HISTORIC CASTLES TOUR - SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

7 nights, 6 rounds of classic heathland and links golf, and the opportunity to visit some of the most famous castles in England. Including two nights at the unique and historic Amberley Castle.

 
       
 
Day 1
Macdonalds Castle Hotel, Windsor  
 

Located in Windsor High Street, opposite Sir Christopher Wren’s famous Guildhall, Macdonald Castle Hotel Windsor is just two minutes walk from the main gate of Windsor Castle. The stylish ambiance of the hotel, with its fine Georgian architecture, celebrates history as well as offers modern comforts to its guests. All the 111 comfortable guestrooms are well furnished and equipped with modern amenities. The distinguished in house restaurant offers the best of traditional British and contemporary cuisine, along with a fine selection of wines.

 
       
 
Sightseeing
 
 
 
 

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, and the oldest in continuous occupation (over 900 years). It is one of the Queen's three official residences, and is often said to be her favourite. The Royal Standard flies over the Round Tower of Windsor Castle when the Queen is in residence - at other times, the Union Jack flag flies in its place. Samuel Pepys proclaimed the Castle to be "the most romantique castle that is in the world". That was in 1666, and the same is true today. A short walk into Windsor reveals a lively shopping centre, bustling with pavement cafes, bars and restaurants. A leisurely stroll over the bridge into Eton leads to Dickensian cobbled streets with antique shops, traditional pubs and Eton College.

 
       
 
Day 2
North Hants Golf Club
 
 
North Hants Golf Club is set in idyllic surroundings, with fabulous views across the Hampshire region to soak up along with a course that will challenge you, and ultimately reward you if you play it with discipline, care and to your full potential. It really and truly is an excellent place for any golfer no matter how high or low their handicap.. From its location high up in the countryside, you can enjoy truly exceptional panoramic views and the changes in colours that materialise in front of you as the seasons change.
 
       
 
Day 3
Hindhead Golf Club
 
 
Founded in 1904, Hindhead is laid out around The Devil's Punchbowl - a large hollow of dry sandy heath south west of London, and overlooked by Gibbet Hill, the second highest hill in Surrey. The front nine at Hindhead wanders through heather strewn Ice Age valleys and the back nine plays on the hillside heathland plateau. The location is not only breathtaking, it’s truly beautiful. By the time you reach the signature 6th hole, you’ll be convinced that this should be rated as one of the top courses in England.
 
   

 

 
 
Transfer to
Amberley Castle, Sussex
 
 

Hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience. Through the Portcullis and 60 ft curtain walls you will find beautiful landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Since 1988, the Cummings family have made Amberley Castle their home, and with flair and imagination have transformed this splendid hideaway into a luxurious, multi-award winning Country Castle Hotel and Restaurant with an international reputation. Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious bedrooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and all featuring Jacuzzi bathrooms. Facilities include two restaurants, lounge areas, tennis court, croquet lawn, gardens and lakes, 18-hole professional putting course and a stunning thatched roof tree house complete with rope bridge. Wait up until midnight and you'll be treated to the spectacle of the awesome two tonne oak Portcullis being lowered for the night.

 
       
 
Day 4
Sightseeing
 
 
 
 

Idyllically situated on England's South Coast and with over 14 miles of beautiful coastline, Sussex by the Sea is a unique blend of traditional seaside fun, rural tranquillity, centuries of heritage, and unspoilt countryside. Comprising the historic town of Arundel and the seaside resorts of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Sussex by the Sea is perfect for a day trip, short break or longer holiday. The South Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, attracts hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Arundel, with its Castle, Cathedral, antique and specialist shops, is not to be missed. The relaxing seaside destinations of Littlehampton with sandy beaches and greens, and Bognor Regis, one of the sunniest place in Britain, perfectly complement the rest of the area.

 
       
 
Hayling Island Golf Club
 
 
Set upon the South West peninsula of Hayling Island, with superb views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, Hayling was founded in 1883 and has lost nothing of its ancient charm. The ground gently undulates between the dunes, with an overwhelming feeling of naturalness. There are, however, a number of semi-blind approach shots, making club selection challenging, especially when the wind is up. The stunning clubhouse at Hayling is very reminiscent of the famous art deco 19th at Royal Birkdale, and the panorama from the upstairs bar is second to none.    
 
       
 
Day 5
Littlehampton Golf Club
 
 

Littlehampton was laid out over 100 years ago and is classic links, with a twist. The course is bounded by the yacht harbour and the River Arun to the west, high dunes to the south and mature trees to the west, giving a few of the holes a parkland feel. It opens with a tough par 4, and closes with two tough holes. The par five 17th plays back to the sea with heavy rough and deep pot bunkers. The 18th runs back to the clubhouse, at over 400yds, is a wonderful closing hole. A bar and dining room overlooking the course offer welcome relief after a battering by the wind outside!  

 
       
 
Transfer to
Jeakes House, Rye
 
 

Jeake's House stands on one of the most beautiful ancient cobbled streets of Rye, and today plays host to the discerning guest who wants to recapture the feel of history while at the same time enjoying a high standard of modern comfort and relaxed hospitality. The hotel is a 5-diamond award winning establishment and also the proud recipient of the Good Hotel Guide César Award. Comfort is the watchword. You can relax and enjoy the pictures in the oak-beamed parlour, or have a drink in the book-lined bar. On cold mornings you will be greeted by a roaring fire typical of the traditional attention to detail that will make your stay a truly memorable experience .

 
       
 
Day 6
Sightseeing
 
 
 
 

Rye itself is a bustling, jovial market town with richly contrasting examples of architecture over several centuries, including old stonework, weatherboarding, and incomparable half-timbering. It boasts a fine museum within the Norman keep of the Ypres Castle, an ancient church with an Elizabethan clock and the last stained glass window created by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, art galleries, and potteries. The surrounding countryside is richly rewarding for the perceptive visitor, and Jennyat Jeakes is always happy to advise on leisurely trips to historic castles, beautiful gardens and picturesque villages; and can recommend the best local restaurants and friendly inns. This is also a perfect location to visit castles such as Dover, Walmer and Deal, on the way to and from your golf.

 
       
 
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
 
 
Royal Cinque Ports, or Deal as it is more commonly known, was founded in 1892 and is an absolute brute of a links course. Its back nine is relentless, invariably playing directly into the teeth of the prevailing south westerly wind. The layout is stark – only the sandhills and wild dune grasses provide this narrow out-and-back layout with any real definition. You can expect tight and hanging lies from the fairways, making stances awkward. Let’s make no bones about it – this is a tough course
 
       
 
Day 7
Royal St George's Golf Club
 
 

Royal St George’s is a classic links course, and has hosted 13 Open Championships. There is nothing artificial about Royal St George’s; there is a natural look and feel to the course that blends beautifully into the surroundings. It represents one of the most difficult tests of golf, requiring courage, confidence and solid ball striking. Severely undulating fairways make good scoring very tough indeed . Commanding views over Pegwell Bay and the white cliffs of Dover ensure an amazing experience.

 
       
 
Day 8
Depart