ITINERARY

DAY 1 | TUESDAY 27 JULY 2027

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL, WORCESTER

LONDON TO WORCESTER, VIA BROUGHTON CASTLE (L, D):

We meet in the morning at 10:00am at London Paddington Station, and travel by private coach from London to Worcester, stopping at Broughton Castle en route, for a private guided tour and a delicious afternoon tea.

Broughton Castle is a magnificent medieval fortified manor house set amid the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire. Built in the early 14th century and transformed over the centuries, the castle has remained in the same family for more than 700 years, giving it a rare sense of continuity and authenticity. Its moat, battlements and Tudor architecture create a wonderfully atmospheric setting, while the elegant interiors contain fine portraits, furniture and historic treasures accumulated by generations of the Fiennes family. Broughton Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into England’s aristocratic past and remains one of Oxfordshire’s most enchanting historic houses.

Following our guided tour, we enjoy afternoon tea in the Broughton Castle Tea Room, before continuing on our journey to Worcester.

On arrival, we check into Stanbrook Abbey, a remarkable country-house hotel set within 26 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside. Dating from the early 16th century, this former Benedictine monastery combines centuries of history with elegant contemporary comfort. Its Grade II-listed buildings retain magnificent original features, including dramatic stone cloisters, Gothic stained glass and the spectacular Callow Great Hall.

In the early evening, our Tour Leader, Julian Johnson, will give an introduction to the tour. We then enjoy a welcome dinner together in the hotel’s impressive East Room.

DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY 28 JULY 2027

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL, WORCESTER

EXCURSION TO THE FIRS, WORCESTER CATHEDRAL & THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL (B):

This morning, after a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy the first of our pre-concert talks with our Tour Leader, Julian Johnson.

We then set out through the Worcestershire countryside to The Firs. The Firs, in the Worcestershire village of Lower Broadheath, is the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar and a place of pilgrimage for music lovers. Born here in 1857, Elgar spent his earliest years in this modest cottage, surrounded by the countryside that would remain an important source of inspiration throughout his life. Today, The Firs forms part of the Elgar Birthplace Museum, where we will explore the composer’s childhood home and discover fascinating objects, manuscripts and personal memorabilia.

Following our guided introduction, time will be allowed to explore the beautiful house and garden independently, followed by a visit to the charming on-site cafe for a light snack.

After our visit to The Firs, we travel to the historic city of Worcester, for a guided our of Worcester Cathedral (subject to the rehearsal schedule for the Three Choirs Festival).

Worcester Cathedral is one of England’s most magnificent medieval churches, beautifully situated beside the River Severn. Founded in the 7th century, the present cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with highlights including the magnificent Norman crypt, medieval cloisters and the tomb of King John. Its peaceful setting and remarkable history make it a memorable destination. It is used as one of three venues for the Three Choirs Festival, whch which rotates annually between the cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester.

This evening, we attend the first of our seven performances at the Three Choirs Festival.

The Three Choirs Festival is one of the world’s oldest music festivals, with a history stretching back more than three centuries. Traditionally held in rotation between the cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, it grew from annual meetings of the three cathedral choirs during the early 18th century. The festival has played an important role in Britain’s musical life, with composers including Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and Hubert Parry associated with its history. Elgar, in particular, enjoyed a close relationship with the festival, which gave several important performances of his works.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 1
Worcester Cathedral

Cecilia McDowell Songs of Exile
Haydn Nelson Mass

April Fredrick soprano
Hannah Sandison mezzo-soprano
Gwilym Bowen tenor
Gareth Brynmor John baritone
Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir
The Hanover Band

DAY 3 | THURSDAY 29 JULY 2027

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL, WORCESTER

TEWKESBURY ABBEY, LUNCH & THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL (B, L):

This morning, we depart for the historic town of Tewkesbury for a guided tour of Tewkesbury Abbey.

