The Anne Boleyn Experience 2020

SOLD OUT

17th - 21st May 2020

THIS TOUR IS NOW SOLD OUT.  WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY DISAPPOINTMENT CAUSED.

The Anne Boleyn Experience is back again in 2020!

Explore the life and death of the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII and mother to Elizabeth I, Queen Anne Boleyn with Anne Boleyn historian Claire Ridgway plus, we are very excited to be joined this year by, celebrity historian Dr Jonathan Foyle and the incredible Lesley Smith.

You will also enjoy a private after hours tour of Hever Castle, follwed by dinner in the Hever Castle dining room, visit Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London - a particularly poignant visit as it falls on the anniversary of her execution.

For the duration of the tour you will stay at the magical Hever Castle, Anne's childhood home, for 4 nights of luxury!  Enjoy exclusive access to the entire Astor Wing including music room, billiard room, lawns, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool!

You will be transported in a luxury air-conditioned coach for the duration of the tour so you will arrive everywhere in comfort and style!

  • Private dining in the Castle Dining Room

    Private dining in the Castle Dining Room

  • Luxury Coach Interior

    Luxury Coach Travel

  • Staying for 4 nights at Hever Castle

    Staying for 4 nights at Hever Castle

  • Dinner and Breakfast in the Tudor Suite

    Dinner and Breakfast in the Tudor Suite

  • Hever Castle

    Private area at Hever Castle

  • Guided Tour at Tower of London

    Bespoke Private Tours

  • Private Lawns For Our Use

  • Dr Jonathan Foyle as Guest Speaker

  • Claire Ridgway is our Resident Historian

Tour Highlights

  • Expert History Talks from Dr Jonathan Foyle, Lesley Smith and Claire Ridgway

  • Private Hidden Hever Tour of Hever Castle with Owen Emmerson

  • Dinner in the Castle Dining Room

  • Visit to Hampton Court Palace

  • Visit the Tower of London on the anniversary of Anne Boleyn's death

  • Private use of the Astor Wing of Hever Castle including our own Private Lawn next to the moat, Tennis Court, Billiards Room and Outdoor Heated Pool.

Historians on this Tour

Claire Ridgway

Claire Ridgway

The much loved and respected Tudor Historian, Claire Ridgway joins this tour as resident historian and co-tour leader.

Claire is the author of the best-selling books; George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Dipomat (co-written with Clare Cherry), On This Day in Tudor History, The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown, The Anne Boleyn Collection and The Anne Boleyn Collection II and many more.

Claire is the genius behind The Anne Boleyn Files history website, known for its historical accuracy, Claire's mission is to get to the truth behind Anne Boleyn's story and to share that with everyone. 

Dr Jonathan Foyle

Dr Jonathan Foyle

Dr Jonanthan Foyle is one of the most respected historians today

Jonathan was a Curator of Historic Buildings at Hampton Court for eight years, and took his PhD on reconstructing Wolsey's Palace.

He has presented numerous television series including BBC4's often repeated 'Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer?'. His most profound interest is in the origins and meaning of the rich court culture of Henry VII and recently played an important role in the identification of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York's wedding bed.

Philippa Brewell

Philippa Brewell

Philippa is well respected within the history and travel industries for creating historical experiences which consistently exceed expectations.

Philippa entertains thousands each week with her videos and stories from across the UK and British History. This ability to engage an audience in British history as well as being an expert in travelling the historical sites of the UK, makes her the perfect tour manager.

Her aim is to provide once in a lifetime experiences but which you'll want to repeat!

Lesley Smith

Lesley Smith

M.Phil, M.Univ. (Hons.), F.S.A. (Scot.)

Lesley has been the Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire since 2000. She is a medical historian holding an M.Phil in Tudor medicine, is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and is also a Member of the Society of Medical Writers.

She has also appeared in over 120 television programmes some of which have been broadcast to 38 countries. Lesley is also well known for her highly entertaining and informative costumed portrayals of a variety of historical characters.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 - 17th May

    Meet at the designated, convenient pick-up point in London where you will board our private coach bound for Hever Castle. On arrival at Hever you will be shown to your beautiful room and you can begin to explore your home for the next few days.

    You will have exclusive access to the entire Astor Wing of Hever Castle where you can take advantage of our own private heated swimming pool, tennis court, billiards room and lawn next to the moat.

    At early evening, enjoy a welcome drinks reception on our private lawn and enjoy an evening meal followed by our first expert talk, from Claire Ridgway.

  • Day 2 - 18th May

    Full day at Hever Castle.

    After a leisurely breakfast take your time to explore the castle and grounds during the morning.

    At 2pm we will be joined in the Tudor Suite for our private talk with leading historian and TV presenter, Dr Jonathan Foyle!

    This wonderful day continues with an evening private tour of 'Hidden Hever, led by Castle Supervisor and Historian Owen Emmerson who will take us behind the ropes and into rooms inaccessible to the public!

    As it that all weren't enough we then dine in top luxury in the Castle's dining room

  • Day 3 - 19th May

    On the anniversary of Anne Boleyn's execution, we visit the Tower of London.

    Following a morning private guided tour you will enjoy free time to explore other parts of the Tower and the waterfront. You then have the option to take a walk up to the Tower Hill execution site, where the men who fell victim to the events of 1536 were beheaded, with Claire and Philippa.

    We return to Hever Castle and enjoy a 3-course evening meal in our private dining room and our final history talk, from Claire Ridgway.

  • Day 4 - 20th May

    We will visit the ever impressive Hampton Court Palace and discover a story of transformation fuelled by Henry VIII's love for Anne Boleyn.

    We return to Hever to be met by Lesley Smith as Anne Boleyn for a poignant look at the final 45 minutes of Anne's life before our final meal together.

  • Day 5 - 21st May

    Wake up for one final time in the magical Hever Castle.

    After a leisurely breakfast we board our private coach which will take us back to London where we say our final farewells.

What's Included

  • Accommodation at Hever Castle for 4 nights

  • All Dinners and Breakfasts included

  • Expert History Talks from top historians 

  • Resident historian for the tour - Claire Ridgway

  • Private use of the Astor Wing of Hever Castle including our own Private Lawn next to the moat, Tennis Court, Billiards Room and Outdoor Heated Pool.

  • Dinner in the Castle Dining room

  • Philippa as Tour Manager

  • Luxury Coach Travel from pick up to drop off

  • All Admissions as stated in the itinerary

  • Hidden Hever Tour after it closes to the public!

  • Private Guides at Tower of London and Hampon Court Palace

  • An Experience of a Lifetime!

The Anne Boleyn Experience is now SOLD OUT

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