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. 

Nestled 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 Marylebone High Street, stopping at The Conran Shop and Daunts Books along the way to Selfridges department store? 

We’ll meet in the early evening for a celebratory glass of bubbly before heading to dinner at St. John Marylebone, a fine-dining restaurant well loved by locals. Their unfussy, high-quality take on traditional British cuisine is a fabulous introduction to the food we'll be enjoying this week. 

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 will enjoy a guided tour of Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral in the late afternoon, depending on availability. These iconic landmarks, 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 in either place. 

Evensong mass at Westminster Abbey will also be an optional experience, offering a serene and uplifting experience for those who wish to join in.

Around 6 pm, we'll hop in a taxi and zip to our dinner reservation at The Golden Hind for some fish & chips. This charming shop has been serving up crispy fish and fries since 1914, and as a staple of British cuisine, it's a can't-miss stop.

Our day begins with a journey to Hampton Court Palace, the magnificent Tudor home of Henry VIII. We’ll explore the Great Hall, the historic kitchens, and the stunning riverside gardens, including the famous hedge maze. We’ll spend about two hours taking in the highlights of this storied estate.

In the early afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens. where we will sit down for lunch at the Pavilion Bar and Grill, and enjoy local, freshly grilled plates.

Following, 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—perhaps walking the treetop canopy trail or relaxing by the lake. 

We’ll return to London in the early evening, where we'll indulge in a lovely dinner at Dishoom Carnaby, a buzzy, Bombay-inspired café tucked just off Carnaby Street, where 1960s nostalgia, lively atmosphere, and beloved dishes like the 24-hour black daal and chicken ruby come together for a memorable evening.

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. Afterwards, we'll stop to visit the Princess Diana Memorial, and for those who would like to continue, a walk through Kensington Park and on to the V&A Museum. 

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's the day! We finally get to experience a day in 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 the tennis action.

We'll have time 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! 

It can take 45-90 minutes by taxi to Heathrow, depending on traffic, so plan accordingly for your return flight.

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. 

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

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, 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.

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.

Take some free time to wander around the town before we head back to the hotel to relax and refresh before dinner. We'll sit down for a hearty pub food meal at The Falcon Inn, a cozy pub right around the corner from our hotel.

After breakfast, we'll depart for the town of Bath, just over the border in Somerset. 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 midday meal at The Beckford Canteen, a relaxed Michelin-recommended cafe in the heart of town.

After much sightseeing, it's time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. We'll check in at Thermae Spa and treat ourselves to 2 hours in their spa circuit. Featuring an open-air rooftop thermal pool, an indoor lazy-river-esque pool, and an array of relaxation rooms, this is a prime spot to soak in Bath's rejuvenating thermal waters.

We'll then retire to Lucknam Park 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 after we finish eating.

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 holdings 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.

From there, we'll take the scenic route through honey-stoned Cotswold villages to the quaint village of Ewen. There, we'll tuck into The Wild Duck for lunch. 

In the afternoon, we're in for something special: a Champagne Afternoon Tea at Highgrove Gardens, the King's private residence, where we'll raise a glass amid the celebrated grounds. Please note: this experience may change according to availability.

Around 5 pm, we'll drive back to Painswick to freshen up before our farewell dinner at Sauce, the hotel's Michelin-recommended restaurant — toasting to days well spent and new friendships made.

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.