A journalist for more than 30 years, Robert Hardman is one of the UK's leading authors and commentators on the Royal Family. His books include Monarchy, Queen Of The World and Our Queen and he has written and produced documentaries including Prince Philip - The Royal Family Remembers, Anne - The Princess Royal At 70, George III - The Genius of the Mad King, Charles at 60 and The Queen's Castle on both the BBC and ITV. He now writes the How I See It column in the Daily Mail. A Cambridge Classics graduate, he is married with three children and lives in London.

Escorted tour
Explore Britain's finest palaces with royal expert Robert Hardman

Glimpse into the lavish homes and dramatic lives of the Royal Family on this exclusive two-night tour of their spectacular palaces.
You'll be immersed in London's royal history with visits to Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, and at Windsor Castle you'll peek behind-the-scenes during a private tour of the State Apartments, before enjoying a Champagne reception in elegant surroundings. It's the perfect way to celebrate the 70-year anniversary of the Queen's reign, in her Platinum Jubilee year.
From Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth, the British monarchy is full of tales of romance, betrayal and adventure - and these iconic palaces on the Thames have been at the centre of the action for centuries.
And who better to give you a dramatic insight into this tale than Royal biographer Robert Hardman? As commentator and film-maker, he has had privileged access to the Royal Family and the Royal Household for more than 25 years and can tell you the inside story of their lives, loves and losses.
Now a much-loved columnist for the Daily Mail, Robert will join you for an exclusive talk and Q&A. You will also receive a copy** of Robert's book Queen of the Our Times - the Life of Elizabeth II (one per booking) which he will happily sign for you.
Exclusive talk by Robert Hardman
As one of the UK's most respected Royal reporters, Robert Hardman
will give you an extraordinary insight into the workings of the
modern British Royal family in a private talk and Q&A session.
He has covered more than 60 international tours, been granted
special access to and interviewed members of the Royal Family
including Prince Charles, and written the acclaimed recent
biography, Queen of Our Times - the Life of Elizabeth
II.
Royal castles and palaces
The walls may not be able to talk, but you will hear more
astonishing true tales of the monarchy in the most important Royal
houses across the city: Westminster Abbey, which has witnessed the
coronation of every monarch since William the Conqueror; the Tower
of London, the mighty fortress that is now the permanent home of
the Crown Jewels; and Buckingham Palace (exterior view only), the
official Royal residence in London since Queen Victoria's accession
in 1837.
Hampton Court with Robert Harding
You'll enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Hampton Court, forever
associated with Henry VIII and the Tudor court. Admire the
magnificent Great Hall, the huge Tudor kitchens and walk down the
infamous Haunted Gallery to the State Apartments.
Behind the scenes at Windsor Castle
Another highlight will be Windsor Castle, a Royal stronghold since
just after the Norman Conquest, where you will journey through
1,000 years of Royal history on a private tour of the State
Apartments at a time when the castle is otherwise closed to the
public - you'll also enjoy a glass of Champagne at the tour's
close.
Historic hotel stay
You'll be based at The Talbot, a charming former coaching inn in
the historic Surrey village of Ripley. It has many period features
from its 500-year history and was also reputedly used as a hitching
post by Lord Nelson. It is said his love affair with Lady Hamilton
blossomed here.












Reasons to book

Inside Windsor Castle

Westminster Abbey

Hampton Court

The Tower of London

Hampton Court Palace

Exclusive talk by Robert Hardman
Your expert guide

Price includes
- Two nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Talbot Ripley Hotel in Surrey.
- First and second night set menu dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- Exclusive talk and Q&A with Robert Hardman.
- Private, after-hours tour of Windsor Castle and Champagne reception.
- London palaces tour including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace exterior and the Tower of London and all admission fees.
- Coach transfers.
- Services of a tour manager throughout.
Availability
* Price based on two sharing a twin/double room. Subject to availability. Deposit £75. Double for sole use £96. Itinerary subject to change. Transport to hotel not included. Our travel partner, Travel Editions, is ABTA-bonded. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. **One copy per booking.
* Price based on two sharing a twin/double room. Subject to availability. Deposit £75. Double for sole use £96. Itinerary subject to change. Transport to hotel not included. Our travel partner, Travel Editions, is ABTA-bonded. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. **One copy per booking.
Itinerary
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Day1Check-in, afternoon tea and WindsorWindsor, United Kingdom
Arrive at the Talbot Hotel, Ripley this afternoon and check-in for your two-night stay. Enjoy afternoon tea at the hotel before an early evening transfer to Windsor. There you'll enjoy a private tour of the State apartments and a Champagne reception before returning to the hotel for dinner (D).
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Day2Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, National Gallery and exclusive talk with Robert HardmanCity of Westminster, United Kingdom
Today you'll enjoy a day in London starting with a tour of Westminster Abbey (including entrance fee), a World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of history. Traditionally the place for Royal coronations, weddings and burials, every British monarch since King Harold and William the Conqueror in 1066 has been crowned here and it has been the location for 17 Royal weddings, including Prince William and Kate Middleton's in 2011. From Westminster you'll enjoy a guided walk to Buckingham Palace for an exterior view and along The Mall to Trafalgar Square before enjoying lunch at your leisure (not included). Afternoon visit to the wonderful National Gallery before returning to your hotel in time to freshen up for this evening's dinner and talk. This evening enjoy a welcome drink before Robert Hardman joins you for an exclusive talk and Q&A and dinner at the hotel.
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Day3The Tower of London and Hampton Court PalaceHampton Court Palace, United Kingdom
This morning you'll visit the Tower of London, established by William Conqueror in 1066 and still one of the UK's most iconic buildings. In the afternoon you'll visit Hampton Court Palace. Dating back to 1515, it was commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey, who later gifted it to Henry VIII and is one of only two of his palaces still in existence. After time for lunch at the palace (not included) you'll then be transferred back to the hotel to check-out and return home. (B)
Accommodation


The Talbot Inn
Historic pub, hotel and restaurant on the high street in Ripley
It is said that this 500-year-old coaching inn on Ripley's historic high street is where Lord Nelson's relationship with Lady Hamilton "blossomed". Rooms are spread across four buildings, some overlooking the old coach courtyard. Originally a stop-off point between London and Portsmouth, this puropse remains today, although many punters drop by for the history lesson, ordering a pint and some 'Nelson's nuts'.
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Availability
* Price based on two sharing a twin/double room. Subject to availability. Deposit £75. Double for sole use £96. Itinerary subject to change. Transport to hotel not included. Our travel partner, Travel Editions, is ABTA-bonded. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. **One copy per booking.
* Price based on two sharing a twin/double room. Subject to availability. Deposit £75. Double for sole use £96. Itinerary subject to change. Transport to hotel not included. Our travel partner, Travel Editions, is ABTA-bonded. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. **One copy per booking.