They’re here! The Executed Queens Tour 2011 and The Anne Boleyn Experience 2011 are now taking bookings over at http://tour.theanneboleynfiles.com/
As I write this, there are only 10 places left on the May Executed Queens Tour and 21 places on the July Anne Boleyn Experience, so please be quick if you want to join us next year.
So, here is a rundown on each tour so you know which one to pick:-
The Executed Queens Tour 2011
15th-21st May 2011
This tour runs from Sunday lunchtime to Saturday morning, so is a longer tour. It is suitable for those who want to learn more about Anne Boleyn but who are also interested in Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey and Mary Queen of Scots. We have three high calibre Tudor experts speaking to us – John Guy, Leanda de Lisle and Eric Ives – and the tour is split between Tudor attractions in the Midlands and London.
Here is a brief itinerary:-
Sun 15th May – Meet 12pm London Victoria Railway Station, travel to Leicestershire. Visit Bradgate Park and the ruins of Bradgate House. Evening meal and accommodation at the 17th century Bosworth Hall Hotel.
Mon 16th May – Visit Sheffield Manor Lodge and enjoy a Mary Queen of Scots focused day. Evening meal then talk on Mary Queen of Scots by Dr John Guy. Accommodation at Bosworth Hall Hotel.
Tuesday 17th May – Visit Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre where we will see the exhibition, have lunch and then have a guided tour of the battlefield. We will stay at the centre for our evening meal and for a talk by Lady Jane Grey biographer and expert, Leanda de Lisle.
Wednesday 18th May – Early breakfast and then travel from Leicestershire to Hever Castle. Buffet lunch followed by free time to visit castle and gardens. Evening meal followed by private tour of the castle.
Thursday 19th May (Anniversary of the execution of Anne Boleyn) – Commemorate the 475th anniversary of the death of Anne Boleyn by visiting the place of her execution and her final resting place at the Tower of London. Back to Hever for evening meal and a talk by Anne Boleyn expert, Professor Eric Ives.
Friday 20th May – Visit Hampton Court Palace – Enjoy a one and a half hour guided tour by a costumed guide, focusing on the Tudor parts of the palace and how they relate to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Back to Hever for evening meal and end of tour informal evening.
Saturday 21st May – Checkout and take coach back to London Victoria.
The Anne Boleyn Experience 2011
18th-22nd July 2011
This tour is an Anne Boleyn focused tour which runs from Monday afternoon to Friday morning. It is based at Hever Castle and we will have exclusive use of the Astor Wing. Our speakers are Professor Eric Ives, an expert on Anne Boleyn and Tudor history, and costumer Bess Chilver.
Here is a brief itinerary:-
Monday 18th July – Coach pick up from London Victoria around 3pm. Arrive at Anne Boleyn’s family home Hever Castle, Kent. An introductory talk will follow the evening meal and there will be plenty of time to chat and get to know each other.
Tuesday 19th July – Day at Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn’s family home. Enjoy a special Anne Boleyn focused guided tour of the castle followed by a buffet lunch and time to enjoy the gardens and grounds. Talk about Anne Boleyn by Professor Eric Ives.
Wednesday 20th July – Visit to the Tower of London – Guided tour of the key “Anne Boleyn sites” then free time to visit other parts of the Tower. A talk and slideshow from a Hever Castle historian will follow our evening banquet.
Thursday 21st July – Visit to Hampton Court Palace – Guided tour by a costumed guide, focusing on the Tudor parts of the palace and how they relate to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, then free time to enjoy the gardens, visit other parts of the Palace and shop at the large gift shop. Back to Hever for evening meal and talk by Tudor costumer, Bess Chilver.
Friday 22nd July – Check out.
Full details, itineraries, costs, terms and conditions, testimonials etc. etc. can be found over at http://tour.theanneboleynfiles.com/
Top photo by Paudie Kennelly, others by Tim Ridgway.
