Highclere Castle & A Tipple of Gin!

Beautiful Highclere Castle needs little introduction as the film location of the hugely popular Downton Abbey TV series and feature film, the international phenomenon with appreciative viewers all around the world. Highclere Castle, home to the Carnarvon family since 1679, is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of peaceful gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown. Longstanding friend of the Carnarvon family, Julian Fellowes, had Highclere Castle in mind as he wrote Downton Abbey. Now you can walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters from Downton Abbey including the Dowager Countess, Lady Mary Crawley and Bates, Lord Grantham's valet, and take a closer look at the rooms and vistas that formed the backdrop to this hugely popular series. Enjoy a tipple on a tour of Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery and free time in historic Winchester.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Great Visits included
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast and dinner- Porterage- Visit & entry to Highclere Castle- Visit to Newbury- Visit, entrance & guided tour Bombay Sapphire Distillery- Free time in Winchester

Great Excursions
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach relax as you head south to your hotel with a refreshment stop en route. Arrive mid afternoon at the Mercure- 3 nights with breakfast & dinner included.

Days 2-3 At leisure with two included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

The Real 'Downton Abbey' (Sunday)
Set off for a full day excursion which includes your entrance ticket and visit of Highclere Castle ('Downton Abbey'). Many of the rooms and vistas will be familiar to viewers of 'Downton Abbey' - both the Drawing Room and Dining Room form the backdrop to the dryly withering put-downs delivered by Maggie Smith, as the Dowager Countess to some poor unfortunate relation. The distinctive gardens and park designed by Capability Brown, offer peace and tranquillity. It was, of course, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922, the story of which is narrated in the illuminating Egyptian Exhibition.
Some free time to discover Newbury today, an idyllic location in the very heart of rural Berkshire, perfectly positioned at the crossroads of Southern England. A beautiful market town steeped in history and surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, you can walk in almost any direction from the town centre and be immersed in rolling countryside and canal-side splendour within minutes.

Guided Tour of the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery (Monday)
Your experience begins with a trip to the Turbine Bar where you can choose from three Bombay gins to make your own complimentary gin & tonic using our self-serve gin dispensers, before heading to the Cinema Room to be immersed in all things Bombay Sapphire in preparation for your tour. Explore the Bombay Sapphire Distillery with a distillery host to guide you as you discover the ten exotic botanicals infused into every drop of Bombay Sapphire Gin in the Glasshouses, with an insight into Heatherwick Studios' inspired design. Your host will help you navigate the Botanical Dry Room; a sensory experience to uncover your flavour preferences, and you'll learn about the rare vapour infusion distillation process which makes Bombay Sapphire gin so exquisite. Entrance & Tour Included.

Free Time in Winchester (Saturday)
Winchester -popular for its bustling shopping streets, its floral summer season and quirky open air events, Winchester is most well-known for its eleventh century Cathedral and for the Great Hall which for over 700 years has housed the mysterious King Arthur's Round Table.
Hampshire's foodie capital where you'll find an abundance of restaurants, cafés, bars, foodie markets and foodie themed events. A number of famous names have chosen Winchester to open their restaurants including Rick Steins Winchester and The Ivy Brasserie Winchester. Lively street theatre, a thriving contemporary arts scene and fine architecture also make Winchester an attractive destination for visitors. Leading examples of sculpture can also be found across the city, Over four million people visit the ancient city every year. Returning to the hotel late afternoon.

Day 4 - Returning home today - first stop will be the Bombay Gin Distillery and then onto interchange.Mercure Newbury West Grange Hotel 3 Star Hotel

The Mercure West Grange Newbury is simply a wonderful hotel which is located in an excellent location minutes from Newbury. It's a beautiful building with an incredible history, all cared for by a team of passionate people.


Within the walls there is so much to share and their passionate employees are eager to welcome you back in to their world and confirm they have the passion, insight and expert knowledge to help make your stay a wonderful one
Spacious rooms with ensuite bathroom, free WiFi, a flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities

Hotels
• Mercure Newbury West Grange Hotel (Midgham) - View Information