A Family Discovery of Southern England

See the capital through the eyes of a Londoner and explore its hidden streets in a restored classic Mini Cooper. Your expert guide will show you the sights and sounds of this great city, taking you past iconic landmarks such as The Houses of Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, as well as down side streets and back alleys to give you an alternative glimpse of life in London.

One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The Queen in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.

Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Journey around the world's history through the British Museum's outstanding collections of cultural artefacts on this special treasure hunt. You'll discover how ancient civilizations used to entertain themselves, from the Egyptians (who were so keen on board games they buried their dead with them) to the Mesopotamians (creators of backgammon) to the traditional Roman knucklebones. At the end, the winners will receive medals in a prize-giving ceremony.

Walk via the Maritime Museum up the steep hill to the Royal Observatory, the site from where Greenwich Mean Time is calculated. With buildings dating back to 1675 you’ll also see the Greenwich Meridian line in the cobblestones outside. You can actually stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western Hemisphere! Walk back down to Greenwich town centre with its bustling craft market and the grand old tea clipper Cutty Sark.

Enjoy a private river cruise through the capital aboard the Thames Limo, passing under the city's historic bridges and seeing the city's iconic landmarks from a unique perspective.

Formerly the capital of England, Winchester retains many important buildings and is one of the country’s finest cathedral cities. Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral and her place of rest is an important but sombre stopping point for fans of the author.

A typical New Forest village with an exceptional heritage, at the heart of Beaulieu lie the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey and the 13th-century Palace House. Combined with the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu has become one of the most exceptional sites in the region. Join your Beaulieu host on a bespoke tour which will take you beyond the regular visitor route to meet the team behind-the-scenes in some of the hidden quarters of this site and see the in-house team at work in the private workshops.

Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, an area of HM Naval Base Portsmouth which contains several historic buildings and ships. Go on a journey through time, as you to step onboard historic ships and explore magnificent museums from the Royal Navy’s past.

The presence of Oxford University can be felt throughout the centre of this august city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, the patchwork of college buildings, churches and quaint streets make Oxford a beautiful place to discover the stories surrounding some of the most important characters in British history. Your local guide will tailor a tour around your interests, whether it be college gardens, religion, stained glass or Inspector Morse or Harry Potter.

Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Experience a unique perspective to the Great Park with a horse-drawn carriage ride accompanied by your guide who can share the knowledge of stories and events at the park, which have been passed down through the generations of coachmen who have worked for this family business. Ride down the famous Long Walk, which has wonderful views of Windsor Castle, and was part of the route the newlywed royals Megan and Harry took on their wedding day. The carriages are all classic models that have been maintained, restored or re-created to be the same as those used centuries ago. They are fitted with authentic wheels, traditional fittings and skills which date back to the 14th century.