Optional Excursions:
LEEDS CASTLE, CANTERBURY, DOVER, GREENWICH and THAMES RIVER CRUISE

Private viewing of Leeds Castle plus exclusive cruise on the River Thames with tea and scones

Return: Westminster Pier at 6.45pm where the tour finishes

Highlights:

• Private viewing of Leeds castle - The loveliest castle in the world.
• Lunch in Dover (Food and drinks not included)
• Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral
• Walking tour of historic Greenwich
• Tea/sparkling wine and scones served on the cruise along the River Thames

The Tour:

LEEDS CASTLE
Described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of Englands medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. The setting is simply idyllic. The Norman castle was built on two small islands, in the middle of a lake, and is surrounded by a vast estate. Our day begins with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. We will explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards and banqueting hall before taking time to enjoy the setting and wildlife, which includes wildfowl, black swans and the birds of the aviary.

DOVER
You've heard of the famous white cliffs of Dover? This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road, we take lunch* in the Lighthouse Inn, dramatically positioned overlooking the cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. The Inn has provided hospitality for a vast collection of people from bootleggers and smugglers, to Second World War soldiers. The fabulous home cooking here includes traditional British fare, such as fish and chips, and bread and butter pudding. Dover itself is a historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle. *Food and drinks not included in the price.

CANTERBURY
The ancient city of Canterbury has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral, infamous as the setting for the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. When Henry II snapped "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?", four of his knights rode to the Cathedral and sliced Becketts head off. Canterbury became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your ticket includes entrance to the Cathedral and also allows some free time to explore the atmospheric old town.

GREENWICH AND THAMES CRUISE
Packed with exquisite parks, gardens, and architecture, Greenwich has strong connections with the sea, science, sovereigns and time. We will have time to take a look at the Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time. As the early evening approaches we enjoy an exclusive reception of tea/sparkling wine and scones, as we gently cruise back to the centre of London. We will pass by historic sights such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before arriving at Westminister Pier where our tour ends.