Hatfield House
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace aerial view
Tower of London
Hatfield House
Hatfield House
Guide tour of Hampton Court Palace
The Charterhouse - a refuge for the Queen
Tower of London - her prison
Two engaging lectures by Dr Nicola Tallis
Join Dr Nicola Tallis to explore the early life of one of England’s most famous queens: Elizabeth I. We’ll follow the twists and turns of Elizabeth’s youth, visiting the palaces in which she spent her childhood, and the Tower of London that became her prison. This tour will explore the uncertain path Elizabeth faced before finally succeeding as an iconic Tudor queen.
Available Departures |
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| 18 - June - 2025 | £ 835.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently at the Grim’s Dyke Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception and private dinner with wine, followed by a talk from tour lecturer, author and historian Dr Nicola Tallis: 'Elizabeth: Princess of England'.
Day 2: Hatfield House and Hampton Court Palace
We start our touring today with a visit to Hatfield House, where Elizabeth was sent to live at just three months old. It was here in the garden in 1558 that Princess Elizabeth learnt that she was to be the new Queen of England. Little of the original palace, built by Henry VIII to house his children, remains, but numerous relics relating to Elizabeth can be seen inside the house, including the famous 'Rainbow Portrait'. After lunch (own expense) we travel to Hampton Court Palace where Elizabeth was held under house arrest on suspicion of plotting against her half-sister Mary I. We enjoy a private guided tour with Chief Curator Dr Tracy Borman, taking in the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the famous kitchens. There will also be free time to explore the 1689 Baroque Palace built for King William III by Sir Christopher Wren. Return to the hotel for dinner and a second talk from Nicola: 'Elizabeth: False Traitor'.
Day 3: The Charterhouse and The Tower of London
This morning we take a guided tour of The Charterhouse in Smithfield London, an historic almshouse and heritage site dating back to medieval and Tudor times. It was here that Elizabeth met the Privy Council in the days before her coronation in 1558. Our tour will be guided by one of the Brothers to gain an insight into the history and lifestyle of the Brothers through the centuries. After lunch (own expense) we visit The Tower of London. Young Elizabeth I was imprisoned here by Queen Mary I, in 1554. This was due to suspicions of Elizabeth’s involvement in Wyatt’s Rebellion, a plot against Mary’s rule. We have a free flow visit of this historic site. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion
Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 42 passengers.
Tour grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking around sites, and lots of standing for viewing at each attraction. At each attraction there are steps and limited places to sit for rest. For more information please visit the mobility page of our website, or phone our team if you have any questions.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel, London
This modern four-star hotel set in 40 acres of gardens and woodland, and boasts a restaurant, WIFI, and modern bedrooms with private bathroom facilities, TV, hairdryer, telephone and desk. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Your Guide
Dr Nicola Tallis
Dr Nicola Tallis is an independent historian and researcher, who has also worked as a curator and lecturer. She received her doctorate from the University of Winchester in 2019, and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Nicola has worked with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust, and has appeared on BBC’s Countryfile, Who Do You Think You Are? and Booktalk. She is also a regular contributor to history magazines and radio. Nicola has given talks at the Emirates Literature Festival, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, the National Archives, and the British Library to name but a few. She is the author of four critically acclaimed books: Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester, Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret Beaufort, Tudor Matriarch, and All the Queen’s Jewels, 1445-1548: Power, Majesty and Display.
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 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
