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. We won't have to walk far to find the arts, culture, food, and 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? 

We’ll meet in the early evening for a celebratory glass of bubbly before heading to dinner at The Grazing Goat, a cozy neighborhood pub known for its modern twist on British fare.

After breakfast, we'll visit the celebrated Tate Modern. Housed in the iconic former Bankside Power Station, the museum's collection is a rich collection 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, which offers stunning views of the London skyline and the River Thames. 

We'll enjoy a guided tour of Westminster Abbey in the late afternoon. This iconic landmark, rich in history and architectural grandeur, will come to life under the guidance of our expert, who will regale us with tales of royal weddings, coronations, and christenings. Evensong at Westminster Abbey will also be an option, offering a serene and uplifting experience.

We'll indulge in a lovely dinner at the trendy Dishoom Carnaby. The menu will make you feel as if you've been instantly transported to India with its selection of well-loved Bombay comfort food dishes.

Our day begins with a journey to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens. We’ll enjoy a private guided tour of Kew Gardens, where we’ll explore remarkable plant collections, Victorian glasshouses, and beautifully landscaped grounds. 

After the tour, we’ll have a bit of free time to wander before sitting down for lunch at the Pavilion Bar and Grill, where we'll enjoy local, freshly grilled plates.

This afternoon, let's indulge in the arts with a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Known for being the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts, design, and historical craft traditions, there are plenty of exhibits to explore at your leisure.

Dinner tonight is on your own to enjoy wherever you wish. Your trip leader will be happy to point you to local restaurants and cocktail bars if you need some inspiration. 

After breakfast, we'll visit  the 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 gardens' The Orangery, a charming venue set in the gardens. 

Afterward, we'll stop to visit the Princess Diana Memorial, and for those who would like to continue, a walk through Kensington Park to admire the vast open green spaces and beautiful gardens.

Keeping with the theme of British royalty, we'll make our way to the British Museum for a guided tour. Our guide will help us navigate the museum's 8 million-piece collection, the largest of any museum in the world.

We'll meet for a pre-theatre dinner tonight at a chic, Sicilian eatery, Norma, and then head to the West End for a live theatre performance!

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

We'll arrive at Wimbledon late morning for a delightful brunch at The House, by Grand Slam Tennis Tours. The House is a fantastic private event space just a short walk from the gates of the All-England Club. We'll savor a delightful brunch in the garden and a quick refresh before heading 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 House with a celebratory post-match cocktail and a light bite before returning to London.

For those of you not joining the trip extension to the Cotswolds, we must say our goodbyes. We'll cherish the happy memories and the long-lasting new friendships made! 

The drive to Heathrow can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, so plan your return flight accordingly.

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 breakfast at our London hotel, we'll take a mid-day train to Stroud and then a short taxi to The Painswick, our home in the Cotswolds. Take some time to relax and unwind this afternoon, perhaps exploring the verdant grounds of the property or the quaint boutiques of the surrounding village. 

To wrap up the day, we'll come together to share a lovely dinner at St. Michael's Bistro in town. 

Another fantastic day of exploration lies ahead! After breakfast, we’ll travel to Sudeley Castle, a 15th-century castle that boasts 1200 acres in its holding as well as 10 notable gardens. You'll be walking in the footsteps of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, who once visited in 1535. Henry VIII's last wife lived and died at Sudeley, and her tomb is located within the castle grounds.

Next up is Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, a town teeming with 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.

We'll savor a light lunch before taking a private boat ride on the Avon River, gently floating past the lush countryside. 

Then, we're off to The Dough House for a hands-on bakery experience, where we’ll learn traditional techniques and enjoy the simple pleasures of freshly baked goods and treats.

We'll wrap up the afternoon with a drive around this historic town as our guide points out significant Shakespearean sites before we head back to Painswick for the evening.

After breakfast, we'll depart for the village of Bibury. William Morris (1834-96) described Bibury as "the most beautiful village in England". The cottages of Arlington Row are often referred to as the most photographed and beautiful cottages in the entire country.

Originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, the building was then converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century.

Next, we're off to Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in the region with an unspoiled medieval character. It's been a frequent filming location for movies like Doctor Dolittle and Stardust, as well as episodes of Downton Abbey. The historic Market Cross from the 14th century and St. Andrew's Church with its faceless clock dating back to the 13th century are standouts. 

Our day continues with a visit to the town of Bath, just over the border in Somerset country. We'll take a guided walking tour of the historic city, known for its thermal waters, with a local guide to discover hidden gems and landmarks.

We'll enjoy our mid-day meal at The Beckford Canteen, a cozy Michelin-recommended cafe in the heart of town.

After much sightseeing, it's time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Let's drive to Lucknam Park for some spa time. Set within the estate’s 500 acres of unspoilt Wiltshire parkland, the spa is at one with its surroundings. As one of the top spas in England, you'll have full run of the facilities, including: swimming pool, heated hydrotherapy pool, a salt room, an Amethyst room, steam and sauna, as well as a relaxation room and a sun terrace. If time and availability allow, you can add on a spa treatment at an extra charge. 

We'll then retire for a 3-course dinner in the hotel's walled garden and toast to a full yet relaxing day. 

Heading back to our hotel will take about 1 hour. 

Today, we'll take the scenic route passing charming villages en route to the town of Cirencester. Known as "Corinium" in Roman times, this town boasts a rich history as a significant Roman settlement and later a prominent medieval wool town. 

While here, we'll visit Roman ruins, take a historic tour of the town, and enjoy some free time to do a wee bit of shopping. Then we'll settle in for lunch at The Wild Duck, a warm pub serving delicious, elevated plates.

After having our fill, we'll head to the 17th-century town of Tetbury. This settlement has a history stretching back at least 1,300 years, to the early Middle Ages. We'll stroll through the town and have a chance to pop into the Highgrove Shop, which sells all types of goodies produced at the King's Estate. 

By afternoon, we'll head to Chavenage House for a private tour of this privately owned 14th-century Elizabethan manor, renowned as a filming location for Poldark. We'll wander the mostly untouched halls, relishing the grandness of the estate and its grounds.  

We'll depart back "home" around 6 pm, the drive back to Painswick is approximately 1 hour.  

Freshen up before we gather for our farewell dinner at Sauce, the hotel's acclaimed, Michelin-recommended restaurant. We'll toast to days well spent exploring this stunning part of the UK with new friends. 

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 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 at an additional cost.