Big Norfolk Skies from Coast to Countryside

4-star hotel in King’s Lynn!

5 Days - Mon 3rd July 2023

+£100 Single Supplement

Four great experiences whilst staying in a superb 4-star hotel in the centre of King’s Lynn and surrounded by the big skies of North Norfolk. We have exclusive access to a head gardener at Houghton Hall, which is home to an award winning walled garden and a spectacular deer herd. Make a return journey on the UK’s greatest heritage railways. Enjoy a sea cruise with the chance to spot common and grey seals and enjoy the brewery and gardens, designed by BBC’s Nick Bailey, at Elgood’s Brewery with light lunch.

Monday Into East Anglia and we make a lunch time stop in Ely, a city full of charm and beauty with one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England. On arrival at the hotel, we are treated to tea and biscuits.

Tuesday To Elgood’s Brewery where we discover the art of the brewer using traditional brewing methods and get to sample their range of beers. We are also treated to a tour of their four-acre garden which features 200 year old specimen trees, a herb garden and water features. A light lunch is provided, before we return to King’s Lynn for a free afternoon.

Wednesday We start with a one-hour cruise with commentary departing from Blakeney Harbour, which is a National Trust Nature Reserve. There we will see seals and birds in their natural environment. We have free time in Sheringham for lunch, a traditional fishing village, then we board the North Norfolk Railway for a return journey to Holt via Weybourne. This is also known as the Poppy Line and indeed at this time of year we should be travelling through fields of poppies.

Thursday Houghton Hall is one of the finest Palladian houses in this country, built in 1720 and situated in traditional parkland. We have a tour with the Head Gardener which takes in the awardwinning five-acre walled garden which includes a spectacular double sided herbaceous border, a formal rose parterre, a Mediterranean garden and much more. Later we visit Cromer, a traditional seaside resort with sandy beaches.

Friday We return with a lunch time stop in Saffron Walden, a delightful medieval market town.

Peak District and the Victorian City of Steel

4 Days - Thu 14th September 2023

+£75 Single Supplement

We explore the peaks and some ground-breaking fascinations in South Yorkshire. We have a private tour experience at one of the largest stately homes in Europe, see what it was like to live and work in Victorian times and visit some elegant Pump Rooms to take the thermal mineral waters. Plus, on our return we visit a museum dedicated to Sheffield’s industrial past.

Thursday We head north and into the dales for a lunch time stop in the beautiful town of Bakwell.

Friday To Wentworth Woodhouse, a large stately home surrounded by fifty-acres of private gardens, a real Yorkshire hidden gem full of remarkable stories. We have a hidden tour for an exclusive look behind the scenes at parts not normally seen by the public. Following time to get lunch (not included) we continue to Elescar Heritage Centre. It is a model industrial village and we can experience what it was like to live and work in Victorian times. Then, a circular tour of the Peaks passing through Buxton and Ashbourne.

Saturday We cross the peaks and head to Buxton where we have an immersive and interactive journey through nine rooms of the Buxton Crescent which tells the stories of the building, town and characters. At the Pump Room we can take the thermal mineral waters that rise over 5000 feet and are a constant 27.5 degrees, these waters have been enjoyed since Roman times and enjoyed their peak during Victorian times. Later we have free time to explore Buxton and then return on a different route across the Peaks.

Sunday The holiday is far from over as we visit Kelham Island Museum where the ‘Steel City’ of Sheffield’s unique industrial story is bought to life through interactive galleries. We an also see the mighty River Don Engine, the most powerful working steam engine in Europe.

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

Duke’s Head Hotel

4-star Georgian hotel restored so period charm meets contemporary chic.

BAR | FREEVIEW TV | WIFI dukesheadhotel.com

• Tours as indicated (including train ride, boat ride, brewery tour and Houghton Hall)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel

Set in 12 acres of stunning ground one-mile from the centre with full leisure facilities.

LIFT | BAR | WIFI | GYM FREEVIEW TV | POOL | SAUNA STEAM ROOM kenwoodhall.co.uk

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Wentworth Woodhouse, Elescar Heritage Centre, Kelham Island & Buxton Visitor Centre)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Legendary Locomotives & Pork Pies | Leicester

3 Days - Thu 27th July 2023

+£40 Single Supplement

Includes Great Central Railway & pork pie experience!

Experience the golden-age magic of steam heritage aboard a British Pullman train. On the Great Central Railway we travel in first class on a British Pullman train. This is the only heritage train in the UK that is double track so you can experience the unique thrill of steam trains passing. We also visit Brockleby’s porkpie workshop for a tour and tasting!

Matlock Illuminations, Boat Parade & Fireworks Plus, the Peak District!

2 Days - Sat 21st October 2023

+£25 Single Supplement

Thursday The Fosse Way runs all the way from Cirencester to Leicester and we follow close to the route all the way with a lunchtime stop in Royal Leamington Spa. On arrival at the hotel, we are met with tea and biscuits, and before dinner are treated to a small beer or wine.

Friday To the home of pork pies, Melton Mowbray and we visit Brockleby’s Pork Pie Workshop where we can tantalise our tastebuds and learn skills from local artisan experts. We will be taught to ‘hand-raise’ our own pork pie, before a bakery tour and lunch. Then onto the highlight, a first-class journey on the Great Central Railway rumbling through impressive Leicestershire landscapes.

Satuday We return home with a lunch time stop in Stratfordupon- Avon.

The highlight of this holiday is the Matlock Illuminations. Upon arrival we are treated to entertainment such as juggling and fire eating. At 8pm there is a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats on the River Derwent. Each boat is adorned with thousands of lights and as darkness falls the boats disappear into the blackness below, leaving the models apparently gliding above the water. After the parade, a firework display rounds off the night. We also enjoy the best of the Peak District on our return day.

Saturday Direct to Sheffield and we have tea and biscuits on arrival followed by a late lunch. Following a glass of wine at the hotel we make our way to Matlock Bath for the highlight of the holiday, returning to the hotel after the fireworks. Sunday Into the Peak District and we enjoy a stop in Bakewell followed by a lunch time stop in Buxton. All while enjoying a fabulous drive through the Peak District.

FREEVIEW TV | BAR LIFT | WIFI ihg.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including (train ride and pork pie experience)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Set in 12 acres of stunning ground 1-mile from the centre with full leisure facilities.

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Matlock Illuminations)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Dambusters Tour: Inc. Lancaster & Training Lake Plus Peak District, Lincoln & Skegness

5 Days - Sun 6th August 2023

+£48 Single Supplement

On this exciting tour we see a Lancaster plane used by the Dambusters. Plus we view the lake where they trained. But there is so much more to see here, and we have a great mix of scenery, history, and seaside as we visit the Peak District, Lincoln, and Skegness. But the highlight of the holiday may be the hotel where we stay. The 3-star Petwood Hotel enjoys a timelessly elegant setting and unique history as the home of 617 Squadron (The Dambusters). The hotel is set in acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland, and it is just a short walk to explore the charming village of Woodhall Spa or stroll the spectacular grounds.

Sunday We call at Stamford, an ancient town of mellow stone and full of old-world charm. Middlemarch was filmed here. Then onto our hotel in the village of Woodhall Spa.

Monday We spend the day in the stunning city of Lincoln, crowned by the Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.

Tuesday Step back in time as we head to WWII Bomber Command airfield and experience some of the greatest planes in history. The centre is a living and breathing history experience with the sights and sounds of a wartime airfield including a running Lancaster and Mosquito. Then to the coast and we spend the day in Skegness.

Wednesday Squadron 617 practised their skills in the Derwent Valley on Ladybower Reservoir and we pass here as part of a circular tour of the Peak District. We make a lunch time stop in Bakewell.

Thursday We head to Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese with gardens alongside the river.

Legends of Sherwood and Majestic Merriment

4 Days - Sun 13th August 2023

+£66 Single Supplement

Includes a 2-hour river cruise with lunch, Belvoir Castle & Robin Hood Sherwood Forest walking tour!

We walk in the flamboyant footsteps of Sherwood legends, along cobbled castle walls and cruising on the Trent. On our award-winning Sherwood Forest tour, we are met by thighslapping and fables of the ‘hooded men’ before enjoying a hearty lunch. Belvoir Castle features in ‘The Crown’ and we have a head gardener tour of the gardens. Finally, a two-hour Trent river cruise with captivating live commentary ends with another inclusive lunch. We used this hotel for a mystery tour in 2021 and received astonishingly good feedback.

3-star hotel set in beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland. BAR | LIFT petwood.co.uk

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Sunday We stop for lunch in Warwick in the shadow of its famous castle. Then on to our hotel in Nottingham

Monday To the Robin Hood Experience where Ezekial Bone will take us on an award-winning tour of discovery and intrigue in the guise of Robin Hood. As part of the tour, we take in the impressive surroundings of Nottingham Castle and visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, England’s oldest pub and where we are rewarded with a hearty lunch. After a busy morning the afternoon is free to explore Nottingham at your own pace or relax at the hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: THE 2-HOUR WALKING TOUR DOES NOT PASS ANY TOILETS. Tuesday Belvoir Castle is one of the most magnificent Regency houses in England and it boasts many acres of gardens designed by Capability Brown. The head gardener gives us a personalised tour. Then back to Nottingham where we enjoy a two-hour Trent river cruise where we float along one of the major rivers of England. This scenic journey will have you feeling relaxed and revitalised as you thread past all the notable sights of Nottingham. We will also enjoy a tasty lunch before our return. Wednesday We return with a lunch time stop in Stratford-upon -Avon.

Mercure Nottingham

Sherwood

This newly refurbished hotel offers great hospitality.

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Belvoir castle, Sherwood Forest and boat cruise)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Skegness Lincoln & The Wolds

5 Days - Mon 2nd October 2023

+£11 Single Supplement | +£11 Sea View Upgrade

This seaside resort comes with the classic English seaside holiday activities: the donkey rides on the beach, the pier, the crazy golf, but there’s more to this Lincolnshire town. ‘Skeggy’, as it’s affectionately known, has rollercoaster rides and a seal sanctuary plus a blue flag beach. Skegness has something for everyone! We enjoy a day out in Lincoln and also view the Wolds, a nationally important and cherished landscape. The Quorn Hotel receives excellent feedback!

Monday We call at Stamford, an ancient town of mellow stone and full of old world charm. Middlemarch was filmed here.

Tours whilst at resort

A | All-day in Lincoln, a lovely city, overlooked by its cathedral and where cobbled streets are lined by mediaeval houses. On our way we travel via Horncastle and skirt the edge of the Wolds.

B | A choice today, you can visit the nearby Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Museum (entry not included) where you can experience the largest Bomber Command Museum in the country and there is also a Lancaster Bomber on site. Or stay on the coach to visit nearby Boston, a gem set in the heart of Lincolnshire’s dramatic Fenland where Wednesday is market day. Later we follow the A153 across the Wolds, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, to Louth. Louth is a historic town that retains a natural charm with its narrow, winding streets and market place.

C | Free day to explore Skegness.

Friday Heading home we stop at Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese, with gardens alongside the river.

The Quorn Hotel

Family owned and managed 4-star guest accommodation situated on the promenade just seconds from the beach.

BAR | LIFT quornhotel.net

4 Days - Fri 11th August 2023

+£66 Single Supplement

Includes Castle Howard and York’s Chocolate Story including KitKat Chocolatery!

Few British cities offer the magical charm and beauty of York. Outstanding architecture and 2,000 years of history combine with bustling shopping streets and award-winning attractions. Our hotel is central so we can enjoy the city whenever we like from our hotel. We have a great day out of York as well as we enjoy a visit to one of Britain’s finest homes.

