- London
- New Forest
- Berkshire
Explore the stunning south of England with the whole family, from London to Winsdor and the New Forest
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
- Ride a horse-drawn carriage around Windsor Great Park
- Explore London in a restored classic Mini Cooper
- Enjoy a treasure hunt at the British Museum
- Explore the River Thames on a private river cruise
What's included
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- All tours specified in the itinerary
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
This is a real family adventure which will take you through the highlights of Southern England in style.
Starting in the English capital, you’ll delve into its impressive history with a tour of one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London, built in 1078, followed by a tour of Westminster Abbey which is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. Adding a bit of adrenaline to you visit is a tour of the capital in a classic Mini Cooper, taking you through the backstreets for an alternative glimpse of life in London. You’ll also take to the water with a private river cruise along the River Thames.
Next you head to the New Forest, where you’ll spend three nights at the charming Chewton Glen. From here you’ll visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which contains several historic buildings and ships giving you a glimpse into the country’s past as an impressive empire.
Heading over to the outskirts of London, stopping in Oxford for a city tour, you’ll enjoy a visit to the regal Windsor Castle, where the whole family will delight in a fairy tale horse and carriage ride around the royal grounds to mark the end of this fun-filled adventure.
Example trip itinerary
London
Transfer
Airside meet and greet at London Heathrow airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Accommodation in London
London
Overview
Just moments from bustling Soho and a stone’s throw from Mayfair, the Ham Yard Hotel is an oasis of calm in the heart of central London.
Quintessentially British but with a modern twist, the hotel is bursting with character and is impeccably styled, its decor a unique mix of vibrant colours, patterns and textures. Each room has been individually designed and features floor-to-ceiling windows. There is the option of interconnecting rooms, making it an ideal base for families.
Enjoy sweeping views across the London skyline from the roof terrace, a haven of tranquility with lush planting and tinkling fountains. There’s a real buzz around the beehive and the kitchen garden keeps the hotel restaurant’s larder well stocked. When you need to put your feet up, you can relax with the papers or a book in the library or curl up in front of the fireplace in the drawing room.
There’s a world of culture on your doorstep, but in between soaking it up at the nearby galleries and museums be sure to pull up a chair at the bar and sip an expertly mixed cocktail or enjoy a decadent afternoon tea.
→ Find out moreSee the capital through the eyes of a Londoner and explore its hidden streets in a restored classic Mini Cooper. Your expert guide will show you the sights and sounds of this great city, taking you past iconic landmarks such as The Houses of Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, as well as down side streets and back alleys to give you an alternative glimpse of life in London.
One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The King in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.
Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.
Journey around the world's history through the British Museum's outstanding collections of cultural artefacts on this special treasure hunt. You'll discover how ancient civilizations used to entertain themselves, from the Egyptians (who were so keen on board games they buried their dead with them) to the Mesopotamians (creators of backgammon) to the traditional Roman knucklebones. At the end, the winners will receive medals in a prize-giving ceremony.
Walk via the Maritime Museum up the steep hill to the Royal Observatory, the site from where Greenwich Mean Time is calculated. With buildings dating back to 1675 you’ll also see the Greenwich Meridian line in the cobblestones outside. You can actually stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western Hemisphere! Walk back down to Greenwich town centre with its bustling craft market and the grand old tea clipper Cutty Sark.
Enjoy a private river cruise through the capital aboard the Thames Limo, passing under the city's historic bridges and seeing the city's iconic landmarks from a unique perspective.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
New Forest
Accommodation in New Forest
Southern England
Highlights
- 70 rooms
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Gym
- Spa
Overview
A stay at the charming Chewton Glen is all about comfort and understated elegance. Ideal for guests looking for a quiet break, this quintessential country house offers tranquility and luxury.
The 70 rooms and suites (including a collection of wonderful treehouses) offer views over the surrounding gardens, croquet lawn and parklands. For a truly memorable stay, make one of the 12 luxury tree houses your temporary home. The décor in the rooms ranges from traditional to more contemporary.
