In the footsteps of William the Conqueror

Welcome to England!

Upon arrival in London, pick up your rental car directly at the airport. Then, head to your hotel located in the heart of the capital.

Take advantage of this first day to discover the must-see sights of Westminster: Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

In the evening, stroll through Covent Garden before dining in one of the capital's historic pubs.

Restaurant recommendations

• Rules
• The Churchill Arms
• The Guinea Grill

Overnight in London.

This day is dedicated to the history of William the Conqueror.

Start with the British Museum to admire the Bayeux Tapestry (during its exceptional exhibition), a true medieval masterpiece retracing the events that led to the conquest of England in 1066.

Continue your visit through the museum's iconic collections.

In the afternoon, discover the Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror to assert his authority over the capital.

Don't miss the White Tower, an impressive keep built from 1078 onwards on the orders of William. Considered one of the finest examples of Norman military architecture, it remains a symbol of the conquest of England.

Then continue on to Tower Bridge and the Thames quays.

In the evening, attend a musical in the West End or enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea.

Restaurant recommendations

• Duck & Waffle
• Flat Iron Soho
• The Ivy

Overnight in London.

Heading to Windsor.

Discover Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British royal family for almost a thousand years. After the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror built a fortress on this strategic promontory to protect western access to London.

Visit the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel and enjoy a stroll in the Royal Park.

Continue on to Rochester, where William the Conqueror built one of the first great Norman castles in England to control the Medway Valley and the road to London.

In the late afternoon, return to your accommodation in Kent.

Suggestions

• A stroll through the villages of Kent.
• English wine tasting.
• A walk in the countryside.

Night in Kent.

Today, set off to discover Kent.

Start with the impressive White Cliffs of Dover, offering spectacular views of the English Channel.

Continue with a visit to the majestic Dover Castle, extensively enlarged by the Norman rulers after the conquest to protect the main gateway to the kingdom.

Discover its impressive fortifications, ramparts and exceptional military history.

In the afternoon, travel to Canterbury.

Discover its famous cathedral, its medieval streets and its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Restaurant recommendations

• The Fordwich Arms
• The Corner House

Night in Kent.

This day takes you back to the heart of the year 1066.

Start with Battle Abbey, built on the orders of William the Conqueror on the exact site of the famous Battle of Hastings.

Visit the interpretation centre before walking around the battlefield where, on 14 October 1066, William defeated King Harold II, opening a new chapter in the history of England.

In the afternoon, discover Hastings Old Town, its traditional fishing port, cobbled streets and pleasant seafront.

Suggestions

• Historic funicular.
• East Hill.
• Fish & Chips by the sea.

Night in Hastings.

Start your day with a visit to Pevensey Castle, where William the Conqueror landed in September 1066 before marching to Hastings.

The remains of the Roman ramparts still testify to the strategic importance of this site, chosen as the first bridgehead for the Norman army.

Continue on to Lewes Castle, built shortly after the conquest by William de Warenne, a loyal companion of William the Conqueror. Its imposing keep offers a magnificent panorama of the Sussex countryside.

In the afternoon, discover Bodiam Castle, one of the most beautiful medieval castles in England, surrounded by its moat and bucolic landscapes.

If time permits, end your day by exploring the charming medieval village of Rye, Camber Sands or the vineyards of Sussex.

Suggestions

• Rye.
• Camber Sands.
• Sussex vineyards.

Night in Hastings.

Take your time driving towards London.

Along the way, take the opportunity to stop wherever you like.

Once you arrive in the capital, settle into your hotel and enjoy your last day exploring Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Kensington or Borough Market.

End your stay with a cruise on the Thames or a gourmet dinner.

Restaurant recommendations

• Clos Maggiore
• Hawksmoor
• Dishoom

Overnight in London.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a few last moments in the capital before heading to the airport.

Return your rental car before your departure.

We hope that this journey has allowed you to relive the major stages of William the Conqueror's epic journey, from his landing on the English coast to the construction of the first Norman fortresses that profoundly marked the history and heritage of the United Kingdom.