Kew Gardens & Buckingham Palace

Sunday 17th August

Leaving Devon we make our way up to London with stops on route. We visit Kew Gardens & Palace, it's believed to have the longest herbaceous borders in the country & possibly in the world. The Great Broad Walk Borders stretch out in a rainbow of colour, with more than 320 metres, the borders offer an adventure for the senses with fresh fragrances, dazzling flower beds and feathery grasses in a joyful display that evolves with the seasons. You can buy a ticket for the land train (approx £6.50) from the main entrance at Victoria Gate - a relaxed and gentle way to explore the gardens. We then head to our hotel near Heathrow where you will have time to settle in before dinner.
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Monday 18th August

After breakfast, we head back into Central London to visit Buckingham Palace, recognised around the world as King Charles III official residence and a royal working Palace. Explore the magnificent State Rooms which are open to the public for just a few weeks each summer. The State Rooms are the public rooms in the Palace where The King and members of the Royal Family receive and entertain their guests of State, ceremonial and official occasions. There are 19 State Rooms, which mainly reflect the taste of George IV, who commissioned the architect John Nash to transform Buckingham House into a grand palace in 1825. Many of the State Rooms have particular uses today. The Throne Room is used by The King for court ceremonies and official entertaining, and was the setting for the wedding photos of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The White Drawing Room, perhaps the grandest of all the State Rooms, serves as a royal reception room for The King and members of the Royal Family to gather before official occasions. The Ballroom, the largest of the State Rooms, was completed in 1855, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was originally known as the Ball and Concert Room and features a musicians' gallery complete with an organ. Today, the Ballroom is used for official purposes, including investitures and State Banquets.
After our visit, we head home to South Devon with stops on route.

D=Dinner, FE=Full English Breakfast