Young Elizabeth: Queen in the making Tour
Young Elizabeth: Queen in the making Tour
3 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: Harrow Weald, Hatfield, London
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Step into the world of young Elizabeth I with the "Young Elizabeth: Queen in the Making Tour." This immersive experience takes you through pivotal locations in England, including Hatfield House, where Elizabeth learned of her ascension to the throne, and Hampton Court Palace, where she was held under house arrest. Explore The Charterhouse, a historic refuge, and the Tower of London, her infamous prison. Enjoy two engaging lectures by historian Dr. Nicola Tallis, who will accompany you throughout the tour. Stay at the four-star Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel, with included meals and guided tours, making this a regal journey through history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Location: Harrow Weald
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Grim's Dyke Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive independently at the Grim’s Dyke Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception and private dinner with wine, followed by a talk from tour lecturer, author and historian Dr Nicola Tallis: 'Elizabeth: Princess of England'.
Day 2: Hatfield House And Hampton Court Palace
Location: Hatfield
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Grim's Dyke Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start our touring today with a visit to Hatfield House, where Elizabeth was sent to live at just three months old. It was here in the garden in 1558 that Princess Elizabeth learnt that she was to be the new Queen of England. Little of the original palace, built by Henry VIII to house his children, remains, but numerous relics relating to Elizabeth can be seen inside the house, including the famous 'Rainbow Portrait'. After lunch (own expense) we travel to Hampton Court Palace where Elizabeth was held under house arrest on suspicion of plotting against her half-sister Mary I. We enjoy a private guided tour with Chief Curator Dr Tracy Borman, taking in the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the famous kitchens. There will also be free time to explore the 1689 Baroque Palace built for King William III by Sir Christopher Wren. Return to the hotel for dinner and a second talk from Nicola: 'Elizabeth: False Traitor'.
Day 3: The Charterhouse And The Tower Of London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Grim's Dyke Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we take a guided tour of The Charterhouse in Smithfield London, an historic almshouse and heritage site dating back to medieval and Tudor times. It was here that Elizabeth met the Privy Council in the days before her coronation in 1558. Our tour will be guided by one of the Brothers to gain an insight into the history and lifestyle of the Brothers through the centuries. After lunch (own expense) we visit The Tower of London. Young Elizabeth I was imprisoned here by Queen Mary I, in 1554. This was due to suspicions of Elizabeth’s involvement in Wyatt’s Rebellion, a plot against Mary’s rule. We have a free flow visit of this historic site. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome Reception
A welcome reception is included on the first evening.
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First Night Dinner
A three-course dinner with wine is included on the first night.
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Second Night Dinner
Dinner in the hotel restaurant is included on the second night.
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Guided Tours and Entrance Fees
All talks, guided tours, and entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Coach Touring
Coach touring as per the itinerary is included.
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Dr Nicola Tallis
Dr Nicola Tallis will be present throughout the tour.
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Tour Manager
A tour manager will be present throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Transport to the Hotel
Transport to the hotel is not included.
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Single Supplement
Double for sole use supplement - from £190.
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Extra Nights
Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis are not included.
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Holiday Insurance
Holiday insurance is not included.
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Additional Meals
Meals other than those stated are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Accommodation
Best Western Plus Grim’s Dyke Hotel, London: This modern four-star hotel set in 40 acres of gardens and woodland, and boasts a restaurant, WIFI, and modern bedrooms with private bathroom facilities, TV, hairdryer, telephone and desk. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
MORE INFO
Your GuideDr Nicola Tallis
Dr Nicola Tallis is an independent historian and researcher, who has also worked as a curator and lecturer. She received her doctorate from the University of Winchester in 2019, and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Nicola has worked with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust, and has appeared on BBC’sCountryfile, Who Do You Think You Are?andBooktalk. She is also a regular contributor to history magazines and radio. Nicola has given talks at the Emirates Literature Festival, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, the National Archives, and the British Library to name but a few. She is the author of four critically acclaimed books:Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey,Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester,Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret Beaufort, Tudor Matriarch, andAll the Queen’s Jewels, 1445-1548: Power, Majesty and Display.
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Mode of Transport
Coach touring as per the itinerary. Transport to the hotel is not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes two nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Best Western Plus Grim's Dyke Hotel. The hotel is set in 40 acres of gardens and woodland and offers modern bedrooms with private bathroom facilities, TV, hairdryer, telephone, and desk. Complimentary car parking is also available.
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Who will be the guide for this tour?
Dr. Nicola Tallis, an independent historian and researcher, will be the guide for this tour. She has worked as a curator and lecturer, and has appeared on BBC's Countryfile, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Booktalk. She is also the author of four critically acclaimed books.
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive independently at the Grim's Dyke Hotel from 15.00. In the evening, there will be a welcome reception and private dinner with wine, followed by a talk from Dr. Nicola Tallis titled 'Elizabeth: Princess of England'.
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What will we visit on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, the tour includes a visit to Hatfield House, where Elizabeth was sent to live at just three months old. After lunch, you will travel to Hampton Court Palace for a private guided tour with Chief Curator Dr. Tracy Borman. The tour will cover the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and the famous kitchens, with free time to explore the 1689 Baroque Palace built for King William III.
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What historical sites will be visited on the third day?
On the third day, the tour includes a guided visit to The Charterhouse in Smithfield, London, where Elizabeth met the Privy Council before her coronation in 1558. After lunch, you will visit The Tower of London, where young Elizabeth I was imprisoned by Queen Mary I in 1554. The visit to the Tower of London will be a free flow visit.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes a welcome reception, a three-course dinner with wine on the first night, and dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night. Breakfast is also included for both nights.
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Is transportation to the hotel included in the tour package?
No, transport to the hotel is not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel.
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What additional costs should I be aware of?
Additional costs include a double for sole use supplement from £190, extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, and items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc. Porterage and gratuities are also not included.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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Wednesday - Friday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.