Take a Fabled Journey to London
We are teaming up with our pals at Fable Travel to provide some never-before-heard-of experiences in the UK and Ireland. . .
Photo courtesy of Ming Jun Tan on Unsplash
It’s no secret that Poe Travel loves the UK and Ireland. From the bustling, colorful streets of London to the glorious highlands of Scotland to the wild western coast of Ireland, this corner of the world presents endless opportunities for memorable experiences, whether it’s your first time across the pond or your twentieth!
We have teamed up with our friends at Fable Travel to share some incredibly unique, personalized experiences in their little corner of the world. While we are starting with London—sort of the bread and butter of any visit to the UK—we will be sharing some Scotland and Ireland experiences in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled!
Aside from next-level concierge-like service when you’re on the ground in the UK and Ireland, our partnership with Fable Travel also gives you access to some of their Fable Only experiences. You will be partnered with only the best guides and locals, all of whom will be tailored to your group. For example, if you’re traveling with children, we will make sure you don’t just have a run-of-the-mill guide but instead pair you with one who specializes in working with little ones to make every stop along the way exciting for them. Similarly, if you have a special interest in the Royal Family (or gardens, or World War II history, or...well, the list goes on!), we will make sure to find a guide who matches those interests, giving you the best chance at their invaluable insider knowledge.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at a sample London itinerary created especially for Poe Travel clients. Bear in mind, each itinerary is completely customized, so this is only to give you an idea of what is possible!
London Uncovered – Family Style!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in London
Welcome to London, the land of kings and queens of centuries gone by (and of today too!). Steeped in centuries of tradition, the capital is a place where cobbled streets echo with stories of royal pageantry, literary giants, and iconic landmarks. Yet, as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, it buzzes with global culture, contemporary art, and cutting-edge innovation.
After your international flight, you will be met by your private greeter right off the plane and led through customs and luggage collection before meeting your private driver for transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to settle into your new surroundings and perhaps take a walk out into London on your own.
Hotel Spotlight: The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel*
Belmond's Cadogan Hotel has the feel of the Downton era but looks like the city home of a much more up-to-date kind of aristocrat—one who dabbles in modern art or works part-time as a furniture buyer, say. The hotel stands at the junction of Sloane Street and Pont Street in Chelsea. The hotel overlooks the huge private haven of Cadogan Place Gardens. As a fabulous perk, you’ll feel like a Chelsea resident as you are given keys to its gates to picnic, stroll, and play tennis there on its two courts. The hotel has been entirely rebuilt, but the sense of it being an intimate yet fashionable place to stay in Chelsea has not been lost. The new lobby is light and calm, its café curtains lending a domestic air, and a dramatic painting by Simon Casson of Sir Hans Sloane and his daughter Elizabeth, founders of the Cadogan Estates, offers an arty yet historic touch. There's an elegant salon beyond, for breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails, and in the darker Bar, you’ll find locals who have found a new rendezvous point for drinks and light dishes.
As Belmond Bellini Club members, Poe Travel provides our guests with extra perks at the Cadogan. These include:
A-la-carte daily breakfast for 2 people per room
Complimentary room upgrade based on availability at time of check-in
Fully flexible hotel credit of $100 USD per room/junior suite per stay OR $220 per suite per stay, to be utilized during your stay (no cash value)
Complimentary WI-FI access
*Please note that this is just a suggested hotel for this sample itinerary. We will suggest the best hotel for you and your travel companions based on preferences and interests.
Day 2
London’s Military History
Delve into the impressive history of the British military today with a private guide at two exclusive experiences.
Spend the morning exploring the The National Army Museum, the official museum of the British Army which explores the history, impact, and role of the British Army from its origins to the present day. Learn the Household Cavalry's role in battles such as Waterloo, the World Wars, and modern conflicts. See history come to life during a private 20-minute character actor performance. Children will get the opportunity to meet Tommy Roper, a soldier from 2 Commando. He will put the children through their paces as they train for a top-secret Second World War mission. For younger children, experience the soft play obstacle course or cookhouse.
After an exciting morning in the museum, head to the Raffles at the OWO for afternoon tea in the company of a charming ex-Colonel and his sweet sausage dog. Hear stories of what it is like to serve in the British Army, the Changing of the Guard, the pageantry of Royal events, and what goes on behind closed doors at the barracks.
