Tea & Tennis: London and Wimbledon

The trip officially starts tomorrow (July 6), but if you're flying overnight to get to London, you may want to consider arriving a day early to rest, relax and get acclimated to the local time. You can purchase the Arrive 1 Day Early option In the Add-ons section, or make your own arrangements.

When you arrive in London, grab a London cab (or Uber) at the airport and head to our home for the week, the elegant, old school, blissfully quiet yet centrally located hotel, 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 min of grass court tennis play with coaches at the Roehampton Club (from 3:30-5pm). See Add-ons section.

We'll meet in the early evening for a celebratory glass of Champagne, and then head out for dinner together at a local pub, The Grazing Goat. It's 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 take in 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 meet us to help explore Greenwich’s long and fascinating history with stops at the Royal Observatory, the historic tea clipper, the Cutty Sark and a royal residence. Before heading back to London, we'll stroll the peaceful Greenwich Park and stop at the famous Greenwich Market for a bite to eat and some shopping. 

Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at Circolo Populare - the perfect ending to a perfect day!

After breakfast, we'll head to the celebrated Tate Modern. Housed in the iconic former Bankside Power Station, the museum's collection is a rich tapestry of modern and contemporary art, featuring works from artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. 

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

In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. This iconic landmark, rich in history and architectural grandeur, will be brought to life by our expert guide who will regale us with tales of royal weddings, coronations, and christenings. For those interested, there will also be an option to attend evensong at Westminster Abbey, 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 head to Kensington Palace where each room tells a story, from Queen Victoria’s childhood to the glamorous era of Princess Diana. 

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, a walk through Kensington Park and on to the V&A Museum. 

Tonight, we'll meet for a pre-theatre dinner and head to the West End for a live theatre performance!

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

We'll arrive at Wimbledon in the late morning in time to enjoy a delightful brunch at the Grand Slam Tennis Hospitality House. The House is a fantastic private event space located 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 once again at the Hospitality House with a celebratory post-match cocktail and a light bite before heading back to London.

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

For those of you not joining the trip extension to the Cotswolds, we must say our goodbyes. (Try to book 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. With its rolling hills, storybook villages and historic castles, it's the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the English countryside.

After brunch, we'll take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh, and then taxi to our home in the Cotswolds, the Lygon Arms. We'll have time to explore the town of Broadway and its 5,000 year history.

We'll share a lovely dinner together at Russell's in 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 that blanket the countryside. We'll see Chipping Campden and 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 and stop in at the Daylesford Organic Farm Shop - make sure you've left room in your luggage to bring home some items from the shop and Stow on the Wold.

We've had a big day! Enjoy some down time back at the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight. Perhaps try some fish 'n chips in town or something at one of the lovely cafes.

Another fantastic day of exploration is ahead! After breakfast, we’ll head off to visit Stanton, Stanway, and Sudeley Castle. Then its on to Guiting Power, The Slaughters (Wetlands), and Bourton on the Water (Little Venice).

We'll stop for lunch at The Wheatsheaf in Northleach.

After Lunch, we'll have time to explore The Coln Valley, including Coln St Dennis, Coln Rogers, Winson and Bibury (Arlington Row).

Tonight, we'll share a lovely dinner together at our hotel at the James Martin grill.

Our last day in the Cotswolds will focus on Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Rich in history and culture, Stratford-on-Avon offers a unique glimpse into the life of the legendary playwright, with attractions like his childhood home and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Set along the picturesque River Avon, Stratford is a blend of 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 when you amaze them with your new-found scone making skills.

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

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

After a 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 2 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).