Victoria here. As you know by now, Kristine and I have planned a Wellington Tour to England in September, 2014 that we hope will appeal to all our blog readers, Facebook friends, fellow authors and Regency, Georgian and Victorian enthusiasts. We have included an attractive mix of places — London, Brighton, Windsor…with the special, added attractions of Walmer Castle, Stratfield Saye, Basildon Park, Frogmore and Highclere Castle — aka Downton Abbey — all of which make us absolutely rabid to get underway.
We’ve managed to include a little bit of everything you love most about England — wonderful parks, elegant interiors, seaside jaunts, historic landmarks, a river cruise, royal residences, centuries old pubs and lots of historical gossip. I’ve been to all these places — with the exception of Highclere Castle. And I am so eager to go back to all of them, not to mention seeing the real Downton Abbey.
I read this fascinating book about Almina, Countess of Carnarvon, whose Rothschild fortune saved the 5th Earl and Highclere Castle and also financed his Egyptian expeditions. A selection of precious items from King Tut’s Tomb will be part of our tour of Highclere Castle. And it’s worth reading even more about Almina, who led a rather scandalous life after her husband died. So combine The Buccaneers, The Mummy’s Curse, and Café Society between the Wars …and multiply by 100. It’s more fun than any of the capers of todays mindless starlets.
Furthermore, there is the garden and park at Highclere…which make only cameo appearances in DA.
We’ve left lots of time for our group to be able soak up the atmosphere and grounds at Walmer Castle, the Brighton Pavilion, Stratfield Saye and Windsor Castle. Kristine is determined to leave flower bouquets at the graves of Wellington and his Waterloo mount, the fabulously bad tempered Copenhagen. We’ll take you on pub crawls and strolls through the streets of London that are simply steeped in Regency through Victorian history – gentleman’s clubs, the homes of period personalities, shops and Royal landmarks.
In our excitement, Kristine and I have assembled a Pinterest board comprised of photos of the many places and items you’ll see on The Wellington Tour. Please visit – Click here.
In our previous tours, Kristine and I have had lots of fun — and excitement. We had an encounter with Highwaymen at Belvoir Castle – and I’m proud to tell you that we won!
Of course, we’ve both made the pilgrimage to Apsley House every time we’re in London. We can’t wait to show you our favorite bits.
And while wandering down Pall Mall one day, we stood and wondered why these big torches burned all day. We’ve yet to find out. If you know, please leave a comment.
And we have yet to meet the pelicans in St. James Park, those gigantic ones that never are around when we are.
Or maybe we snoozed through their appearances.
For Details on THE WELLINGTON TOUR, CLICK HERE.
