Celebrated as the greatest Briton in history Winston Churchill has fascinated the nation for over half a century. Soldier, politician, writer, historian, artist and orator he shaped Britain in many ways in a number of fields. But it is in his role as Prime Minister during World War Two that he is best known as he guided the country to victory. This tour is a chance to get to know the great man and follow in his footsteps, from his early life at Blenheim Palace, his finest hour at the Cabinet War Rooms and private life at home in Chartwell. We also get a chance to visit some of the lesser-known sites in Churchill’s career such as his London home and the Admiralty Building.

Due to the unpredictable nature of London traffic we will be making use of the London Underground on this tour to visit many sites as well as regional train services to get to sites outside the capital. In central London we will tour certain areas on foot, e.g. the area around the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) has become an iconic figure, feted for his wartime leadership. Born at Blenheim Palace into the highest echelons of Victorian society, Churchill made his name as a soldier and writer, before entering Parliament at the age of just 25 in 1900. From the outset his career was a roller coaster ride. He changed his party twice, told the suffragettes he would not be henpecked, fell from office over the Dardanelles campaign, served in the trenches of the First World War, dismissed Gandhi as a ‘half naked fakir’ and became the most vocal opponent of the British appeasement of Hitler. As Prime Minister from May 1940, he led his country through the Battle of Britain and the Blitz and on to final victory in 1945, only to lose the ensuing general election. As an elder statesman he warned of the dangers of the Soviet ‘iron curtain’ while preaching greater European reconciliation and promoting the ‘special relationship’ with the United States.

Day 1: Assemble

Assemble at midday at our central London hotel, our base for the tour. Enjoy a buffet sandwich lunch and introductory talk on Winston Churchill and what we will be seeing on this superb tour. Then a short tube ride takes us to Westminster and Parliament Square where we will stand in the very heart of British government. At the Churchill statue we will learn about the man’s involvement in steering the country to victory during its ‘darkest hour’ during World War Two. We then walk along Whitehall and view the famous landmarks which would have been so familiar to Winston, including Downing Street, his home when Prime Minister, the cenotaph, Horse Guards and Admiralty Arch, his base when First Sea Lord. (L, D).

Day 2: Beginnings at Blenheim

An early start today for our rail journey to Oxfordshire with its strong connections with the Churchill family. We stop at St Martin’s Church in the beautiful village of Bladon, to view Winston’s grave and that of his wife, parents and other family members, before the short journey to Blenheim Palace. Still home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough the Palace featured centrally in Winston’s life and we see the bedroom where he was born on 30th November 1874. We can also wander the picturesque grounds so familiar to him and see the Temple of Diana where he proposed to his future wife Clementine Hozier. The house has a Churchill exhibition that documents his life in detail as well as grand state and private rooms, and picturesque gardens. (B, D).

Day 3: Finest Hour

Starting the day at the remarkable Churchill War Rooms and Churchill Museum where we get close to the man and his role as wartime leader. Deep below ground this was a solid bunker from which the government directed the war effort during the worst times of the Blitz. Here we will see the Cabinet War Room, the Map Room, Winston’s bedroom and other iconic locations connected with the man in this amazing site. We enjoy a light lunch nearby.

We then walk the short distance to the Houses of Parliament we embark upon an unforgettable tour of the inside of this imposing seat of power. In the Chamber of the House of Commons we will see the place where Winston stood on so many occasions to give his rousing speeches and flanking the Churchill Arch the famous statue of a garrulous Winston, looking down on today’s politicians and visitors. (B, L, D).

Day 4: The Country Retreat - Chartwell

Perhaps the highlight of the tour today we visit Winston’s home at Chartwell in Kent, a short and pleasant train journey from central London. Winston lived in this stunning country house from 1922 until just before his death. Here we marvel at the study where he wrote so many of his books and speeches (his ‘word factory’), the dining room where he gathered together those opposed to appeasement, and the tranquil gardens where he spent time relaxing or painting. The sense of place at Chartwell is enlivening and we can just imagine the visiting politicians and dignitaries discussing the great matters of the time in these rooms. (B, D).

Day 5: A rich legacy

On our final day of the tour we travel to Cambridge by train to visit the Churchill Archives which houses a unique collection of documents relating to Winston’s life and times as a war leader. Here, in the company of the Director, we will have the privilege of viewing some of these incredible items and get close to the man himself in a particularly intimate way. Viewing these national treasures will provide a perfect finale to the tour.

We enjoy lunch in the historic Eagle Pub in Cambridge where USAAF and RAF pilots would congregate, their signatures, slogans, and drawings still visible on the ceiling.

Return to hotel not before 16.15 where the tour ends. (B, L).