Tea & Tennis: London and Wimbledon

When you arrive in London, grab a cab (or Uber) at the airport and head to our home for the week: The elegant, old-school, blissfully quiet, yet centrally located, The Mandeville. 

Located in Marylebone on the doorstep of famous Bond Street and Marylebone High Street, The Mandeville is a stone's throw from many of London’s most celebrated West End attractions. You won't have to walk far to find the arts, culture, food & drink that London is famous for. 

After unpacking, why not shake off your jet lag with a pre-dinner stroll through Regent's Park or a relaxing walk down the Marylebone High Street, stopping at The Conran Shop and Daunts Books along the way to the Selfridges department store? 

For those interested, we've organized 90 minutes of grass-court tennis with coaches at the Roehampton Club (from 3:30 to 5 pm). See the Add-ons section.

We'll come together as a group in the early evening for a celebratory glass of Champagne and then head out for dinner at The Grazing Goat, a local pub a short walk from the hotel. 

We'll start our day with breakfast at the hotel, then head to London’s Thames Port for a scenic river cruise to Greenwich. As we cruise along the River Thames, we'll enjoy uninterrupted views of riverside landmarks like Westminster Palace, the London Eye, the National Theatre, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Tower of London. 

Once in Greenwich, our expert guide will help us explore the city’s long and fascinating history. We will visit the Royal Observatory, the historic tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, and a royal residence. Before returning to London, we will stroll through peaceful Greenwich Park and stop at the famous Greenwich Market for a bite to eat and some shopping. 

After we peruse the market, we'll hop back on the boat and cruise to the hotel. After some rest and relaxation, we'll gather for dinner at Circolo Populare - the perfect ending to a perfect day!

After breakfast, we'll visit the celebrated Tate Modern. Housed in the iconic former Bankside Power Station, the museum's collection is a rich assortment of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. 

Following our guided tour, we'll enjoy lunch at the Tate Modern restaurant, complete with stunning views of the London skyline and the River Thames. 

We will then head off on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey in the late afternoon. This iconic landmark, rich in history and architectural grandeur, comes alive through our expert guide, who will regale us with tales of royal weddings, coronations, and christenings. Opting to stay around for Evensong (afternoon prayers and psalms) at Westminster Abbey will also be an option, offering a serene and uplifting experience.

We've had a big day! Dinner is on your own tonight. Perhaps some room service? Or there are so many delicious options nearby. Your trip host will be happy to make suggestions.

After breakfast, we'll visit Kensington Palace, where each room tells a story, from Queen Victoria’s childhood to Princess Diana's glamorous era. 

We'll explore the palace and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden. Then we're in for a British treat - afternoon tea at The Orangery, a charming venue set in the gardens. Afterwards, we'll stop to visit the Princess Diana Memorial, and for those who would like to continue on, a walk through Kensington Park and on to the V&A Museum. 

This afternoon is the perfect opportunity to do some souvenir shopping before we head to a pre-theatre dinner at Cora Pearl.

Following dinner, we'll walk over to see a musical and experience the magic of London's theatre district. 

Today is the big day we get to experience two women's semi-final matches on Centre Court at Wimbledon!

We'll arrive at Wimbledon in the late morning for a delightful brunch at the Grand Slam Tennis Hospitality House. The House is a fantastic private event space just a short walk from the gates of the All-England Club. We'll savor a lavish brunch in the garden and have time for a quick refresh before heading into the tennis action.

Feel free to explore the grounds, browse the Wimbledon shops for souvenirs, check out the Wimbledon museum, and take in the electric atmosphere. As the matches begin, we'll settle into our Royal Box-level seating and get ready to witness world-class tennis up close, feeling the thrill and intensity of the competition!

After a full day of tennis, we'll have a little time to unwind again at the Hospitality House with a celebratory post-match cocktail and a light bite before returning to London.

Still buzzing from yesterday's spectacular tennis match, we'll enjoy a farewell brunch at the Chiltern Firehouse, just a short walk from the hotel. 

For those of you not joining the trip extension to the Cotswolds, we must say our goodbyes. We recommend booking a flight home in the late afternoon or evening so you don't feel rushed. We'll cherish the happy memories and the long-lasting new friendships made!

For those of you joining the trip extension to the Cotswolds, onward!

A visit to the Cotswolds feels like stepping into a fairytale. Its rolling hills, storybook villages, and historic castles make it the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the English countryside.

After brunch, we'll take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh and a taxi to the Lygon Arms, our home in the Cotswolds. We'll have time to explore Broadway, whose history dates back over 5,000 years.

To wrap up the day, we'll come together to share a lovely dinner at Russell's on Broadway.

Today, we'll explore the northern Cotswolds, including the Broadway Tower (a historic "folly"), the charming village of Snowshill, and the magnificent lavender fields blanketing the countryside. We'll also see Chipping Campden, Broad Campden, and the village of Blockley before stopping for lunch at The Fox Pub in Broadwell.

After lunch, we'll explore Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming hilltop market town with plenty of picturesque streets to wander. We'll also stop at the Daylesford Organic Farm Shop where you can stock up on a few farm-fresh snacks and local wine. Ensure you've left a bit of room in your luggage for any souvenirs.

We've definitely had a busy day! Enjoy some downtime back at the hotel before you venture out for dinner on your own tonight. Perhaps you could try fish and chips in town or some local fare at one of the lovely cafes.

Another fantastic day of exploration lies ahead! After breakfast, we’ll visit the historic village of Stanton, the stunning Jacobean manor house of Stanway, and Sudeley Castle. Then it's on to the village of Guiting Power, The Slaughters (Wetlands), and Bourton on the Water (Little Venice).

We'll stop for lunch at The Wheatsheaf in Northleach, known for its delectable rotating menu of proper English fare.

After lunch, we'll have time to explore the Coln Valley via walking trail, with potential stops at the villages of Coln St Dennis, Coln Rogers, Winson, and Bibury (Arlington Row).

We'll regroup after some much-needed rest to share a lovely dinner at the James Martin Grill tonight, located right in our hotel. 

Our last day in the Cotswolds will focus on Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Rich in history and culture, Stratford offers a unique glimpse into the legendary playwright's life, with attractions like his childhood home and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Set along the picturesque River Avon, Stratford combines Tudor architecture, riverside walks, and a vibrant arts scene.

After a morning exploring, we're in for a treat: a traditional British afternoon tea baking class. You'll be the envy of your friends back home when you amaze them with your newfound scone-making skills.

As soon as the live theater schedules are released for July, we'll look at what's available. If anything piques our interest, we'll be sure to get tickets because Shakespeare in Stratford-on-Avon would be unforgettable!

Today, it's time to say our goodbyes, but we'll have memories and new friends to last a lifetime.

After breakfast, we'll be driven to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to catch our return flights. Make sure you book a return flight that leaves in the afternoon or evening. It's approximately two hours by car from Broadway to LHR, so we won't be at the airport until noon. (If your flight arrangements don't fit this timetable, a private airport transfer can be arranged.)