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
