National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons
June Educational Tour
June 8 - 18, 1998
Proposed Itinerary
Monday, June 8, 1998
Our group gathers at the departure airport in the United States where we will travel together to England for our overnight flight.
Tuesday, June 9, 1998
Arrive at London Heathrow airport in the morning. There we will be met by our guide for the tour, who will assist with our luggage.
Drive through the County of Suffolk to Lavenham to stay at the Swan, a splendid Elizabethan building set in the middle of an attractive village. The hotel bristles with wooden beams, cozy alcoves and charming public areas.
In the afternoon a leisurely stroll around this interesting village to see all the wooden beamed houses and antique shops.
Early evening welcome cocktail party in the hotel, followed by dinner in the hotel dining room. The guests who are invited to dinner will include an expert on the origins of Magna Charta in Suffolk.
Overnight at The Swan in Lavenham
Wednesday, June 10, 1998
Today we visit Sandringham, the Queen's private residence in Norfolk. We view the main ground floor rooms used by the Royal Family, full of the treasured ornaments, portraits and furniture.
We have luncheon with the Lord and Lady Walpole at Mannington Hall in Saxthrope. We will enjoy pre-lunch drinks hosted by the Walpoles followed by luncheon in their 15th century dining room.
After lunch we will have a private tour of the House and Saxon church ruin that is in the gardens.
We will return to the hotel late afternoon and dinner tonight will be at your leisure.
Overnight at The Swan in Lavenham.
Tuesday, June 11, 1998
Today we will explore the villages around Suffolk, where some of the Knights and Barons had their roots. Perhaps yours was one of those from this area.
Lunch in a typical English pub will be enjoyed by the group.
This afternoon we will continue to explore the countryside returning to the hotel late afternoon to dress for our evening with Lord and Lady Somerleyton. We will drive to Somerleyton Hall, the family home of the Lord and Lady, where we may visit the 19th century maze before dinner, if time permits. We will see the stable tower clock, the original model for "Big Ben". Lord and Lady Somerleyton will host cocktails followed by dinner.
Overnight at the Swan in Lavenham.
Friday, June 12, 1998
A leisurely start after breakfast this morning to drive to London where we will check into the Chelsea Hotel on Sloane Street. Lunch is at leisure and there will be time to shop and explore this wonderful city.
We will drive to the Ritz Hotel for afternoon tea. This evening we will attend a theater in the West End. A program and drink during the intermission will be provided for us.
Overnight at the Chelsea Hotel in London.
Saturday, June 13, 1998
This morning we are hoping to be fortunate enough to have tickets to view the Ceremony of the Trooping of the Color, attended by Her Majesty the Queen and most of the members of the Royal Family.
If we are not able to obtain seats it is still possible to view the procession of horses and carriages as it travels down the Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horseguards Parade. This is an amazing spectacle, showing the best of British pomp and ceremony! If we are along the Mall, we can walk down to Buckingham Palace and see Queen Elizabeth as she appears on the balcony and waves to the crowd!
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
This evening a black tie, Gala champagne reception is being planned, which hopefully will have a prominent member of the Royal Family present. This very special event will be held to raise funds for charity.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at Chelsea Hotel in London.
Sunday, June 14, 1998
After breakfast drive to Runneymede for a small ceremony of Commemoration by a representative from the Magna Carta Trust in Britain.
On to the historic town of Winchester to Cranbury Park where we will have luncheon with The Honorable Penelope Chamberlayne-Maconald. Cranbury Park was built in 1780 by George Dance for Lord and Lady Dance-Holland. It contains many beautiful paintings and furnishings.
After lunch drive to Salisbury to see the copy of the Magna Carta which is held in the Chapter House in the Cathedral.
Return to London late afternoon. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the Chelsea Hotel in London.
Monday, June 15, 1998
We depart from London today to stay in Windsor for the next three nights.
During the morning we will visit Eton College, Britain's most famous and ancient of public schools, founded in 1440 by Henry VI. A private visit of the Museum of Eton life, the school yard, College Chapel and the Lower and Upper Schools. This will be followed by lunch in one of the dining halls.
After lunch drive to Windsor Castle for the Procession and Ceremony of the Noble Order of the Garter in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. Each year the Knights of the Garter gather at St. George's Chapel to witness the installation ceremony of new Knights of the Garter by Her Majesty the Queen. This is one of the most spectacular events in the English calendar.
The Governor of Windsor Castle, Sir Patrick Palmer, and Lady Palmer have graciously invited us to be guests to view this ceremony from the Round Tower, their home overlooking the route of the procession.
Sir Patrick and Lady Palmer will host tea after the ceremony.
Dinner and the evening are at leisure to walk around Windsor and enjoy people watching.
Overnight at the Castle Hotel in Windsor.
Tuesday, June 16, 1998
Early this morning the gentlemen will collect their morning suits for the races tomorrow. Then we will drive to Kent to have a private visit of Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill.
Lady Arabella Churchill, the granddaughter of Sir Winston, will give a guided tour and then have coffee with our group in her Grandmother's sitting room. Arabella has a host of amusing stories to tell about her family.
Lunch will be at a nearby house with another member of the Churchill family.
Dinner at leisure this evening.
Overnight at the Castle Hotel in Windsor.
Wednesday, June 17, 1998
Today is Royal Ascot Day! Drive to the races in limousines, dress, of course, in top hats and tails for the gents and wonderful hats for the ladies. A seated champagne lunch in the luxurious surroundings of a private marquee situated in the grounds of a house opposite the racecourse.
You will be able to experience the rich pageantry and excitement of the Royal Ascot Races with entry into the Royal Enclosure, where one can mingle with Royalty and see her Majesty the Queen and her family walking around amongst the other guests.
Afternoon tea with champagne will be served on the Heath, watching the horses race by!
Return to Windsor late afternoon to prepare for the farewell dinner at Windsor Castle.
Overnight at the Castle Hotel in Windsor
Thursday, June 18, 1998
Departure day has come. Check out of the hotel and drive to Heathrow airport for our flight home with memories of our wonderful visit to England. Time to reflect on the exciting events, excellent meals enjoyed and friends made as we fly across the Atlantic for home. Bon Voyage!.
Please contact the Society at 215-836-5022 for further information This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The full itinerary plus the price and the terms and conditions are available upon request.
It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to participate.
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