British Pullman - Castles, Stately Homes and Gardens 2011

Journey to the heart of the New Forest to the home of the Montagu family. Explore the 13th century Abbey, the Palace House and gardens and the celebrated Motor Museums with its absorbing collection of over 250 vehicles, including the legendary 'Bluebird'.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Beaulieu).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served outbound aboard the British Pullman. On arrival at Southampton you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the coach transfer to Beaulieu. There you are free to visit the Abbey and Palace House with its spreading lawns and enjoy the Motor Museum at your leisure. You will rejoin the British Pullman and enjoy a four course dinner on your return journey to London Victoria.

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Whether for its striking Great Hall, State Rooms and breathtaking 55m Long Library, or the various external delights of its expansive gardens, arboretum, water terraces and Butterfly House, a visit to the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill is an enthralling destination. The Palace will be decorated for Christmas for the December excursion.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Blenheim Palace).

Includes :

Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Didcot you will be met by guides who will accompany you on the coach transfer to Blenheim Palace. At Blenheim Palace, after a guided tour (approximately one hour) you are free to explore the palace and grounds at your leisure before boarding the coach for the transfer to Cheltenham to rejoin the British Pullman for the journey back to London.

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Departures 2011:

October 15.

Brooklands is unique. The world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, constructed at Weybridge, Surrey in 1907, was more than a great sporting arena. Brooklands was the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, home of Concorde and the site of many engineering and technological achievements throughout eight decades of the 20th century.

Drink in the atmosphere that reveals the secrets of Brooklands - the place where the great British adventure in speed and altitude all began. The Museum displays a wide range of Brooklands-related motoring and aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to an unparalleled collection of Hawker and Vickers/ BAC-built aircraft, including the only Concorde with public access in South East England.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Brooklands).

Includes :

Outward journey by coach, admission to Brooklands Museum. A glass of chilled champagne will be followed by a four course dinner with wine whilst you travel back to London Victoria.

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Now a beautifully preserved National Trust property, the rooms and gardens of the splendid home of Sir Winston Churchill remain much as he left them - with pictures, maps and fascinating personal mementoes. A further insight into the man himself is available from Sir Winston's own paintings.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Chartwell).

Includes :

On arrival at Folkestone you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the 90 minute coach transfer to Chartwell. Here you will have time to visit the house and gardens, view Churchill's own paintings and enjoy a cream tea in the restaurant before the coach takes you back to London.

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Wander amidst the stately elegance of one of the finest houses in Britain. Visit the State Rooms and chapel, view the tapestries, sculptures and old masters before exploring the immaculate gardens.

Christmas sees Chatsworth decorated with trees, candles and foliage and there are ample opportunities for festive shopping.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Chatsworth).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Chesterfield you will be met by guides for the coach transfer to Chatsworth. Here you are free to explore the house with its magnificent decor and furnishings at your leisure. A glass of chilled champagne is served as you board the train. This is followed by a five-course dinner with wine and a liqueur to round off your meal.

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Described as the 'mother ship of the organic food movement', Daylesford committed itself to sustainable organic farming some thirty years ago and has transformed organic principles into a glamorous shopping experience.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Daylesford).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival, on you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the coach transfer. You'll be taken on a farm tour which will give an insight into the ethos behind the experience. Then you'll have free time to explore the retail areas with their fantastic array of food and drink, as well as small household goods and clothing. There is a café for guests to relax and unwind. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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A spectacular 200 acre woodland garden, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, rare trees and plants that form a riot of colour in spring. Other features include the hydrangea walk, the rock garden with its black swans, the sundial garden which follows an exotic planting and a camellia walk.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Exbury).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served outbound aboard the British Pullman. On arrival at Southampton, you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the coach transfer to Exbury. Here, you are free to look around the gardens at your leisure or browse in the excellent shop and plant centre. Rejoin the coach for the transfer to Southampton (approx 40 minutes) where you board the British Pullman for the return journey to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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April 29.
June 17.

Hardwick Hall is one of Britain's finest Elizabethan houses built for Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Shrewsbury.

The house stands in a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside next to the ruins of Hardwick Old Hall. Hardwick contains a remarkable collection of 16th Century furniture and paintings and the visited part of the hall is fully furnished. Perhaps the most notable items on view are the large collection of huge tapestries and of needlework that cover many of the walls of the rooms and staircases. The house stands within a country park containing rare breeds of cattle and sheep and the walled and enclosed gardens around the house include a herb garden, orchard and decorative gardens.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Hardwick Hall).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Chesterfield you will be met by guides for the coach transfer to Hardwick Hall. Here you are free to explore the house with its magnificent decor and furnishings at your leisure. A glass of chilled champagne is served as you board the train. This is followed by a five-course dinner with wine and a liqueur to round off your meal.

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Explore the 17th century Yorkshire home of the Earl and Countess of Harewood with its exquisite collection of artworks, china and Chippendale furniture. With uniquely landscaped gardens designed by 'Capability' Brown, and a magnificent parterre terrace, the impressive beauty extends both inside and out.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Harewood).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at York Station you will be met by guides who will give you an insight into the house and surrounding area during the coach journey. At Harewood you can explore the house and gardens at leisure. The coach returns you to the train and a glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board. This is followed by a five course dinner accompanied with half a bottle of wine and a liqueur to round off your meal.

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Visit the magnificent 13th century childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Guarding an exclusive collection of fine furniture, tapestries and other works of art, and set within expansive formal gardens, this is one of the most beautiful and dramatic examples of the architecture and lifestyle of the period.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Hever Castle).

