Sunday,
Day 1
LONDON – HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Meet the Captain or a crew member at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm
for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna
Carta. Champagne reception and welcome moored outside Hampton Court, former
Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Dinner aboard.
Monday,
Day 2
HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON
This morning we have ample time to really explore Hampton Court Palace, the
most fabulous Tudor home, once belonging to Cardinal Wolsey until acquired
by Henry VIII! We walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery
and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor
ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy
gardens, the oldest growing grape vine and the famous maze!
After lunch we enjoy our first cruise, up through Molesey Lock and following
the meandering path of the river to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday,
Day 3
SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE
After breakfast we cruise to Runnymede and moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent
to a luxury spa hotel where after lunch we have the option to use the spa
facilities including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages
and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. In the
afternoon we take a short drive to Savill Gardens. These beautiful gardens
have something to offer all year round and form part of Windsor Great Park.
The stunning new visitor centre was built using sustainable timber from the
royal estates and makes a unique architectural statement with its grid shell
design inspired by leaf form. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday,
Day 4
RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR
This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Our river
journey takes us through Runnymede where King John faced the barons in 1215
and was forced to put his seal on the Magna Carta, the document which was
the very first Bill of Rights and from which our vessel takes its name. From
the boat we see the Magna Carta memorial and Magna Carta Island where the
sealing took place. Our afternoon excursion is to Windsor Castle. Built by
William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in for over 900 years by the Royal
Family. This is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the
State Apartments, See Queen Mary's Dolls House and St George's Chapel and
enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. Dinner
aboard followed by an optional pub night (all pubs are now non-smoking) with
live entertainment from Stephen Carroll. Steve is a very talented Irish musician
who has appeared at the Vienna folk festival. He plays a selection of Irish
and American folk music along with many of his own songs and has a fantastic
wit and sense of humour.
Thursday,
Day 5
WINDSOR - COOKHAM.
This new itinerary includes a special private visit to a country house which
may be Dorney Court this morning or Milton Manor on Friday afternoon. Leaving
Royal Windsor behind us we cruise up to Boveney Lock and take a walk to Dorney
Court. This very special home has been owned by the Palmer family for more
than 450 years passing from father to son through 13 generations. King Henry
VIII has stayed here and the manor is regularly used for filming including “Poirot” and
most recently “The other Boleyn girl” We enjoy a tour usually
with Jill Palmer the present owner. We continue our cruise past the fabulous
waterside homes of Bray, through the spectacular Clivedon reach and open
English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven
on Earth’ by artist Sir Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest
and most eccentric painters. Spencer would transpose biblical scenes into
his surroundings and was knighted by the Queen shortly before his death in
1959. We visit his newly renovated gallery and take a walk around the village
he loved so much and painted so frequently. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6
COOKHAM – HENLEY ON THAMES
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we wander through Peter Freebody’s
boatyard and watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work, building
and restoring wooden boats as they have been done for generations. We have
time to explore the ancient 11th century village including Ye Olde Belle,
reputed to be the oldest inn in the country before returning to the barge.
We cruise to Henley on Thames, our final approach being along the famous
Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley we have a choice. If we were
able to visit Dorney Court earlier in the week we will visit the award winning
River and Rowing museum, after which there is plenty of time to explore the
18th century town. Otherwise we take a short drive to Milton Manor, an extraordinarily
beautiful family home designed by Inego Jones with Gothick library, Catholic
Chapel and a wealth of fine and interesting antiques. The present owner,
Gwendoline Mockler-Barrett gives us a private guided tour. For our final
night we enjoy the Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday,
Day 7
HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON
Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to the Stafford Hotel.
NOTE: On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
MEETING POINT: Sunday
3pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James Place, London for afternoon
tea.
(Tel 020 7493 0111 Web site www.TheStaffordHotel.co.uk
Email infor@TheStaffordHotel.co.uk)
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Magna
Carta Golf cruise Itinerary England Golf vacation
and Luxury cruise
Hampton
Court Palace to Henley-on-Thames
Imagine you and your friends combining your love of golf with a leisurely
cruise aboard Magna Carta, a fully-crewed luxury hotel barge, drifting along
tranquil waterways past some of the most beautiful scenery in England, along
the Royal river Thames. Your floating hotel is furnished with every modern
comfort
The
finest gourmet cuisine is prepared by your on-board
master chef, complemented by a wide array of fine
regional wines and an open bar, and of course,
the experienced and knowledgeable crew is there
to attend to your slightest need.
Sunday
Day 1 Kingston-on-Thames
Hampton Court Palace Meet the Captain at The Stafford Hotel at 3pm for afternoon
English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta at 4pm. Champagne
reception and welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise to Hampton Court
Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner
aboard.