The team at The Dining Room use fruit, vegetables and herbs fresh from the kitchen garden, in keeping with the hotel’s focus on sustainability. The head chef and estate manager team up when it comes to planning menus according to what is most readily available in the garden.
Explore the 130 acres of woodlands and gardens which reach right to the borders of the New Forest National Park and towards the coast.
Take your relaxation to the next level at the award-winning spa, where a team of therapists are on hand to help you re-energize. Choose from 50 different treatments, and make use of the hydrotherapy spa pool, aromatherapy saunas, crystal steam rooms and nail studio. Active guests can spend some time on the tennis courts, in the dance studio or play a round of golf.
→ Find out moreFormerly the capital of England, Winchester retains many important buildings and is one of the country’s finest cathedral cities. Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral and her place of rest is an important but sombre stopping point for fans of the author.
A typical New Forest village with an exceptional heritage, at the heart of Beaulieu lie the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey and the 13th-century Palace House. Combined with the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu has become one of the most exceptional sites in the region. Join your Beaulieu host on a bespoke tour which will take you beyond the regular visitor route to meet the team behind-the-scenes in some of the hidden quarters of this site and see the in-house team at work in the private workshops.
Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, an area of HM Naval Base Portsmouth which contains several historic buildings and ships. Go on a journey through time, as you to step onboard historic ships and explore magnificent museums from the Royal Navy’s past.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Berkshire
Accommodation in Berkshire
Southern England
Overview
Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House is a beautifully historic Grade I-listed building set within 376 acres of National Trust Grounds. It has played host to many an occasion in its 350-year history and today it is every bit as glamorous as it once was.
The house has stayed true to its roots, with antique furniture, period pieces and beautiful artwork adorning the walls. Entering the property feels like stepping back in time, but with all the modern amenities and facilities of a contemporary luxury hotel, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds.
47 rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, many coming with private terraces that look out over the courtyard and the surrounding countryside. There is also a three-bedroom cottage perched on the banks of the River Thames with a private garden, two lounge areas with open fireplaces and a kitchen with its own dining area.
Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating and drinking. Enjoy fine dining at Andre Garrett, where locally sourced ingredients and a menu that follows the seasons create a brilliantly British dining experience. For a more informal atmosphere, enjoy the mix of classic American and British dishes at the Astor Grill, located in the old stable block, and for something quintessentially English, take afternoon tea in the great hall.
The Pavilion Spa is tucked away in the walled garden, and here you can enjoy a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool or relax and unwind with a signature treatment. There is also a fitness suite as well as indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
→ Find out moreThe presence of Oxford University can be felt throughout the centre of this august city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, the patchwork of college buildings, churches and quaint streets make Oxford a beautiful place to discover the stories surrounding some of the most important characters in British history. Your local guide will tailor a tour around your interests, whether it be college gardens, religion, stained glass or Inspector Morse or Harry Potter.
Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.
Experience a unique perspective to the Great Park with a horse-drawn carriage ride accompanied by your guide who can share the knowledge of stories and events at the park, which have been passed down through the generations of coachmen who have worked for this family business. Ride down the famous Long Walk, which has wonderful views of Windsor Castle, and was part of the route the newlywed royals Megan and Harry took on their wedding day. The carriages are all classic models that have been maintained, restored or re-created to be the same as those used centuries ago. They are fitted with authentic wheels, traditional fittings and skills which date back to the 14th century.
Transfer
Private transfer to Heathrow Airport
Transfer
Airside departure assistance
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Get in touch
A Family Discovery of Southern England
How we work
This is a real family adventure which will take you through the highlights of Southern England in style. Starting in the English capital, you’ll delve into its impressive history with a tour of one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London, built in 1078, followed by a tour of Westminster Abbey which is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. Adding a bit of adrenaline to you visit is a tour of the capital in a classic Mini Cooper, taking you through the backstreets for an alternative glimpse of life in London. You’ll also take to the water with a private river cruise along the River Thames. Next you head to the New Forest, where you’ll spend three nights at the charming Chewton Glen. From here you’ll visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which contains several historic buildings and ships giving you a glimpse into the country’s past as an impressive empire. Heading over to the outskirts of London, stopping in Oxford for a city tour, you’ll enjoy a visit to the regal Windsor Castle, where the whole family will delight in a fairy tale horse and carriage ride around the royal grounds to mark the end of this fun-filled adventure.
