Downton Abbey & Rhs Wisley
- Duration: 2 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEI10091
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
2 days
GU2DOX
Join us on this charming weekend break to discover spectacular Highclere Castle and explore the home of Downton Abbey, as well as enjoying time in the pride of the Royal Horticultural Society, RHS Wisley.
You'll have plenty of time to enjoy RHS Wisley on Saturday whi;st Sunday sees you spend time at Highclere Castle, the home of Downton Abbey. Set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland, designed by the famous 18th century landscape gardener "Capability" Brown, join us as we explore the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon at Highclere Castle, on a self-guided tour. Admire the stunning State Rooms and 'downstairs' where the lives of the Crawley Family and their servants played out to millions of enthralled viewers. Step into rooms from ‘Downton Abbey’ scenes as well as discovering the beautiful castle gardens and woodlands.
You will stay in a conveniently located hotel, the Doubletree by Hilton in Woking, with dinner and breakfast included.
An ideal choice for:
* Those who like exploring new destinations
* Nostalgia and history lovers
* Anyone looking for a fabulous weekend break
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Join your coach at your convenient local pick-up point, and head for RHS Wisley with lots of time to explore these beautiful gardens.
We will then travel on for our comfortable overnight stay and a tasty dinner before a good night's rest.
Day 2
After a tasty breakfast, we leave the hotel and head for the highlight of our trip to wonderful Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey. You will have ample time to explore and see where Downton's stars acted out the fortunes of the fictional Crawley family. Your visit will include entry to the castle, grounds and gardens. The gardens, first developed in the 13th century, are a sight to behold, along with the 1,000 acres of stunning parkland surrounding the Castle. Inside the Castle itself, there are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle Saloon and during your tour you will explore the main state rooms and bedrooms recognisable from Downton Abbey. Your tour will be self-guided with Highclere Guides on hand to answer questions. There’s time to discover the grounds, browse the gift shop where there are some non-fictional works written by the Countess herself, and perhaps stop for tea and cake in the Tea Rooms.Later in the afternoon, rejoin your coach with time to relax during your journey home.
Highclere Castle - "Downton Abbey"
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationHighclere Castle – or Downton Abbey as so many of us know it - has a rich, multifaceted heritage dating back to 749AD and the construction of a beautiful medieval palace and gardens on the park. Since then the palace has been rebuilt as Highclere Place House (1679) and then Highclere Castle in 1842 after ‘Capability’ Brown had re-designed the grounds, water and symmetrical Georgian house at Highclere for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon. Highclere also has a rich history of modern flight with Sir Geoffrey De Havilland making his first flight on the Highclere Estate in 1910 and, of course, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was made famous by his discovery of Tutankhamen’s Tomb with trusted colleague and friend Howard Carter. The Castle has also been a wartime hospital and home for evacuees as well as the modern-day setting for one of TV’s most-loved series and film, Downton Abbey.
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Tour includes
- 1 night's accommodation with breakfast and dinner
- Entrance to RHS Wisley
- Admission to Highclere Castle & Gardens (exhibition not included)
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon
RHS Wisley
RHS Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society and one of the most inspiring horticultural attractions in the country. Set in the heart of Surrey, it offers visitors a feast of colour, creativity, and natural beauty throughout the year.
The garden is a showcase of innovation and tradition, with sweeping borders, themed areas, and stunning landscapes designed to inspire gardeners of all levels. Highlights include the Glasshouse, with its three climatic zones displaying exotic plants from across the world, and the Rock Garden, one of the oldest and most admired features of Wisley.
The Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, herbaceous borders, and fruit orchards offer seasonal interest, while peaceful woodland walks and water features create space for relaxation.
With its combination of education, inspiration, and breathtaking planting schemes, RHS Wisley is not just a garden, but a living gallery of horticultural excellence.
For more information on RHS Wisley, please follow this LINK
Accommodation
Doubletree by Hilton Woking
The 4* DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Woking offers contemporary comfort in a convenient town centre location. Guests can enjoy stylish, modern rooms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves delicious meals throughout the day, while the inviting bar is perfect for relaxing with a drink. A well-equipped fitness centre is available for those who like to stay active, and the welcoming staff ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. The DoubleTree’s blend of quality service and excellent facilities makes it a great choice for a Leisuretime break.
For more information on this hotel, please click on this LINK
Map Location