Actief Hampton Court Palace Flower show gardens cruise
Upper Thames, England

luxury cruise vacations aboard Actief on the Royal river Thames, England
Incorporating the Hampton Court Palace Flower show

Sunday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 1 Private transfer from the Goring Hotel in London to our mooring at Windsor below a magnificent view of the castle. Traditional cream tea on arrival is followed by a visit to Eton College, founded in 1440 and currently school to Prince Harry. Here a beautiful new footbridge not only allows splendid views of the collect and river but takes you to Luxmore's Garden, an island garden created by an Eton Housemaster in 1880. There is also time to view the Provost's and Fellow's Gardens before returning to Actief for a short evening cruise to Boveney Lock. This is followed by a champagne reception and dinner on board. Monday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 2 A morning cruise, stopping for coffee at the much filmed gothic style Oakley Court Hotel, brings us to one of the most beautiful reaches on the river and our exclusive mooring at Cliveden. This magnificent estate, former home of Lord and Lady Astor, boasts amazing views and incredible gardens. First laid out in the 18th century they include a formal parterre, a wonderful water garden with a restored Pagoda made for the Paris Exhibition of 1867, a long garden with topiary and 18th century Venetian statues. Tuesday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 3 Our cruise continues through unspoilt countryside, passing under Maidenhead Bridge, the largest brick span bridge in the world, designed by Brunel, until we reach the medieval village of Hurley. From here we visit Hall Barn in Beaconsfield, a unique landscaped garden of great historical interest. Laid out in the 1680's but not completed until about 1730, it features a formal lake, and long avenues through the Grove, each terminating in a temple, classical ornament or statue. The day ends with an early evening cruise along the famous 'Regatta Mile' into Henley-On-Thames. Wednesday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 4 Henley is a wonderful old town founded in the 12th century and firmly on the map of Britain's social 'Season' since the introduction of the annual Royal Regatta in the 19th century. This morning there is time to explore this delightful town and perhaps catch up on a little shopping. After lunch we visit Greys Court, lightly crenellated home of Lady Brunner which dates back to the 15th century. Here there are quite beautiful rose, cherry, wisteria and white gardens planted amongst the ruined walls of the original 13th century fortified manor house (the tower still remains). Nestled in a beautiful wooded Chiltern valley, Greys Court is a particularly delightful excursion. Afterwards we cruise past luxurious riverside homes to our next stop at Sonning. Thursday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 5 An early morning start takes us to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, set in 25 acres of Royal parkland, where ingenious design, original ideas and creative flair, combine to inspire. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, nurseries, societies and charities create 25 colour filled traditional and contemporary gardens in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, including spectacular water gardens. There are also stunning floral displays in 8 huge marquees, including the British Rose Festival, plus much, much more. After this heady and colourful assault on your senses we return to Actief and continue our cruise upstream through open meadows and wooded valleys to Pangbourne, home of Kenneth Graham, author of 'Wind In The Willows'. Friday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 6 Today commences with a private visit and morning coffee at stunning stately home, Englefield House. Usually guided by the owners themselves, Sir William or Lady Benyon, the very personal tour of this wonderful house (of Elizabethan origins with later Gothic additions) will probably be remembered as yet another highlight of the week. The 7 acres of woodland gardens are breathtakingly beautiful and enhanced by a deer park. There is also a formal terrace with fountain and borders and a chance to view the private walled Victorian style kitchen garden - a source of great pride to its gardeners. After lunch we cruise to our final mooring at Shillingford Bridge. Tonight the Captain hosts his farewell dinner on board. Saturday - Hampton Court Palace flower show Gardens cruise Day 7 10.00am: disembark and transfer back to the Goring Hotel or Heathrow Airport

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