Friday We head north with a lunch time stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and market.

Saturday We have a morning visit to York’s Chocolate Story where we learn all about chocolate and how to taste it like an expert! Plus, we learn the secrets behind York’s greatest products such as the chocolate orange and KitKat. The rest of the day is free to enjoy York.

Sunday We travel to nearby Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes. It is a magical place, so take your time to explore the glorious gardens and the unique and theatrical architecture of the house.

Monday We return with a lunch time break in Bakewell, with fine views across the Peak District.

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

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Pride of Yorkshire | York

5 Days - Mon 31st July 2023

Single Supplement prices now at P.O.A

This is now a firm favourite of ours based in a British city that offers magical charm and beauty. Outstanding architecture and 2,000 years of history combine with bustling shopping streets and award-winning attractions. This holiday also has four great added attractions, including two famous stately homes, one with a guided tour, a steam railway, and a fascinating collection. Our 4-star hotel is also superb with full leisure facilities including two indoor pools!

Monday We travel north with a lunch time break in Bakewell, with fine views across the Peak District.

Tours whilst at resort

A | First to the Scarborough Fair Collection which hosts a magnificent working collection of vintage cars, steam engines, vintage fairground rides and mechanical organs, topped off with a ‘mighty’ Wurlitzer organ in a spacious ballroom. Then to Scampston Hall, one of the finest examples of a regency country house in North Yorkshire. The first house was built around 1700 and was remodelled to a design by Thomas Leverton in 17951800. This is the house as you see it today, with its magnificent Regency interiors and art collection, and we have a guided tour of it. The gardens, designed under ‘Capability’ Brown, include ten acres of lakes and a Palladian bridge.

B | To Pickering where we spend time before enjoying a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Grosmont. With magnificent steam engines, beautiful rural stations and smartly-uniformed staff it is like taking a step back in time. The remainder of the day is spent in Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history with a maze of narrow streets full of shops. There is then a scenic drive via the coast to complete a great day!

C | We spend the day at nearby Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes. It is a magical place so take your time to explore the glorious gardens and the unique and theatrical architecture of the house.

Friday We spend four hours in York itself before returning home.

Mercure York Fairfield Manor

Fabulous 4-star hotel three miles from the centre of York in its own grounds.

BAR | LIFT | FREEVIEW TV | WIFI mercureyork.co.uk

Kynren

An Epic Tale of England

4 Days - Fri 25th August 2023

+£60 Single Supplement

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including a train ride, Castle Howard, Scarborough Fair and Scampston Hall)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Adults (12 years+) £399

Children (0-11 years) £299 (CHILDREN MUST BE SHARING WITH 2 ADULTS TO GET REDUCED RATE.)

The UK’s most spectacular open-air live show! Plus, Durham, Whitby & Scarborough.

Now a firm favourite with the highlight undoubtedly the largerthan-life Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, the UK’s ‘must see’ spectacular outdoor live action show covering 2,000 years of history and worth every single one of the hundreds of thousands of five-star TripAdvisor reviews. We also spend time in the fascinating city of Durham and on the North Yorkshire Moor’s coast with stops in Whitby and Scarborough.

Friday We travel north with a lunch break in the Peak District town of Bakewell, home of the famous eponymous pudding.

Saturday During the day we spend our day in Durham, dominated by the cathedral with over 900 years of history. After dinner we head to Auckland Castle for the show. Following an early dinner, we head to Kynren, and as dusk turns to darkness it takes you on a spellbinding voyage through history, myth and legend.

Sunday We start the day with a scenic drive over the Yorkshire Moors via Pickering to the resort of Scarborough. From here we have a scenic coastal drive to Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history with a maze of narrow streets full of shops.

Monday We travel home with a lunchtime stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and markets.

Leonardo Hotel

Middlesborough

4-star hotel centrally located.

LIFT | FREEVIEW TV | BAR | WIFI POOL | GYM leonardohotels.co.uk

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Kynren)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal