A Capital Weekend - 6th - 9th October 2023

Why not join us on this Capital Weekend based at the The Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

Friday: Travelling to Windsor for our first visit of the weekend. Located on the River Thames, the delightful town of Windsor is home to one of the official royal residencies of Her Majesty The Queen – Windsor Castle. Built in the 11th century by the formidable William the Conqueror, it is steeped in rich British history. From Windsor you will get to enjoy a beautiful cruise upstream on the Thames taking in the sensational views of Windsor Castle from the river. During the cruise you will be treated to an Afternoon tea and afterwards there will be some free time to explore the town. You will then re-join the coach for the short journey to the The Bull Hotel. After you've have checked-in there will be

time at leisure before dinner.

Saturday: Leaving the hotel after breakfast we will travel to Central London.  This morning we will have a  ‘Behind the Scenes’ Tour at Royal Albert Hall, going behind the curtain of this much-loved Grade I listed building and see parts of the Hall usually off limits to the public. The Behind the Scenes tour takes you under the stage, into our dressing rooms and deep underground into our bustling loading bay. These special tours are an opportunity to acquire a rare insight into how the show, hospitality and technical teams come together to stage over 390 different events in the main auditorium per year.

Following the tour you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore London, before returning to The Bull Hotel prior to Dinner.

Sunday: After breakfast we will leave the hotel travelling to Greenwich. This morning you will visit the Painted Hall at the Royal Naval College. From a Tudor Palace to the centrepiece of Maritime Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College is a UNESCO world heritage site.  This iconic riverside estate boasts 500 years of rich history linking an incredible cast of monarchs and famous British figures including King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare, King William and Queen Mary and Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson. Built on the site of  Greenwich Palace, this extraordinary building, designed by esteemed architect Sir Christopher Wren, has seen life as both a Royal Hospital and a Royal Naval College. From Henry VIII’s birthplace to Lord Nelson’s lying in state, these walls contain a wealth of key historical moments. Become one of the 1.2m annual visitors exploring this fascinating Greenwich campus. Drop into the Visitor Centre to understand the many layered histories of these grounds, visit the iconic Painted Hall, known as the ‘UK’s Sistine Chapel’ or spend time in the St Peter & St Paul Chapel to find out why it is considered to be one of the finest 18th century interiors in existence.

You will have some free time for lunch, before our afternoon visit to the Cutty

Sark. Built in 1869 to carry tea back from China, Cutty Sark visited nearly every major port in the world and gained fame for its record-breaking passages. Delve into the adventures of this iconic ship and meet the colourful cast of characters on board the ship who tell their story of what life was like on board.
Picture yourself as the ship's captain, take the helm at the ship's wheel and marvel at the towering masts and 11 miles of rigging. Learn about the ambitious conservation project and go inside and underneath an authentic piece of history. Find out about the incredible work that has saved Cutty Sark for future generations.

After your voyage on the Cutty Sark, you will depart Greenwich returning to the hotel late afternoon, prior to dinner at the hotel.

Monday: After breakfast you will check-out of the hotel and travel to Leonardsee Gardens. In 2019, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens opened its doors after a closure of 10 years, this magnificent Grade I listed garden was nearly lost forever and has been the subject of the largest garden restoration in England and possibly Europe. These spectacular and ancient gardens are now open for the public to enjoy once again. Many people in the local area have fond memories of their visits and life around these gardens, and the aim is to protect this magnificent heritage so that future generations get to enjoy these beautiful green spaces and flora and fauna within.  “The finest woodland gardens in England”. 

You will have time to explore these lovely gardens and grab some lunch, before an early afternoon departure from Leonardsee to head back to Manchester, arriving early evening.

Hotel: The Bull Hotel is located in Gerrards Cross, Bucks. Set in landscaped gardens in a conservation area of Buckinghamshire, The Bull retains the cosy spirit of an historic coaching inn, and its 4-star rooms and suites are ideal for today’s traveller. All rooms offer comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms and many feature modern artworks and views over landscaped gardens. (www.sarova-bullhotel.com)

Price Per person: (Based on twin/double 2 adults sharing) -

• Member Plus (Members with Lottery Shares) - £399
• Members (No Lottery Shares) - £409
• Non-Member - £419
• Single Supplement £87
  

Look What's included:

• 3 Nights Accommodation including Full English Breakfast and 3-course, choice menu dinner
• Porterage (if required)
• Executive Coach & Professional Tour Driver throughout the tour as per itinerary
• Cruise with Afternoon Tea in Windsor
• Admission to The Painted Hall
• Admission to Cutty Sark
• Tour of Royal Albert Hall
• Admission to Leonardslee Gardens

   

What's NOT included:

• Meals and Entrance to attraction fees other than those stated in the itinerary
• Driver/Guide Gratuities
• Any Items of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs etc

For further details and bookings, you can either use the Reservation Form or contact Bob Walker 

Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)