| Whats included?
|
Days 1 - 5 |
London |
Flights & transfers
Airside meet and greet at London Heathrow airport |
|
Private transfer to your hotel | |
Accommodation in London
•
The Ham Yard Hotel - $$$$$
Just moments from bustling Soho and a stone’s throw from Mayfair, the Ham Yard Hotel is an...
|
|
Classic Mini Cooper tour of London See the capital through the eyes of a Londoner and explore its hidden streets in a restored classic Mini Cooper. Your expert guide will show you the sights and sounds of this great city, taking you past iconic landmarks such as The Houses of Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, as well as down side streets and back alleys to give you an alternative glimpse of life in London. |
|
Tower of London One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The King in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history. |
|
Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures. |
|
British Museum Treasure Hunt Journey around the world's history through the British Museum's outstanding collections of cultural artefacts on this special treasure hunt. You'll discover how ancient civilizations used to entertain themselves, from the Egyptians (who were so keen on board games they buried their dead with them) to the Mesopotamians (creators of backgammon) to the traditional Roman knucklebones. At the end, the winners will receive medals in a prize-giving ceremony. |
|
Greenwich Walk via the Maritime Museum up the steep hill to the Royal Observatory, the site from where Greenwich Mean Time is calculated. With buildings dating back to 1675 you’ll also see the Greenwich Meridian line in the cobblestones outside. You can actually stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western Hemisphere! Walk back down to Greenwich town centre with its bustling craft market and the grand old tea clipper Cutty Sark. |
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* Thames Limo private river cruise Enjoy a private river cruise through the capital aboard the Thames Limo, passing under the city's historic bridges and seeing the city's iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel |
|
Days 5 - 8 |
New Forest |
Accommodation in New Forest
•
Chewton Glen - $$$$$
A stay at the charming Chewton Glen is all about comfort and understated elegance. Ideal for...
|
|
Winchester Formerly the capital of England, Winchester retains many important buildings and is one of the country’s finest cathedral cities. Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral and her place of rest is an important but sombre stopping point for fans of the author. |
|
* Beaulieu behind-the-scenes-tour A typical New Forest village with an exceptional heritage, at the heart of Beaulieu lie the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey and the 13th-century Palace House. Combined with the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu has become one of the most exceptional sites in the region. Join your Beaulieu host on a bespoke tour which will take you beyond the regular visitor route to meet the team behind-the-scenes in some of the hidden quarters of this site and see the in-house team at work in the private workshops. |
|
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, an area of HM Naval Base Portsmouth which contains several historic buildings and ships. Go on a journey through time, as you to step onboard historic ships and explore magnificent museums from the Royal Navy’s past. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel |
|
Days 8 - 12 |
Berkshire |
Accommodation in Berkshire
•
Cliveden House - $$$$$
Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House is a...
|
|
* Oxford walking tour The presence of Oxford University can be felt throughout the centre of this august city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, the patchwork of college buildings, churches and quaint streets make Oxford a beautiful place to discover the stories surrounding some of the most important characters in British history. Your local guide will tailor a tour around your interests, whether it be college gardens, religion, stained glass or Inspector Morse or Harry Potter. |
|
Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures. |
|
* Horse-drawn carriage ride in Windsor Great Park Experience a unique perspective to the Great Park with a horse-drawn carriage ride accompanied by your guide who can share the knowledge of stories and events at the park, which have been passed down through the generations of coachmen who have worked for this family business. Ride down the famous Long Walk, which has wonderful views of Windsor Castle, and was part of the route the newlywed royals Megan and Harry took on their wedding day. The carriages are all classic models that have been maintained, restored or re-created to be the same as those used centuries ago. They are fitted with authentic wheels, traditional fittings and skills which date back to the 14th century. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Heathrow Airport |
|
Airside departure assistance |