See London at its beautiful festive best, as you enjoy numerous guided tours of the city's most loved royal palaces and iconic landmarks and meet the best known of all the former Royal Press Secretaries, Dickie Arbiter LVO.
During the tour, you'll be based at the Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster Bridge and can look forward to beautiful views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament each morning you awake, before a day of sightseeing.
Your trip begins with a visit to Hampton Court Palace, with so much to see - from the beautiful state apartments and private rooms of William and Mary to the masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Van Dyck in the Cumberland Art Gallery.
You'll also spend the day with the former Royal Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter LVO, who'll regale tales from his life spent serving the Royals. Dickie will join you on a visit to St Paul's Cathedral - the backdrop for royal weddings gone by - and Kensington Palace, where you'll discover the magnificent state apartments and enjoy a delicious festive afternoon tea in the beautiful Orangery.
With Christmas around the corner, you'll see the city's festive light displays and Christmas trees. You'll also spend an afternoon and evening at Kew Gardens. As darkness falls, the gardens will be lit up with seasonal illuminations - a perfect opportunity to explore the gardens by dark, and perhaps warm up with a glass of mulled wine.
Arrive at the four-star Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster Bridge. Check in will be from 3pm, but bags can be left with the concierge and delivered to your room later, if you wish to explore. This evening, meet in Brasserie Joel for a welcome dinner (with wine or soft drink included) and meet your tour manager.
After breakfast this morning, travel by coach to Hampton Court Palace. A unique place with Tudor and Baroque architecture, the palace has provided a spectacular backdrop for many films and period dramas. Tour the palace highlights with your professional guide followed by free time to explore independently. See the beautiful state apartments and private rooms of William and Mary, works of art in the Cumberland Art Gallery and the Tudor Pleasure Grounds. Lunch will be spent at leisure and you may wish to browse the gift shop for some Christmas gift inspiration.
This afternoon, arrive at Kew Gardens. Home to over 14,000 colourful trees in its Arboretum, The Great Broad Walk and beautiful glasshouses, you'll appreciate its sights by day and night. As darkness falls, enjoy the seasonal illuminations and spirit - huge Christmas trees, all kinds of nature-inspired lights and stalls selling festive gifts and treats such as mulled wine. Discover the beautiful glasshouses and the iconic Palm House, home to an exotic rainforest. Return to your hotel this evening
After breakfast this morning, hear a talk from Dickie Arbiter and then travel by coach to St Paul's Cathedral. You'll have a guided tour of the iconic cathedral with an experienced guide, in the company of Dickie. There will be time afterwards to purchase lunch and/or refreshments (not included).
This afternoon, visit Kensington Palace. You'll have an audio tour as you visit the Queen's State Apartments and the lavish King's Apartments Rooms. See some of the finest paintings from the Royal Collection on display, and in the jewel room, you'll find gems commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. You'll then enjoy a seasonal afternoon tea, served in The Orangery.
Return to the hotel for the evening, watching out for the beautiful Christmas lights and Christmas trees as you drive. This evening and dinner will be spent at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel and making your return journey home. (Note: luggage can be stored with the concierge if you plan to shop, sightsee and explore after check out, which is 12pm)
Although you're on a busy road, you can get to the pedestrianised South Bank in a jiffy, where you can soak up the sights across the water.
The London Eye is on your doorstep, and Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace are just over Westminster bridge.
By car: over 4 hours from Manchester and 2 hours 30 minutes from Bristol. On-site parking costs £65 per day.
By train: London Waterloo station is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. thetrainline.com
The hotel attracts both corporate guests (there are a whopping 37 meeting spaces spread across three floors) along with families keen to see the sights. We loved the Executive Lounge (entry at an additional cost) which feels tucked away and secluded; it has towering ceilings and offers gorgeous views across the river, with complimentary drinks and nibbles available throughout the day.
We loved nipping down to the spa to enjoy a sauna and steam; it's a surprisingly quiet spot, considering the size of the hotel.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Spa
- Family-friendly
- On-site parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Our suite offered fantastic views of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. It had an attractive lounge area with kitchenette and separate bedroom. We appreciated the peace and quiet in the rooms (the triple glazing works a treat) and blackout curtains, which do a great job at keeping out the morning rays.
Superior, Studio, One Bedroom Suite, Two Bedroom Suite, Duplex Suite, Presidential Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi
The cuisine at award-winning Brasserie Joël is hearty and flavoursome, and lovingly prepared by French chef Jonathan Castaing. The lamb shank was tender and succulent, and the dauphinoise potatoes a real treat - the two went together beautifully.
Brasserie Joël: 2 AA-Rosette restaurant, French cuisine. Open Tue-Sat for dinner.
ICHI: sushi and sashimi bar. Open Thu-Sat for lunch, daily for dinner.
Primo Bar: lobby lounge and bar, light bites and nibbles. Open daily, 12pm-1am.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £464. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd.