The Mary Rose - A Tudor Tale

Departing: April 2027 - April 2027

Step back into the dramatic world of the Tudors, exploring grand palaces, historic castles and fascinating homes connected to Henry VIII and his court. The centrepiece is Portsmouth's Mary Rose Museum, where the preserved remains of Henry's flagship and thousands of recovered artefacts offer an extraordinary glimpse into Tudor life. Enjoy a private talk exploring the story of the Mary Rose and its links to Henry's turbulent reign, before visiting Hampton Court Palace, Anne of Cleves House and Arundel Castle, with its distinguished Tudor connections. Our journey concludes at Hever Castle and Gardens, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, completing a fascinating story of power, ambition and royal intrigue.

Included

Explore Anne of Cleve's House & Arundel Castle, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
3 nights at the Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House, Winchester
3 breakfasts & 3 dinners
Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

Walk in Henry VIII’s footsteps at Hampton Court Palace
Exclusive Mary Rose talk and guided tour with Tudor artefacts
Explore Anne of Cleves’ House and historic Arundel Castle
Discover Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Hever Castle

Tour Itinerary

We depart by coach and head to Hampton Court Palace, where the story begins with Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who commissioned the palace in 1514. When Wolsey fell from favour in 1529, he surrendered it to Henry VIII, who transformed it into one of his favourite residences and expanded it to accommodate his growing court. Later monarchs added their own architectural styles, but the palace remains unmistakably Tudor at its heart, offering a fascinating glimpse into the wealth, ambition and power of the dynasty. Following our visit, we continue to our hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Norton Park Hotel, Spa and Manor House

After breakfast, we head to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to visit the Mary Rose, beginning with an exclusive one-hour talk. Built in 1510–1511, the ship became one of Henry VIII’s favourite warships before sinking in 1545 during an engagement with the French fleet. Its raising and restoration were an extraordinary achievement, while the collection of almost 20,000 Tudor artefacts recovered from the wreck offers an unparalleled insight into life in 16th-century England. We then enjoy a guided tour of the museum with a knowledgeable member of the Mary Rose team, exploring some of the collection’s most fascinating finds. There is free time for lunch, with the option to visit HMS Victory independently. We return to our hotel later.

Later, we return to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Norton Park Hotel, Spa and Manor House

This morning, we head east along the south coast to Lewes, where we visit Anne of Cleves’ House, a beautifully preserved timber-framed medieval home given to Henry VIII’s fourth wife after their marriage ended, although she never lived there. Inside, the Tudor kitchen, parlour and four-poster bedroom offer a glimpse into domestic life of the period, while the traditional garden features herbs, shrubs and fruit trees chosen to reflect the era. Light refreshments are included with our visit. We then continue to Arundel Castle, dramatically positioned above the town with sweeping views across the South Downs and River Arun. Home to the Dukes of Norfolk since the 11th century, the castle has strong Tudor connections, including links to the Howard family and the royal court of Henry VIII.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Norton Park Hotel, Spa and Manor House

This morning, we depart for Hever Castle and Gardens, childhood home of Anne Boleyn and a place steeped in more than 600 years of history. Explore the panelled rooms, where fine furniture, tapestries and antiques sit alongside an impressive collection of Tudor portraits. Look out for two prayer books belonging to Anne Boleyn, bearing her inscriptions and signature. There is also time to wander the castle’s 125 acres of award-winning gardens, created in the early 20th century from former marshland. Highlights include the Italian Garden, designed to showcase William Waldorf Astor’s collection of Italian sculpture, and the colourful Rose Garden, with around 3,000 plants. Following our visit, we return to our original pick-up point.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

Set among 54 acres of peaceful Hampshire countryside at Sutton Scotney, near Winchester, Norton Park Hotel combines a modern hotel with a historic Manor House, landscaped grounds and views across the surrounding rural landscape. All en-suite rooms include flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.

Availability & Booking

2027

11th April from $1,395

Call to Book

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