Journeys Inspired by heritage
Royal Oak has partnered with Albion, one of the leading travel providers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to provide custom itineraries. Take in the history and beauty of the National Trust with us!
Check out the latest Albion Tour Brochure HERE! Browse the 2018 and 2019 tours below or click through for more details and to book your trip.
The Golden Age is one of the most fascinating and rich periods in the history of England. Queen Elizabeth I’s reign not only saw a huge revival in the arts but also in the architecture of the country, indeed the Elizabethan style can be characterised by the sheer glory of its stonework construction, its flamboyant designs and opulent detailing. We visit some of the grand houses that typify the legacy of this era where no expense was spared.
September 16 – 22, 2018
From $3,600 per person
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2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, Britain’s second longest serving monarch. Victoria’s reign marked a period of great cultural, industrial and political change and a great expansion of the British Empire. This tour takes in some of the famous palaces, castles and country houses frequented by the Queen throughout her reign and offers a very real insight into her life and the people closest to her.
March 31 – April 9, 2019
From $4,950 per person
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The compelling and often turbulent history of the border country that separates Scotland and England has resulted in a region that is exceptionally rich in cultural heritage; with a host of defensive forts, ruined abbeys, ancient castles and picturesque stately homes scattered through the scenic and romantic landscape. On this engaging tour, we discover the fascinating stories behind some of these iconic places, from Hadrian’s Wall with its tales of Roman Britain to the lives of Christian Monks in the 14th century, with the area immortalised in the work of Sir Walter Scott, whose home we also visit.
March 31 – April 9, 2019
From $4,950 per person
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Behind the popular tourist hotspots, London has a rich hidden history and a wealth of charming houses to discover. We delve into the fascinating history at the Foundling Museum, tour the outstanding Kenwood House and explore the Roman ruins at Guildhall amongst other hidden gems of this famous city.
May 12 – 19, 2019
From $5,140 per person
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English novelist Jane Austen is famous the world over for her entertaining novels that gently satirise the dating game in Georgian society. She is forever associated with the south of England, from her home in Chawton, Hampshire to Regency Bath where she lived for a time. We travel to many other places associated with her life and work, and uncover other Georgian gems along the way, such as Bowood and Longleat House and also visit the country’s only surviving Rococo Garden.
June 2 – 11, 2019
From $5,400 per person
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We explore the romantic county of Kent on this fascinating tour as we learn about its role shaping English history, and discover some of its famous residents such as Ann Boleyn, Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill, in his former home of Chartwell. In a county famed for its castles, we also explore historic Hever Castle, impressive Leeds Castle and the treasure house of Chiddingstone Castle.
June 9 – 17, 2019
From $5,400 per person
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Explore the architectural grandeur and superb collections of some of Britain’s finest estates, some still family homes to this day. Discover how these dramatic properties and their society stories have inspired literature through the centuries as we travel from the Home Counties up to the rugged landscapes of the north.
Two tours available:
July 21 to 30, 2019
August 11 to 20, 2019
From $5,250 per person
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Ahead of 2020’s Mayflower 400 celebrations, we discover the origins of the Pilgrim Fathers in the heart of England. From a congregation of disgruntled English Protestants from the village of Scrooby, Nottinghamshire through to a voyage into the unknown in the New World, we look at the origins of the Mayflower Pilgrims as we travel north to Boston and Gainsborough, taking in landmarks around Scrooby itself before we head to Cambridge and Essex to explore their role in the story.
June 11 – 20, 2019
From $5,400 per person
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North Wales, a land blessed with rugged mountains, beautiful beaches and picturesque villages also has some of the most striking gardens in the UK, many attached to magnificent houses with centuries of history to uncover. From world-renowned gardens to hidden gems, we encounter a remarkable array of sweeping landscapes, woodlands, valleys, walled gardens and displays of abundant flowers and shrubs which thrive in the unique climate of this region.
June 23 – July 2, 2019
From $5,290 per person
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The port of Liverpool has strong links to Northern Ireland, from the flood of immigrants who came to Liverpool in the 19th century, they also share an industrial heritage in shipping, with the Titanic being built in Belfast but registered in Liverpool. We explore further links as we travel to the north of England, taking in grand houses such as Tatton Park and Arley Hall, before flying into Northern Ireland to discover equally stunning Mount Stewart House alongside natural wonder the Giant’s Causeway and the industrial giant of Titanic Belfast.
July 7 – 18, 2019
From $6,640 per person
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Glamour has taken many forms through the centuries, from ornate gilding and prestigious portraits in Georgian interiors through to the sleek and angular decorations of 20th century Art Deco, and on this tour we explore it all. We indulge in some 1930s charm at Eltham Palace and coastal De La Warr Pavilion, take in some Victorian Arts and Crafts at Standen and are treated to some lavish luxury at historic Petworth and sumptuous Firle Place.
July 28 – August 4, 2019
From $5,640 per person
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The Brontës are well known as poets and novelists and their home has become a place of pilgrimage for thousands of visitors each year. We make the journey north to York to discover places associated with their lives, alongside other historic houses with literary associations such as Knebworth House, once the residence of dramatist Edward Bulwer-Lytton, and East Riddlesden Hall, believed to be the inspiration for Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore.
September 1 – 9, 2019
From $5,140 per person
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This tour will provide a very real insight into Shakespeare’s life and times, visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was born and grew up, and exploring other historic houses in the area associated with his story, as we discover pretty market towns and picturesque country villages. On our return south, we recreate the fabled journeys Shakespeare is believed to have taken to Oxford, the iconic city and world-famous seat of learning. A highlight of the tour will be the chance to attend performances at the iconic Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford and at the Globe Theatre in London.
September 15 – 25, 2019
From $5,490 per person
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Captions, from top to bottom: View through the Italianate Garden to the Rotunda at Ickworth, Suffolk ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra ◆ ???????? ◆ The Cherry Garden, or East Garden, at Ham House, Richmond-upon-Thames ©National Trust Images/Stephen Robson ◆ View across the Parterre garden at Blickling with topiary towards the East Front of Blickling Hall, Norfolk ©National Trust Images/Mike Williams ◆ Osbourne House – English-Heritage ◆ Alnwick ◆ Shakespeare Globe Theatre ◆ Pride & Prejudice ◆ Hever Castle, autumn ©Hever Castle & Gardens ◆ Alnwick Castle ◆ Mayflower II ◆ Conwy Castle ◆ The south front of the ruins of Nymans Gardens in late spring. ◆ The imposing east front of the Nostell Priory, with the sun highlighting the honey coloured stone. ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus ◆ William Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford upon Avon