Includes :

Travel outbound from London Victoria by coach. On arrival at Folkestone West you will be met by your guide who will accompany you to Hever Castle. On arrival at Hever Castle take time to enjoy the castle and grounds. Enjoy a cream tea before joining the British Pullman. A glass of chilled champagne will be served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a delicious high tea accompanied by half a bottle of wine whilst you travel back to London Victoria.

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The treasure trove of England's horticultural passion is nowhere more apparent than amidst the vividly colourful and constantly changing gardens of Great Dixter and Hole Park, where beautiful parkland encompasses inspirational planting, together with superb views across the Kentish Weald.

(Smart day wear is appropriate, you are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for much of the time at Great Dixter and Hole Park).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Rye Station your guide will accompany you on the coach transfer to Great Dixter for a tour of the house and gardens and then on to Hole Park, where you will have time to explore the beautiful gardens before you rejoin the train for the journey back to London. A glass of chilled champagne is followed by a four course supper with wine.

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Encompassed by a calm oasis of park-land and gentle gardens, and standing in the middle of a natural lake, experience the fairy-tale beauty of Leeds Castle - hailed as the 'loveliest castle in the world.'

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for some of the time at Leeds Castle).

Includes :

You will be met by your guide at London Victoria who will accompany you on the coach transfer to Leeds Castle. On arrival your are free to visit the castle and grounds at your leisure and can enjoy coffee and a Danish pastry before joining the coach for the journey onto Folkestone where the British Pullman train awaits. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the British Pullman, followed by a delicious high tea accompanied by half a bottle of wine

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Departures 2011:

Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.

Substantially completed by 1580 and now home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, Longleat House is set within 900 acres of magnificent 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland with a further 8000 acres of woodland, lakes and farmland. In the late 13th Century a priory belonging to the Black Canons of the Order of St Augustine occupied the site where Longleat House now stands.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Longleat).

Includes :

A delicious Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Westbury, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the coach to the Longleat Estate. Enjoy a tour of the safari park and visit the house itself before boarding the coach back to Warminster Station to rejoin the British Pullman train. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a delicious four-course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Both awe-inspiringly medieval and full of warmth and character in turn, the heart of this rare manor house has remained constant over the centuries. Set within ancient parkland, the gardens offer an abundance of variety in form, foliage and bloom throughout the summer months.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for some of the time at Penshurst Place).

Includes :

A delicious Brunch with a Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Tonbridge station, you are met by your guide and board the coach for the transfers to Penshurst Place where you are free to explore the house and gardens at your leisure. The coach returns to Ashford Station where you rejoin the train for your journey back to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a delicious four course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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This extensive 17th century mansion is situated within a beautiful deer park and formal gardens. Landscaped by the esteemed "Capability" Brown, the park is considered to be his masterpiece and has been referred to as one of the finest man-made landscapes created in 8th century Europe. Petworth also boasts a fine art collection to rival most London galleries, including works by Turner, Blake and Van Dyck.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for some of the time at Petworth House).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini will be served on the outward journey aboard the British Pullman. On arrival at Chichester you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the short coach transfer to Fishbourne. Here you will have 90 minutes or so to explore the museum and garden before continuing by coach to Petworth House, where you are free to visit the house and grounds and explore the village of Pulborough. The coach will transfer from Petworth to Chichester to rejoin the British Pullman for your return journey to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a delicious three course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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With its small, enclosed gardens, intimate in scale and romantic in atmosphere, each season brings new delights. Browse these beautiful 6 acre gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband, renowned throughout the horticultural world.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Sissinghurst).

Includes :

A delicious Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Folkestone you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the coach transfer to Sissinghurst (approximately one hour). At Sissinghurst, you can browse around the gardens at your leisure for around an hour before enjoying a cream tea in the Barn Restaurant. You then rejoin the coach for the journey back to London

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Stroll through landscaped grounds and of course the famous 25 acre vineyard itself. Tenterden offer a unique opportunity to see the home of the largest producer of English wines, fast gaining a world wide reputation. A guided tour allows you to learn the wine making process followed by wine and cheese tasting, where you can sample some of England's finest produce.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Tenterden).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Headcorn station, there will be a coach transfer to the Vineyard (about 20 minutes). After a guided tour of the vineyards and winery, you can enjoy a tasting of English wines and cheeses. There will be time to walk in the Herb Garden and Vineyards and browse in the Wine and Fine Food Store before the coach departs to rejoin the train at Ashford for the journey back to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a delicious four-course meal accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Unwrap over 450 years of history at Wilton House, standing in 21 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens, and housing one of the finest art collections in Europe including works by Van Dyck, Rubens and Joshua Reynolds. Continue your tour with a visit to beautiful Salisbury Cathedral before returning to the train.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Salisbury).

Includes :

A delicious Brunch with Bellini will be served on your outward journey. On arrival at Salisbury, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the coach to Salisbury Cathedral. Enjoy a guided tour of Salisbury Cathedral before the coach leaves for Wilton House. After your tour of the house there will be time to explore the beautiful grounds before travelling on to Warminster Station to rejoin the British Pullman train. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a delicious four-course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Famous to gardeners the world over, experience the delight and inspiration of the Royal Horticultural Society garden at Wisley, where 400 acres of beautiful planting await your leisurely inspection. For gifts or a personal memento of your day, the visitor centre offers an incomparable selection of gardening books.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors at Wisley and are advised to wear comfortable shoes).

Includes :

Travel outbound from London Victoria by coach. On arrival at Wisley, you are free to look around the many gardens and glasshouses at your leisure or browse in the excellent shop and garden centre. Join the British Pullman for the journey back to London Victoria. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine as you journey back to Victoria.

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