Monday
Day
2 Hampton Court Palace
Shepperton This morning we leave the barge by foot and take the very short
walk to Hampton Court Palace Golf Course situated on the River Thames. This
is the only golf course in Great Britain where you can play golf in the grounds
of a royal palace. This unique inland links design is a deceptively challenging
test for golfers of all abilities. The course has a wide variety of flora
and fauna including a magnificent herd of 300 fallow deer and an oak tree,
probably over a thousand years old. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise
upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.
(18 holes Par 71 5953m)
Tuesday
Day
3 Shepperton
Runnymede Today's golf is at the famous Walton Heath Golf Club. Famous for
staging the Ryder Cup and European Open Championships. Once owned by the
News of the World, Sir Elmsley Carr would invite Mp's, Lords and members
of the press to Walton heath. Designed by Herbert Fowler in 1903. Afternoon
cruise to Runnymede hotel where we have use of the excellent spa facilities
including swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and beauty treatments. Dinner
aboard. (18 holes Par 72 6198m)
Wednesday
Day
4 Runnymede Windsor
This morning we have an option. We can take a short drive to view the Magna
Carta memorial where King John faced the powerful barons and was made to
sign the document from which our barge takes her name. We also visit the
commonwealth air force memorial, opened by the queen to commemorate those
20000 airmen who have no known grave. (Or Optional Golf at Wentworth to be
paid for by guests directly to the club. Wentworth is considered one of Europe's
finest clubs and almost needs no introduction. Famous for the PGA and World
Match Play Tournaments as well as many other events-approx cost $390 (£235)
per person). Afternoon cruise through beautiful countryside to Windsor. We
see Windsor Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited
for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Our mooring is on a private island
with a unique view of the Castle. Dinner aboard. (18 holes, Par 73 6142m)
Thursday
Day
5 Windsor
Cookham Today's golf is at Sunningdale Golf Club, established in 1901 and
ranked as one of the top 20 courses in the world. The Old Course founded
in 1901 was designed by Willie Park. It is classic course with gorse and
pine trees, silver birch, heather and immaculate turf. This afternoon we
leave Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through
the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor
in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer,
one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters. Dinner aboard. (18
hole Par 70 5526m)
Friday
Day 6 Cookham
Henley-on-Thames This morning we cruise to Henley on Thames, and along the
famous Henley Regatta Course. Golf this afternoon is at Temple Golf Club.
This gently undulating course has panoramic views of the Thames valley and
is noted for its firm, fast greens. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard. (18
hole Par 70 5697m)
Saturday
Day
7 Henley-on-Thames
London Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London
NOTE: On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Magna
Carta Meeting point:
Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel 020
7493 0111 Fax 020 7493 7121 Email info@thestaffordhotel.co.uk Web Site: www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Magna
Carta Tennis cruise Itinerary- Hampton Court
Palace to Henley-on-Thames
Sunday
Day 1 LONDON - KINGSTON-ON-THAMES - HAMPTON
COURT PALACE You may begin your cruise with lunch at the
Cadogan Hotel at 1pm, before being met at the Cadogan Hotel
at 4pm to be escorted to Magna Carta. Champagne reception
and welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise to Hampton
Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where
we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.
Monday
Day 2 HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON Morning
excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry
VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said
to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton
Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence.
Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and
maze. In the afternoon enjoy Tennis at the private
Lensbury Club grass courts at Teddington. Return
to Magna Carta as we meander upstream following
the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner
aboard.
Tuesday
Day 3 SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE Morning
cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor
at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel,
The Runnymede, where we have the opportunity
to visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate
leisure facilities. Time for tennis at the Runnymede
Hotel's outdoor hard courts before another cruise
past Runnymede, where King John faced the powerful
barons and signed the 'Magna Carta" in 1215
as well as viewing the J F Kennedy Memorial.
Dinner aboard.
Wednesday
Day 4 RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR This
morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying
lunch on board. After lunch we have an afternoon
excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William
the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over
900 years by the Royal Family. Moor on a private
island with a unique view of the Castle. Tennis
this afternoon at Windsor Lawn Tennis Club. Dinner
aboard
Thursday
Day 5 WINDSOR - COOKHAM. Leaving
Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous
waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon
reach and the open English countryside. We moor
in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth'
by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest
and most eccentric painters, whose gallery we
visit. Tennis this afternoon at the Royal Berkshire.
This private club has fabulous indoor courts
and outdoor grass courts. Dinner aboard
Friday
Day 6 COOKHAM - HENLEY ON THAMES A
morning cruise to the village of Hurley where
we have time to wander Peter Freebody's boatyard
where we can watch in wonder at the traditional
craftsman at work. Return to the barge for lunch
before cruising to Henley on Thames, along the
famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive
in Henley there is plenty of time to explore
the town for shopping opportunities and browsing
in antique shops before returning to Magna Carta
for the Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday
Day 7 HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON Following
breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London.
NOTE: On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Available
for whole boat charters of 6-8 passengers only.