Tewkesbury Abbey is one of England’s finest surviving Norman buildings and a remarkable testament to the town’s medieval heritage. Founded in the 12th century, its imposing Romanesque architecture is distinguished by a magnificent tower, soaring arches and beautiful stained glass. The abbey contains the tombs of important medieval figures and is closely associated with the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Remarkably preserved following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey survived as the parish church of Tewkesbury. Its peaceful interior, fascinating history and magnificent architecture make it one of Gloucestershire’s most captivating historic treasures.

After our visit, we enjoy a delicious lunch together at one of the region’s finest dining destinations.

Following lunch, we make our way back to the hotel, via St Wulstan Catholic Church, resting place of Sir Edward Elgar and his wife, Lady Alice Elgar. The gravestone, which they share, was designed by Arthur Troyte Griffiths, the Malvern architect and close friend whom Elgar evokes in the seventh of his Enigma Variations.

Before departing for Worcester, we enjoy the second of our pre-concert talks with Julian Johnson. We then enjoy a performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, performed by I Faglioni at the Three Choirs Festival.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 2
Worcester Cathedral

Purcell Dido and Aeneas

I Faglioni

DAY 4 | FRIDAY 30 JULY 2027

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL, WORCESTER

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL (B):

Following at relaxing morning at leisure, we then gather for a late morning pre-concert talk with Julian Johnson, ahead of our two festival performances today.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 3
Venue TBA

Tenebrae

Program to include Howells’ Requiem and a new commission by Eric Whitacre.

Following this afternoon performance, there is the option to stay in Worcester between concerts for touch of independent exploration and dinner, or return to hotel ahead of this evening’s concert.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 4
Worcester Cathedral

Beethoven Missa Solemnis

Katie Trethewey soprano
Helen Charlston mezzo-soprano
Nick Pritchard tenor
James Atkinson baritone
Festival Chorus
Philharmonia Orchestra

DAY 5 | SATURDAY 31 JULY 2027

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL, WORCESTER

HARVINGTON HALL & THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL (B):

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Harvington Hall. Harvington Hall is a remarkable Elizabethan moated house in the Worcestershire countryside, renowned for its atmospheric architecture and extraordinary history. Built in the late 16th century, the house became a refuge for Catholic priests during a period of religious persecution. It contains the greatest number of surviving priest holes in England, cleverly concealed within its walls and floors. Together we will explore its winding passages, oak-panelled rooms and beautifully preserved interiors, gaining an insight into life during one of the most turbulent periods in English history.

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and a picturesque moat, time is allowed for further exploration following our guided tour. You might also like to pop by The Malt House, Harvington Hall’s on site cafe.

We then return to Worcester, for an afternoon performance of Vaughan Williams’ wonderful Songs of Travel, performed by British baritone, Roderick Williams.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 5
Venue TBA

Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel
Along with music by Howells, Holst, and Gavin Higgins

Roderick Williams baritone
Tredegar Band
Martyn Brabbins, Ian Porthouse conductors

Following this afternoon performance, we return to our hotel to refresh, and for our final Three Choirs Festival pre-concert talk with Julian Johnson, which will also cover tomorrow' evening’s BBC Prom concert. We then return to Worcester for the closing performance of this year’s festival.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 6
Worcester Cathedral

Walton Orb and Sceptre
Strauss Four Last Songs
Elgar The Light of Life

Elizabeth Watts soprano
Jess Dandy contralto
Ruairi Bowen tenor
Marcus Farnsworth baritone
Festival Chorus
Philharmonia Orchestra

DAY 6 | SUNDAY 1 AUGUST 2027

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE KENSINGTON HOTEL, LONDON

WORCESTER TO LONDON VIA COTSWOLDS, & BBC PROMS (B, L):

This morning, we depart Worcester for London, via the beautiful Cotswolds village of Lower Slaughter for lunch en route. Lower Slaughter is one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque villages, centred around the gently flowing River Eye. Its name derives from the Old English word slohtre, meaning muddy place. With its honey-coloured stone cottages, historic mill and charming footbridges, the village offers a beautifully preserved glimpse of traditional Cotswold life. Following some free time for a stroll around this beautiful village, we gather at the local pub, for a traditional Sunday roast.

