There is always plenty to see and do in London – some of the world’s finest stores on Oxford Street, Bond Street and Knightsbridge as well as unrivalled arts and culture. We have developed a spouse programme that will bring in all of these as well as leaving time for you to adventure alone.
Thursday Evening, October 6th
All delegates and guests are invited by Lord Smith of Hindhead CBE to attend a welcome drinks reception in the Peers Dining Room at the House of Lords.
Friday October 7th
A morning visit to Windsor Castle official residence of Her Majesty the Queen and the world’s oldest and largest lived in castle. Built in the 1000s Windsor Castle has been the home of monarchs for over 900 years. On your visit inside the castle you will see St George’s Chapel where many kings are buried; the state apartments where the Queen carries out official engagements and the footguards who guard the castle in their uniform of red tunics and bearskin hats.
Lunch is at a dining pub close to the River Thames just a stone’s throw from the castle. The afternoon will be spent visiting Runnymede, just three miles from the castle, where Magna Carta described as the ‘greatest constitutional document of all times’ was granted in 1215. The memorials here are the American Bar Association Memorial, JFK Memorial, Air Force Memorial and The Jurors a new artwork unveiled on the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta in 2015
In the evening all delegates and guests are welcomed on board a Thames River cruise to sail from Chelsea Harbour Pier for a night on the water.
Saturday October 8th
A free day to explore London – the organising Committee and the Washington Hotel Concierge are happy to help with any tickets or booking you may wish to make.
Sunday October 9th
Panoramic Tour of London
Kick off your exhilarating day out in London with a panoramic guided tour of the capital’s most well-loved landmarks. Familiarise yourself with our favourite city in the world from the comfort of your seat, and use yourcamera or smart phone to get snap-happy as we stop outside the historic Westminster Abbey and drive past many other landmarks.
St Paul’s cathedral
You’ll have to tear yourself away from Westminster, as our next stop is the equally enchanting St Paul’s Cathedral. Stretch your legs and explore this dominating church – the towering dome masks a number of tombs, memorials and intricately painted mosaics.
Buckingham palace & changing of the guard
(Subject to schedule)
We can’t guarantee the Queen will be home, but a photo stop outside London‘s Buckingham Palace is still a royal treat. Watch the Queen’s Foot Guard march to the palace alongside a military band during the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony – they’ll be decked out in their eye-catching red outfits and bearskin hats.
Lunch
Experience an English pub fish & chip lunch.
Extended visit at the Tower of London
Refreshed and ready to delve into the colourful past of London’s most famous tower? The Tower of London conceals secrets that are equally fascinating, gruesome and inspiring. Be blinded by the glittering Crown Jewels or watch out for Anne Boleyn’s ghost lurking near where she was beheaded on Tower Green.
Monday October 10th
Option A – Walking Tour of London Clubs
On Monday alongside all delegates you have the unique opportunity to delve into the history of the exclusive London Clubs with tours of some of the oldest and most famous Clubs in London. The guided tours will take you through the history of each Club as well as finding out more of their uniqueness and place in Clubland. Lunch will be served on the tour at the In and Out Club where we will also hear a talk on the overall history of London Clubs.
Option B – Golf at Sunningdale Golf Club
For keen golfers we have been lucky enough to gain access to the world famous Sunningdale Golf Club and the opportunity to play the renowned Old Course. Sunningdale was the home to the Senior Open Championship in 2015 and is one of the most exclusive golf courses in the United Kingdom.
Tuesday October 11th
All England Lawn Tennis Club and Roehampton Club Tours
All England Lawn Tennis Club Tour
Our behind-the-scenes tours of the Grounds are the perfect way to see this world-famous site. Expertly led, you’ll learn about how Wimbledon’s distinctive grass is cared for and how the site is improved and developed each year. You’ll see facilities provided for the press, broadcasters and of course, the world’s best tennis players. Experience the history and traditions of ‘the Fortnight’ in the Museum. Get up close to the Championships Trophies, feel the fabrics of tennis fashions from the Victorian period, test your skills on the Batak wall and learn about how The Championships has developed since 1877. With clothing and equipment donated by tennis’ top stars, you’re certain to see something from your favourite player.
Roehampton Club Tour
Roehampton Club is steeped in history and prestige. Throughout its rich history Roehampton Club has been at the heart of London society. Influential clientele including Lord Hugh Salisbury, Admiral of the Fleet (later Earl) Beatty, and Winston Churchill were all prominent polo playing members. The royal and aristocratic connections of the Club were strengthened by the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the Aga Khan who were all made Honorary members for life in 1935, followed by the Duchess of Gloucester, and King Edward VIII granting his patronage in June 1936. Now a modern multi sports Club with 5000 members, polo has been replaced by golf in addition to the traditional tennis, squash and croquet and a Health Club supplements this exciting Club. One of its members, Boris Becker, will give insights into the modern tennis game during lunch.”
Closing Reception at Claridge’s
All delegates and guest are invited to the final event of the program with a drinks reception and talk by Sir Clive Woodward, Head Coach of the England Rugby World Cup winning team at the world renowned Claridge’s hotel in Central London.
