Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Gardens
Kensington Palace
Tower of London
On September 8th 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II died and the accession to the throne of her son, Charles, saw many changes happen in Britain - the National Anthem, coins, stamps and the Royal cypher are just a few. As well as these, there have been some historical ceremonial events that have taken place. Our short break in London is an opportunity to visit some of the famous Royal attractions and learn about the changes that have happened and how these have been marked down in history. Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the UK’s Monarchs since 1837. Today, this huge London landmark, is a working building and the focal point of the UK’s constitutional monarchy. The Palace serves as the main venue for royal events and ceremonies, from entertaining foreign Heads of State to celebrating achievements, as well as hosting over 50,000 people as guests to State Banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions, and Garden Parties. Buckingham Palace has been at centre stage for many National Celebrations such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees. It also houses the King’s Gallery, the Royal Mews and extensive gardens.
The Tower of London is a must-see visitor attraction connected to the Royal family. Classed as the most secure castle in the land, the castle guards’ Royal possessions and during times of war and rebellion has protected and guarded over members of the royal family. A visit here allows an opportunity to view the Crown Jewels, as well as explore some of the many stories this royal fortress holds.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel 4*
We shall be staying in the stylish surroundings of the 4 Star Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, which has been designed for maximum comfort. The Park Plaza is conveniently located on the South Bank of the Thames and overlooks the Houses of Parliament. The hotel facilities include a 15-metre swimming pool for guests to use and also offers a luxurious Mandara Spa, which can be booked for treatments. The Superior bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation with views of the light and airy inner atrium. All rooms are doubles, and furnished for a relaxing stay. They have en-suite facilities with walk-in showers and complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, flat screen TV and climate control. There are lifts to all floors.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 12th July
Brought by chauffeur-driven car to the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, to be greeted by your Tour Manager who will be available for you throughout your stay. Tea/coffee and pastries will be available on arrival. Luggage will be stored with concierge, while we visit Kensington Palace. On arrival at Kensington Palace, we will enjoy a light lunch with tea or coffee, and then have time to enjoy a self-led tour (audio guides available). A Royal home since 1689, this delightful building offers an opportunity to explore and discover the public and private stories of the young Royal families that have lived there. There will be an opportunity to enjoy the gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, where you will find the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Day 2 – Saturday 13th July
We will start our day today with a self-led (audio guides available) tour of the magnificent State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. There are 19 State Rooms, which are furnished with many of the delightful treasures of the Royal Collection. We will stay on site and have a light lunch in the Garden Café, before meeting for a guided garden tour. Our expert Warden will share the history and highlights of the Palace Garden – often referred to as 'a walled oasis in the middle of London'. After an early dinner, a visit to Cadogan Hall to sit back and enjoy the spectacular performance of ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’. The concert, with a full 80-piece orchestra and over 160 voices, promises to deliver an exhilarating immersion of Sir William Walton’s masterpiece.
Day 3 – Sunday 14th July
Today we will visit two more sites in keeping with the Royal connection. The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace became the King’s Gallery in 2024, following The King’s Accession. In the Gallery, we will have a self-led tour to a selection of works of art from the Royal Collection – one of the most important art collections in the world. An afternoon tea lunch at a nearby restaurant has been booked, before we go on to enjoy the displays at the Royal Mews. On display at the Mews is the iconic 260-year old Gold State Coach, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, Livery as well as the infamous state coach horses. Our visit will be self-led, but if you wish you can join the general guided tour that will be taking place.
Day 4 – Monday 15th July
After a relaxing breakfast, your Tour Manager will assist with check out. All luggage will be brought to reception by porters and will be left with the concierge. We will spend our last morning at the historic Tower of London where we will have a free flow visit to allow you to explore at leisure and enjoy the parts that are of most interest to you. The iconic castle and World Heritage Site give us the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and ravens, and the guards posted outside the Jewel House. Before leaving the Tower of London, we will enjoy lunch and a chance to reflect on the holiday. We will board the coach and return to the hotel to meet our door to door cars for the journey home.
Total Price of the Holiday: £2,195 per person
Deposit: £200
Balance due:
17th May 2024
Whats Included:
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
Cultural Breaks is a trading name of Advantage Travel Centres Limited, registered in England and Wales with registered number 04698963 Vat No. 680 7873 93 Head Office: C/O Regus, Eagle House, 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW