UK Groups Tours Brochure 2015 by Classic Britain

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P Rail Inclusives P Themed Breaks P Island Escapes P Hotel Centred Stays P Weekend Breaks P Multi Location Tours

Group Packages & Breaks 2015

• England • Wales • Scotland

Inspiring Ideas January 2015 - April 2016

Featuring 140 Group Friendly Member Hotels

Best Available Groups Rates and Exclusive Packages

A selection of 60 inspiring Pac

You can book right now It’s

Left to Righ t: Pamela, Bev, Richar Claire, Su d, Nathalie san, Anne , Heather, -Marie, An drew, Fion a and Mar k

to stay at and where o d to at h eas on w nsure your ing with id picked to e m d m an ri h b n is e e d has b sit hotels brochure Our 2015 uct feature ct teams vi d u d ro p ro p ry & ve s ur sale prices. E riences. O exceptional e. est of expe b e th y ur expertis jo n e g nly trust o ai rt passengers ce n es includin ca ew packag is, so you n as d b n r ra la b u st of g 4 o on a re ction of 2 ic, and m ded a sele ve to Class ad si e lu av xc h e e e with an ges ar For 2015 w passengers f our packa ur ding your on. Many o vi d ro n p o L e u mfort of yo ry iq u Lux om the co cts are un fr u d d ro an p tl o e p Esca ide” of Sc our Island the “wild-s ickly. e more of se ony to y it sell out qu n ar, a testim opportu and many r la u p o ssic each ye p la ry C ve se e u d ar r rl y u ugh o the wo coach. The all around supply thro roduct we roups from p g d f o an s definitely e d d n as Thousa proach h e we provi ap ic g rv in se al f e o p quality ler and a . Our ap a Wholesa to the high 300 hotels n r e e ve o tw f e o b fortably embership estling com growing m e market n th n rlds. o p am of both wo made its st u the best yo g in g n p, bri Hotel Grou impson Andrew S Director Managing

Handpicked Group Friendly Hotels, you can trust to deliver It has become almost impossible to find accommodation to equal Classic Britain rates Humberside Coach Operator

The staff at Classic Britain have been extremely helpful, ensuring the appropriate accommodation was booked for a disabled guest Scottish Coach Operator

Hotel Membership

Classic’s Value plus promise

Classic is a hotel marketing consortium representing over 300 UK hotels. We act as a Hotel Group, within which we supply Wholesale and Ground Handling facilities. Each group orientated hotel member featured in this brochure has been inspected and graded by Classic for it’s group suitablility. Classic will not represent a hotel which we believe cannot meet our minimum requirements and your expectations.

Hotels marked with a on pages 44-51 offer added value, for no extra cost to further enhance your passengers holiday experience: • Welcoming tea and biscuits on check in • No Single room supplements on certain dates • Individual Dining arrangements at breakfast and at dinner if requested • Free on site coach parking • Free Wifi available in the hotel

Quality Inspections For our business relationship to thrive and develop, it’s essential you are happy with our product. That is why we make a point of visiting our hotels and grading them to assist you in selecting the right quality of hotel. Approved:

Hotels which meet Classic’s minimum level of expectation Commended: Considered to be average or slightly above average 1st Class: Top end hotels within their star category in all departments

In hotel services All Classic’s member hotels provide as standard: Porterage, Full breakfasts, Min, 3,3,3 choice dinners plus tea/coffee (max table size 6). Some hotels offer a weekly entertainment programme, see pages 44-51.

Reviews Guest feedback is essential, and Classic has gathered thousands of reviews from past guests which can be seen on each hotel page: www.classicbritain.com

Hotel descriptions, review ratings & guideline group rates on pages 44–51

E: groups@classicbritain.com

ckages & Breaks

s quick, inexpensive and effortless

Themed Breaks

Page

Bletchley Park, Proms at Downton, Hampton Court ......................... 4 N.W Waterways, Xmas Markets, Mystery Tours . ............................... 5

Package Content

UK Houseparties ...................................................................................... 6

Classic provides you with a selection of 60 carefully balanced packages varying between 2 – 9 days. All packages have been carefully researched, staying in 3-4 star hotels, we would be quite happy to stay in ourselves and in fact probably have!

Lytham St Annes & The Lakes / The Cornish Connection . ................ 8

Price Pledge

Magic Manx ............................................................................................. 10

Classic is funded by it’s hotel members, which is good news for you, as there is no need for Wholesale mark ups. Due to our close and long working relationship with our members, coupled with the volume of business placed means we can negotiate extremely favourable prices, which we are happy to pass on to you.

Dunoon, Isle of Bute & Argyll’s Secret Coastline ............................. 12

We work with you

Fort William & Voyage to the Small Isles . .......................................... 16

Out of Season Ideas . ............................................................................... 7 Eastbourne for Singles / Luxury Singles in the Scottish Borders . ... 9 Island Escapes Castles & Palaces of Ayrshire & Arran . .............................................. 11 Scottish Islands & Gardens ................................................................... 13 Spectacular Shetlands & Orkneys Cruise ........................................... 14 Oban & the Three Island Adventure ................................................... 15

Classic will do its utmost to assist in the operating of your programme with Classic. We can supply images, supply copy for your brochure, and when you book we do not ask for any deposit. We only ask for payment (unless credit has been agreed), once your room list has been received. In addition, and in most cases, we will contract a further 3 twin/double rooms for you to sell to any late bookers.

Scottish Marine Wildlife and the Summer Isles ................................ 17 Hebridean Odyssey . .............................................................................. 18 Edinburgh & The Hebridean Islands . .................................................. 19 Scottish Highlands & the Orkney Isles ................................................ 20 Skye to The Orkneys on the NW Passage .......................................... 21 England London - “Pick and Mix” ........................................................................ 22 Shropshire and Severn Valley .............................................................. 23

21 20

Englands Lakeland Glory . ..................................................................... 24

Castle Parties in the Cotswolds ........................................................... 25 Derbyshire Peaks & Yorkshire Highlights ........................................... 26

20 18 19 18

Castles & Gardens of South England ......................................... 26 / 27

17 21

Scarborough’s Yorkshire Coaster ........................................................ 27 14

21 18 17

Shetlands

Scotland The Irish “Hop-Scotch” .......................................................................... 32 All Inclusives / Perthshire Drams & Flings .......................................... 33

Castle Parties in the Scottish Borders ................................................ 34

Waterways of Scotland ......................................................................... 35 32

Wonderful Wales ................................................................................... 29 Welsh Highlands, Anglesey & Puffin Island ....................................... 31

WALES Boats & Trains of North Wales & Snowdonia .................................... 30

39 42 33 36 37 42 15 13 39 35 39 16

Romantic Journeys of Northumberland ............................................ 28

Royal Highland Safari ............................................................................ 36 24

Rail & Natural Wonders of Scotland ................................................... 37

Romantic Highland Railways ................................................................ 38 Scotlands Heritage & Wildlife .............................................................. 39

Scotland’s Coastal Journeys . ............................................................... 40 8 31

Boats & Trains of the Highlands & Islands . ........................................ 41 Scotlands Autumn Gold / Scotland’s Regal Heritage . ..................... 42

Christmas / Turkey Tinsel / New Year ................................................. 43

30 31

5 23

Hotels and Group rates England, Wales & Ireland ...................................................................... 44

England .................................................................................................... 45 Scottish Borders ..................................................................................... 46

4 4

4 22

Glasgow Area & South West Highlands . ............................................ 47 Edinburgh, Central Scotland & Trossachs .......................................... 48

9 8

Perthshire & Fife .................................................................................... 49 West Highlands & Speyside .................................................................. 50 Northern Highlands & Islands & Grampian ........................................ 51

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

14 ut 0 2 dO l So

Blenheim Palace 2 days from Highlights P Spitfire Display P Concert Orchestra P Highclere Castle

£69

Fri x 2nts Highlights P Bletchley Park P Blenheim Palace

Fri x 3nts

£109 £149

Battle Proms at Downton Abbey

Bletchley Park and Blenheim Palace

1st August 2015

Kew Gardens Highlights P Kew Gardens P Hampton Court Palace

£109

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and Kew Gardens 7th - 12th July 2015

April - October 2015

Imposing ...

2 days from

Nostalgic ...

Pollinating ...

Weekend breaks providing an insight into

Hampton Court Palace, the setting for the

what made Britain Great. On this fascinating

world’s largest annual flower show and

break you will be visiting WW2 home of code

organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

breaking at Bletchley Park and see one of

34 acres of breathtaking displays, from

England’s most prestigious Palaces. Guided

unusual concepts to ideas to suit your own

tours will tell the untold story of dramatic

garden. It’s a “must see” for gardeners and

events at Blenheim over the last 300 years.

non gardeners alike.

Price Includes

P Early check in P 1nt Bed & breakfast P Lunch on day one P Entry to Battle Proms P Coach parking at Highclere for 1st 3 bookings

P 2 or 3 nts DBB P Entry into Bletchley Park P Entry to Blenheim Palace,

Day 1 Early Check in followed by a three course lunch, with time to relax before travelling the short journey to Highclere Castle. Gates open at 4.30pm. Enjoy a stroll around the fairground stalls, visit the Napoleonic re-enactors or watch the world-renowned Blades aerobatic flight display. The evening closes with Beethoven’s Wellington Victory, performed with a staggering 193 cannons, musket fire and fireworks followed by the traditional sing-along, flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen.

Friday or Sunday (Depending on your travelling time you can either select to visit Bletchley on Friday before arrival at hotel or Sunday on departure from hotel. If you are travelling from further a field, recommend staying 3nts and spending the Sunday at Bletchley.)

Highclere Castle, made famous by the smash hit series Downton Abbey is the setting for this quintessentially English event. Stroll round the grounds, have a hamper and champers on the lawns and enjoy Classical music, performed by the New English Orchestra. There are displays, gun salute, traditional English sing-along, finishing with a Spitfire fly past and dazzling firework display.

We recommend taking sensible clothing, footwear and if desired a picnic, rug and a bottle of wine/champagne. Although, there will be a selection food and drinks available to purchase onsite. Picnic food boxes can be purchased at hotels for an additional charge.

4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell 3* Manor House, Windsor Page 44

1 Aug 31 July x 1nt x 2nts £109

£104

£84

£134

Single Room Supplement between £15 and £20 a night. First 3 bookings receive free coach parking at Highclere. Otherwise it will be a drop off and pick up arrangement.

Blenheim’s state rooms

P Entry into Churchill

Exhibition

P Tea and biscuits on check in P 2 nts DBB P Full English Breakfasts P Choice three course

Day 2 Depart your hotel after a full English breakfast Depending which way you’re heading, there are many places to stop off; from the famous Bath Abbey and Jane Austin centre or, Oxford, the “city of dreaming spires” for shopping and sightseeing or the world heritage site Stonehenge.

Hotels

Park & Gardens

P Guided tour of

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Bletchley Park See the world’s largest display of enigma machines and the “unbreakable” cipher machine, created by mathematical geniuses which influenced the course of WW2, with the process being explained. Stroll round the various huts, hear the stories from spies, the Japanese Challenge, the Home Front Exhibition explaining how people lived during the war, the wartime mini cinema, the Churchill exhibition and much, much more. Saturday Blenheim Palace A true masterpiece of Baroque architecture on the grandest scale. Stroll the imposing staterooms & Great Hall at leisure or join the guided tour, bringing to life dramatic events over 300years. Including the Churchill Exhibition. Wander round the 2000 acres of parklands and formal gardens including the Marlborough maze, Butterfly House, Lavendar Garden and Blenheim Bygones Exhibition.

Hotels

dinners plus coffee

P Entry to Kew Gardens P Entry to Hampton Court Palace Flower Show P Driver free if over 25

paying pax.

Day 1 Kew Gardens There is nowhere quite like Kew for the feeling of utter peace & tranquillity. Meander the Arboretum which includes, Rhododendron Dell & Bamboo Garden amongst a host of spectacular areas. Visit the majestic buildings & glasshouses. There is so much to see & do you will be spoilt for choice. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon for welcoming tea and biscuits. Relax in the hotel before enjoying a sumptuous three-course dinner. Day 2 Hampton Court Palace After breakfast short journey to Hampton Court Palace. Your day will be filled with a dazzling array of floral displays from some of the worlds most creative and innovative horticulturists. From stunning landscaped gardens to numerous marquees & concept gardens. Return to your hotel in time for dinner. Day 3 Start your morning with a full English breakfast before boarding your coach for your journey home.

4* Hilton Hotel, Milton Keynes

Hotels

Page 44

4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell

£109pp

Available Fridays x 2nts or 3 nts arriving:

4* Manor Hotel, Windsor Page 44

£139pp

4/5, 1/5, 22/5, 12/6, 17/7, 7/8, 4/9, 16/10

DBB Price

2nts £109pp

3nts £149pp

Single Supplement £16 per night.

2nts DBB

More Hotels available on request. Single Supplement Waterloo £13 per night Manor £20 per night

Edinburgh Tattoo Hotels Available

Highlights P Liverpool P Mersey Cruise P Salford Quays P Boat lift

Fri x 2nts from

£139

Britain’s Golden Age of Waterways

Discover ...

How Britain became the most inventive and forward thinking country in the world, on this fascinating weekend break to the North of England. Not only will you cruise along one of the most ambitious canals ever built, but also reflect on how life was during the Industrial Revolution. The break blends informative days out, set in serene scenery together with a stay in a first class hotel, with entertainment included.

Highlights P Edinburgh P Thursford P Rochester

2 nts from

£79

Christmas Markets

Highlights P Min 3* hotels P Sell up until 7 days prior P Magical Mystery Tours

from

£30DBB

Magical Mystery Tours

Choose ...

Increasingly ...

From a selection of Christmas markets

Popular mystery tours are a good way of

across the country. Classic has hotels in

printing late availability priced breaks in

the following towns and cities where lavish

your brochure. Savings of over 30% can be

Christmas markets take place such as:

made off normal group rates at a choice of

Chester, Bath, Manchester, Birmingham,

over 250 UK hotels across the UK. They are

Leeds, Cardiff and Glasgow.

particularly popular in the shoulder periods.

Classic has selected three of the best ones:

Price Includes

P Min 2 nights DBB P Single journey on Manchester Ship Canal P Boat lift and canal cruise P 1 nights entertainment P Driver free over 25 paying pax

P 2 nts DBB P Porterage P Driver free over 20 pax.

P Choice 3 course dinner each night P Full breakfasts each morning P Driver free over 25 paying pax P Entertainment for 4 night stays P Porterage

This weekend break can be tailored to your location and

Edinburgh Available from last week in November, is the largest in Scotland, split into 3 different markets. Lots to explore in a wonderful setting beneath the castle and near to Princes St.

If you are operating some mystery tours

Hotels Grosvenor, Edinburgh Kings Manor, Edinburgh (Page 48)

Classic can offer you the solution. With

Rochester very well established and better known as the Dickens Christmas Market is staged 1st 2 –3 weeks in December. The market is set in the grounds of Rochester Castle.

suit your needs. Rates vary depending on

Hotels Donnington Manor, Sevenoaks

production stage and arrange a price or,

Thursford Christmas Spectacular is recognised as being one of the largest shows of its kind in Europe. A 3 hour fast moving show celebrating the festive season, with a cast of 130 singers, dancers and musicians. The range covers everything from solo singers to amazing costumed dance routines. On throughout November and December.

supply you with a list of hotels the next day.

travelling time. If within a 3 hour journey, then Anderton Boat Lift can be done on the Friday or Sunday. If your travel distance is further a field or, you would like more relaxation time then you can add the Sunday night on for an extra £45 pp DBB. Anderton Boat Lift An amazing feat of 19th century engineering, and the first of its kind in the world. Hoisted up through the structure in the elegant Edwin Clark boat followed by a cruise along the Trent- Mersey canal. Continuing to the National Waterways museum with it’s unique feet of historic boats and stories of Britain’s canals & waterways. Manchester Ship Canal A most memorable cruise winding its way from Liverpool to the heart of Manchester, 35 miles in length, through locks and under bridges passing sites of unspoilt beauty, seeing the rich legacy of Victorian architecture. There is a lively commentary telling the story of how this 100 year old waterway shaped the history of the North West. There is a bar and refreshments on board. On arrival at Salford Quays there is a wealth of things to see incl. The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum. The cruise can be done in reverse with time free in Liverpool.

Hotel 4* Hallmark Hotel, Manchester Located near to Manchester Airport this is a great value escape for a short break and an excellent hotel for Classic’s Waterways Package. 88 rooms, and the hotel has leisure.

Hotels Brook Hotel, Norwich

and want to be sure you have sufficient choice, and you don’t end up going back to the same place, or spending a lot of time trying to seek out a suitable venue, then our vast range of 3 & 4 star hotels, we can quickly supply you with a list of hotels to time of year, hotel quality and length of stay. We will always do our best to work within your budget. You can either book your dates well in advance, at brochure call Classic approx. 6 weeks out and we will

Price Guideline 4+ nights

£30

2-3 nights

£34

1 night

£36

Prices are per person per night on a DBB basis. Give us a call or drop us an email with your requirements.

Guest Review 85%

Dozens of hotels available for Edinburgh Tattoo

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Houseparties

An extremely popular choice of destination due to it’s ease of access, location and packaged price.

Classic’s new Houseparty programme is based in a country house styled hotel in the Scottish Borders.

5 Days from £99pp

5 Days £109pp

Welsh Highland Houseparties Price Includes P Tea/coffee & Bara Brith on check in P 4 nts DBB P Welsh Themed dinner P 2 nights entertainment P Porterage

Located in the heart of the Welsh Highlands, in the shadow of Mt. Snowdon. A superb base to explore N.W. Wales as well as enjoying fine food and entertainment.

Borderlands Houseparties Price Includes P Welcome tea & scones on check in P 4nts DBB P 2 nts entertainment P 1 Scottish night with entertainment

Lots of charm and character in this re-vamped hotel located 5 miles from Dumfries with views across the Solway Firth. Relax by the open fire, enjoy fine food and revel in the entertainment provided on 3 nights.

3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Page 44

3* Hetland Hall Hotel, Dumfries Page 46

2014: 27/10, 10/11 £99 2015: 16/2, 23/3, 31/10, 9/11 £109 2016: 15/2, 21/3 £109 Single supplement £48

2014: 27/10, 3/11 £109 2015: 29/3, 25/10, 1/11 £109 2016: 27/3, 3 /4 £109 1st 4 singles no suppl. £15/nt thereafter

Located in a tranquil setting and well positioned for easy access to both the Lake District and North Yorkshire Dales.

Classic has selected Bournemouth for its English Houseparty because it’s an all year round resort, staying in the 4* Menzies Carllton Hotel.

5 Days from £114pp

5 Days from £130pp

Lakeland Houseparties Price Includes P Welcome drink on 1st evening P 4 nts DBB P nights enterainment P Cumbrian themed dinner

English Seaside Houseparties

A similar package is also available staying in Bowness on Windermere at the Hydro costing approx. £20 pp more.

Price Includes P Tea & coffee on arrival P 4 nts DBB P 4 nts entertainment P Free use of leisure P Gala dinner and race night

This is a new product for Classic, which we are sure will be popular. Price is good, location is excellent, quality is top notch, and there is plenty going on in the hotel.

3* Shap Wells Hotel, Shap Page 45

4* Menzies Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth Page 44

2014: 3/11, 10/11 £114 2015: 22/2, 15/3 £114 2/11, 9/11 £119 2016: 21/02, 14/3 £119 1st 4 singles no suppl. Then £15pn thereafter

2014: 10/11 £130 2015: 5/3, 22/3, 11/10, 18/10, 1/11, 29/11* £135 - £150 2016: 24/1, 28/2, 20/3, 27/3 £130 - £140 Single supplement £15 a night (* Festive themed)

Voted by Coach Operators as the best individual hotel provider of the year, the Winnock, in association with Carlsberg probably offers the best house party in the world.

Classic launched a new Highland Houseparty product for 2014 and all dates sold out very quickly.

5 Days from £117pp

5 Days from £109pp

Highland Houseparties

Award Winning AI Houseparties Price Includes

Classic is delighted to recommend this most complete of Houseparties where everything is brought to you within the price. Top notch entertainment, superb food using the best of ingredients, staying in Drymen, just 4 miles from Loch Lomond. It may not be the cheapest, but it certainly ranks as probably the best for inclusions & value.

P 4 nights Full Board P Welcome drinks reception P Wine with dinner P Weaponry display P Full Scottish Show P Live music on 2 nts P Free bar 1930-2230hrs 3* Winnock Hotel, Drymen Page 48

E: groups@classicbritain.com

P Welcome hot drink on check in P 4nts DBB P 2 nights entertainment P Scottish Night with Highland

banquet

Highland Houeparties are popular because the hotel is good, there is plenty going on in the hotel in the evenings and being based right in the centre of the West Highlands, with Oban, Fort William, West Highland Line and Loch Lomond nearby.

3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich Page 51

2014: 17/11** £184 2015: 11/1* £119 9/3 £159 4/10 £198 15/11** £189 2016: 7/1* £117 22/3 £165 No single suppl on 1st 4 singles then £15pn (* - Burns Themed. ** Turkey Tinsel themed)

Price Includes

2014: 27/10, 10/11 £109 2015: 9/3, 16/3, 23/3, 2/11, 9/11, 16/11 £119 2016: 14/3, 21/3, 28/3 £119 Single supplement £40

More out of season ideas on pages 8, 22, 25, 33, 34, 41 & 42

Out of Season

Medieval Welsh weekend with a sumptuous banquet at 13th century Ruthin Castle.

Fabulous 5 day break into picturesque Ayrshire, designed especially for the solo traveller.

5 Days from £174pp

Fri x 2nts £99pp

Welsh Medieval Banquets Price Includes P Tea/Coffee & Bara Brith on check-in P 2 nts B&B P 1nt dinner in hotel with enmnt P 4 course banquet & enmnt

Here, revellers are entertained, sing, jest and feast with daggers and fingers; drinking mead from clay pots and wine from goblets.

in Ruthin Castle

4* Singles Breaks Price Includes P Pre dinner drinks reception P 4 nts DBB P 2nts entertainment P Entrance into Riverside Museum

All rooms are double or twin rooms for sole use. There’s a get to know each other welcome drinks reception, and included is entrance into Glasgow’s magnificent Riverside Museum – voted European Museum of the year.

3* Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold Page 44

4* Menzies Hotel, Irvine Page 47

2014: 10/10, 7/11 2015: 27/3, 18/4 (easter), 16/10, 6/11 2016: 25/3 (easter), 22/4 No single room supplement

2014: 20/10, 27/10 x 4nts £185 3/11 x 4nts £174 2015: 19/10, 26/10 x 4nts £185 2/11, 9/11 x 4nts £174

For many years Classic’s Deluxe Highland Flings have been our most popular out of season break.

Grab a bargain break staying in a waterfront, central Oban hotel with entertainment 4 nights for £84 pp

5 Days £119pp

5 Days from £84pp

Deluxe Highland Flings Price Includes P Welcome drinks reception P 4 nts DBB P Scottish banquet P Glass of wine with one nts. dinner P 2 other nts. Entertainment

The product is very well priced, staying in well known and respected waterfront hotels, with lots going on with a Highland flavour.

3* Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Glencoe Page 50 or 3* Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish Page 50 or 3* Lodge on the Loch, Onich 2015: 9/3, 16/3, 23/3, 26/10, 2/11, 9/11 2016: 21/3, 28/3 Single room supplement £60

Specials to Oban Price Includes

Snowcapped mountains, autumn hues

P Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits P 4 nts DBB P Min 2 nights entertainment P Porterage

the West Highlands a magical place to stay in the shoulder months, and at a

2014: 20/10, 27/10 £99 3/11, 10/11 £84 2015: 23/3, 30/3 £99 6/4, 27/4 £104 5/10, 19/10 £99 2/11, 9/11 £94 2016: 21/3, 28/3 £104 18/4, 25/4 £114 No single room supplement

Classic has a number of hotels offering Drinks Inclusives. Also see Pages xx and xx.

From £35pppn

Price Includes P Welcome hot drink on check in P 2-3 nts DBB P Min 1 nts enmnt – 2 nt stays P Min 2 nts enmnt – 3 nt stays P Porterage

Based in hotels all over the UK. Here is just a sample. Enjoy all this for a fraction of the price you’d pay at Christmas and New Year.

Arrive 27 Dec x 2 or 3 nts (2014 & 2015) 2* Regent Hotel, Oban p50 3* York House, Eastbourne p44 3* Gretna Hall, Gretna Green p46

£30 £45 £42

4* Redwood Hotel, Bristol p44 £40 3* Hetland Hall Hotel, Dumfries p46 £33 Price is pppn DBB. Single supplement between £0 - £15/nt

Festive Breaks on page 43

fraction of summer prices too.

2* Regent Hotel, Oban Page 50

Continue your festive joy with one of Classic’s fabulous Twixmas breaks.

Twixmas Breaks

and mists rolling in from the sea make

5 Days from £135pp

Drinks Inclusives Price Includes

Featured destination is Dunoon, easily accessible and lovely setting overlooking the Firth. Plenty happening in the hotels and ample days out options available.

P Welcome drinks reception P Return ferry Gourock - Dunoon P 4 nts DBB P 4 drinks each night P 3 nts live entertainment P Porterage 3* Argyll Hotel, Dunoon Page 47

2014: 10/11 £135 2015: 16/3, 6/4, 5/10, 16/11, 7/12 £135 £149 2016: 7/3 £149 4/4 £154 Single Supplement £32 (Also see Page 31)

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

w Ne

Seaside Frolics

Lytham St Annes pier Highlights P Lake District & cruise P Morecambe P Southport P Blackpool Illuminations (Sept-Nov)

Looe & beach Highlights P Lost Gardens of Heligan P Plymouth P St Austell P Falmouth P Maritime Museum P 99p bar

5 days from £129pp 3 days from £104pp

Stylish ...

tour based in the charming Cornish village of Looe, with its busy fishing harbour, winding streets and sandy beach. It is an ideal location to explore Cornwall, one of the UK’s most iconic destinations. Looe is deep rooted in maritme history and the holiday blends the beauty of the Cornish coastline with characterful villages & towns dotted along its coastline together with entrances to some of Cornwalls most popular attractions; The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the National Maritime Museum. This relaxing Cornish holiday is based at the totally refurbished Portbyan Hotel.

with miles of sandy beaches. The hotel is right on the seafront. You can select either a 2 night weekend break which includes an excursion to the Lake District. Or, stay 4 nights which includes a day out to Morecambe Bay and wonderful Holker Hall and Owl Centre. Some dates cover Blackpool Illuminations.

Lytham St Annes and The Lakes P 2 or 4 nts DBB P Tea/coffee & biscuits on check in

Min. 2nts entertainment

(1nt at weekend)

P Lake Windermere cruise P Driver free over 25 pax (May-Oct) P Driver free over 20 pax (Nov-Apr)

The Cornish Connection

Monday Arrive in Lytham with tea/coffee & biscuits served. Tuesday Southport After a free morning to relax in Lytham St Annes, we travel along the coast to Southport on the south side of

P Welcome tea & scones on check in P 4 or 6 nights DBB P Evening entertainment Programme P Entry to Lost Gardens of Heligan

Day 2 Looe Free day in this pretty Cornish village with it’s “banjo-shaped” working fishing harbour. Watch the days catch being auctioned on the quayside, stroll round the narrow streets snaking down to the white sandy beach, with curiosity shops, bars and eateries, with many buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Victorian resort, with lovely gardens and

P Entry into National Maritime

many shops on Lord Street, or stroll along

Friday Arrive early afternoon, relax or explore Lytham. Early dinner followed by a drive through the famous illuminations.

(Illuminations dates, back for an early dinner

Saturday Lake District A full day visiting Bowness with a cruise on Lake Windermere included. We journey through the Lakes enjoying beautiful Lakeland scenery before returning to Lytham for dinner

Wednesday Morecambe Bay & The Lakes

Sunday Depart hotel Classic can add additional attractions to include on your journey home.

pretty Lakeside village of Ambleside and on

the prom to the Pleasure Pier, where you can enjoy a train journey along its length. followed by a drive through Blackpools famous

(summer)

Museum

P 99p bar 7-10pm each night

(low season, house brands)

P 1 lunch in hotel (out of season) P 1 free place over 25 paying

passengers.

illuminations).

After breakfast we head northwards along the coast with time free in Morecambe. The day continues into the glorious Lake District and to Bowness in Windermere, with a cruise arranged on the Lake. We continue to the to Coniston Water of “Bluebird” fame, before returning to the hotel in time for dinner. Thursday Blackpool A free day to see the local sights of St Annes. Blackpool is 4 miles away. There is a bus stop near the hotel into Blackpool and it’s trams.

Rates & Dates attached.

Day 1 Cornwall arriving at the 3* Portbyan Hotel, Looe with tea and scones available on check in.

3 day Illuminations Weekend Itinerary

3* Inn on the Prom, Lytham St Annes Page 45

Price Includes

the Ribble Estuary. Southport is a charming floral displays. Take a browse round the

Hotel

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from £164pp

Brand new ...

Lytham St Annes is a renowned fashionable seaside resort

Price Includes

7 days from £239pp

5 day out of season tours include the following excursions: Full Day Visit to Falmouth & National Maritime Museum Full Day A day out in Plymouth Free Day in Looe Includes lunch in the hotel

Hotel 3* Portbyan Hotel, Looe Page 44

Rates & Dates attached.

