelievably, was never intended to be more than a weekend retreat. Today, the house stuns with examples of 18th century French decorative arts, furniture and carpets from both the Louvre and Versailles, as well as exceptional examples of paintings, porcelain and exquisite objects d’arts. Afterwards, we’ll transfer to Hartwell House, a splendid country house hotel located in the Vale of Aylesbury. Dinner this evening in the elegant dining room. 

Today is your opportunity to be Lord or Lady of the Manor at Hartwell House. Sleep late, explore the ninety acres of grounds or relax in one of several lavishly furnished period drawing-rooms, all attended by staff who wish to be at your service. The library is the perfect place to browse the book collection. Take a seat on the flag-stoned sun terrace and admire the views. Commune with the resident cows and keep an eye out for the elusive deer. Or, you may choose to use the complimentary facilities at the on-site spa and pool or book yourself an indulgent spa treatment. Tonight, a farewell dinner at the Bugle Horn, where British pub fare is served up along with warm hospitality.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to a convenient central London location for your onward travel.