TOUR A - CASTLE OF MEY & JOHN O' GROATS
Excursions
- 4 hours
- Limited to 90 per departure
This she did, and in the process created a much-loved holiday home to which she returned every summer for the rest of her life.
We will arrive at the castle after a journey of approximately 30 minutes. The castle today is kept as it was when The Queen Mother was in residence and, with the help of the knowledgeable castle guides, we will gain a clear picture of her personality, her interests and her love of life. This is one royal residence which never feels in any way grand or intimidating. It is first and foremost a home and the tone is set, as soon as you step inside the entrance hall, by the bowls from which The Queen Mother would feed her corgis every evening. There is no shortage of fine furniture and works of art in the castle but nothing is designed simply to impress. We will make our way, not just through the rooms where The Queen Mother received visitors and entertained family and friends, but also to the more private rooms such as the library where she dealt with correspondence, played after dinner games and watched television. Certain bedrooms, including The Queen Mother's will also be open.
Other highlights include the extravagant jardinière centrepiece in the front hall, overflowing with colourful plants; a striking portrait of the Queen Mother with her corgi Ranger above the fireplace in the equerry’s room; personal memorabilia, treasured family photographs and gifts that still adorn the table in the library; the Royal Coat of Arms tapestry and works of art in the dining room; and the visitors’ book in the drawing room.
At the rear of the Castle, we can look out across the surrounding farmland and the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth where on a clear day fine views of the Orkney Islands can be enjoyed. We shall have time to browse in the visitor centre and shop, where quality gifts associated with the Castle are available to purchase.
After visiting the Castle, we continue to Canisbay Kirk where the late Queen Mother worshipped while on her biannual breaks at Castle of Mey.
Following a short drive, we then come to John O’Groats – which has wonderful panoramic views across the stormy waters of the Pentland Firth to Orkney. John O’Groats is the furthest village from Lands End on the British Mainland - with 1,400 kilometres (876 miles) separating the two points. The small village settlement got its curious name from a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who established a ferry link with the newly acquired Orkney Islands in 1496. A mound and flagpole near the John O’Groats House Hotel mark the site where Jan de Groot built his famous house. His seven descendants quarrelled about precedence, so he solved the problem by building an octagonal house with eight doors - one for each of his seven sons and himself - and an eight sided table so that no one occupied the head of the table. We will have time to wander around the small harbour area, browse in the gift shops or maybe take a photograph of the well-known signpost.
TOUR NOTES: The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users as steps and stairs will be encountered. For information, we will be at the Castle of Mey for approximately two hours, Canisbay Kirk for a short photo stop and John O’Groats for about 30 minutes, where we shall have free time. Due to space restrictions at the Castle of Mey, there will be staggered arrivals to give us the best opportunity of enjoying in comfort this unique and memorable visit. We will walk, free flow, through the house - with guides on hand to answer any queries. There are toilet facilities at the Castle and John O’Groats (where there is a small charge).
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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