EXTRAORDINARY BRITAIN

Location: Westminster, London

Tour Dates: Thursday 2nd

Start Time: 9:00am

Duration: Half Day (4hrs)

Benedictine monks first came to the site of Westminster Abbey in the middle of the 10th century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which, incredibly, continues to this day. Neither a cathedral nor a parish church, the spectacular 700-year-old abbey is actually a "Royal Peculiar", a church responsible directly to the Sovereign. You’ll look at the wonderful architecture, see the Coronation Chair and find the famous people buried there, including the Tudor Queen Elizabeth I, the scientist Isaac Newton and the novelist Charles Dickens.

Then you’ll make your way to the Churchill War Rooms, which is for anyone who wants a little more light shed on our ‘darkest hour’. The museum is made up of two parts. The first is the underground complex known as the Cabinet War Rooms where Churchill and his government sheltered during the Blitz and from where he directed the war. The second is the brilliantly interactive Churchill Museum that focuses on the life of the man himself, from birth through the wilderness years, to his time as Prime Minister, and on to his death and famous funeral. A perfect pairing. Churchill Museum that focuses on the life of the man himself, from birth through the wilderness years, to his time as Prime Minister, and on to his death and famous funeral. A perfect pairing.

Location: City of London

Tour Dates: Thursday 2nd

Start Time: 9:00am

Duration: Half Day (4hrs)

It may surprise people to know that London is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Forty percent of its area is dedicated to parks and public spaces and while the great parks are well known and loved by Londoners and visitors alike, few people know of the many small and remarkable spaces that are dotted throughout the city. With a history spanning five centuries, this walk encompasses old and new gardens and public spaces to see the best of this small pocket of London's lesser-known gems. Several of these have been created in the bombed-out ruins of Wren's churches, including the award-winning St Dunstan's in the in the East whose dramatic remains have been engulfed in a wide range of wall shrubs and climbers to create a beautiful garden with a haunting atmosphere. Postman's Park, beloved as a lunchtime venue for City office workers is another small space with a story; you will also discover Barber Surgeon's garden along the way. Lunch is at the former Carthusian Monastery, The Charterhouse, with its country garden just beyond the City boundary.

Location: Newbury, Hampshire

Tour Dates: Friday 3rd

Start Time: 9:00am

Duration: Full Day (7hrs)

The name Highclere Castle may not ring a bell, but fans of Downton Abbey will know this castle inside-out. Used for both interior and exterior filming on the hit TV series, Highclere has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Carnarvon for centuries.

If you’ve never seen Downton but its pinnacles and spires look familiar, that’s probably because the castle’s stunning facade was designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, while the gardens (including a monks’ garden and secret garden) were designed by the famous Victorian landscaper, Capability Brown.

And there is more to Highclere than meets the eye; an earlier Earl sponsored the archaeological expedition that discovered the grave of Tutankhamun and the castle houses an extraordinary Egyptology exhibition, which includes numerous artefacts up to 3,500 years old. A truly magnificent stately home.

Location: Soho, London

Tour Dates: Saturday 4th

Start Time: 11:30am

Duration: Half Day (2hrs)

Take a delectable food and drink adventure through London's most notorious neighbourhood: Soho.

Led by born and bred Londoners with years of experience in the culinary world, they will be on hand to take you through all the hidden gems and best kept secrets of these hallowed streets. Championing British produce along with cuisines from around the World, you will explore all manner of atmospheric hotpots where you will enjoy numerous dishes and drinks - with a few entertaining stories on the side! You’ll feast on a true Shanghai dim sum classic, an ultimate Chinese street food, decadent Malaysian comfort food, take a trip to a historic Italian deli, and savour indulgent chocolate truffles, from London's finest chocolatier.

You'll sip on Cocktails, Chinese wine, as well as beer, and there are also non-alcoholic alternatives.