Join a very special tour of London's magnificent royal palaces and learn about the history within their walls.
The best known of all the former Royal Press Secretaries, Dickie Arbiter LVO, will join you for the day, as you visit St Paul's Cathedral and Kensington Palace. Having spent much of his working life within these walls, Dickie will be well-placed to regale tales of serving the Royals and you'll tour the Queen's State Apartments and the lavish King's Apartments. At Kensington Palace, you can also look forward to a delicious festive afternoon tea.
With Christmas around the corner, London will be lit up with its festive illuminations and the Christmas trees will be up. You'll spend an afternoon at Kew Gardens, and come night, you can enjoy the seasonal illuminations and spirit - perhaps indulging in a glass of mulled wine as you see the beautiful displays.
You'll also visit Hampton Court Palace, taking in the Tudor and Baroque architecture which has provided a spectacular backdrop for many films and period dramas over the years.
The Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster Bridge will be your base for the trip and the ideal location to take in the sights of the Thames, as well as iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Arrive at the four-star Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster Bridge. Check in will be from 3pm, but bags can be left with the concierge and delivered to your room later, if you wish to explore. This evening, meet in Brasserie Joel for a welcome dinner (with wine or soft drink included) and meet your tour manager.
After breakfast this morning, travel by coach to Hampton Court Palace. A unique place with Tudor and Baroque architecture, the palace has provided a spectacular backdrop for many films and period dramas. Tour the palace highlights with your professional guide followed by free time to explore independently. See the beautiful state apartments and private rooms of William and Mary, works of art in the Cumberland Art Gallery and the Tudor Pleasure Grounds. Lunch will be spent at leisure and you may wish to browse the gift shop for some Christmas gift inspiration.
This afternoon, arrive at Kew Gardens. Home to over 14,000 colourful trees in its Arboretum, The Great Broad Walk and beautiful glasshouses, you'll appreciate its sights by day and night. As darkness falls, enjoy the seasonal illuminations and spirit - huge Christmas trees, all kinds of nature-inspired lights and stalls selling festive gifts and treats such as mulled wine. Discover the beautiful glasshouses and the iconic Palm House, home to an exotic rainforest. Return to your hotel this evening
After breakfast this morning, hear a talk from Dickie Arbiter and then travel by coach to St Paul's Cathedral. You'll have a guided tour of the iconic cathedral with an experienced guide, in the company of Dickie. There will be time afterwards to purchase lunch and/or refreshments (not included).
This afternoon, visit Kensington Palace. You'll have an audio tour as you visit the Queen's State Apartments and the lavish King's Apartments Rooms. See some of the finest paintings from the Royal Collection on display, and in the jewel room, you'll find gems commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. You'll then enjoy a seasonal afternoon tea, served in The Orangery.
Return to the hotel for the evening, watching out for the beautiful Christmas lights and Christmas trees as you drive. This evening and dinner will be spent at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel and making your return journey home. (Note: luggage can be stored with the concierge if you plan to shop, sightsee and explore after check out, which is 12pm)
From the Park Plaza, you're conveniently located to check out all the sights along the South Bank, while across the river lie the Houses of Parliament.
The hotel sits on the eastern end of Westminster Bridge, where Westminster Bridge Road meets Lambeth Palace Road. Waterloo station is close by, as is Westminster, making it easy to get around by public transport.
By car: over 4 hours from Manchester and 2 hours 30 minutes from Bristol. On-site parking costs £65 per day.
By train: Westminster tube station is a 5-minute walk. London Waterloo station is less than a 10-minute walk. Book trains to London.
Step inside the huge glass-fronted elliptical building and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally entered a shopping centre - you're in one of Europe's largest conference hotels. On arrival, escalators lead to the reception and lobby. In the reception and bar areas, you'll find shiny floors and squeaky faux-leather armchairs.
With over 1,000 rooms, it's no surprise reception is busy at virtually all times of day - but staff do a good job at trying to accommodate everyone as swiftly as possible. Guests will enjoy the spa, home to a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and 24hr fitness centre. If you're here on business, you'll have no shortage of event spaces to choose from to host meetings and conferences.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Gym
- Spa
- Family-friendly
- Parking on-site
- Free Wi-Fi
Rooms generally come as standard, with the same desk, bed, bathroom and burgundy carpets - and floor-to-ceiling windows. The panoramas are what differentiate them - with views of the river, London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Despite the hotel's size and location, rooms are quiet.
Room types: Superior, Studio, One-Bed Suite, Two-Bed Suite, Duplex Suite, Presidential Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi
Brasserie Joël is where French chef Jonathan Castaing rustles up French specialities - the lamb shank was tender and succulent. Intimate Ichi is great for fish lovers; and Primo Bar is a lively spot to enjoy a good cocktail.
Brasserie Joël: 2 AA-Rosette restaurant, open Tue-Sat for dinner.
ICHI: sushi & sashimi bar. Open Thu-Sat for lunch, daily for dinner.
Primo Bar: lobby bar-lounge, open daily from 12pm.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £464. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd.