King On The Run: The Escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester

On 3rd September 1651 Charles II lost the Battle of Worcester to Oliver Cromwell’s new model army and became a fugitive, with a price of £1,000 on his head. This fascinating tour tells the story of the first few days of Charles II’s journey of escape after the disaster of the Battle of Worcester, when he eventually reached France. Your host and guide is historian Julian Humphrys, who will entertain you with his wit and knowledge of this exciting historical and epic story.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arrive independently at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and talk from Julian Humphrys: "The Battle of Worcester".

Day 2: Worcester walking tour and Harvington Hall
We start the day with a stop at the Commandery Museum, which was Charles II’s headquarters during the battle, with a welcome talk and guided tour. We will also take a short walk to Fort Royal Hill, which was captured by Parliamentary forces, who turned the Royalist guns to fire on Worcester. This will be followed by our final visit of the morning to Worcester Cathedral. Lunch (not included) will be taken in the Chapter House before visiting Harvington Hall, which has the finest surviving series of priest holes and hiding places in England. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant followed by a second talk by Julian: "The Escape of Charles II".

Day 3: Boscobel House and Moseley Old Hall 
Visit and guided tour of Boscobel House, where Charles sought refuge, hiding first in a tree, which is now known as The Royal Oak, and then spending the night in a priest-hole in the house’s attic. On 7th September Charles II and William Careless, accompanied by the five Penderel brothers and Humphrey Penderel left Boscobel and made it to Moseley Old Hall, home of Thomas Whitgreave, and the location for your final visit today, lunch (not included) and guided tour. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour managers' discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing. The morning of Day 2 is spent on foot with limited opportunities to sit and rest. Please visit the mobility page of our website for further information, or call our team prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine
• Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Single room supplement - £100
• Extra nights on bed & breakfast basis
• Holiday Insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

The Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa
Conveniently located with easy access to the M42/M5 motorways the four-star Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa is an ideal base to explore the heart of England. Facilities at the hotel include a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, sauna and comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone and hairdryer. Complimentary car parking for Travel Editions clients is available at the hotel. 

The Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa

MORE INFO - Please click here to see full details of this tour

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date. 

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