At 4:00, from the comfort of the Dining Room, you'll be able to catch the Changing of the King’s Life Guard, all while the Colonel guides you through the history, badges, and roles of all those involved.
Photo courtesy of Fable Travel
Day 3
Wimbledon Day Out
Head to southwest London with your private guide to experience the storied Grounds of Wimbledon and learn about the Championships on a private tour of the All-England Lawn Tennis Club. Round off your experience with a trip to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, where you can see the famous trophies up-close, along with clothing and equipment from your favorite players and learn how The Championships has developed since 1877.
When you return to your hotel, meet Jason, who has had the great privilege of working at The Championships Wimbledon for the past 16 years. He started out as a ballboy back in 2006 and has since been involved in supporting a range of stakeholders, from Tournament Directors and Ground staff to medical teams and Grand Slam Supervisors, ensuring the impeccable services that players and spectators come to expect of Wimbledon are maintained.
Jason will tell you all about the selection process and the 10-month training scheme that ball boys and ball girls go through before the tournament kicks off. He will then teach the children ball skills on the court, and you'll practice drills that this year's selection will need to know! Parents will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the court while the children run around on the court—or you can take part too! There’s also the lovely option to upgrade your experience and have your own bespoke Ralph Lauren ball boy/girl kit made and ready for you on the day!
Photo courtesy of Fable Travel
Day 4
A Royal Theater Experience
SIX: The Musical has taken London and the world by storm, delivering the story of Henry VIII’s famous six wives from their own points of view through extremely catchy, contemporary music. It’s a great one for anyone, really, but it works particularly well with younger viewers because of the music—every song sounds like it could be a modern pop hit!—and because it’s a relatively short show: 80 minutes with no interval!
Today gives you an exclusive chance to go behind-the-scenes as you begin the day with a private masterclass with Jane Seymour herself in a London studio. Learn from a leading London actress, Hana Stewart, who plays Jane Seymour in the hit West End musical SIX.
Before you leave to meet Hana, a makeup artist and hair stylist will meet you at the hotel to transform you for your day as a West End superstar! In a London studio, enjoy a private masterclass with Jane Seymour in a fun and relaxed setting. Learn songs and steps from one of the six wives of Henry VIII.
Afterwards, why not enjoy the very British pastime of afternoon tea at the Petersham Floral Court? This evening, head to the West End to see SIX: The Musical for yourself, the perfect cap to your theater-filled day.
Day 5
Kensington & Royal Opera House
Spend the morning at Kensington Palace to learn the Designs of Diana, including a special meeting with the Royal Designer. If you have a particular interest in fashion, you can even upgrade your experience to include a sketching masterclass.
The legacy of the People’s Princess still molds the royal family as they emerge into a new era. This morning, delve into the public and private persona of Princess Diana, discovering what delighted and disturbed her. Meet your specialist guide in Diana’s favorite coffee shop, where she would occasionally enjoy a sneaky fry-up after dropping the boys at school. Move to more regal surroundings as you explore Kensington Palace, where she and her family lived. Her son, Prince William, still lives here, and it was the location recently chosen by William and Harry to unveil the statue they commissioned for their mother. Finally, meet one of Diana’s favorite designers to discover what it was like to dress the world’s most famous silhouette and how their relationship bloomed over their 10-year collaboration.
This afternoon, prepare for your evening visit to the Royal Opera House with an exclusive backstage tour of the Opera House with a former ballerina. Enter through the Stage Door for a real insight into the ballet world behind the velvet curtain of the Royal Opera House. Share corridors with ballerinas and the production team, watch the Royal Ballet rehearse in their studios, and learn about the making of the costumes for these exquisite shows.
Following the tour, enjoy a one-on-one workshop with your ballerina guide, including a live pianist in the Macmillian studio. This one-hour private workshop can be completely tailored to your skill level. On departure, after chatting with cast members, you’ll receive a signed pair of pointe shoes to remember your experience.
This evening, enjoy tickets to a performance at the Royal Opera House.
Day 6
Onward Travels
Whether you’re heading home or on to your next destination in the UK, Ireland, or beyond, you will be privately transferred to the airport. A private greeter will be waiting to meet you at the airport and guide you through check-in for the smoothest possible departure.
If you would like to Go Away to London (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to set you on your way.