England's Abbeys, Halls & Castles

27 April - 1 May 2026

Through the breathtaking estates and landscapes of England, where romance, history, and luxury come together in perfect harmony. Led by Lady Violet Manners, founder of HeritageXplore, this unique experience offers the chance to explore Britain’s grandest country estates. Guests will be granted rare, privileged access to personally guided tours with the estate owners, exceptional hospitality, and elegant dining within state dining rooms, each moment designed to be utterly unforgettable. These singular experiences, reserved for only a select few, are made possible through the unparalleled offerings of HeritageXplore.

Day 1

Hatfield Park & Belvoir Castle

April 27, 2026

The journey begins at Hatfield Park, just 21 miles from London. Here, Vannis Jones Rahi, Head of Archives & Collections, will personally escort you through the estate’s extraordinary archival treasures. Highlights include the signed death warrant of Mary Tudor, penned by none other than Elizabeth I herself. Following an intimate private tour of the house, guests will stop for a delicious fireside lunch. The next stop is Belvoir Castle, where guests will spend the night after an exclusive after-hours tour and a lavish dinner in the State Dining Room.

Day 2

Grimsthorpe Castle & Belvoir Castle

April 28, 2026

Day two begins with a delicious breakfast at Belvoir Castle. After exploring the gardens of one of England’s finest estates, guests will be chauffeured to Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, the final masterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh. Here, custodians Major Sebastian and Emma Miller will personally guide you through the estate’s magnificent art collection and one of the largest assortments of royal thrones and furnishings outside the Royal Palaces. Guests will then return to Belvoir Castle for another night’s stay.

Day 3

Belvoir Castle & Haddon Hall

April 29, 2026

Following breakfast the next morning, guests will journey to Haddon Hall in Derbyshire - one of England’s oldest historic houses, and home to Lord and Lady Edward Manners. Upon arrival, they will be warmly welcomed by their hosts for a private tour, followed by an elegant lunch. The afternoon will offer time to explore both the Hall’s storied interiors and its surrounding medieval parkland. That evening, guests will retreat to The Peacock, an award-winning local hotel, for a delicious supper and restful overnight stay.

Day 4

Combermere Abbey & Cholmondeley Castle

April 30, 2026

The journey continues to Combermere Abbey in Cheshire, via Stoke-on-Trent, where guests have the option to tour the iconic Emma Bridgewater factory with the founder herself. Founded as a Cistercian monastery in 1133 and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, Combermere has been meticulously restored over three decades by its current custodian, Sarah Callander Beckett. Lunch will be hosted by Sarah and her family, followed by a private tour of their home and its beautiful William Emes parkland along the shores of the mere. The final evening will be spent at The Peacock before guests depart for onward travel.