Day 3 St Austell & The Lost Gardens of Heligan The 30 minutes journey takes us to the bustling market town of St Austell, affectionately known as the “Cornish Alps” due to its china clay mountains surrounding the town. After a stop we travel to nearby “Lost Gardens of Heligan.” - a traditional walled garden lost to nature after WW1, but restored to its former glory in 1990. We spend the remainder of the day here before returning to Looe. Day 4 Plymouth Leisurely morning before taking the short drive to Britain’s Maritime City of Plymouth, with time to stroll the Hoe, shop in the modern Barbican centre with cobbled streets and quayside bars and restaurants or visit the Aqaurium. Day 5 Falmouth & National Maritime Museum 49 miles away from Looe is Falmouth, “ The Jewel of the Cornish Riviera” framed by an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the worlds 3rd largest deep-water harbour, 5 picturesque beaches and quaint streets and alleyways in the old town. A popular attraction is the fascinating National Maritime Museum, where entrance is included, giving an amazing insight into the area’s maritime history. The museum has recently been awarded the Best Visitor Attraction in Cornwall. Its15 galleries illustrate the past, present and future of this island nation providing a number of stunning exhibitions. Day 6 Free Day in Looe Time to relax, enjoy the beach and local attractions with lunch included (Oct - May ). Day 7 Depart Cornwall and head for home.

5 days Lytham – Drivers days off on Thursday - All year round Destinaltions

Singles

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Singles

Eastbourne seafront Highlights P Bluebell steam train

P Beachy Head P Wine with dinner

Forth cruise

5 days from pp

Highlights P Border Towns P Floors Castle

£199

and Gardens P Edinburgh & Boat Cruise

Magnificent ...

Victorian times. A place literally bursting with so many things

programme. It is a much loved leisure resort in the stunning

to see and do, with ample attractions, 5 miles of beaches, a

Tweed Valley. As well as staying in beautiful surroundings, we

palm tree lined promenade, a beautifully preserved pier and

have included a variety of different excursions to appeal to as

exquisite gardens all near your hotel. A holiday providing time

wider an audience as possible. A visit to Floors Castle and we

to enjoy Eastbourne as well as venturing further a field to

spend time in Edinburgh finishing with a cruise under the

explore this much loved area.

Forth Bridges.

4* Peebles Hydro is the setting for Classic’s Scottish singles

Luxury Singles Holidays in the Scottish Borders

Eastbourne for Singles Holidays Price Includes P Tea/coffee & biscuits on check in P Full breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Wine with dinner each night P 2 nights entertainment P Single journey on Bluebell steam train

P Driver free over 25 paying

£239

Fun Filled ...

Eastbourne is one of the UK’s seaside favourites since

5 days from pp

passengers

Extra nights only £45 pp DBB Bivebell Railway Eastbourne Alfriston Brighton

Beachy Head

Hotel 3* Shoreview Hotel, Eastbourne Page 44

Available: April – October Rates & Dates attached.

Monday Eastbourne Arrive at the revamped seafront Shoreview Hotel to welcoming tea & biscuits. Tuesday Free day Take in the sea air of elegant Eastbourne. Take a stroll along the Prom., browse round the shops and attractions, relax on the beach. Wednesday Brighton & Bluebell Steam A wonderful day awaits. Firstly a scenic drive through glorious Sussex countryside to board the preserved Bluebell railway, recreating the golden age of steam. It has the second largest collection of steam trains in the country. The 11 mile nostalgic journey takes approx . 40 minutes. We spend the afternoon in Brighton with its superb shopping architecture, Victorian pier and beachfront. The most important landmark is the Royal Pavilion, what is probably the most flamboyant Royal Palace in Europe. Thursday Beachy Head & Alfriston A half day tour crossing the South Downs to enjoy the panoramic views at Beachy Head, reaching Birling Gap. We return via the scenic Seven Sisters of Alfriston, one of the oldest and prettiest villages in Sussex, with its 14th century timber framed clergy house. It was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust back in 1896. Friday Head for Home or stay longer. There are so many other interesting places to see such as Rye, Hastings and Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Choice dinners & full breakfasts P Welcome Bucks Fizz Reception P Min 1 night entertainment P Entrance into Floors Castle &

Gardens

P Boat Cruise under the Forth Bridges P Free use of Leisure Facilities P Porterage P Free overnight coach parking P 1 free place over 25 paying pax. 5th night available on Sunday for £xx pp DBB Forth Cruise Edinburgh Peebles Galashiels

Floors Castle

Melrose Abbey

Hotel

Monday 4* Peebles Hydro Hotel Bucks Fizz reception before dinner, and your chance to meet your fellow travellers. Tuesday Borders & Floors Castle Firstly to Galashiels – rich in history dating back to 1124, then Floors Castle & Gardens. A romantic fairytale castle with its turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. It’s the largest inhabited castle in Scotland dating back to 1721. Its extensive landscaped gardens are a delight to stroll. (Allow 3-4). Returning via the Border Towns of Melrose with its famous Abbey and Kelso. Wednesday Edinburgh & Forth Cruise Edinburgh is only a short journey away, and time is provided to explore this wonderful city. Afterwards, the coach travels the short distance over the Forth Road Bridge to board the “Maid of the Forth”. Relax and enjoy a magical cruise under the bridges, including the 3rd bridge which is currently under construction and towards Inchcolm Island to view various wildlife including seals, puffins and dolphins. Thursday Free Day in Peebles Take

4* Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles breakfast when you want, enjoy the facilities Page 46

at the Hydro, take a swim, book a spa treatment, have a stroll into Peebles, only a 5-10 minute walk away, and browse the many speciality shops and boutiques.

Available: May – September Rates & Dates attached.

Allocation 40 singles or doubles for sole use and 4 twins/doubles

Friday Travel home after breakfast or stay an extra night.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes Fascinating ... Isle of Man - the pearl in the Irish Sea, a unique crown dependency for over 1000 yrs, with the oldest parliament in the World! An island that’s rich in tradition, and steeped in myths and legends. There are over 200 square miles of unspoilt countryside & coastline with hidden coves and superb sandy beaches waiting to be explored. The holiday is based in the island’s capital, Douglas, with its Victorian pier & horse drawn trams.

Peel Castle

£209 £38 DBB

4 nights from Extra night from

Highlights P Mountain Railway P Castle Rushen P Laxey Wheel P Port Erin P Peel & Douglas

Price Includes

Magic Manx

P 4nts DBB P Welcoming tea & biscuits on check in P Ferry to and from the Isle of Man P Train to Snaefell Peak P 2 nights entertainment P Free coach parking at hotels P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Full Manx breakfasts P Driver free over 25 paying passengers

Driver day off option Isle of Man Ramsey Snaefell Railway Peel Laxey Douglas

Hey

sha

Port Erin

Castletown

Hotels 3* Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas Page 45 Available: March – October Rates and dates attached.

Day 1 Cruise to Manx Board the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry from Heysham for the 3 ¾ hrs sailing to Douglas with just a short transfer to your hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Laxey & Snaefell Mountain Railway Head north to the historic mining village of Laxey, home to the worlds largest working waterwheel called “Isabella”. From here board the mountain railway at the “cottage” continuing up to Snaefell Peak, the highest point on the island, with time to take in the magnificent “birds eye” views of the island. Continue north to Ramsey, the island’s 2nd largest town, with time free before returning to Douglas following part of the famous TT course passing the landmarks of Kates Cottage, Keppel Gate and Windy Corner. Day 3 Day to relax in Douglas Enjoy the islands capital with its Victorian Pier & sandy beach. Or take a ride on the horse and cart along the seafront. The hotel is within easy walking distance of all the local attractions and shops. Day 4 Castle Rushen, Port Erin & Peel To the south lies Castletown - once the capital of the Isle of Man and is dominated by the magnificent fortress of Castle Rushen. It is one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval castles, and well worth a visit. Nearby is the busy fishing harour of Port St. Mary and Port Erin with its sweep of a sheltered sandy beach. After a short stop

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proceed north to the fishing port of Peel, considered to be the most “Manx”of all towns. Time to explore the tiny lanes, shops, harbour and museum. Interestingly, Peel is one of the best places in the world to see Basking Sharks from shore. Returning along the TT circuit over Tynwald Hill and the Manx Parliament. Day 5 The ferry leaves Douglas shortly after breakfast arriving in Heysham around lunchtime for your journey home.

The Capital, Douglas

Snaefell Steam Railway

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Island Escapes

Stunning ... New tour blending together beautiful coastal drives and views with visits to some of Scotland’s most proud and well known stately homes and castles. Explore the Ayrshire coast, marvel at the magnificence of Drumlanrig Castle and Dumfries House. We cross the water to one of Scotland’s largest islands with a visit to a distinguished castle and scenic gardens. All this conducted at a relaxing pace.

Isle of Arran & Brodick Castle

Highlights P Ayrshire, Drumlanrig Castle P Isle of Arran P Dumfries House P Brodick Castle P Robbie Burns Country

Price Includes P Entry into Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens P Return ferry to Arran P Entry into Brodick Castle & Gardens

Day 1 Ayrshire Arrive at your chosen hotel to welcoming tea and shortbread.

P Entry into Dumfries House P Full Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinner plus coffee P A Scottish themed night P 1 other nts entertainment P free coach parking P 1 free place if over 25 paying passengers

Extra night from £42 pp DBB Glasgow

Brodick

Drumlanrig Castle

Hotels 4* Menzies Hotel, Irvine Page 47 3* South Beach Hotel, Troon Page 47 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

Ailoway Dumfries House

Turnberry

Cumnock

Ailsa Craig

Strathaven

Day 2 Isle of Arran Depart Ardrossan on the 40 minute sea crossing to the Isle of Arran, known as “Scotland in Miniature”. Firstly, we stop off at the Scottish Baronial styled Brodick Castle, which is packed full of treasures. Its impressive gardens afford stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. No visit to Arran would be complete without a scenic tour around the island taking in breathtaking seascapes over to Kintyre and south towards Ailsa Craig, affectionately known as Paddy’s Milestone. Returning to your hotel late afternoon.

Troon Ayr

£199pp

Castles and Palaces of Ayrshire and Arran

P 4 nts DBB

Irvine

5 days from

Day 3 Robert Burns Country & Dumfries House After a leisurely breakfast, a short drive to Ayr, the regions capital. Stroll round the bustling centre with plenty shops, bars and café’s, or take a visit to the large sandy beach. Afterwards, the coach takes you to the pretty village of Alloway and its associations with Scotland’s most famous poet Robbie Burns. After lunch we take the short drive to Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set

Ayrshire & Arran weekends available

in two thousand acres of land. It is regarded as an 18th century time capsule since the principal rooms and their contents have remained virtually unchanged for 250 years. In 2007 HRH The Prince of Wales, headed a consortium of charities to purchase the House in order to keep this historical jewel intact and accessible to the public. Day 4 Drumlanrig Castle, Turnberry & the Ayrshire coast A full day tour into the Southern Uplands and East Ayrshire. First stop is at the Renaissance styled Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens. Built in 1691 by the Duke of Queensberry & brimming with centuriesold heritage and culture. Set in an 80,000 estate with Country Park and landscaped Victorian gardens. Lunch own arrangements at Drumlanrig. Afterwards, we continue through the woodland uplands of the Galloway Hills past Loch Doon to Maybole with time free to stroll round Turnberry with its world famous golf course. Continuing back to the hotel with fine sea views all the way - the arch shaped Ailsa Craig & Firth of Clyde with the mountains of the Isle of Arran in the distance.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

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Scotland

Awe inspiring ... holiday based in the popular seaside resort of Dunoon with it’s pier and 4 miles of flat promenade. Included is the sea crossing to Rothesay and the remarkable Mount Stuart. There’s a private lunch arranged in the impressive old kitchens at Inveraray Castle, and you can stroll at leisure round one of Argyll’s most enchanting gardens. All this is set against a backdrop of beautiful Highland and coastal scenery, dotted with ruins, castles and ancient sites.

Rothesay

Highlights P Lunch in a castle P Mount Stuart Palace P Rothesay P Benmore Gardens P Loch Lomond

Price Includes

(Scottish night in Argyll)

P Entry into Mount Stuart Palace & Gardens P Private lunch at Inveraray Castle P Entrance into Benmore Botanical Gardens P 1 free place for your driver over 25 pax.

Day 1 Firth of Clyde & Dunoon Past Glasgow and along the shoreline of the Firth before the sea crossing to Dunoon from Gourock. Check in to your loch side hotel with a welcoming refreshment.

Extra night from £35 pppn DBB

Day 2 Isle of Bute, Rothesay & Mount Stuart A spectacular day awaits, travelling over the Kyles of Bute, stopping for some photos, before catching the short sea crossing over to the Isle of Bute. We spend time in the Victorian seaside resort of Rothesay. The highlight of the day is the impressive Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, a testament to the Stuart’s passion and flamboyance. A lavish Palace, arguably one of the best in the UK, with sumptuous rich rooms and a 300 acre labyrinth of impressive gardens.

Crinan Canal

Inveraray

Benmore Gardens Dunoon Rothesay & Mount Stuart

Arrochar Loch Lomond Glasgow Edinburgh Ayr Gretna Dumfries Carlisle

Hotels Page 47 3* Argyll Hotel, Dunoon 3* Royal Marine Hotel, Dunoon

Inveraray Castle Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

£194pp

Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Argyll’s Secret Coastline

P Welcome refreshment on check in P 4 nts DBB P Ferry crossings as described P Min 2 nts entertainment

5 days from

Day 3 Inveraray, Castle Lunch & Secret Coast After a leisurely breakfast we depart Dunoon, hugging the shoreline of Loch Fyne to the Georgian town of Inveraray. We spend time in this historic market town with its many shops and attractions such as 19th century Inveraray Jail. Nearby is Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. We have arranged for you to have lunch in the old kitchens of the castle. Afterwards, you can stroll round the beautiful castle grounds leading down to the loch We return along Argyll’s secret coastline, one of the most

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beautiful scenic drives in Scotland via Otter ferry and Kilfinan towards Tignabruaich, passing the tiny village of Strachur, where the late Sir Fitzroy McLean lived – a famous soldier from which, it is believed, 007 – James Bond is based. Back in plenty time to prepare for a Scottish night with haggis, Scottish music and dance. Day 4 Benmore Gardens & Loch Lomond Another wonderful day out. We take the short sea crossing over on to the mainland and head towards Loch Lomond. “The Queen of Scottish Lochs”. Time free at Lomond Shores retail outlet, with many easy walks on the loch side, or take one of the short cruises out into the loch. We continue north along the loch side to Arrochar before descending to Benmore Botanical Gardens, set in a majestic mountain setting – a place of vital mystery and enchantment. We spend a couple of hours here roaming the gardens, before the short journey back to Dunoon. Day 5 Ayrshire & home After loading your coach, take the sea crossing to Gourock. If time permits, recommend heading south along the coast through the popular resort of Largs, with time in Burn’s Country and Ayr before connecting with the M74 for your journey home.

Out of season Drinks Inclusives on page 7

Island Escapes Discover ... Arran, often referred to as “Scotland in Miniature” is the most southerly of Scotland’s islands rewarding visitors with a remarkable diversity of landscapes and seascapes. Gigha, with its population of 110 is quite simply breathtaking – sandy beaches, clear green seas, a host of wildlife and well laid gardens waiting to be explored. This two centred holiday combines a flavour of island lifestyles together with a visit to three of Argyll’s most picturesque gardens.

Arduaine Gardens

Highlights P Isles of Arran & Gigha P Brodick Castle & Gardens P Achamore & Arduaine Gardens P Crinan Canal P Inveraray P Oban P Loch Lomond

Price Includes P 3 nts Inveraray DBB P All ferry routes as described P Entry into Brodick Castle & Gardens P Entry into Achamore Gardens P Lunch on Isle of Gigha P Entry into Arduaine Gardens

Drivers Day off option day 4 Inveraray

Oban

Loch Lomond

Ardvaine Gardens Crinan Canal

Arrochar

Lochgilphead Isle of Gigha

Glasgow Kinloch Brodick

Isle of Arran Ardrossan

Hotels 2 nts

3* Kinloch Hotel, Arran

3nts

3* Argyll Hotel, Inveraray

Page 47 or 3nts 3* Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar Page 48 Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

£269pp

Scottish Islands and Gardens

P 2 nts Isle of Arran DBB

Loch Awe

6 days from

Day 1 Isle of Arran Catch the afternoon ferry from Ardrossan, checking into the coastal Kinloch Hotel. (If an overnight hotel is required on the mainland the night before then this can be arranged at a supplementary cost of £40 pp DBB). Day 2 Arran & Brodick Castle & Gardens Enjoy breakfast in the waterfront restaurant. The sea is only 50 yards away from the hotel. The day starts with a tour over to Brodick, the island’s capital, with entry into the Victorian estate of Brodick Castle & Gardens, with its dramatic setting overlooking the Bay and Firth of Clyde. The castle is packed full of treasures, with an impressive collection of period furniture, silverware and trophies. The surrounding landscaped gardens are pretty impressive too, with waterfalls, wildlife ponds and woodland walks. Afterwards, we visit Arran Aromatics- with their luxury homemade and local fragrances. The tour returns to the hotel taking the coastal route, with fantastic seascapes all the way. Day 3 Isle of Gigha & Achamore Gardens We leave Arran, taking the ferry crossing over to the Mull of Kintyre, made famous in the Paul McCartney song. Nearby, we catch the boat with your coach over to the breathtaking Isle of Gigha, being 7 miles long by 1 mile wide. Firstly, there is a meet and greet from the head gardener of the world famous Achamore Gardens, before entering the gardens with 50 acres of natural woodland, large walled garden, pond area with many rare and interesting plants and trees. Afterwards, a soup and sandwich lunch is laid on at the Gigha Hotel before visiting the vantage points on the island.

Can be shortened to 5 days from £234pp

On leaving the Gigha we head north along the coast to Inveraray for the next 3 nights. Day 4 Free day in Inveraray There are many things to see and do in Invereray from browsing the many curiousity shops to visiting Inveraray Jail. From here many convicts were sent to the penal colonies in America and Australia. The main attraction is the Duke of Argyll’s residence – Inveraray Castle and Gardens. The castle is adjacent to the hotel. This particular castle is one of the most famous of Scottish castles, and featured in the popular TV series Downton Abbey. Day 5 Oban, Arduaine Gardens & Crinan Canal Another fabulous day awaits. Firstly, to Oban passing Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe and Pass of Brander. Time free in the popular seaside resort of Oban. Taking the coastal road south, many island views come into play. Entry is included into Arduaine Gardens, a wonderful coastal garden, influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, 20 acres of outstanding plants, with open views across the sea to the Isles of Shuna and Luing. Further south we stop off at the Crinan Canal, an amazing feat of engineering linking the Sound of Jura with Loch Fyne. Every year around 2000 boats take the 9 mile journey on what is known as “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”. The tour stops for a short while for photos and the returning road follows the course of the canal. Day 6 Loch Lomond, Glasgow & Home Before picking up the M74, the journey starts with another glorious drive along loch sides including Loch Lomond, before by-passing Glasgow.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland Adventure ...

on a voyage of discovery to Europe’s most remotest of islands. Experience island lifestyle, which has little changed in generations, being distinctly different to mainland Britain. The spirit of the Isles and its people is truly inspiring in both its culture and welcome. With the help of local island guides experience the islands history, archaeology, folklore, tradition & wildlife. To complete this wonderful holiday, we have included 2nts in one of Scotland’s historical cities, so you can compare both Island Lifestyle together with the culture of a Scottish city.

The unspoilt Shetland Isles

Highlights P Aberdeen P Inverness P Shetlands Mini Cruise P Guided Tour of Shetlands & Orkneys

Price Includes P 1 night DBB on board the ship/ 1 dinner on board ship

P Entrance to all the guided attractions P A full day guided tour of Shetlands P A Full day guided tour of Orkneys P Free place for your driver over 25 paying

passengers

Drivers rest day is Thursday Orkney

Shetland

Thurso Dunrobin Inverness Aviemore

Aberdeen

Perth Glasgow

Edinburgh

Hotel 1nt 3* Central Scotland Pages 47 & 48 1nt on ship 2nts 3* Stromness Hotel, Orkneys 2nts 3* Perth, Dundee, Stirling or Dunfermline Pages 48 & 49 Available: May to September Rates and dates attached.

