Travel through 1,000+ years of history on this Storied Collection Tour to three memorable destinations.
Tour: 1000 Years of History Tour
Recommended: 7 nights
price: from US$1999
A concierge is at your service: +1(812)420-9190
Overlooking what is regarded by many as the most famous palace in the world – Buckingham Palace – The Rubens has a rich royal heritage and proud roots dating back to the 18th century. With stunning views over The Royal Mews, this historic hotel has been meticulously restored with an incredible eye for detail. With majestic interiors featuring impressive chandeliers, rich fabrics, and original oil paintings, The Rubens offers the pinnacle of an elegant and regal experience. Moments away from many of London’s renowned landmarks, the land where The Rubens hotel now stands was originally owned in 1703 by John Sheffield, the Earl of Mulgrave. By 1752, lodgings for Buckingham Palace staff members and independent boutiques began to open on what was then called Chelsea Road – now Buckingham Palace Road. This tradition of upmarket parlours and boutiques was to continue well into the late 19th century, with a number of distinguished establishments setting up shop on this esteemed road. Learn more
At the dawn of the 20th century, Mr James Rossdale, purchased a number of properties on Buckingham Palace Road, including numbers 37 and 39, which were to become The Hotel Rubens. Quickly establishing a reputation for grandeur and luxury, the hotel became increasingly popular with debutantes attending royal functions. However, as the Second World War began to take hold across Europe, the property was commandeered by the exiled Polish Free State Army and used as a headquarters by General Sikorski, whose official plaque remains to this day on the building.
Following the war, The Rubens regained its reputation as a luxurious hotel and continued to entertain numerous notable guests, including Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne. Universally regarded as one of the best hotels in London, The Rubens exemplifies quintessential British hospitality at its very finest. Learn more
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is an iconic 5 star Georgian hotel set in the historic centre of Bath, with panoramic views of Bath’s world-famous Royal Crescent lawn. In addition to the award-winning Spa and Bath House with its own Taittinger Spa Garden, it has a further acre of tranquil manicured gardens, as well as its very own 3 AA rosette Restaurant, which combine to make it the ultimate relaxing retreat. Learn more
The hotel was built between 1767 and 1775 and was designed by English architect John Wood the Younger, and the building itself is over 250 years old and is both Grade 1 listed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Number 16 Royal Crescent was originally a guest house, and was later combined with Number 15 to establish the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel. Once the Hotel was constructed, The Royal Crescent became Bath’s most sought after address and today it remains one of the UK’s greatest pieces of Georgian architecture. To add to the hotel’s prestigious history and individuality, it is one of the only landmark buildings in the world that you are allowed to sleep in, making it a truly unique getaway destination. Learn more
Thornbury Castle is the only luxury Tudor castle hotel in England today, and represents one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in the country. The castle is situated on 15 acres of glorious grounds, surrounded by Tudor walled gardens in the charming Gloucestershire countryside. The castle provides the perfect escape by encapsulating a blend of luxury and the regal grandeur of its past. Whether you are looking to enjoy fine dining in their AA Rosette restaurant, engage in the castle’s country pursuits of falconry and archery, or simply unwind in one of their luxurious bedchambers, there is something for everyone. Learn more
A captivating history surrounds the castle, which was built over 500 years ago by the Third Duke of Buckingham, Edward Stafford. Stafford, who was the country’s second richest man – only to King Henry VIII – wanted the castle to represent his wealth and status. Thornbury Castle exudes this opulence throughout with ornate door arches and enormous fireplaces adorned with his emblem, The Stafford knot. In 1521 Edward Stafford was tried and executed for treason by Henry VIII and Thornbury Castle was seized by the monarch. In 1535 Henry VIII stayed in the castle with Anne Boleyn and today guests have the opportunity to relive history by staying in the same room that they shared. The Castle fell into disrepair in the 1650s as a victim of the English Civil War which saw the Royalists and Parliamentarians clash between 1642 and 1651. It wasn’t until 1824 that Thornbury Castle would be restored to its former glory that you see today by the historic Howard family. Learn more
Come and embark on a unique road trip that transports you through 1,000 years of history, whilst staying at three of the UK’s finest hotels along the way.
This trio of magnificent properties has a combined age of a thousand years, with each offering a fresh interpretation of history – and all within just a three hour drive.
Built in the 18th century, The Rubens at the Palace is a part of Royal history, with the site now occupied by the hotel previously being part of Buckingham Palace’s grounds, and filled with shops and accommodation for Palace staff.
Sitting in the heart of London overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, this five star, beautifully restored historic hotel offers a regal experience like no other.
Built between 1767 and 1775, this iconic five-star Georgian hotel set in the historic centre of Bath, was designed by English architect John Wood the Younger, with the building itself more than 250 years old.
Both Grade 1 listed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Royal Crescent is Bath’s most sought after address and today it remains one of the UK’s greatest examples of Georgian architecture.
More about Royal Crescent Hotel and SpaThe next stop on the 1,000 year road trip is a two and half hour drive west to the ancient Roman city of Bath, where you will find the next hotel that boasts more than 250 years of rich history.Built in 1511 as the home of The Third Duke of Buckingham, Edward Stafford, Thornbury Castle is the only luxury Tudor castle hotel in England today. Stafford, who was the country’s second richest man, behind only Henry VIII, wanted the castle to represent his wealth and status – something he certainly achieved.
Now fully restored, this luxury castle hotel provides the perfect escape, whether you are looking to enjoy fine dining in its two AA Rosette restaurants, engage in the castle’s country pursuits of falconry and archery, or simply unwind in one of its luxurious bedchambers.
More about Thornbury CastleJust a 50-minute drive north finds guests at the walls of Thornbury Castle, the final destination of the package, which contributes 511 years of storied history to the road trip.Storied Collection