Following lunch, we continue on our way to London, to check in to our stylish and sophisticated home for the next five nights, the Kensington Hotel, London.

After some free time to settle in, we make our way to the Royal Albert Hall, for the first of our performances at this year’s BBC Proms. The BBC Proms is one of the world’s great classical music festivals, bringing exceptional orchestras, soloists and conductors to London each summer. Founded in 1895 by impresario Robert Newman and conductor Henry Wood, the festival was created to make high-quality classical music accessible to a broad audience. Today, its principal concerts are held at the Royal Albert Hall, with performances also taking place at venues across London and beyond.

BBC PROMS PERFORMANCE 1
Royal Albert Hall

DAY 7 | MONDAY 2 AUGUST 2027

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE KENSINGTON HOTEL, LONDON

ROYAL ALBERT HALL & BBC PROMS (B, L):

We begin our day today with a talk on this evening’s concert with Tour Leader Julian Johnson.

We then make our way back to the Royal Albert Hall for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this incredible building. The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria in memory of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, it was conceived as a centre for arts and sciences within the South Kensington district he helped develop. Designed by Francis Fowke and completed by Henry Scott, its distinctive oval auditorium quickly became one of the world’s great concert venues. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary musicians, orchestras, composers, speakers and performers, as well as the famous BBC Proms since 1941.

Following our guided tour, we return to the hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure, and you might like to make the most of the hotel’s exceptional location by visiting one of the nearby museums. The Victoria & Albert Museum, which is just a stone’s throw away, is one of the world’s greatest museums of art, design and decorative arts. Founded in 1852, its vast collections span more than 5,000 years, encompassing sculpture, textiles, jewellery, fashion, ceramics and photography.

Also nearby is the Natural History Museum, one of London’s most spectacular cultural landmarks, renowned for its magnificent Romanesque architecture and extraordinary collections. Founded in 1881, it explores the natural world through millions of specimens, from dinosaurs and fossils to gemstones and rare wildlife.

This evening, we return to the Royal Albert Hall for the second of our concerts at the BBC Proms.

BBC PROMS PERFORMANCE 2
Royal Albert Hall

DAY 8 | TUESDAY 3 AUGUST 2027

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE KENSINGTON HOTEL, LONDON

CHISWICK HOUSE, LUNCH & BBC PROMS (B, L):

This morning, we travel to nearby Chiswick House, for an exclusive private guided tour. Chiswick House is one of England’s finest examples of 18th-century neo-Palladian architecture, created as a retreat from London by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. Inspired by the villas of Renaissance Italy, Burlington designed the elegant house in the 1720s, filling it with paintings, sculpture and antiquities. His celebrated gardens were developed alongside the house by William Kent, creating an influential landscape of sweeping lawns, classical temples and ornamental features. Today, its architecture and gardens offer a fascinating glimpse into Georgian England.

Following our visit, we make our way to one of London’s dining institutions, River Café, on the banks of the River Thames. The River Café is one of London’s most celebrated restaurants, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, elegant simplicity and riverside setting. Founded in 1987 by Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray, it has become a London institution, attracting discerning diners from around the world.

After lunch, we return to the hotel for a restful afternoon.

This evening, following our pre-concert talk from Julian, we return to the Royal Albert Hall for this evening’s Prom.

BBC PROMS PERFORMANCE 3
Royal Albert Hall

There will also be an optional late night Prom this evening, which we will be in touch with guests about once the program has been annouced.

DAY 9 | WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST 2027

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE KENSINGTON LONDON

KENSINGTON PALACE & BBC PROMS (B):

This morning, we have a somewhat early start, in order to accommodate an exclusive before hours private tour of Kensington Palace.