£559pp

Spectacular Shetlands and Orkneys Cruise

P 3 nts mainland hotels DBB P 1 night BB*, 1nt DBB on Orkneys

7 days from

Saturday Journey through Scotland taking in the unfolding landscapes & to your selected 3* hotel. Tea and shortbread served on arrival. Sunday Cruise Aberdeen to Shetlands After breakfast you have all day to build in a tour as part of the holiday. There are some amazing places to visit in the Aberdeenshire area - Classic will be happy to advise. The ship departs Aberdeen at 1700hrs on either the MV Hjaltland or Hrossey. You take your coach with you. Enjoy dinner on board with an overnight sailing staying in a 2 berth en suite cabin. Single cabins are available at a supplement. Monday Shetlands Tour Wake up in Lerwick. After breakfast you join your coach & meet your guide for the day. (A driver can be arranged to move the coach off the ferry at Lerwick to assist with drivers hours.) A full day of sightseeing taking in the unspoilt coastline with huge cliffs with an abundance of wildlife including Puffins. Visit the outstanding site of Jarlshof Viking settlement in the south and then Scalloway Castle and Museum and, of course, Shetland’s famous ponies. Time free in the islands capital - Lerwick. Late afternoon return to your ship with dinner served on board, arriving in Orkneys at 2300hrs with transfer to the 3* harbour side Stromness Hotel, Stromness. Tuesday Orkney Tour After breakfast your guide will meet you at the hotel. A full day of sightseeing taking in the unspoilt sea and landscapes, bountiful wildlife, outstanding archaeology and an opportunity to discover over 5,000 years of history. Visiting World Heritage sites of Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and Skaill House, Churchill Barriers, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow. Lunch at leisure in Kirkwall followed by a visit St. Magnus Cathedral. Back to the Stromness Hotel for dinner

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and overnight. Wednesday Inverness & Northern Highlands Breakfast for 1100hrs sailing to Scrabster. (Prov. Ferry times 0630 May & Sept*. 1100 June – Aug). Heading south the road hugs the coastline affording panoramic views of both sea and Highland moor lands, passing Wick, Helmsdale, Brora with its sandy beaches & “fairytale” Dunrobin Castle with its ornamental gardens. Over the causeway reaching Inverness around lunchtime with time free for shopping & sightseeing. (*In May & Sept a late breakfast is included in Inverness area at approx 0930hrs) After a break, we head south as we pass through the Spey Valley to Dundee, Perth, Stirling or Dunfermline and to your selected hotel. Thursday Free Day Hotels are selected to make the most of your last day in Scotland. Simply relax, some hotels have leisure. Or, explore the shops and sights. Or, opt for the short train journey into Edinburgh, where there’s plenty to see and do.

The Ships Both MV Hrossey & Hjaltland are modern, purpose built ships for this route. Cabins have all the mod cons, and the public areas are of a high standard with restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema. 600 passenger capacity.

IMPORTANT: All passengers must have photo ID at on board check-in

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Island Escapes

Picture Postcard ... Oban, “Gateway to the Isles” with its harbour, surrounded by sweeping mountains is the perfect setting to explore the West Highlands & Islands, spending time in the Fort William area and visiting the wonderful Arduaine Gardens. The culmination on the holiday is the 3 Isles Tour, reported as one of the best day tours in Britain, cruising out to the beautiful Isle of Mull, then spiritual Isle of Iona, then an awe inspiring cruise to the unique Isle of Staffa to see Fingals Cave, together with plenty wildlife.

Oban

Highlights P Mull P Iona P Staffa P Fingals Cave P Fort William P Arduaine Gardens P Commando Monument P Seil Island

Price Includes P Min 4 nights DBB P Welcoming tea & shortbread on arrival P Return Ferry to Mull with your coach P Return Ferry to Iona as foot passengers P Leisure cruise to Isle of Staffa P Arduaine Gardens P 2nts entertainment at Regent P No single supplement in Regent Hotel

Stay an extra night from £36 pp DBB Commando Monument Neptunes Staircase

Fort William & Nevis Range

Mull Staffa Iona

Oban

Seil Island

Loch Lomond

Hotels 3* Columba Hotel, Oban 3* Caledonian Hotel, Oban 2* Regent Hotel, Oban

Stirling Glasgow

5 days from

£239pp

Oban and the Three Island Adventure Day 1 Oban Travel past Stirling and into glorious Highland countryside along the shoreline of Loch Awe before reaching your waterfront hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Seil Island & Arduaine Gardens After a leisurely breakfast, time free to explore Oban. Late morning we journey to Seil Island, made famous for the film “Ring of Bright Water.” Cross the Bridge over the Atlantic opening up magnificent coastal scenery of the islands. We stop off at the quaint village of Easdale with its whitewashed fisherman cottages. Day 3 Three Isles Tour Today is the highlight of the holiday. Firstly, the ferry to beautiful Mull. Journey south taking in the imposing Duart Castle, before reaching Fionnphort - the most westerly point of the island, before boarding the short ferry crossing to the small island of Iona with its famous abbey - the resting place of over 100 Scottish Kings and the birthplace of Christianity within Britain. We spend approx 2 hrs exploring this spiritual isle. Then the highlight is an inspiring visit to the unique Isle of Staffa and Fingals cave with time on the island before returning to Oban in time for dinner.

ferry point. On Mull a private coach and driver will be waiting at the ferry terminal to conduct the tour of the islands. Extra cost £20 pp. Day 4 Fort William A scenic coastal drive along the shoreline of the loch takes you to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Time free to explore the main town of the West Highlands. A short drive to Neptune’s Staircase, and see the boats navigating the 8 locks of the Caledonian Canal. We then continue the journey along the side of the canal to Gairlochy before stopping off at the Commando Monument in Spean Bridge . It is in this area that thousands of elite Commandos trained during WW2. Day 5 Depart hotel via Loch Lomond and Glasgow.

Page 50

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

Driver Day off option Passengers can enjoy the Three Isles Adventure without your coach. Hotels are no more than 300 yards from the

Best months for Wildlife spotting May – July

Mendelssohn’s Fingals Cave, Staffa

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes Encapsulating ... holiday set against a backdrop of mountains lochs and glens. A holiday visiting the small isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum, with it’s abundant wildlife. Sit back and enjoy a journey on a mountain gondola with amazing views of Ben Nevis finishing with a wonderful day out along the Great Glen and Loch Ness to Inverness.

Fort William from the top of the Gondola

Highlights P Small Isles Cruise P Mountain Gondola P Road to the Isles P Loch Ness & Inverness P Kinloch Castle P Neptunes Staircase

Price Includes

Monday: The Highlands sit back and take in the scenery as it unfolds before you – gliding through majestic Glencoe before arriving at your loch view hotel.

into Kinloch Castle

P Free on-site coach parking P 1 free place over 25 paying passengers

Extra night from £50pp DBB Inverness

Cruise

Mallaig

Loch Ness Mountain Gondola

Rum

Fort William Stirling

Glasgow

Hotel 3* West End Hotel, Fort William 81% Guest Review, 44 Bedrooms, Lift Lochside & central and in our opinion the best hotel in the town for groups. It is small enough to care, and food and service is spot on.

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

£234pp

Fort William and Voyage to the Small Isles

P 4nts DBB P Full hot breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners P Mountain Gondola ride P Cruise to the Small Isles P Guided Tour and entrance

5 days from

available on request. £3 single & £5 return payable on island). Arriving back in Mallaig at 1725 hrs.

Tuesday: Loch Ness Circular & Inverness Today we head for Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Much of the 66 mile journey hugs the shoreline of Loch Ness. We stop off at Fort Augustus at the head of the loch before proceeding past Urquhart Castle, where many “supposed” sightings of Nessie have been made. Time free in Inverness, we return down the eastern side of the loch, with more open vistas of loch and mountains. Back in plenty time for dinner. Wednesday: Small Isles Cruise Probably the highlight of the holiday will be the cruise to the small isles. The journey starts with a fabulous drive along the “Road to the Isles” stopping off at Glenfinnan and the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument. Arriving in the coastal town of Mallaig to board the ship as foot passengers (dept 1015). Sit back and relax as the scenery of the small isles of Muck and Eigg is brought to you, with every chance of spotting abundant wildlife with many seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and basking sharks in these waters. On Rum we have arranged for a guide to meet you with a private tour of lavish Kinloch Castle. There is approx. 20 minutes walk from the ferry terminal to Kinloch Castle. (Buggy transfer

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Thursday: Lochaber and Mountain Gondola Morning at leisure to explore the West Highlands main town. After lunch, the coach departs on a local tour visiting Neptunes Staircase, a series of 8 lock gates on the Caledonian Canal, then we venture over to Aonach Mhor where the mountain cable car is waiting to transport you 2,300 feet up into the mountains, with fantastic views of Ben Nevis, Britain highest mountain. At the top there are some easy walks, an observation platform, shop and cosy café overlooking the glen. Returning in time for dinner. Friday: After breakfast time to head for home.

Mallaig, with Isles of Eigg and Rum

All days sold out in 2014

Island Escapes Breathtaking ... two centre holiday based on the Atlantic coastline is designed for nature lovers and for those who lime the great outdoors. A unique tour, now in it’s 5th year, has become one of Classic’s most popular holidays. It’s certainly different, and will appeal to those who wish to explore the unspoilt & more inaccessible regions of the West Highland coastline. Included are 2 cruises – one to the mystical Isles of Eigg and Rum and the second a Summer Isles cruise with every opportunity of seeing abundant wildlife including whales, eagles, dolphins, basking sharks, seals and more. Ending the tour at the Osprey Centre.

The Summer Isles

Highlights P Small Isles cruise P Wildlife cruise P Isle of Skye P Osprey Centre P Ullapool

Price Includes

arrival

Castle or Continue cruise to Isle of Canna P Tea & Biscuits at the Caledonian Hotel P 1 night entertainment staying in Caledonian Hotel P Summer Isles & Marine Wildlife cruise P Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye P Entry into Osprey Centre (April-31 August)

Monday The West Highlands Through Glencoe, past

Friday Marine Wildlife & Summer Isles Cruise After

Fort William to your beach and island view hotel for the

breakfast we head to Ullapool, (if staying in the

next 3 nights.

