Three contrasting mansions with fascinating past histories and an equally interesting present.  Staying for two nights (with an option for third) at the four-star Macdonald Bear Hotel in the attractive village of Woodstock next to Bleinheim Palace.

Bletchley Park, also known as ‘Station X’, was home to the famous code-breakers of the Second World War, and the birthplace of modern computing and communications.  The day will provide a real insight into the work that went on here in the famous wooden code breaking huts. The odds against success were staggering; it was one of the greatest intellectual achievements of the twentieth century, helping to shorten WWII by at least two years and saving countless lives. There will also be a visit to the Colossus Rebuild, the world's first semi-programmable electronic computer, the Tunny exhibition and the museum, which tells the story of Bletchley Park and contains the Abwehr Enigma machine. 

Ditchley Park, a mansion bequeathed in 1958 by Sir David Wills to establish the The Ditchley Foundation, a centre to advance international learning and to bring transatlantic and other experts together to discuss international issues.  Designed by James Gibbs in 1772 for the Earl of Litchfield, the interior was richly decorated by William Kent and the house is surrounded by magnificent gardens and grounds. Churchill visited Ditchley in 1937, clearly enjoyed the hospitality, and when advised not to go to Chequers during the Battle of Britain invited himself and members of his war cabinet to Ditchley, subsequently spending many weekends here until September 1942
 
Aynhoe Park, a 17thC country-house and a family home with just a touch of English eccentricity.  Rebuilt and remodelled throughout history, first by Thomas Archer in 1700, later by Sir John Soane,  and then by the current owner James Perkins, who has reinvented the house, bringing it into the twenty-first century whilst remaining sympathetic to its history - in particular to Soane’s vision of a country house.  It contains an eclectic mix from the greatest private collections of plaster casts, antique taxidermy, gothic touches and assorted artefacts - which fully indulge a sense of theatre with many surprises as you progress through the rooms.

Monday 21 May:  Arrive and check into the hotel before welcome drink and dinner.

Tuesday 22 May:  Aynhoe Park with refreshments, followed by a light sandwich lunch at a local riverside pub.  Afternoon tour of Ditchley Park with refreshments.  Dinner in the hotel.

Wednesday 23 May:  Coach to Bletchley Park – guided tour and museums, light lunch and refreshments included before returning to Woodstock for 4 pm and departure. 

Nearest Station: Hanborough (Long Hanborough), trains from London/Birmingham - book taxi in advance - or Oxford Station.