Magna
Carta Meeting point:
Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel 020
7493 0111 Fax 020 7493 7121 Email info@thestaffordhotel.co.uk Web Site: www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Magna
Carta Walking cruise Itinerary- Hampton Court
Palace to Henley-on-Thames
THE RIDGEWAY is thought to be the oldest existing road in the world and this
is a walking experience that cannot be missed during your cruise this week.
We
will also enjoy walks at Royal Parks, England's
most famous school, lakes, tiny villages and hunting
grounds.
The
Thames, England's longest river, meanders through
unspoilt countryside, the wildlife abounds and
the lock-keepers have time to chat as we pass through.
Magna
Carta cruises on literally 2000 years of liquid
history and offers floating luxury beyond your
expectations. The walks, the food and wine, the
accommodations and the high level of friendly service
await.
Sunday
Day 1 By road, LONDON - KINGSTON-ON-THAMES.
Cruise to HAMPTON COURT PALACE. Meet the Captain
at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for afternoon
English Cream Tea, before being transferred at
4pm to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and
welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise
to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace
of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner
aboard.
Monday
Day 2 Cruise HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON. Walk
Richmond Park. This morning we walk in RICHMOND
PARK. Here at the top of Richmond Hill we find
2500 acres of undulating grassland and bracken,
dotted with coppiced woodland and wilder than
anything for miles around. Eight miles across
at its widest point, it is famed for its red
and fallow deer, which roam freely, and for its
ancient oaks. For the most part untamed, the
park does have a couple of deliberately landscaped
plantations. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering
cruise upstream following the course of the Thames
to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday
Day 3 Cruise SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE. Walk Windsor Great Park and
Virginia Water. Morning cruise to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent
to a luxury spa hotel, where we have the opportunity to visit and use the
pool and elaborate leisure facilities. After lunch we visit WINDSOR GREAT
PARK. Comprising about 4800 acres of wooded parkland and gardens, we walk
around VIRGINIA WATER LAKE, a large ornamental lake fringed by trees, paths
and rides. This glorious walk perfectly reflects the changing seasons and
never strays far from the water's edge. Virginia Water covers about 160 acres
and was developed in the middle of the 18th century for the Duke of Cumberland
after his victory at Culloden. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday
Day 4 Cruise RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR. Walk
the Runnymede Memorials and the Playing Fields
of Eton. After breakfast we take a short cruise
to the Runnymede pleasure grounds and then stroll
across the meadows to theMagna Carta memorial.
This
commemorates the place where in 1215, King John
faced the powerful barons and was forced to seal
the Magna Carta. We then start climbing towards
the JFK MEMORIAL and continue up Coopers Hill to
the COMMONWEALTH AIR FORCES MEMORIAL, a most fitting
site to remember the 20,000 or so commonwealth
airmen who have no known grave.
We
then continue back to the boat before a spectacular
cruise to Windsor. After lunch we walk the PLAYING
FIELDS OF ETON. Beginning with a worthy stroll
along the Thames path we soon head for the famous
playing fields where, according to Wellington,
the battle of Waterloo was won. For the duration
of this walk we are aware of Windsor Castle, its
high defensive position dominating the view. After
walking we take a late afternoon cruise to our
private mooring. Dinner aboard.
Thursday
Day 5 Cruise WINDSOR - COOKHAM. Walk
Cookham Dean and Winter Hill. Leaving Royal Windsor
behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes
through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the
open English countryside. We moor in Cookham,
once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist
Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and
most eccentric painters. This afternoon we take
you for a ramble up the old packhorse way to
COOKHAM DEAN, where Kenneth Graham lived and
was inspired to write 'The Wind in the Willows'.
Look out for muntjac deer and other wildlife
in this beautiful setting, and then climb to
WINTER HILL for panoramic views over the surrounding
countryside. Dinner aboard
Friday
Day 6 Cruise COOKHAM - HENLEY ON THAMES.
Walk the Ridgeway, Kingston Lisle - Ashbury.
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where
we have time to wander Peter Freebody's boatyard
and watch in wonder at the traditional craftsmen
at work. Return to the barge for lunch before
cruising to Henley on Thames, our final approach
being along the famous Henley Regatta Course.
This
afternoon we finish with a truly magnificent walk
along the RIDGEWAY. Between Kingston Lisle and
Ashbury are the undisputed highlights of the entire
Ridgeway. Iron Age Uffington 'Castle', the White
Horse of Uffington and the Wayland's Smithy Long
Barrow. The countryside surrounding the Ridgeway
is rich in wild flowers and bird life, and traces
of early man are everywhere. As if what we have
done is not enough, our return walk is along footpaths
linking three of the lovely settlements that lie
at the foot of the downs: Ashbury, Compton Beauchamp
and Woolstone. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday
Day 7 HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON
Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return
to London.
The
Walking Charter Cruise Price includes a professional
guide for the duration of the cruise.
NOTE: On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Magna
Carta Meeting point:
Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel 020
7493 0111 Fax 020 7493 7121 Email info@thestaffordhotel.co.uk Web Site: www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk
