The National Patron Tours exemplify the ESU’s commitment to meaningful donor engagement. Support from ESU Patrons directly sustains our educational programs, which enrich the lives of students, teachers, English language learners, new immigrants, and members across the country. The success of this voyage reflects both the enthusiasm of our Patrons and the enduring value of shared intellectual and cultural experiences under the ESU banner.

In July 2026, our National Patrons embarked on an inspiring journey through London, celebrating art, culture, and language through the lens of Ovid’s timeless poem, Metamorphoses. Led by historian and scholar Dr. Catherine Loomis, the tour featured exclusive lectures and visits to Sissinghurst Castle, the National Gallery, Hampton Court, Kenwood, and Apsley House.

One of the week’s highlights was the ESU Founder’s Award Dinner honoring Donald Best for his enduring commitment to international exchange. We were also delighted to welcome distinguished guests Flora Fraser, Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill, and Lady Derby.

The program concluded with a special tour of New College, Oxford, shared with members of the English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth and the International Council, an inspiring celebration of our global ESU community.

Our Patron members enjoyed an exceptional long weekend at Knowsley Hall, hosted by the Earl and Countess of Derby. The program featured private access to the Derby Collection, guided tours led by Curator Gareth Williams, elegant dinners in the State Dining Room, and receptions in the historic Walnut Drawing Room and the family’s private residence, the New House.

Highlights included a sightseeing tour of Liverpool, a Signature Afternoon Tea, a piano recital at the New House, a lecture on Shakespeare’s connection to the Earls of Derby with a viewing of the Fourth Folio, and a private tour of the Shakespeare North Playhouse. Ample free time allowed guests to enjoy the Hall, gardens, and Estate activities.

The trip concluded with a festive Black Tie Christmas Dinner and a farewell breakfast, leaving guests with a memorable and culturally rich experience.

This experience offered our Patrons privileged access to one of Britain’s most storied estates and the warm hospitality of the Derby family, creating lasting memories and deepening connections within our community.

In July 2025, the English-Speaking Union welcomed a distinguished group of National Patrons aboard the elegant Sea Cloud Spirit for an exceptional voyage from Naples to Malta under the theme “Nelson on Shore and at Sea: A Life of the British Admiral.”  Designed to recognize and engage the ESU’s most generous and loyal supporters, this National Patron Tour offered participants a richly layered experience of history, culture, and fellowship in the Mediterranean.

The itinerary featured extensive exploration of Sicily, where participants visited Trapani, Palermo, Taormina, and Syracuse. Each destination revealed the island’s remarkable blend of classical heritage, architectural splendor, and vibrant local life. Sailing under the full rig of the magnificent Sea Cloud Spirit added a memorable dimension of maritime tradition and elegance to the journey.

A highlight of the voyage was the presence of renowned Nelson biographer Flora Fraser, whose illuminating onboard lectures deepened participants’ understanding of Admiral Nelson’s life and legacy while enriching the group’s onshore experiences.

In September 2024, the English-Speaking Union proudly hosted the National Patron Tour, “Shakespeare and Palladio in the Veneto”—an extraordinary journey through one of Italy’s most captivating regions. Expertly curated by our esteemed host, Count Stefano Aluffi-Pentini, and his dedicated team, the tour brought together ESU patrons for a remarkable exploration of culture, history and fellowship.

This exclusive adventure offered rare access to the Veneto’s architectural and artistic treasures, including opulent Palladian villas, serene gardens, ancient libraries and awe-inspiring cathedrals. Set against the region’s breathtaking backdrop, the tour celebrated the enduring legacies of Shakespeare and Andrea Palladio, offering our members an unforgettable experience immersed in the rich cultural heritage of northern Italy.

Our journey through the Veneto region was truly unforgettable, filled with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and intimate encounters that brought the area’s architectural and literary wonders to life in a whole new way. Dr. Catherine Loomis, our esteemed Shakespeare scholar, led us on a fascinating exploration of the profound connections between the Bard’s masterpieces and the rich landscapes and stories of the region. Her unique perspective offered us a fresh and captivating way to appreciate both Shakespearean literature and the vibrant Italian culture.

Whether you were mesmerized by the stunning Renaissance architecture, inspired by the rich literary history, or simply enchanted by the allure of Italian culture, our travelers were left feeling enlightened and deeply connected to the experience. It was a journey that touched our hearts and minds, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.

It was a privilege to share this unforgettable week of discovery, learning, and joy in such a storied corner of the world. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us in celebrating the intersection of language, literature and culture in the heart of the Veneto.

The ESU 2023 “The Bard’s Queens on Board” National Patron Tour celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ESU’s beloved National Shakespeare Competition and provided support for all ESU educational programs.

This voyage was the first of the ESU’s re-imagined exclusive National Patron tours to destinations and experiences connected to the ESU’s history, programs and cultural traditions. The National Patron Tours are designed to engage and thrill the ESU’s most loyal supporters, celebrate its achievements and raise funds for the ESU’s programs and activities.

Under the theme of The Bard’s Queens on Board, the voyage offered the perfect mix of intellectual stimulation, elegant travel and sheer fun in the company of old and new friends.

The remarkable journey began with a transatlantic crossing aboard the majestic Queen Mary 2, the world’s last ocean liner. As the group sailed across the Atlantic, participants immersed themselves in the grandeur and elegance of this iconic ship, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

During the crossing, ESU resident Shakespeare expert Dr. Catherine Loomis shared her unparalleled knowledge and insights into the Bard’s extraordinary works. These engaging discussions transported participants to the vibrant world of Shakespearean theater, enriching their understanding of his timeless masterpieces and igniting a renewed passion for his literary genius.

On shore, the travelers delighted in privileged access to unique places and people made possible by the ESU’s network of connections built over a century. The Bard’s Queens theme continued with visits to Hever Castle, ancestral home to Anne Boleyn; Knole at Sevenoaks, home to young Mary Tudor, later Mary I; and Hatfield House, Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite residence. At Knole and Hatfield House, the group was greeted by the owners themselves who shared family stories that go back centuries and opened the doors to private rooms not generally accessible to the public.