Founded in 1958, ACE is by far the oldest and most experienced provider of study tours and cultural travel in the United Kingdom, running tours, cruises and courses in the British Isles, Europe and across the globe.
The Tours
Our tours aim to uncover cultural intricacies and connections across a wide range of subject areas and themes including art, architecture, archaeology, history, music, regional culture and natural history. Rather than exclusively focusing on the isolated history or development of one artistic work, archaeological site or historical occurrence, our itineraries are also designed to take in the bigger picture and provide context within a wider cultural landscape. Our Tour Directors illustrate and illuminate their themes with formal lectures and on-site talks, and where appropriate local guides will supplement their knowledge. Many itineraries include privileged access, exclusive visits and private concerts to further enhance your enjoyment. No prior knowledge is needed, just an interest in the subjects concerned.
Blog
17 December 2021
ACE Stories | A Cornucopia of Delights
Last week, ACE Cultural Tours was kindly invited to a sparkling event at Fortnum & Mason on London’s Piccadilly, hosted by representatives from France’s Champagne region. As well as proving a fascinating afternoon exploring future tour ideas, it also provided an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of Christmastime at one of London’s most famous department stores. Today we delve into the captivating history of the festive window display, in the latest in our series of ACE Stories for the Culturally Curious...
02 November 2021
Gainsborough's House: From artist's birthplace to state-of-the-art research centre
In spring 2022, an exciting project to transform Gainsborough’s House in the market town of Sudbury, Suffolk, into a new National Centre for Gainsborough, will culminate. The result of years of planning and redevelopment, this landmark project will transform the way that visitors engage with and understand this important artist, his life and legacy. ACE looks forward to visiting the newly opened site on our Constable & Gainsborough tour in July 2022. Read on to find out more about both the project and our tour.
12 October 2021
The beauty of the light and the call of the sea: Artists on the Côte d'Azur
There are some parts of the world where the landscape, climate and culture combine to exert a pull that is hard to resist, particularly for those who are creatively minded, and the French Côte d’Azur is one such place.