Caledonian Hotel, the cruise is about 200 yards walk

Tuesday Isles of Eigg & Rum Very few tours venture this far, only seeing these two beautiful islands from the mainland. A cruise from Mallaig to Rum passing Eigg is quite simply “a different kettle of fish”. Not only will you have the opportunity of seeing abundant wildlife around the islands from dolphins and whales to sea eagles & basking sharks, but also experience island life style

Wednesday Drivers Day off

Ullapool

which has little changed for generations. On Rum, we have arranged a specially guided tour of the flamboyant Kinloch Castle. (There is approx 20 minute walk from the ferry terminal to the castle, a shuttle buggy is available

Gairloch

£3 one way £5 return, payable on the island. Walking

Inverness

Skye

shoes recommended). Passengers can, if they so wish, stay on the ship and cruise further out to the Isle of

Plockton

Boat of Garten Mallaig

Canna, returning to Rum to collect other passengers. Arrive Mallaig at approx 1800hrs. Wednesday Free Day There are some lovely beach walks from Morar, and loch cruises from Mallaig. Recommend

Rhum Fort William

Pitlochry

£329pp

Scottish Marine Wildlife and The Summer Isles

P 6 nights DBB P Welcoming tea & shortbread on day 1 P Full hot breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Cruise to Eigg & Rum P Entrance and Guided tour of Kinloch

7 days from

the famous West Highland Line train journey to Fort William. The train station is right next to the hotel. Its not a busy station, only 2-3 trains a day!

away), to catch the MV Summer Queen 1000 hrs sailing for a truly captivating day. Firstly, Mussel Bay, and the colony of Atlantic seals, past Annat Bay and the huge bird colony before heading to the Summer Isles. It is here that there will be the most likely sightings of dolphins, minke and killer whales and other marine wildlife. We stop at Cathedral Cave – a wonderful photo opportunity. Onwards through the narrow channels to land on Tanera Mhor, the last inhabited Summer Isle and the last place in Britain to print its own stamps. We go ashore, explore the island, visit the Post Office or café. On return we pass other seal colonies at Horse & Goat Islands concluding an unforgettable cruise with an abundance of wildlife and scenery which only the Summer Isles can offer. Back on land we head to the Caledonian Hotel for a welcoming hot refreshment ( if staying in Dundonnell Hotel ). Caledonian guests have an option of an afternoon tour of the local area. Saturday The Highland Capital & Osprey Centre Depart your hotel the road hugs the coastline, before the journey sweeps inland past lochs and mountains before descending into the Highland Capital with time

Hotels

Thursday Isle of Skye & Atlantic Coastline Over the

free. Continuing south we stop to see the Ospreys at

3nts 3* Morar Hotel, Morar

sea to “Bonnie” Skye, and to Broadford. Then over the

the Osprey Centre near Boat of Garten ( May- Aug.)

2nts 3* Dundonnell Hotel, Ullapool (23miles)

Skye bridge to Kyle travelling through magnificent

Afterwards through the mountainous Spey Valley

Highland glen scenery & coastal views passing Loch

and your 3* hotel. You can book your stay in Speyside,

1nt 3* Southbound hotel.

Maree and Loch Carron and the Caledonian Hotel

Perthshire or as far south as Glasgow to suit your onward

Pages 50 & 51

Ullapool or the loch side Dundonnell Hotel for the next

journey on Sunday.

or 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

2 nights. Available: April – September Rates and dates attached.

Suitable for all ages, without walking difficulties

On all cruises we recommend warm clothing, gloves, secure hat, walking shoes, camera and binoculars.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes Capture ... the true beauty of the Scottish Highlands and its Islands on this rugged & breathtaking tour. Each day is distinctively different. Magical cruises to the Isles with abundant wildlife. Sample island lifestyle and learn about their ancient history spanning back over 5000 years. Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis Highlights P Isle of Skye P The Uists P Fort William P Inverness P Guided tour of Lewis & Harris P Ullapool

Price Includes P 5 nights DBB, P All ferry crossings as shown, P Services of a local & experienced guide

for full day tour of Lewis & Harris

P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee

each evening

P Entrance into the Black Houses and

Museum

P 1 Light lunch P Full breakfast each morning P Free place for your driver over 25 paying passengers (Prices based on minimum 20 paying passengers)

Driver day off option Day 4 Lewis Harris Ullapool Uist

Inverness Skye

Fort William Pitlochry

Hotels 1nt 2* Dunollie Hotel, Skye or

3* Balmacara Hotel, near Skye

1nt 3* Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula 2nts 4* Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway or

2* Caladh Inn, Sornoway

1nt 3* Speyside or Perthshire Hotel Pages 50 & 51

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

6 days from

£364pp

Hebridean Odyssey Day 1 Isle of Skye Past Stirling, and then into the Highlands. Time free in Tyndrum for a coffee then we climb the road into Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, where wonderful scenery unfolds, with high mountain tops and sweeping moorland. Stopping off in Fort William, in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis. Heading north through the Great Glen and past impressive lochs with a stop off at Eilean Donan Castle, and the 2nd most photographed castle in Scotland. Check in to your overnight hotel, on or near Skye Day 2 The Uists Commencing with a magnificent drive across Skye to catch the sailing to North Uist, with lunch on board (own arrangements). A scenic coastal tour of the Uists passing numerous tiny lochs and beaches, before checking into the Dark Island Hotel. Benbecula. Day 3 Isle of Harris After a leisurely breakfast head north and the sailing to the largest of the Hebridean Islands, the Isle of Harris. A rugged landscape of moorland, deep-sea lochs, and mountains. Against this backdrop is a proud history dating back to prehistoric times. We travel to the north end of Lewis and to the capital Stornoway for the next 2 nights.

settlements, with entrance and light lunch included; the imposing Carloway Broch, a fortified tower dating back over 2,000 years and finishing a wonderful day with a visit to a Tweed Mill, explaining the history of the famous Harris Tweed. Drivers day off option (Coach Hire and driver approx £395) Day 5 Inverness & Spey Valley This morning we depart the Hebrides crossing to Ullapool, and head on to Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands”. Time free before we start our journey south, through picturesque Spey Valley and into Perthshire for your final nights stay. Day 6 Travel Home after breakfast. There is the option of staying an extra night. Price guideline £49 pp DBB Harris Tweed & Uist beach

Day 4 Lewis and Harris Guided Tour Full day tour of Lewis and Harris, with an experienced island guide, including the impressive 5,000 year old standing stones of Callanish (Scotland’s Stonehenge, but older). Ancient thatched “blackhouses”, typical of crofting

E: groups@classicbritain.com

The Hebrides has been named as one of the Top

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Island Escapes

Capture ... the true beauty of Edinburgh & the Hebridean Islands on this awe inspiring & breathtaking tour. Each day is distinctively different. Firstly, explore Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, its castle and the Royal Yacht. Travel north into the glorious Highlands with magical cruises to the Isles with the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and sea eagles. Sample island lifestyle and learn about their ancient history spanning back over 5000 years.

Stornoway

Highlights P Edinburgh P Royal Yacht Britannia P The Hebridean Isles P Loch Ness P Oban P Inverness P Glasgow

Price Includes P 6 nights DBB P All ferry crossings as shown P Guide for full day tour of Lewis & Harris P Full Scottish breakfast each morning P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee each

evening

P Entrance on to Royal Yacht Britannia P Entrance into the Black Houses and Museum P Light lunch P 1 free place if over 25 paying passengers P Free overnight coach parking in all

destinations

Saturday Drivers day off option (Coach hire/driver £395)

Stornoway

Ullapool

Leverburgh Bernaray Barra

Loch Ness

Inverness Pitlochry

Oban Inveraray Loch Lomond Glasgow

Inverness Edinburgh

Hotels 2 nts Edinburgh or area Page 48 Gold – 3* Kings Manor Hotel, Edinburgh Silver – 3* Leapark, Grangemouth 2nts Stornoway Page 51 Gold – 4* Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway Silver – 2* Caladh Inn, Stornoway 1 nt Benbecula 2* Isle of Barra Hotel 1nt Glasgow area Page 51 Location arranged to suit your onward journey Gold top end 3* or 4* Silver 3* or 2*

Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

7 days from

£434pp

Edinburgh and The Hebridean Islands Wednesday Travel to Edinburgh or area Free time to explore the city before dinner. If staying outside Edinburgh, then your coach can take you into the city with time for sightseeing. Thursday Edinburgh Morning free to explore Edinburgh voted one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world. Afterwards, join your coach for the short journey to Leith with a visit arranged to board the Royal Yacht Britannia. Returning to your hotel in time for dinner. Friday The Highlands & Stornoway Past Perth and into the Highlands. Time free in the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry before the climbing road takes you north and over the Drumochter Pass and into the mountainous region of Speyside. Time free in the Highland capital Inverness. Near here we visit mysterious Loch Ness, the largest Loch in the UK, some 27 miles long, and home of the Loch Ness monster. Have your camera with you, just in case! Depart Inverness for Ullapool. On the 1 ½ hour journey you’ll see wonderful scenery unfolding from high mountain tops to sweeping moorlands and lochs. The ferry for the Outer Hebrides departs Ullapool at 1730 hrs, arriving in the Isle of Harris, the largest of the Hebridean Islands at 2010, with dinner waiting at your Stornoway hotel. Saturday Lewis & Harris Guided Tour After a leisurely breakfast, your local guide will meet you for a full day tour of the Northern part of the Hebrides, which in contrast to the mountainous Uist’s is more rolling moorlands. You will hear amazing stories about folklore and history, as you journey through time from Bronze and Iron Ages to the days of Viking settlements and more recent times. We stop off at the 5000 year old

5 Island Destinations in the world by Trip Advisor

Callanish standing stones (undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Hebrides). On to the ancient thatched “black houses”, typical of crofting settlements with a light lunch included and the 2000 year old imposing Carloway Broch, a fortified tower, ending with a Harris Tweed Mill visit. Sunday North & South Uist Depart Stornoway as we travel down the spine of the Hebridean Isles, taking in the superb views overlooking the Isle of Taransay, the setting of the popular BBC series “Castaway”. We stop off at the ancient standing stone Clach Mhic Leoid (Macleods stone), seen from the roadside before we visit St Clements Church at Rodel, dating back to the 16th century. The church tombs are amongst the most spectacular in Scotland. Nearby we catch the ferry to North Uist, a mountainous region with rocky inlets fringed by deserted white beaches and coves. A light lunch is provided in the Dark Island Hotel, before we proceed to South Uist a haven for birds and carpeted with a profusion of wild flowers. In 1941 the SS Politician sank with 50,000 cases of whisky and portrayed in the film “Whisky Galore”. Over the causeway to Benbecula with the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Barra Hotel. Monday Oban & The West Highlands You’ll find it hard to beat the views whist having breakfast over the white sandy beach and sea. You may even see a plane or two land on the beach. It is a commercial airport! Ferry depts 0920 arriving in Oban at 1420. From Oban the day continues through the Pass of Brander, Loch Awe, Inveraray and towards Glasgow for your final night. (Hotel locations to be arranged to suit your onward journey).

