We all like a bit of drama..... so join us on this fantastic tour and discover some of the classics. Downton Abbey is one of the most popular TV costume drama series portraying the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who worked for them, it was filmed at Highclere Castle, a country house in High Elizabethan style, set in 6000 acres of estate, the parklands of which were designed by Capability Brown, we have included the entrance to both the house & gardens for you to discover how life was here 100 years ago, as portrayed in Downton Abbey. The drama continues to unfold as we visit the home of one of the worlds most famous authors, Jane Austen. Jane lived in a charming red brick 17th century house, in Chawton, and the beautiful countryside of Hampshire is where Jane found the inspiration to write such classics as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park and Sense & Sensibility, her former home is now a museum with an extensive collection of her works and memorabilia. We also visit Henley-on-Thames, aka Causton, In Midsomer Murders, it has appeared in numerous episodes, so fans of Detective Barnaby will recognise many of the filming locations within the town including Gabriel Machin’s butcher shop, Tudor House Antiques and the Argyll Public House. Henley-on-Thames is also home of the famous Rowing Regatta, so we have included a leisurely cruise along the river with an on board commentary highlighting the sights as they float by.
The Hilton Bracknell Hotel, in the heart of Berkshire, an ideal base for this tour. All of the guestrooms are en suite & offer the usual refinements including TV, telephone, hairdryer and WiFi & refreshment facilities. This hotel also boasts a Living Well club leisure suite, with a swimming pool, spa pool, sauna & fully fitted gymnasium. Our stay is on a half board basis.