The Northern Belle - Castles, Stately Homes, Gardens and Museums 2024/2025

The magnificence of Britain's heritage is ever present with a wealth of sights to stir the imagination. Fortified strongholds speak, with a power that endures over the centuries, of more turbulent times when they formed the settings of strategy and siege. Travel in aristocratic style to some of our most noble houses and marvel at breathtaking interiors filled with irreplaceable antiques, glorious artworks and ancestral treasures.

Please note that all timings are provisional and subject to confirmation 5 - 7 days prior to departure.

Arundel Castle & Gardens

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Perched high on a hill in West Sussex, Arundel Castle offers magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. It is one of the longest inhabited country houses in England and many of the original features such as the crenellated Norman Keep, Gatehouse and Barbican still survive to this day. Here, the whole family can have fun learning about the castle's sieges with interactive exhibits, games and costumes. Enjoy the grandeur of the finely preserved interior with its fascinating furniture, tapestries and rare collection of paintings by renowned artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto. Stroll through the tranquil grounds where you will discover different themed gardens.

(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 Arundel castle).

Blenheim Palace

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. The house and gardens are simply magnificent and you will tour independently to discover its rich history, fine interior and beautifully landscaped gardens.

(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).

Chatsworth House

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Chatsworth House, situated in the Derbyshire Dales, England, is a historic stately home on the east bank of the River Derwent. It has been the Cavendish family residence since 1549 and is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. This Grade I listed property, dating from the 17th century with later modifications, is surrounded by parkland and wooded hills. Renowned for its extensive art and furniture collections, including paintings, Old Master drawings, neoclassical sculptures, and books, Chatsworth House underwent a £14-million restoration in 2011–2012. Managed by the Chatsworth House Trust, established in 1981, it has been voted Britain's favourite country house multiple times.

(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).

Dunrobin Castle - Duke of Sutherland Estate

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Dunrobin Castle has been described as "the Jewel in the Crown of the Scottish Highlands. With those towering conical spires, it may look like a fairytale French chateau, but it is actually one of Britain's oldest continuously-inhabited houses, dating back to the 13th century. It was home to the early Earls and then Dukes of Sutherland, one of whom had his own railway station built right next door when the Highlands line between Wick and Inverness. It has stunning views over the mountains, moors and beaches of Sutherland and, as well as a fascinating museum, there are daily falconry displays in the grounds.

(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 Dunrobin Castle. Please note, though, that the Duke's station is a seven-minute walk to the castle so please bring appropriate clothing for the weather, and parts of the building are not wheelchair-accessible.)

Glamis Castle

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Situated beside the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372, inspiration for Shakespeare's Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Take a fascinating tour of the turreted, fairytale château, with its priceless works of art, tapestries and furnishings, which is brought to life with intriguing tales and ghostly legends. The childhood pranks of the young Lady Elizabeth (later to become the Queen Mother) may also be revealed, such as her penchant for pouring freezing water from the ramparts onto arriving guests. Outside there is much to explore, including magnificent Italian and Walled Gardens, a Nature Trail where you may spot red squirrels and herons, and a Pinetum.

(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 Glamis Castle).

Harewood House

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Nestled within Yorkshire's serene landscapes, Harewood House embodies grandeur and rich history. Its stately architecture and verdant surroundings captivate visitors from afar. Constructed in the 18th century, Harewood House features stunning interiors adorned with exquisite art collections, luxurious furnishings, and fine craftsmanship, reflecting its noble heritage. Surrounded by expansive gardens and woodlands, including the renowned Himalayan Garden and Terrace, Harewood provides a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts and history lovers. With its majestic facade and picturesque setting, Harewood House is a quintessential English country estate, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm and splendor.

(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 Harewood House).

Conwy Castle & Bodnant Gardens

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Nestled into the valley is one of the best preserved castles in Britain just waiting to be explored. Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can't fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. After your trip to the past we bring things right up to date with a visit to the vibrant and beautiful Bodnant Gardens. Spanning eighty acres and looking out towards the range of Snowdonia this garden is designed to flourish throughout the year with a variety of plants and flowers that represent each glorious season.

(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 North Wales).

Hardwick Hall

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Hardwick Hall, located in Derbyshire, is a significant example of an Elizabethan-era country house, showcasing the distinctive Elizabethan prodigy house style. It was built between 1590 and 1597 for Bess of Hardwick and was designed by the renowned architect Robert Smythson, celebrated for his Renaissance-inspired designs. The architecture of Hardwick Hall reflects the early English interpretation of this style, which gained popularity following its spread from Florence. Notably, the construction of such fortified dwellings was no longer necessary or legal in Britain during this period.

Originally belonging to the Cavendish family, including the Earls and Dukes of Devonshire, ownership of the house was transferred to the Treasury in 1956 and subsequently to the National Trust in 1959 due to its deteriorating condition. The Hall, now fully accessible to the public, underwent stabilization and extensive restoration to combat its impending decay. In 2019, it welcomed 298,283 visitors.

(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 Hardwick Hall).

Holyrood Royal Palace

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Located at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is a historic symbol of Scottish monarchy and heritage. Originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century, it transformed into a royal residence over time. The palace's diverse architecture, spanning medieval to baroque styles, mirrors its fascinating history. Today, it serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, hosting various ceremonies and events. Visitors can discover its lavish chambers, wander through the scenic gardens, and experience the majestic ambiance of this iconic landmark.

(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 Holyrood Palace).

Royal Sandringham

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park. Take time to visit the ground floor rooms of the house that are regularly used by the Royal Family, visit the museums housing carefully curated collections including Royal Vehicles, photographs and other memorabilia and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of landscaped gardens.

(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 Sandringham).

Scone Palace

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Home to the Earls of Mansfield for the last 400 years, Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland's most important stately homes. The site was the capital of the Picts 1,500 years ago and later the crowning place of the Kings of Scots: a visit here is a walk in the footsteps of Scotland's ancient founding fathers. The Palace houses an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings, superb embroidered silks, sculpted oak fireplaces and breath-taking porcelain collections. Take time to enjoy the remarkable gardens, with their giant redwoods, Noble firs and striking star-shaped maze.

(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 Scone Palace).

Please note that all timings are provisional and subject to confirmation 5 - 7 days prior to departure.