Make your way to Hedingham Castle in Essex to arrive around 2pm.

Upon arrival, you will be will be welcomed by hosts Jason & Demetra Lindsay, direct descendants of the De Veres, and your Blue Badge Tour Guides for the week, Claire and Ian. Enjoy tea and cake in the Norman Keep with your fellow guests whilst your luggage is taken to your room.

Once settled into your new surroundings within the historic estate, enjoy a guided tour of the Norman Keep and Georgian House.

A welcome dinner hosted by Jason & Demetra will take place in the Georgian House before a peaceful night’s sleep in readiness for the week ahead.

After breakfast, board the private minibus and head off to the pretty and historic village of Lavenham, just across the border from Essex in Suffolk, for a guided walk with your knowledgeable tour guide. Visit De Vere House, a 14th century hall house once owned by the de Veres, followed by lunch at The Swan.

Explore the church and look for de Vere symbols, and browse the quaint antique shops before returning to Hedingham Castle.

The evening is spent at the beautiful Layer Marney Tower for a very special private tour and dinner with the owners.

After breakfast, we depart for the historic city of Cambridge, the home of the University of Cambridge, founded in the early 13th century. The day will include a tour of the Royal Colleges including the world-famous Kings College Chapel and Queen’s College, where Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, studied.

After the tour, enjoy a quintessential English tradition: an exquisite afternoon tea, followed by punting on the River Cam or some free time to explore the beautiful city.

Return to Hedingham for supper in the Georgian House with Jason and Demetra.

After a leisurely breakfast, head out into the estate grounds for a masterclass in the popular medieval sport, Archery. Learn how to shoot a traditional longbow and take part in a ‘hunt’ in the woodlands (using rubber targets, no animals will be harmed). Lunch will be served in the castle.

In the afternoon, we venture over to the picturesque city of Bury St Edmunds for a fascinating tour of the cathedral and the Abbey ruins. The de Veres had strong links with the Abbotts of St Edmundsbury Cathedral and the same ashlar stone sourced for the Abbey was also used to build Hedingham Castle.

In the evening, we will dine at an outstanding local restaurant within the city before heading back to Hedingham via minibus.

After breakfast, it’s all aboard the minibus for Audley End House & Gardens, one of England’s finest country houses. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour and explore the immaculate grounds. Then we make the short journey to the picturesque market town of Saffron Walden where you’ll have time to explore, shop and grab a bite to eat.

Once back at Hedingham, there is the opportunity to take part in an incredible Hawk Walk through the ancient woodlands with our expert falconers and their stunning birds.

The evening then begins with a fantastic and unique ‘Birds by Candlelight’ experience which takes place in the Banqueting Hall of the castle. Meet a wide range of birds of prey including owls, falcons, eagles and more, and fly them to your gloved fist against the iconic backdrop of the castle.

Afterwards, Jason and Demetra will host you at a very special Black Tie Dinner in the Castle as a beautiful finale to the week.

After a leisurely breakfast, have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the pretty village of Castle Hedingham, visiting the church of St Nicholas which houses the family tombs of the de Veres.

Lunch will be served in the castle before saying your goodbyes and departing Hedingham by 3pm.