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, Marylebone High Street, and Selfridges (the iconic department store), our hotel is surrounded by the best of London’s shopping; the West End and many of London’s most celebrated 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? 

We'll meet in the hotel lobby as we head out for dinner together at the Chiltern Firehouse. 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, we'll explore Greenwich’s long and fascinating history with guided stops at the Royal Observatory, the historic tea clipper, the Cutty Sark and a royal residence. Before heading back to London, we can 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 the renowned Dishoom Carnaby, celebrated for its delectable Indian cuisine in a setting that pays homage to the old Irani cafés of Bombay. The perfect ending to a perfect day!

After breakfast, we'll head to the celebrate 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 will 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.

Dinner is on your own tonight. 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.

After exploring the palace and a leisurely stroll through the garden, we'll stop for 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 the women's semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championship!

We'll arrive by private transport around 10am 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.

Sadly, our amazing adventure has come to an end. For those who don’t have an early morning flight, a farewell brunch at the Chiltern Firehouse is included. It's just a short walk from the hotel. 

We'll cherish the happy memories and the long-lasting new friendships made!