WINSTON CHURCHILL TOURS - private driving tour options from London

WINSTON CHURCHILL LIFE & TIMES
Choice of tours examining one of history's most fascinating figures.

● Personally-guided full-day driving tour from London.
● For couples, families or private groups. Duration: 9 hours.
● Prices and practical details listed below. Bookings: tours@yourlondontours.com.

ITINERARY - CHOOSE ONE OF THE TWO OPTIONS

Option 1: London & Chartwell
Winston Spencer Churchill was recently voted the greatest Briton of all time. His life span stretches from Bismarck to the Beatles. He had a great historical impact, not just his leadership during World War II, but right across the 20th century. This tour starts by exploring the capital’s corridors of power and examines the destiny and defiance of one of the great names of history. It covers the main theatres of Churchill's London life, from childhood in St James's, marriage in Westminster and war in Whitehall. We also discuss the Blitz. In 1940, German airforce formations, up to 1000-strong, used the River Thames to navigate into heart of London and wreak destruction. Much was destroyed, many civilians were killed and one million made homeless. Your guide will explain the effect of the onslaught on the city. We then visit the award-winning Churchill Museum and War Rooms.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

The tour then winds its way down to Kent, the 'Garden of England', harking back to the long, hot summer of 1940 when Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany. As Churchill put it: 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.' Kent features some of the most picturesque countryside. Thanks to the ‘Few’ it remains forever England. We then visit Chartwell, Churchill’s private family home. It is truly a great monument to a great man. In actual fact, it was partially built by him. Visit his study, his bedroom, his painting studio. Or you can just sit and relax in the magnificent landscaped gardens with a superb panoramic vista of Kent, Churchill’s favourite view. On the way home we discuss Churchill’s ultimate legacy. Some might argue world peace, others warmongering. He seriously misjudged some policies: Dardanelles, India, King Edward VIII, for example. But we also reflect that his faults were outweighed by achievements, in particular his political plate-spinning in keeping two of history’s greatest monsters at bay, Stalin and Hitler, while fostering the ‘special relationship’ with the USA. Regardless, he remains eminently quotable, one of his most relevant lines being: ‘History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.’
● Not Mondays.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 2: London & Blenheim
Winston Spencer Churchill was recently voted the greatest Briton of all time. His life span stretches from Bismarck to the Beatles. He had a great historical impact, not just his leadership during World War II, but right across the 20th century. This tour starts by exploring the capital’s corridors of power and examines the destiny and defiance of one of the great names of history. It covers the main theatres of Churchill's London life, from childhood in St James's, marriage in Westminster and war in Whitehall. We also discuss the Blitz. In 1940, German airforce formations, up to 1000-strong, used the River Thames to navigate into heart of London and wreak destruction. Much was destroyed, many civilians were killed and one million made homeless. Your guide will explain the effect of the onslaught on the city. We then visit the award-winning Churchill Museum and War Rooms.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

The tour then makes its way to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Churchill’s birth-place. It was built over 300 years ago to commemorate a great military victory by his ancestor John Churchill, and is good example of the excesses of late baroque architecture. There is an option to join an inhouse tour or you can wander the magnificent rooms at your own pace. The landscape, designed in part by the famous Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, is simply stunning in its magnitude. We also visit the churchyard in the village of Bladon to see the simple grave where Churchill is buried. On the way home we discuss Churchill’s ultimate legacy. Some might argue world peace, others warmongering. He seriously misjudged some policies: Dardanelles, India, King Edward VIII, for example. But we also reflect that his faults were outweighed by achievements, in particular his political plate-spinning in keeping two of history’s greatest monsters at bay, Stalin and Hitler, while fostering the ‘special relationship’ with the USA. Regardless, he remains eminently quotable, one of his most relevant lines being: ‘History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.’
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

PRICE OPTIONS
WINSTON CHURCHILL LIFE & TIMES: PERSONALLY-GUIDED FULL DAY TOUR OPTIONS	PRICE (Full day 9 hours).
BY PRIVATE CAR (1-4 passengers)	£400.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
BY PRIVATE CAR (5-7 passengers)	£430.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
RENT-A-GUIDE (transport provided and arranged by client)	£240.00 (per group) + any entrance fees.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
● General: 'Private tour' means a privately-chartered guided tour by luxury car or mini-coach. The practical and planning side is tailored to requirements and the guide is dedicated exclusively to your family or group on the tour itself.

● Note: We do not offer tours to individuals wishing to join a larger group (for this you require a scheduled coach tour operator, but check out our price comparison between our private tours and the scheduled coach tour services before making your decision).

● Availability: To avoid disappointment, we recommend early booking to secure your preferred date. Dates may be subject to the availability of appropriate guides. Access to attractions may also be subject to daily or seasonal variations in opening times.

● The guide: Your tour will be conducted by a fully accredited & qualified guide who will confirm your itinerary at the start of the tour and provide a friendly and knowledgeable commentary throughout. For private car tours the guide will also drive the vehicle.

● Pick-up/drop-off: You can be picked-up for your tour anywhere in the London area, whether at your hotel, place of residence, or any venue of your request. The same applies as a dropping-off point after the tour.

● Timings: The guide will meet you at the recommended start time of 09.00 or any time of your request. The duration of this tour is 9 hours from pick-up to drop-off, which includes built-in stops for photo opportunities, facilities, and a 1-hour lunch break.

● Lunch: An appropriate restaurant, traditional pub, or sandwich stop can be arranged for lunch (note: tour price does not include food or refreshments). Alternatively, you may want to bring a pre-packed lunch. The guide usually takes a rest during this period.

● Price: As shown in the table above. It does NOT include entrance fees (we recommend they are paid on the day) lunch or refreshments. Payment methods, privacy, cancellation and refund policies and full terms & conditions are listed on our Prices & Bookings page.

● Clothing: Clients should dress appropriately making allowances for the changeable British weather, outdoor activities or visiting churches, etc. Our main tip is to dress comfortably. For more tips to help make your tour even more enjoyable click here.

● Format: The tour has been specially researched and designed by our staff (copyright applies) and is exclusive to Your London Tours & associates. Selected elements of different tours can be combined to create even more options. See our Pick & Mix page.

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