Enjoy a wonderful day exploring the English countryside on this tour from London. Visit Windsor Castle and historic Runnymede, travel through the beautiful Chiltern Hills, and spend time in the historic towns of Henley and Marlow, where you'll have free time to soak up the quaint atmosphere and enjoy a quintessential countryside experience. In these towns, take strolls along the River Thames, admire swans floating across the water, enjoy a meal and locally crafted beer at a typical English pub, and sip traditional cream tea at a cozy café (own expense). Your guide will provide commentary on the area’s history and culture along the way. Depending on the season, you can also choose to take a boat ride along the Thames River!
Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group tour, ensuring you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience.
Departing from Victoria in central London in the morning, travel west by comfortable minivan to the River Thames at Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215. See a number of important monuments here, including the Royal Air Force Memorial.
Continue through Windsor Great Park to the royal town of Windsor, where you'll stop to visit magnificent Windsor Castle. Marvel at one of the Queen’s most impressive residences, the State Apartments, on your guided tour. Depending on the day, you may also see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Otherwise, you can follow your Windsor Castle tour with a self-guided walk down the Windsor and Eton Heritage Trail, or take a boat trip along the Thames River (additional cost; seasonal, runs from April to October).
Hop back in the minivan and continue to the beautiful riverside town of Henley, where you’ll stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant or café (own expense). Enjoy free time to visit historic attractions or take a stroll along the river. Your guide will recommend trying traditional cream tea at a lovely café, or sample some locally produced ale at a nearby pub.
In the afternoon, travel through the lovely villages of the Chiltern Hills on your way to the quiet riverside town of Marlow, home to cozy cafés, traditional pubs, historical hotels and beautiful parks (on some days, you may stop for lunch here instead of Henley). Spend time here seeing the sights and walking along the river to admire swans gliding across the water -- a picturesque scene straight out of a painting. Since Marlow is an important center for the sport of rowing, you may also see rowing crews practicing on the water.
After a relaxed afternoon in England's gorgeous countryside, make your way back to central London, just a short distance away.
