Description
During this weekend break visit some of the beautifully tranquil places of interest found just outside our capital city and along the scenic Thames Valley.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hotel for 2 nights with breakfast & dinner, welcome drink & tea/coffee served after dinner
• Included excursion to Hampton Court Palace
• Included excursion to Henley on Thames & a boat trip to Mapledurham House
• Visit to Windsor & included Thames cruise.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Departure & Hampton Court Palace: A morning departure to Hampton Court Palace (admission included). Hampton Court has grown from humble beginnings in the 11th Century to one of the finest palaces in the world, whose previous owners include Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. One of the most impressive sights is the Great Hall, England’s last and greatest medieval hall, decorated with sumptuous tapestries.We then continue to our weekend hotel.
DAY 2 Henley on Thames & boat trip to Mapledurham: First we visit Henley on Thames, a picturesque and compact town situated on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and the banks of the River Thames. After lunch, we travel the short distance to Caversham to meet the boat for our trip to Mapledurham. Just relax as the boat winds its way up the majestic River Thames passing by Purley on Thames to the Elizabethan Manor at Mapledurham and its working Watermill (admission included). Mapledurham is an oasis of peace, natural beauty and history which is an ideal setting for a great day out. Mapledurham House and Watermill, both dating back to Doomsday England is where visitors can enjoy the collection of portraits, furniture, the great oak staircases and original plaster ceilings.
LAST DAY Travel home via Windsor: We depart, stopping in Windsor, where there will be time to explore The Royal Borough. The River Thames flows through the town, dominated by Windsor Castle. We take a boat cruise along the river with views over the castle and Eton College. We arrive home during the evening.
Venue Information
Holiday Inn, Reading
This 4 star hotel features a restaurant and bar and guests can utilise the leisure facilities including swimming pool and fitness centre with spa, sauna, steam room and gym. Each of the air-conditioned en suite bedrooms offers TV, toiletries, mini bars and tea/coffee facilities. There is a lift to all floors and porterage is included.