Home / Tours / Great British Heritage / Rebel Queens

Great British Heritage

Rebel Queens

Power shifted behind castle walls and across garden paths, in lives marked by defiance and consequence.

Trace the footsteps of England’s rebel queens through the chambers of Hever, the towers of Rochester, the grounds of Leeds Castle, and in the heart of London, where the established order was challenged and rebellion left its mark.

From

£1,299

per person

Book Now
Enquire About This Tour

what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners.
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Three nights’ accommodation at the four-star Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room. 
  • Discover the Authentic Rebel Queens
    Discover the London sites of the Tower of London and Guildhall, alongside a private tour of Hever Castle, private access to Allington Castle, lunch at Leeds Castle, and lectures from Dr Nicola Tallis and Owen Emmerson.
  • Your Expert Guides
    Expert historians Dr Nicola Tallis and Dr Owen Emmerson throughout the tour.
  • Talks & Tours
    All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary.
  • Transport
    Coach touring as per the itinerary.
Meet Your Expert Guide

Dr Owen Emmerson

Owen is a historian, author and broadcaster specialising in the Tudor period, Anne Boleyn and the world of Hever Castle. His Travel Editions tours explore the Boleyn family, the Tudor court and the remarkable buildings in which their stories unfolded.

Through private visits, guided tours and bespoke lectures, Owen moves beyond familiar events to consider the personalities, relationships and domestic settings behind them. His detailed knowledge of Hever and its collections gives travellers an especially vivid and personal introduction to Anne Boleyn’s life and enduring legacy.

Meet Our Expert Guides
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Dr Nicola Tallis

Nicola is an independent author and historian, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and an experienced curator, researcher and lecturer. She specialises in late medieval and Tudor England, with particular expertise in the use of jewels and the lives of royal women.

The author of five books, Nicola is also a familiar contributor to television, radio and major historical events. Passionate about making history enjoyable and accessible, she combines rigorous research with lively storytelling, bringing queens, courts and the politics of power vividly to life.

Meet Our Expert Guides
itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Exact order of itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive independently from 15:00. Welcome drink, dinner, and talk from Dr Nicola Tallis.

Day 2: Hever Castle & Allington Castle

Begin at Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn. With a private guided tour from Owen Emmerson, explore the Tudor rooms, rose gardens, and exhibitions that bring her story to life.

In the afternoon, enjoy a private guided visit to the moated Allington Castle, once home to Sir Thomas Wyatt, loyal supporter of Henry VIII. Evening talk from Owen.

Day 3: Leeds Castle & Rochester Castle

Morning visit to Leeds Castle, once a royal residence for six medieval queens. Discover its transformation from fortress to palace and its role in royal power struggles.

After lunch, head to Rochester Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman fortresses in England.

Day 4: Westminster and the Tower of London

Begin at Westminster to visit the magnificent medieval hall, renowned for its vast hammerbeam roof, towering stone walls and a history which has witnessed centuries of important events from royal ceremonies and state occasions to historic trials.

Then, journey to the Tower of London, where Anne Boleyn met her tragic fate. Explore the White Tower, and Crown Jewels. Return to the hotel by 18:00.

Post-tour nights at the hotel are available at a supplement.

Availability

Choose Your Departure

Date
Departing From
Price From
Availability
08/08/2027
South East England
£1,299
Book Now
Solo Traveller Supplement From: £147
Destination
Departure Date
Browse By Interest
HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club offers refined four-star comfort amid 200 acres of Kentish countryside. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, swim in the indoor pool, work out in two gyms, or play on the championship 18-hole course. Savour freshly prepared British dishes in the Cast Iron Grill or enjoy lighter fare and afternoon tea in the Zest Bar and Brew Lounge. Warm service enhances the modern, yet tranquil, atmosphere. With scenic gardens, riverside walks, and nearby historic sites close by, it’s a calming retreat for leisurely exploration and gentle indulgence. 
Hotel Website

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
 
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
 
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Mobility Information
Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. A reminder will be sent to you approximately 10 days before the balance due date. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

Read More FAQs
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers

Why Choose Travel Editions?

Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.

Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists

Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.

Personal Service, Real People

Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.

Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights

Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.

Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!

Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win

Our newsletter keeps you up to date with the latest news from Travel Editions, including new tours, special departures and travel inspiration. You’ll also receive articles from our expert tour lecturers and tour managers, along with insights into the destinations, history, art and culture that shape our holidays.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*