By Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas
Nothing kick starts Anglomania quite like a royal wedding. The union of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, had the commoners transfixed while viewing the fancy goings-on in Windsor. Millions watched while the couple exchanged vows. The romance and sumptuous setting reminded us all why we all secretly want to be royal.
You may not be in line to marry a royal—but the next best option is to travel in England like one. Grab friends, family or your entourage and hop the pond. Let the regal fortnight begin!
Days One to Three – Ascot & Windsor
Upon touchdown at Heathrow check into the five star Coworth Park in Ascot—part of the exclusive Dorchester Collection. Guests will find themselves in good company, Princes Harry and William spent the night here before the wedding, as did Meghan’s friends Serena Williams and Priyanka Chopra.
Fend off jet lag by staying active after landing. Enjoy the spa, go for a swim in the naturally lit indoor pool, take a riding lesson, or borrow a bike from the fleet to explore the 240-acre estate.
Depending on the time of day, take afternoon tea accompanied by a live harpist in the Drawing Room, or dine on Michelin-starred cuisine at Restaurant Coworth Park. Then tuck in for a well-deserved good night’s sleep.
Before leaving Ascot it’s worth checking what’s on at the legendary local race track. Duchess Meghan re-emerged from the secret honeymoon at Royal Ascot to delight the railbirds in stunning white Givenchy, reminiscent of her wonderful wedding gown. Be sure to do your homework before attending—Royal Ascot has a “style guide” which is 36 pages long.
Take a full day to visit Windsor, site of the royal wedding. The splendid St. George’s Chapel is known as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, and most beautiful churches in England. Everyone is free to attend services there, or use the visit included with a ticket to Windsor Castle. The castle itself is one of the iconic must-sees on any trip to England, home to the royal family for an astonishing 1,000 years.
Spend the afternoon like a local with a Windsor pub crawl before the train to London. Two Brewers is well-regarded for outstanding fare. Post up and while away the afternoon over a pint or three, badgering the locals who may have experienced the wedding first hand. Their stories are sure to regale you.
Days Four to Six — London
Stay at the fabulous Chiltern Firehouse, in Marylebone, where Kate Moss, David Beckham, and Bill Clinton have all been spotted. The hotel is also famous as the place where Duchess Meghan has indulged in her favorite nightcap, the Negroni. The Queen herself would approve of the hotel bar’s boozy take on the classic cocktail, with thrice the normal dosage of Plymouth Gin. After all, Queen Elizabeth II enjoys a Gin & Dubonnet before lunch every day.
The famous blind date took place at London’s Soho House. The private club is notoriously exclusive, although every member can bring three guests so ask around. Even better, go high/low and visit Soho House-owned Dirty Burgers, the tasty treat that was served at the second or “casual” royal reception. Prince Harry is a well-known fan of burgers and beer, at least until Meghan urged him to lose “half a stone” for those royal wedding photos. Head for the hip neighborhood of Shoreditch to wallow like a Windsor at 13 Bethnal Green Road. To work off those extra calories, hit up Nobu Hotel Shoreditch for a very Meghan workout at Studio Lagree.
When it comes to shopping, Meghan’s fascination with all things Givenchy has been well-documented. Take a closer look at the boutiques inside Harrod’s and Selfridge’s, where are there are oodles of other things to ogle for everyone in the group. Pro tip for non-royals: there’s a Givenchy outlet store in Bicester Village, just north of Oxford.
Channel your inner Sloane Ranger by indulging in Meghan’s favorite scent from Jo Malone London, Wild Bluebell, at the boutique in Sloane Square. Then while away the afternoon antiquing on Portobello Road; Meghan’s Instagram account was filled with fantastic finds from the famous market.
Days Seven to Fourteen – UK Countryside
City tastes sated, it’s time to head for the countryside with UK Countryside Tours. The bespoke operator offers exclusive themed tours that “tell the stories of England” while giving visitors access to places normally reserved for the elite. Each tour allows guests to sit with experts, curators, scholars and even royalty, depending on the subject. Choose the RHS Royal Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Tour. Learn about the horticultural heritage of London districts Chelsea and Hampton, starting with Henry VIII to the present. Or create a custom tour through the “Study at Chatsworth” option where “intrigue, power, tragedy and passion” fill the grounds. The Chatsworth house is an excellent base for discovering iconic English country houses. The estate, collection and gardens seem to whisper tales to visitors. UK Countryside Tours base many of their excursions there, and if you’re lucky, you just might meet the Duke of Devonshire.
It’s time to give the royal wave good-bye to England, but don’t forget to grab a piece of souvenir wedding china on your last day. It might make sipping tea back home a bit fancier.
