Kendall and I are in Austin,TX as you read this weeks article, taking part in a Mastermind program that features all the Top Producers in our network. This is an invaluable experience, as Iearning from our peers is an essential element on our constant quest to be better at what we do.
One of the elements where we excel is with our connections to suppliers and guides who curate such perfect and specialist tours that almost no client returns without raving about them. I can honestly tell you that very few return from a cultural trip talking about their room at wherever, but they will wax lyrical on the guide who engaged their teens like no-one has before as they made their way around the Tower of London or the food writer who quadrupled their knowledge of cheese in just 2 Cheddar and Double Gloucester filled hours.
Bear in mind we have access to these types of experiences almost anywhere in the world you can name, but for today here are just a few samples from the UK.
Top 5 - The Difference Makers (UK version)
1. Horseback Riding in Hyde Park (above and below)
Enjoy horseback riding in Hyde Park, a unique experience in one of the most incredible settings of any capital city around the world. Gallop across the historical paths that were once royal hunting grounds or meander along and enjoy the scenery and park events.
2. Record a Song at Abbey Road Studios (above and below)
Follow in the footsteps of music legends such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd by recording a song at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. Regardless of musical ability, lay a track alongside studio engineers, a team of musical directors, professional musicians, and vocal coaches. A professional team will guide you through the song recording and performance, which is immortalized on a bespoke printed CD as a souvenir.
3. Behind-the-Scenes of the World's Largest Costumiers (above and below)
Discover an astounding collection of beautifully crafted outfits. The garments belong to the world's greatest costumiers, Oscar winners for Best Achievement in Costume Design for more than 30 films, including Gladiator, Titanic, and The Duchess. Angels Costumiers houses more than eight miles of bespoke garments. Wander through rack upon rack of clothing – both period and contemporary — designed for film, TV, and theater productions. See the tailoring and alterations departments and meet the dedicated tailors and dressmakers who pride themselves on faithfully reproducing each costume to original cuts and designs for authenticity.
4. Ride the Pullman Train into Britain’s 1920s (above and below)
Honoring George Mortimer Pullman, the father of luxury train travel, Pullman carriages are the height of railway refinement. Some have been used extensively by the British Royal Family, while others have carried luminaries, including two that were part of Winston Churchill's funeral train. Take a circular tour of the British countryside with Belmond Trains as champagne flows and a five-course lunch is served. Ride back into the glamorous 1920s when rail journeys were steeped in the atmosphere. Continue this celebration of style and adventure on day trips and weekend excursions to cities, country houses, and sporting events.
5. Behind the Scenes at the Changing of the Guard (above and below)
And I finish with possibly the most popular experience we are able to add for our London clients thanks to our friends and colleagues at Noteworthy UK.
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most famous ceremonies in London. Meet the Queen's guards as they don uniforms and gather for inspection before duty. Learn about the ceremony and take a memorable photo with the suited guards. Once the ceremony starts, watch from inside the Parade Ground, which is separated from the tourist crowds outside the railings. Visit the Guards Museum to try on the iconic tunic uniforms and bearskin hats. This experience is enriched with tales from the guide about classic sites nearby, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, and St. James's Park. These photos are from my own experience in 2021.
If you're ready to start planning your own trip filled with unique memories for everyone let us know by clicking the button below.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