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for more than 300 years, beginning as a modest Jacobean mansion acquired by William III and Mary II in 1689. Sir Christopher Wren transformed the house into an elegant royal palace, while successive monarchs expanded and embellished its interiors and gardens. Queen Victoria was born and spent her childhood here, and the palace later became closely associated with Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, Kensington Palace remains a working royal residence and an important historic landmark. Its grand State Apartments, beautiful gardens and fascinating royal connections offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of generations of Britain’s monarchy, on this exclusive private tour.

Following our visit, the Palace opens to the public. You might like to continue your explorations of the house and gardens, including the temporary exhibition Victoria: A Royal Childhood, or alternatively, you might like to stroll through Hyde Park, in its own right a wonderful summertime activity, to the nearby Serpentine Galleries. The Serpentine Galleries are two celebrated contemporary art spaces, located a short walk apart, which present ambitious exhibitions, installations and events by leading international artists and architects. Their renowned annual Pavilion commission has become a highlight of London’s cultural calendar, showcasing innovative temporary architecture each summer.

Alternatively, our coach will provide a transfer back to the hotel following our visit to Kensington Palace.

In the early evening, we gather for our pre-concert talk with Julian Johnson, before returning to the Royal Albert Hall.

BBC PROMS PERFORMANCE 4
Royal Albert Hall

DAY 10 | THURSDAY 5 AUGUST 2027

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE KENSINGTON HOTEL, LONDON

LEIGHTON HOUSE, LUNCH & BBC PROMS (B):

This morning marks the final day of our tour, and following our morning pre-concert talk on this evening’s music, we venture to Leighton House for an exclusive guided tour.

Leighton House is the extraordinary former home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic (Lord) Leighton, one of the leading figures of the Royal Academy. Built in stages between 1866 and 1895, the house reflects Leighton’s fascination with art, architecture and cultures from around the world. Its interiors are richly decorated with tiles, mosaics, carved wood and artworks, creating an atmosphere unlike any other London home. Highlights include the magnificent Arab Hall, inspired by Leighton’s travels in the Middle East, and his striking studio. Leighton House offers a fascinating insight into Victorian artistic life, creativity and the eclectic tastes of its remarkable former owner.

After our visit, we stroll to a nearby restaurant for a celebratory farewell lunch together.

This evening, we return one final time to the magnificent Royal Albert Hall for our final BBC Proms performance.

BBC PROMS PERFORMANCE 5
Royal Albert Hall

DAY 11 | FRIDAY 6 AUGUST 2027

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

Please note: There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on the final confirmation of performances.

INCLUSIONS

27 JULY–6 August 2027 (11 DAYS)

AUD$12,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$2,850
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 27 March 2027)
Final payment due: 21 May 2027

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets to six concerts at the Three Choirs Festival, and five performances as part of the BBC Proms.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and exclusive background talks by Julian Johnson.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotels: 13 nights' accommodation including:

  • Five nights at the historic Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, Worcester in a Superior Double Room.

  • Five nights at the stylish and centrally-located 5-star Kensington Hotel, London in a Deluxe King Room.

  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at each hotel.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Five lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee, and a welcome drinks reception.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be used at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Visas/Entry requirements: Costs associated with obtaining visas for countries visited on your tour. Please note that from January 2025, travellers entering the UK will be required to complete an ETA (electronic travel authorisation). For further information on ETA applications visit https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 3

For the benefit of the tour group, all members of the tour must have the ability to:

• negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance;

• use a combined shower/bath (please note that we cannot guarantee walk-in shower facilities at all hotels);

• undertake walking tours of two to three hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for one to two hours in galleries and museums at a time without a break;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains, boats and other methods of transportation without assistance;

• handle your own luggage (where porterage services are unavailable).

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL & THE BBC PROMS