Numis Travel with Numismatic News, World Coin News and Bank Note Reporter strives to operate according to our published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or opportunities that would enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary.
Day 1, Wednesday, September 25: ARRIVAL
Tour members arrange their own transportation to London and to the Crown Plaza London Heathrow T4 Hotel, where a reservation has been made for them.
We will gather for a welcome dinner this evening (included in tour price).
Day 2, Thursday, September 26: BRITISH MUSEUM, COINCRAFT, KENSINGTON PALACE
We will start our week together by paying a visit to Coincraft, a London-based, family-owned coin gallery that has been in existence since 1955. The perfect place to grab a souvenir or an addition to your own collection, the shop offers British coins, world and ancient coins, bank notes, checks and bonds, medals and medallions, antiquities, and books.
Following our Coincraft visit, we will stroll across the street to the British Museum, where we’ll get to see the history of Europe and beyond encapsulated in more than 60 galleries. Stopping by the collection of money is a must, of course. The collection boasts coins, bank notes, and more dating back over 4,000 years from all around the world. You also won’t want to miss the Sutton Hoo gallery. Spanning from 300-1100 A.D., Europe was undergoing major changes, becoming what it is today. At the center of this gallery is the famous Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo. And of course, no trip to the British Museum is complete without taking a look at the famous Rosetta Stone.
Rounding out our day will be a tour of iconic Kensington Palace. Have you truly visited London if you don’t check out a castle or two? Kensington Palace offers an inside look into the lives of monarchs dating back to the 1600s. Both the King and Queen’s State Apartments are open to the public, as well as exhibits telling the forgotten stories of the palace staff. The birthplace of Queen Victoria is a fascinating way to end our day.
Day 3, Friday, September 27: BANK OF ENGLAND, COINEX, FREE TIME IN LONDON
The Bank of England was founded in 1694 as a private bank. Today, the institution is the UK’s central bank, and its long and proud history is encapsulated in the Bank of England Museum. We’ll spend the morning exploring this history and how money has evolved over the years. With a collection containing tens of thousands of items spanning 1,500 years, you’ll be fascinated from the time we enter to when we exit. The museum is also featuring an exhibit on the future of money, something that just about everyone in the hobby has been talking about. What would it mean to go cashless, and how sustainable are crypto-assets?
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a trip to one of the most anticipated events of the British calendar for coin collectors and enthusiasts. We’ll spend the afternoon enjoying the hustle and bustle of Coinex 2024, hosted by the British Numismatic Trade Association and held at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel. You’ll have an opportunity to interact with top UK numismatic traders, auction houses and European dealers at this annual event.
There is so much to see and do, some free time is in order before we end the day. We’ll be let loose to discover a spot or two that isn’t on the itinerary. Perhaps you’ll choose to visit Buckingham Palace where you might catch a glimpse of the royal family at work while strolling the gardens, or visit the stables, which are still in use today, and take a peek at the famous Gold State Coach that is on display. Of course, there is also the throne room, the ballroom and watching the changing of the guard. The Victoria & Albert Museum has art in numerous forms from different eras and areas across the globe. Modernism, illustration, photography and fashion, the museum has more than 5,000 years of creativity housed under one roof.
Day 4, Saturday, September 28: PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET, TOWER OF LONDON
Day 4 kicks off with a tour of the famous Tower of London. Built on the Thames, the White Tower acted as a fortress and gateway to the capital. The 11th century fortress-palace has been a symbol of royalty even as other castles were built. The tour of this magnificent structure includes seeing the Crown Jewels, meeting the infamous ravens who are known as the guardians of the Tower, seeing the White Tower which is the most famous castle keep in the world, St. John’s Chapel, and the Line of Kings.
Collecting coins is a treasure hunt in and of itself. You’re sure to discover countless treasures as we take a trip over to the world’s largest antiques market: the Portobello Road Market. It’s a full mile of hustle, haggle, color and energy, and Saturday is the day to be there! From antiques and fashion to food stalls and street performers, there is so much to see! We’d recommend spending time in the antiques section near Notting Hill tub station where you’ll find a wide array of items dating from BC to the 1960s. Perhaps we can discover a few unexpected coins among the nearly endless selection. We’ve heard the food is pretty great, too!
Day 5, Sunday, September 29: ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM, CARLEON ROMAN LEGION MUSEUM
In the morning, we will visit the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, the Ashmolean Museum, which was founded in 1683. Among their many exhibits is the Money Gallery, which displays how money has evolved from ingots and cowries to today’s electronic currencies. Their collection boasts more than 38,000 coin-related items from countries around the globe. The Ashmolean also includes paintings, sculptures and other artifacts from all over the world.
After we visit the Ashmolean Museum, we will travel via coach bus to Wales, with a stop for lunch along the way. Upon our arrival in Wales, we will spend the afternoon exploring the Caerleon Roman Legion Museum. In 75 A.D., the Roman Empire built a fortress in far-flung Wales. They would go on to guard the area for over 200 years. The Ruins include the most complete amphitheater in Britain and the only remains of a Roman Legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe. The Caerleon Roman Legion Museum brings this bit of history to life. The collections include one of the oldest recorded pieces of writing in Wales, one of the largest gemstone collections found anywhere in the Roman Empire, and the contents of the Bathstone Coffin.
Day 6, Monday, September 30: ROYAL MINT VIP TOUR WITH PRIVATE CURATOR
We couldn’t possibly go to England on a numismatic tour and not take a visit to The Royal Mint in Cardiff, Wales. The mint has been operating for well over 1,000 years and displays its history in its very own museum. While there, we have the exciting privilege of a VIP tour with a private curator to take us around and satisfy our burning coin curiosities at The Royal Mint Museum. Our tour also includes a visit to the commemorative coin production line where you can see the blank metal planchets being transformed into coins in the blink of an eye. There’s just so much to see!
When the tour is completed, we will be treated to a 2-course lunch at the Royal Mint before embarking out and exploring Cardiff on your own. If the weather is nice, you might consider taking a stroll around Bute Park and Arboretum, or perhaps you’d want to tackle Cardiff Bay Trail, either walking or perhaps a bike rental to enjoy the beautiful bay scenery. Llandaff Cathedral is another fascinating option if you think of yourself as a history buff and want to get more of a taste of the long history of Wales. The Cardiff Market is a historical spot in its own right and will have you perusing stalls of fresh produce to cafes to clothes and jewelry.
Day 7, Tuesday, October 1: ST. FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Before we head back to London, we will visit St. Fagans National Museum of History. In operation since 1948, this open air museum reflects the everyday lives of ordinary people. The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St. Fagans Castle and gardens. We’ve arranged for a special VIP entry 30 minutes before the public opening so our travel group can enjoy the collections prior to the official entry time. The museum is enthusiastic to welcome our group and will be offering exclusive viewing and possible handling of coins not currently on display.
After our visit to St. Fagans, we will travel back to London Heathrow, stopping for lunch along the way.
Day 8, Wednesday, October 2: DEPARTURE
Our time together has ended, but numismatists and history aficionados always find relics to study and appreciate wherever they are. Tour members can choose to return home or carry on the adventure.
