Britain’s Heritage - Aviation Pioneers, Codebreakers & Country Estates 2025
Waddesdon Manor ©National Trust Images Alan Travers www.nationaltrust.org
Shuttleworth Collection
Bletchley Park
Wrest Park Italian Garden
Join us on a fascinating tour to learn more about Britain’s early aviation pioneers and their incredible ‘flying machines’ combined with visits to some of the country’s best preserved historic country estates. Or choose to visit the extraordinary Bletchley Park to find out about the wartime secrets of Alan Turing and the codebreakers. All topped off with a relaxing river cruise along the scenic River Great Ouse.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Shuttleworth Collection and Boat Cruise
This morning, we travel to the Shuttleworth Collection for a guided tour including tea/coffee. A treasure trove of early 20th century aircraft, discover more about the daring bravery of the pilots who flew these early light aircraft. Explore the 1930s grass airfield, 9- acre Regency Swiss Garden and Grade II Victorian mansion of Shuttleworth House and Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail. Afterwards, we enjoy a scenic 2-hour round trip river boat cruise aboard the John Bunyan Community Boat from Sovereign’s Quays to Kempston with a delicious cream tea box included.
Day 3 Waddesdon Manor
Today we visit Waddesdon Manor, the impressive French-Renaissance-style château built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1800s to house his fine art collection with stunning views of Oxfordshire and the Chiltern Hills. The ornate rooms display exquisite pieces of furniture, paintings and works of art and beautiful Victorian-style gardens include the Rose Garden, Water Garden and Rococo-style Aviary.
Day 4 Wrest Park or Bletchley Park
We spend today visiting Wrest Park, a magnificent 18th-century mansion surrounded by 90 acres of magical gardens. Explore the elegant, gilded rooms of the house before strolling through the gardens showcasing three centuries of landscape design. Highlights include a baroque Archer Pavilion and 18th-century Bowling Green House as well as stunning fragrant borders.
OR
We visit Bletchley Park, once the base of Britain’s WWII codebreakers. Now a fascinating heritage attraction with Immersive films, interactive displays and exhibitions set within beautifully restored historic buildings, it tells the story of the brilliant minds and complex machines headed by Alan Turing which helped crack Germany’s Enigma Code.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Shuttleworth Collection and Boat Cruise
This morning, we travel to the Shuttleworth Collection for a guided tour including tea/coffee. A treasure trove of early 20th century aircraft, discover more about the daring bravery of the pilots who flew these early light aircraft. Explore the 1930s grass airfield, 9- acre Regency Swiss Garden and Grade II Victorian mansion of Shuttleworth House and Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail. Afterwards, we enjoy a scenic 2-hour round trip river boat cruise aboard the John Bunyan Community Boat from Sovereign’s Quays to Kempston with a delicious cream tea box included.
Day 3 Waddesdon Manor
Today we visit Waddesdon Manor, the impressive French-Renaissance-style château built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1800s to house his fine art collection with stunning views of Oxfordshire and the Chiltern Hills. The ornate rooms display exquisite pieces of furniture, paintings and works of art and beautiful Victorian-style gardens include the Rose Garden, Water Garden and Rococo-style Aviary.
Day 4 Wrest Park or Bletchley Park
We spend today visiting Wrest Park, a magnificent 18th-century mansion surrounded by 90 acres of magical gardens. Explore the elegant, gilded rooms of the house before strolling through the gardens showcasing three centuries of landscape design. Highlights include a baroque Archer Pavilion and 18th-century Bowling Green House as well as stunning fragrant borders.
OR
We visit Bletchley Park, once the base of Britain’s WWII codebreakers. Now a fascinating heritage attraction with Immersive films, interactive displays and exhibitions set within beautifully restored historic buildings, it tells the story of the brilliant minds and complex machines headed by Alan Turing which helped crack Germany’s Enigma Code.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel
Bedford, Bedfordshire
Overlooking the River Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford, this 4-star hotel offers modern and comfortable accommodation. Its 121 stylish rooms are decorated in bold colours with sleek furnishings and are each equipped with hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The Riverside Restaurant serves both local and international fare using the finest locally sourced produce alongside beautiful river views. The Riverside Bar offers a wide choice of drinks.
Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel
Bedford, Bedfordshire
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £399pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £120
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Guided tour of the Shuttleworth Collection with tea/coffee
• 2 hour John Bunyan Boat Cruise with cream tea
• Entrance to Waddesdon Manor
• Entrance to Wrest Park or Bletchley Park
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
Click to get a quote
Request a call back
