ENGLAND
5 DAYS from £459
Blenheim Palace © Blenheim
A Very Oxford Scandal This brilliant tour includes a whole day to explore Oxford, a picturesque Thames cruise following the path of the famous Regatta, a scenic Cotswolds drive, and visits to the superb Blenheim Palace and Cliveden – known for its part in the scandalous ‘Profumo Affair’! MY TIME
Henley-on-Thames Cruise
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Oxford
Cliveden , the former home of the Astor family. With beautiful views over the Thames, we have time for lunch and to explore the impressive gardens and woodlands, following in the footsteps of dukes, earls and royalty. The grand estate was at the centre of a major scandal in 1963 when John Profumo, of Harold Macmillan’s Conservative government, had an affair with 19-year-old model Christine Keeler, having met at Cliveden two years earlier. The ‘Profumo Affair’ ended Profumo’s political career and damaged the credibility of Macmillan’s government, with the Prime Minister resigning in October 1963 and the Labour Party winning the 1964 general election. This afternoon we head for the famous waterside market town of Henley-on- Thames. We embark on a 1 hour circular cruise complete with on-board commentary while we follow the path of the famous Regatta, before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Attractions include the award-winning River & Rowing Museum, which explores the River Thames, the sport of rowing and the town of Henley. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.
Today we visit the historic university city of Oxford with its honey-gold buildings, dreaming spires and riverside setting. We enjoy time exploring the city at leisure. Attractions include Christ Church College (entrance to colleges is subject to availability), where many distinguished people have studied. More recently the colleges have become famous for their connection to the Harry Potter films. Day 3 Scenic Cotswolds Drive & Blenheim Palace We begin our day with a short, scenic drive around the pretty Cotswolds, with a stop in the market town of Stow- on-the-Wold. We then head to the fabulous Blenheim Palace , the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, with the rest of the day to explore at leisure. One of England’s largest houses, it was built in the early 1700s and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The palace is a family home, a mausoleum and national monument, and is notable as being the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Here, we can explore the gilded State Rooms, visit the Churchill Exhibition and wander the Formal Gardens. NB: Blenheim Palace’s roof restoration project is scheduled to be completed, with scaffolding removed, by the end of 2026. This will ensure the Palace is returned to its former glory and fully unveiled for 2027. Day 4 Cliveden & Henley-on-Thames Cruise This morning, we visit the spectacular gardens of
Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa Thame, Oxfordshire plus
The Oxford Belfry Hotel is located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, around 25-30 minutes’ drive from both Oxford city centre and Blenheim Palace, with convenient access to the M40. The 154 bedrooms are to an excellent standard with modern furnishings and neutral décor. All are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a relaxed and welcoming environment in the stylish Spires Restaurant and guests can relax with a drink in the bar and lounge area. There is also a pleasant courtyard area for alfresco dining in the summer months.
• Ground floor rooms • Lift • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £459pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £176 Based on Monday arrivals
INCLUSIONS • Entrance to Blenheim Palace, Park & Garden • Entrance to Cliveden Gardens • 1 hour Henley-on-Thames circular cruise
HOW ABOUT? There are a number of different events that take place throughout the year at Blenheim Palace
such as the flower show and food festival. Ask your Account Manager for details.
The Parterre at Cliveden © National Trust Images Hugh Mothersole www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bridge of Sighs, Oxford
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
128
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease