MONDAY, 4th August
(includes admissions for private visits, tour guides & afternoon tea)
Adults: £28.50; Seniors £26.50; English Heritage Members £23.50
Arch:
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.12848
House:
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.12679
Departing
at 8am, we will arrive at Wellington Arch by 11.30am, where from the Arch’s
Viewing Gallery we will have a unique view of the Household Cavalry passing
beneath on their way from the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Set in the heart of Royal London at Hyde Park Corner, George IV commissioned
this massive monument as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. It
was completed in 1830 by architect Decimus Burton and moved to its present
site in 1882. We can take a lift to the balconies just below the spectacular
bronze sculpture that tops the imposing monument, for glorious views over
London’s Royal Parks and the Houses of Parliament. The statue is the
largest bronze sculpture in Europe, and depicts the angel of peace
descending on the chariot of war. Inside the Arch, three floors of exhibits
tell
its fascinating history, including its time as London’s smallest police
station.
Apsley House, opposite
the Arch, was the London home of the Duke of Wellington and his
descendants. For over 200 years, this great metropolitan mansion has been
known colloquially as ‘Number 1 London’, because it was the first house
encountered after passing the tollgates at the top of Knightsbridge.
Originally it was
designed and built by Robert Adam in the 1770’s for Baron Apsley, from whom
it takes its name. It passed to the Wellesley family in 1807, being first
owned by Richard and then his younger brother, Arthur Wellesley – the Duke
of Wellington.
 Inside
the house many aspects of the first duke’s life and work can be seen,
including his amazing art collection including paintings by many famous
artists, as well as silver plate and unique porcelain collections, trophies
from grateful nations. When the 7th Duke gave the house to the
nation in 1947, the family retained the private rooms that they still use
today. This makes Apsley House not only the last surviving great London
town house open to the public, but also the only property managed by English
Heritage in which the original owner’s family still live.
Our visit to both
Wellington Arch and Apsley House will be greatly enhanced by our private
visit, which is fully guided and includes tea, coffee and refreshments.
Departing at 8am, our
day includes guided tours of Wellington Arch and Apsley House and there will
be some free time during which you may like to enjoy lunch – perhaps bring a
picnic – in adjacent Hyde Park. We return to the local area around 8pm.
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