Tudor and Henry VIII Tours

TOWER OF LONDON - WESTMINSTER ABBEY

TOWER OF LONDON is an incredible complex of ancient buildings dating back 1000 years. Inside the White Tower is the imposing Henry VIII suit of armour. Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed and Elizabeth was imprisoned by her half sister, Mary I here. Burial place of many of the Tudor kings and queens, WESTMINSTER ABBEY includes the funeral mask of Henry VIII.

GREENWICH - MARITIME MUSEUM - ST JAMES'S

Taking a boat on the River Thames you will see this glorious city from a different perspective. GREENWICH was the birthplace of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Henry set up two royal docks nearby. The MARITIME MUSEM has a Tudor room exploring Henry’s love of the navy. ST JAMES’S PALACE is impressively Tudor brick building set close to the other modern Royal palaces.

KNOLE HOUSE - HEVER CASTLE

One of the largest houses in England, KNOLE HOUSE was built in 1454 by the Church of England. Henry liked it so much, Thomas Cranmer gave it to him in 1538. HEVER is an idyllic castle, once home of the Boleyn family and childhood home of Anne Boleyn. It dates from 1270 and Henry VIII later passed the castle to Anne of Cleves. The church has the tomb of Sir Thomas Boleyn, father of Anne.

LEEDS CASTLE - CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

LEEDS CASTLE is the most beautiful in the world. It is a C12th building which replaced an earlier manor house. As a royal dowry, it was given to Catherine of Aragon and later, Elizabeth I was imprisoned here. CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL is the home of the Anglican Church. Began as a monastery, Henry VIII closed it and destroyed Thomas Becket’s shrine. We have a special tour of the church.

DOVER CASTLE - WHITE CLIFFS - ANNE OF CLEVES

Nestling within the WHITE CLIFFS, DOVER was one of the most important ports. The town is dominated by the castle and Henry did much to improve it. Then as we drive through the beautiful Sussex Weald, we will arrive in the lovely market town of Lewes to see ANNE OF CLEVES HOUSE. It is believed this small house was given to Henry’s forth wife after they divorced in 1541.

MARY ROSE - ROUND TABLE - WOLF HALL

The historic docks in PORTSMOUTH has many ships to visit. Henry VIII’s flagship, the MARY ROSE is the oldest battleship in the world, fighting until she sank in 1545. WINCHESTER was the ancient capital of England. In the Great Hall, the Arthurian round table was remodelled by Henry and he sits in the middle. GREAT CHALFIELD featured in BBC’s Wolf Hall as Thomas Cromwell’s house.

SUDELEY CASTLE - COTSWOLDS - STRATFORD

Set in 10 magnificent gardens, SUDELEY CASTLE was property of Henry and his last wife, Catherine Parr is buried in the church. The COTSWOLDS has some of the best English scenery with lovely villages and vistas. STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, has many Tudor buildings. ANNE HATHAWAY’S COTTAGE – Shakespeare’s wife’s home is a classic black and white cottage in a wonderful cottage garden.

WARWICK - BOSWORTH - RICHARD III

The best preserved medieval castle in England, WARWICK CASTLE was owned by the Tudor monarchs. With many attractions including re-enactments. The BATTLE OF BOSWORTH, the last battle of the War of the Roses, put the Tudors on the throne. A battlefield walk relives the conflict. RICHARD III died at Bosworth and is now buried in Leicester Cathedral. A museum close-by showcases his life.

PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL - CAMBRIDGE

One of the finest cathedrals, PETERBOROUGH has a long history. Henry’s first wife Katharine of Aragon is buried here. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY has 31 colleges. Trinity college founded in 1546 has Henry’s coat of arms on the main entrance. St John’s College is where Henry VII is celebrated. Also, KINGS COLLEGE CHAPEL, regarded as the finest and purest late gothic architecture in England.

HAMPTON COURT - WINDSOR CASTLE

HAMPTON COURT PALACE is the most famous Tudor building. Built by Cardinal Wolsey, it was confiscated in 1529 by Henry. In 60 acres, the gardens are a rare example of Tudor horticulture. WINDSOR CASTLE is the World’s largest inhabited castle and the Queen’s weekend home. Built over the centuries with exquisite interiors. St George’s Chapel is the  burial place of Jane Seymour and Henry.

ADDITIONS TO THE ITINERARY

This tour is an example of what can be seen. There are many more places associated with the Tudors and we can adjust this tour to any places you would like to add. We can add some castles or add few extra days exploring countryside of the LAKE DISTRICT, NORTHUMBERLAND, the KENT or THE COTSWOLDS.

Please ask for ideas.