Great British Heritage
The Tudor Trail – Royal Palaces and Noble Houses in Surrey and The Thames Valley
The Tudor age was a period of power, ambition and political intrigue, shaped by larger-than-life monarchs, influential courtiers and the grand houses in which they lived, entertained and plotted. This new tour explores some of the most important surviving buildings associated with Tudor England, from royal palaces and noble residences to historic churches and family estates, revealing the rich stories behind one of the most compelling periods in British history.
Accompanied by leading Tudor historians Dr Nicola Tallis and Dr Joanne Paul, we visit the remains of Woking Palace, once a favoured residence of Henry VIII, Windsor Castle, and Dorney Court, one of England’s finest and best-preserved Tudor manor houses. We also discover the historic estates of Greys Court and West Horsley Place, explore atmospheric churches, and delve into the lives of the families whose fortunes rose and fell alongside the Tudor monarchy.
Based at Oatlands Park Hotel, located on the site of the former Oatlands Palace, one of Henry VIII’s principal royal residences and closely associated with Catherine Howard, the tour offers a fitting setting in which to immerse yourself in the Tudor world.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Dr Joanne Paul
Joanne is an award-winning historian, broadcaster and writer with a passion for sharing her research on Renaissance and Tudor history.
She is Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Sussex and a 2017 AHRC/BBC Radio 3 New Generation Thinker. Her first trade book, The House of Dudley, was hailed as a 2022 Book of the Year by The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph and History Today. Her biography of Thomas More, out with Penguin in 2025, is the result of more than a decade’s research into the man and his work.
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.
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 at Oatlands Park Hotel from 15.00. The hotel occupies part of the former estate of Oatlands Palace, one of the most important Tudor royal residences, where Henry VIII and Catherine Howard are believed to have spent time following their marriage. Although the palace itself no longer survives, the site remains closely associated with some of the most dramatic figures and events of the Tudor court.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers over welcome drinks before an introductory talk by Dr Nicola Tallis.
Day 2: St Nicholas’ Church, Greys Court, and St Mary the Virgin Church
Today’s exploration begins at St Nicholas’s Church, Rotherfield Greys, a beautiful village church closely connected with the local families whose influence shaped this part of the Thames Valley for centuries.
The church provides an interesting introduction to the history of the area and the people associated with nearby Greys Court, a historic house surrounded by attractive gardens and parkland. With origins in the medieval period and associations with many influential families, the house contains architectural features spanning several centuries. After exploring the house, there will be time to enjoy the renowned walled gardens.
Please note: There is an uphill walk of approx. 400 yards through a woodland path from Visitor Reception to the House, Tea Room and Gardens.
Next we visit the beautiful Church of St Mary the Virgin at Ewelme, one of England’s most complete medieval churches, renowned for its richly furnished interior and the remarkable alabaster tomb of Alice de la Pole, granddaughter of Geoffrey Chaucer. The village also has strong Tudor connections, having been home to the young Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. A local historian will provide a guided tour of the church, followed by light refreshments.
Return to the hotel for a talk by Dr Joanne Paul, followed by dinner.
Day 3: Woking Palace, Godalming, and West Horsley Place
After breakfast, visit the remains of Woking Palace, one of the most important Tudor residences in Surrey. Originally a medieval manor, it was transformed into a magnificent palace frequented by Henry VIII and his court. Although now an atmospheric ruin, the site provides a fascinating insight into the scale and sophistication of royal life away from London.
We then continue to nearby Godalming, where there will be free time for lunch and an opportunity to explore this attractive historic town at leisure.
Later, visit West Horsley Place, one of Surrey’s most intriguing historic houses. With origins stretching back to the fifteenth century, the estate has been associated with a succession of influential owners and reflects centuries of architectural development. We take a private guided tour of the manor house and walled garden, with a focus on the Tudors.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4: St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and Dorney Court
This morning we enjoy a private guided tour of St George’s Chapel, the magnificent Gothic chapel that has been the spiritual heart of Windsor Castle for more than five centuries and was completed during the reign of Henry VIII in 1528. The chapel is closely linked to the Tudor dynasty and is the burial place of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour, mother of the future Edward VI. As you explore this remarkable royal chapel, discover its role in the Order of the Garter and its importance in the religious and political life of Tudor England.
Continue to Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, and one of Henry VIII’s favourite royal residences, where he frequently visited to enjoy hunting, hawking and court life within its vast royal estate. The castle witnessed key events of the Tudor era, including the visit of Emperor Charles V shortly after the signing of the Treaty of Windsor in 1522, while Henry also left his mark through the construction of the impressive Henry VIII Gate.
Later, continue to Dorney Court, one of the country’s finest surviving Tudor manor houses. Still occupied by the Palmer family after more than four centuries, the house retains a remarkable collection of furniture, portraits and family treasures. On arrival, enjoy refreshments before a private guided tour introducing the history of the house and its many notable visitors. The visit concludes with a warming glass of damson gin, madeira or sherry served in the magnificent Great Hall, offering a memorable insight into life in an important Tudor household. Return to the hotel by 18:00.
Post-tour nights at the hotel are available at a supplement.
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge
Set within the historic Oatlands Estate and overlooking Broadwater Lake, the four-star Oatlands Park Hotel occupies a site closely associated with Henry VIII’s lost Tudor palace. Surrounded by attractive parkland, the hotel offers comfortable accommodation, a restaurant, bar and lounge facilities, together with complimentary Wi-Fi and modern guest amenities. Its rich royal associations and convenient location make it an ideal base for exploring the Tudor houses, palaces and historic estates of Surrey and the Thames Valley.
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.
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.
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