Plantagenet Heroines

Pre-Tour: Welcome to England!.

Welcome to London, a city brimming with charm and history, the perfect gateway to your Plantagenet adventure! If you’d like to arrive with ease, we’re happy to arrange a convenient airport transfer for you from the airport (optional extra). To make your journey even smoother, we can also secure pre-tour accommodation at our designated hotel (optional extra), giving you time to enjoy the magic of London prior to the tour beginning.

On the evening before embarking on our journey, we invite you to a warm and friendly Meet & Greet, where you can meet your fellow travellers and begin to connect over a shared love of history. Afterwards, you have the choice to join us for a cozy group dinner at either within the hotel or at a local restaurant (optional extra) Maybe you would prefer to venture out and discover the local cuisine on your own.

INCLUSIONS: Complimentary glass of wine

In the Footsteps of a Queen

Our journey begins as we leave the bustle of London behind, traveling west into the heart of Plantagenet history. Our first stop is the ancient site of Old Sarum, where Eleanor of Aquitaine—one of medieval Europe’s most formidable queens—was once held captive by her own husband Henry II. Standing amidst these ruins, we’ll reflect on the power struggles that shaped her reign and the Plantagenet dynasty.

From there, we continue to the picturesque village of Lacock, a place seemingly frozen in time. Wander its charming medieval streets before exploring Lacock Abbey, a stunning 13th-century foundation with ties to one of our tour’s celebrated heroines, Ela of Salisbury. A woman of remarkable influence, Ela founded the abbey and ruled as its first abbess after decades as a countess at the heart of royal politics.

As the day draws to a close, we arrive at our extraordinary 12th-century accommodation, where echoes of the past linger in its grand halls and historic charm. To mark the start of our adventure, we’ll gather for a special welcome celebration, raising a glass to the inspiring heroines whose stories we are about to uncover.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast for those who booked pre-tour accommodation, Entry into Old Sarum & Lacock Abbey, Welcome Celebration

Day 2: Tales of Love, Loss & Exile

Leaving our historic lodgings behind, we journey north toward the medieval heart of England. Our first stop is Kenilworth Castle, a place steeped in romance, rebellion, and resilience. Once home to Katherine Swynford, who served as governess to John of Gaunt’s daughters before becoming his lifelong love, the castle also bore witness to the tragedy of Eleanor de Montfort. In 1265, after her husband’s defeat and death at the Battle of Evesham, Eleanor sought refuge here before being forced into exile. As we explore the evocative ruins, we’ll uncover the stories of these remarkable women and the legacies they left behind.

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By evening, we arrive in York, one of England’s most enchanting medieval cities. Our accommodation for the next three nights is in a grand Edwardian building, once the prestigious headquarters of the North Eastern Railway. Now transformed into a luxurious retreat, it offers the perfect blend of history and comfort.

Tonight, enjoy the freedom to wander York’s ancient streets, perhaps dining in one of its historic inns or discovering a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s medieval lanes.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Kenilworth Castle & ……..