Great British Heritage
Winston Churchill In The Cotswolds & Beyond
Led by Dr Robert Owen, this tour considers Churchill through the places that marked both his private life and public career. The itinerary moves from family background and education to wartime leadership and commemoration.
The private evening adds a more atmospheric element, allowing time to reflect on Churchill away from the more familiar public narrative. Together, the visits build a rounded picture of a complex and defining 20th-century figure.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Dr Robert Owen
Robert is the official historian of the No. 617 Squadron Association and one of the foremost authorities on the Dambusters Raid, with a connection to the squadron spanning more than four decades. He earned his doctorate from the University of Huddersfield, where his thesis examined the development of 617 Squadron across the full arc of the Second World War.
He is the lead author of Dam Busters: Failed to Return and Henry Maudslay Dam Buster, a contributor to Breaching the German Dams, and serves as a Trustee of both the 617 Squadron Association and the Barnes Wallis Memorial Trust.
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.
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to the Country House at War
Arrive independently at The Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House from 15.00. This evening, there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk from Robert Owen, “The Country House at War.”
Day 2 Blenheim Palace, Bladon and Private Dinner at Ditchley Park
Our first visit of the day is to magnificent Blenheim Palace, the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of “palace.” Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, built between 1705 and 1722, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and has been the home of the Spencer-Churchill family for more than 300 years.
It was here that Sir Winston Churchill was born on 30th November 1874, where he proposed to Clementine, and where he returned to, time and again, to paint and spend time with his friend and cousin, “Sunny,” the 9th Duke of Marlborough. An exhibition is dedicated to him in an area overlooking the water terraces, which he used as a studio. Elsewhere, the Palace State Rooms are full of priceless collections of portraits, tapestries and furniture and the palace is set in sumptuous, landscaped grounds. Nearby is the altogether more modest St Martin’s Church, Bladon, where Churchill is buried next to his parents and brother.
We return to the hotel in time to freshen up before heading to Ditchley Park, one of England’s finest houses, with a rich history as an idyllic retreat for royalty since the reign of Elizabeth I. It was famously used by Churchill as a secret base during the early years of World War II, meeting presidential envoy Harry Hopkins here in his efforts to win American support. A guided tour of this beautiful house will be followed by a private dinner with welcome reception, wine and talk from a Ditchley Park expert.
Day 3 Battle of Britain Bunker and Harrow School
Our first visit of the day is to the fascinating Battle of Britain Bunker, an underground operations room at RAF Uxbridge, formerly used by No. 11 Group Fighter Command during the Second World War. Fighter aircraft operations were controlled from there throughout the War but most notably during the Battle of Britain and on D-Day. It is reached by a staircase of 76 steps (please note there is no lift), though the exhibition is on ground floor level.
After free time for lunch (not included) we head to Harrow for a guided tour of the famous school, where Winston was a pupil from 1888 until 1892. He was not considered a good student, although his ability to memorise lines was rewarded with a prize for reciting from memory 1200 lines from Macaulay’s lengthy poem, “Lays of Ancient Rome.” Winston himself wrote “I was on the whole considerably discouraged by my school days.” Return to the hotel for about 17.30.
Please note: There are 76 steps down (and then up) at the Battle of Britain Bunker, and a considerable number of steps at Harrow School.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Enjoyed the trip, good hotel. Robert as tour manager kept the group together and guided the flock. Very good coach driver and very modern coach. Good and knowable guest speakers. The volunteer guide at the Battle of Britain Bunker was excellent. Enjoyed the visit and the meal at Ditchley Park.”
Anonymous, September 2024
“A good tour despite the terrible weather. Particular mention should be made of the visit to Ditchley Park where the dinner with wine was more than excellent! Also, our guide at the Battle of Britain Bunker gave a superb presentation. Those were memorable highlights.”
Dittmer, September 2024
“Robert Owen was an exceptional Tour Manager. He was a mine of information and also most helpful to me personally as I wasn’t too well at the beginning of the trip. We loved the choice of places to visit and all the different guides were without exception most knowlegeable.”
Anonymous, September 2024
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House
Located in the tranquil surrounds of Oxford, only 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre, this four-star hotel is set among three acres of private gardens. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and refined bedrooms with modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities. Complimentary parking is available at the hotel.
Hotel Website
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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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