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warwick Castle built in the 11th century
The English Civil War
battlefield at naseby
cromwell's home in ely
The English Civil War is perhaps the definitive cautionary tale for revolutionaries. Cromwell's idealistic young men thought they were the future. The reality is that their future came to reflect the past. In this journey through England explore the people and places associated with the conflict, Oliver Cromwell, Charles I, Warwick Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the important battlefield sites at Edgehill, Worcester and Naseby.
Arrive at a London airport; meet your tour manager and your private deluxe motor coach for the transfer in to central London. The tour manager is a qualified professional London guide and will take you on a panoramic sightseeing tour of central London. See iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, The Tower of London and Piccadilly Circus. Overnight London
A whole day is dedicated to the English Civil War in London. Admission is included to Westminster Abbey, The Banqueting House in Whitehall to see the location of the execution of Charles I and of course The Tower of London. Lunch is included within the Tower in The Armouries. A highlight for some has to be seeing the site where Cromwell's decapitated head was placed on a pole above Westminster Hall. Various accounts suggest that Cromwell's head blew off in a high wind falling at the feet of the sentry on guard, who apparently took it home. On request and at specific times of the year admission to both the Houses of Parliament can be arranged. Overnight London
Day 3 – Hampton Court & Windsor
More gruesome and true tales today as a journey is made to the south west of London for a tour of Hampton Court Palace where Charles I lived for a while before we reach Windsor Castle and St George's Chapel where he is buried.
Day 4 – John Milton & Oxford
Leaving London to the North West a visit is made to the cottage owned by John Milton. The poet was associated with Cromwell. The house dates from the period, has an outstanding garden and is where he wrote Paradise Lost. Journey into Oxford that has many links to the war and some original artefacts can be seen at The Ashmolean Museum.
Overnight Oxford
Day 5 – Cotswolds "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty"
The Cotswolds today are known for their scenic beauty and indeed they are but in the English Civil War this area was strategically very important. So much so that the first pitched battle of the Civil War took place here and you will see the site at Edge Hill. Other places that will be visited associated with the Civil War include Moreton-in-Marsh and Broadway. Overnight Worcester
Day 6 – Worcester & Warwick
Spend the morning in Worcester examining the final battle of The Civil War and including a visit to The Commandery. Amazingly some of the landmarks from the time of Charles II still stand in Worcester. The Commandery, where Charles made his headquarters during the battle, is now a museum, and has many exhibits about the period. Fort Royal, a vital artillery position that was held by Royalist troops and captured by the Parliamentary army under Oliver Cromwell, is now a park. It has great views of the City. Parts of the old city walls can be seen alongside the City Walls Road. At the back of these lies the King Charles House, from where Charles II made his escape after the Battle of Worcester. It's now a restaurant. Charles watched the battle unfolding from the tower at Worcester cathedral. You can still go up there, but it's a long climb. In the afternoon reach Warwick Castle an impressive Parliamentary stronghold and still very impressive and perhaps see the death mask of Oliver Cromwell. Overnight Warwickshire
Day 7 – Naseby & Cromwell
Heading north we arrive at the Naseby Battle site to see the memorial and discuss this important battle. In the afternoon we are deep in original Parliamentarian country and will visit Huntingdon. The Cromwell Museum will be visited where the resident curator is a known expert on Cromwell. This small but interesting museum is housed in the school that Cromwell attended as a boy.
Overnight Cambridgeshire
Day 8 – Ely & Cambridge
A full day excursion takes us into an area known as The Fens and to the small city of Ely. Here a visit is made to one of only two Oliver Cromwell homes that still survives (the other is Hampton Court Palace - see above) Commoner or King, Saint or Sinner, Friend or Foe - have you decided? Here a local expert will give you a detailed insight in to the man to help you decide. Afternoon return to Cambridge for a guided historical walk. Join the debate about the location of Oliver Cromwell's head, never mind his body! Overnight Cambridgeshire
Travel on Britain's motorway network back to London. Traffic permitting the afternoon will be free for personal exploration. Overnight London
An executive motorcoach is provided for the transfer to the airport.