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

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Island Escapes

Unspoilt ... seas and landscapes, bountiful wildlife, outstanding archeology and over 5000 years of history, the Orkneys is an archipelago of over 70 islands, waiting to be explored. The holiday highlight is a days guided tour of this amazing island visiting most of the main sites, as well as exploring “Big” Perthshire and the western Highlands along the way.

Old Man of Hoy, Orkneys

Highlights P Pitlochry P Inverness P Orkney Isles Cruise & tour P Castle of Mey P Loch Ness

Price Includes P 5 Nights DBB P Welcoming tea/coffee & cakes on

arrival in Thurso

P Return ferry between John O’Groats

& Orkneys P Full day island tour with guide & private coach P Entry to Castle of Mey P 3 Course choice dinners plus coffee P Full Scottish breakfasts P 1 free place for driver of over 25 paying passengers

Drivers Day off option Wednesday

The Orkneys Thurso

John o’ Groats Inverness

Loch Ness Fort William

Dunkeld

Stirling Glasgow

Perth Edinburgh

Gold 1 nt 3* Station Hotel, Perth Page 49 3nts 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso 1 nt 3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen Page 47

Silver 1nt 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld Page 49 3nts 2* Castletown Hotel, Castletown by Thurso Page 51 1 nt 3* King Robert Hotel, Stirling Page 48 Available: May to September Rates and dates attached.

6 days from

£269pp

Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Isles Sunday: Travel to Perthshire and your selected hotel in Perth or Dunkeld for your overnight stay. Monday: Inverness & the Far North After breakfast head north and into the Highlands, with a short stop in Pitlochry. Continue into the Spey Valley passing the imposing Blair Atholl Castle, reaching Inverness about lunchtime, with free time to explore the Highland Capital. Onwards along the northeast coast, past Brora with its sandy beach and fairytale Dunrobin Castle, arriving at your chosen hotel in time for welcoming tea/coffee & cakes. (Silver package). Tuesday: Castle and Gardens of Mey Morning at leisure, before your short excursion along the coast & the pleasure of visiting the Queen Mother’s former residence, The Castle & Gardens of Mey, perched high on the cliff tops overlooking the Firth. You will have most of the afternoon to enjoy the castle and its gardens along with the animal centre and tearoom. Wednesday: John O’Groats & The Glorious Orkneys The highlight of the tour now beckons. Catch the 40 minute ferry crossing as foot passengers from John O’Groats arriving on the Orkney Islands where you will meet your private coach & experienced tour guide. The full day guided tour includes visiting most of the main sites on the islands including Skara Brae, The Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Ring of Brodgar, The Standing Stones of

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Stenness, The Italian Chapel and Kirkwall with an opportunity to see Kirkwall’s magnificent 12th century cathedral. Return sailing approx. 1730hrs & your hotel in time for dinner. Drivers day off option – Coach Hire and driver approx £395 Thursday: Loch Ness, Fort William & Glencoe Today we depart Thurso and travel south taking in the ever changing scenery. We stop off at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, for photo opportunities Then onwards along the Great Glen to Fort William with time free before continuing south through mountainous Glencoe. Finally into the rolling countryside of the Trossachs arriving at your hotel in plenty time for dinner. Friday: After breakfast time to head for home. 5000 year old Scarra Brae village

Island Escapes Spectacular ... Scottish Tour taking you on a journey of discovery. Sit back and relax as the beauty of the Highlands unfolds before you. Eerie Glencoe, Lochs & Castles, Isle of Skye, breathtaking Sutherland & Caithness as well as an Orkneys Cruise and tour. Witness a way of life in the far north that has little changed in generations.

Eilean Donan Castle, near Skye Highlights P Isle of Skye P North West Highlands P Orkney Isles P Castle & Gardens P Inverness

Price Includes P 7 nights DBB P Full Hot Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P 1 nights entertainment in Ullapool P Dunvegan Castle & gardens P Tea/coffee & shortbread

on Ullapool arrival

P Orkneys Cruise & Guided tour P Driver free over 25 paying passengers P Porterage Optional packed lunch on day 5 £5.95pp

An Exclusive Holiday Orkney

Thurso

Durness

John o’ Groats

Ullapool

Dunrobin Castle

Gairloch Portree

Inverness

Dunvegan

Balmacara

Fort William

Pitlochry

Stirling Glasgow

Hotels 1nt Min 3* Glasgow area hotel 2nts

2* Dunollie Hotel, Skye

1nt

2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

2nts

3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso

or, 3* Royal Hotel, Thurso

1nt

3* Stirling

Pages 47, 48, and 51 Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

8 days from

£389pp

Skye to The Orkneys Isles on the North West Passage Day 1 Break for the Scottish Border and Glasgow area for your overnight stay. Day 2 The West Highlands The magic begins – the journey heads north along the “Queen of Scottish Lochs” – Loch Lomond, we hug the shore line for over 20 miles. Proceeding on through mountainous Glencoe, where the road sweeps through the narrow glen before opening up to Loch Linne and Fort William in time for lunch (own arrangements). Afterwards the tour continues along Loch Lochy, Loch Garry, Loch Cluanie and Loch Duich, with a stop at Eilean Donan Castle, which is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Next 2 nights in the Dunollie Hotel. Day 3 Isle of Skye the most famous of Scottish Islands. We head to Portree the islands capital. The tour sweeps across the island to historical Dunvegan Castle and its gardens, (entrance included). Dunvegan is the stronghold of the Macleod clan and is the longest inhabited castle in Scotland being over 800 years. Returning along the coast road, with views of the Cuillens, the most impressive mountain range in the UK. Day 4 Loch Maree & Ullapool Depart the hotel & head along the west coast to Ullapool, along the shoreline of Loch Maree, with time free in Gairloch, passing Inverewe Gardens and Guinard Island. Continuing to Ullapool for a welcoming tea/coffee and shortbread & your overnight stay & entertainment. Day 5 Caithness & Sutherland The holiday continues into a part of the UK where very few people have been. It is truly an area of extraordinary beauty. Mile upon mile of crumbling cliffs and sheer rocky

One of Classic’s most popular tours

headlands sheltered bays whose perfect white beaches are nearly always deserted, somewhat incongruously, they’re also home to Scotland’s best surfing waves. A walkers and wildlife watchers paradise, with huge seabird colonies clustered in clefts and on remote stacks at regular intervals along the coast; seals also bob around in the surf offshore. Along the way, we stop off at lunchtime in Durness, the UK’s most North westerly town, before continuing along the northern shoreline to Thurso and your hotel for the next 2 nights. Day 6 Orkney Isles The short journey takes you past the Queen Mums Scottish residence –the Castle of Mey, to John O Groats where we pick up the Orkney Ferry. The crossing takes about 40 miunutes. On the Orkneys you will be met by your private coach and experienced driver/guide. The highlights of the tour includes some of the main sites on the island including Scara Brae, the Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Ring of Brodgar, The Standing Stones, the Italian Chapel and the islands capital Kirkwall with its 12th century cathedral. Returning back to John O’Groats and your hotel. Day 7 Inverness & Pitlochry Heading south it is worthwhile stopping off to see the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. On to the cosmopolitan Highland capital of Inverness, with time free. Afterwards the scenery changes into more rolling mountain views as we travel through the Spey Valley and into Perthshire, past Blair Atholl Castle, with some free time in Pitlochry, before reaching your 3* hotel in the Perth or Stirling area. Day 8 Depart Scotland and head for home.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

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London

Pick ... from a selection of hotels, luxury 4* in the heart of London’s city centre. Or a 3* family owned hotel just 20 minutes away by train from the city centre at an extremely low price. Then, if you want, mix in some of London’s most popular attractions, a high tea at Harrods perhaps, or a West End Show. Classic’s “Pick and Mix” London offers you total flexibility to build a programme just right for your clients. London skyline

Hotels

“Pick and Mix” London

1. Select your hotel and dates Prices shown are per person per night sharing including Bed, Full Breakfast and arrangements to visit any of the shown London Museums.

Radisson Blu Grafton Hotel

From £32 pppn B&B 2. Add on Attractions, Afternoon Tea or a West End Show

Luxury £65pp B&B £15pp

There’s a pleasing buzz to this luxury 4* hotel, reflecting the energy of it’s Tottenham Court Road location. Ideal for easy access to the City & West End. Rooms are peaceful, stylish and ergonomically designed for ultimate relaxation. Stay Fri/Sat/Sun. Min. 1 night stay, must cover Sunday night. Fri: 1/5, 10/7, 1/8, 7/8, 14/8, 21/8, 4/9

South East London Clarendon Hotel

Guided Tour £22pp Audio Tour £17pp

£32pp B&B £18pp

Victoria & Albert Museum Natural History Museum Science Museum

Royal Museums Greenwich National Gallery Tate Modern British Museum

£18pp

More hotels and other dates available on request.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Houses of Parliament

The Shard

Take a unique guided tour around this Parliament powerhouse. Gaining insight into the House of Commons, House of Lords, Queen’s Robing room, Royal Gallery, Central Lobby and St Stephens Hall. Available Saturdays, Guide book included. Guided Tour lasts 1 ¾ hours. Pick up and drop off outside. Non guided Audio Tours also available.

£25pp

Feel on top of the world. At 1,017ft tall, the tallest & probably the most dramatic looking building in Europe, The Shard is a marvel in the centre of London. The open-air floor will take your breath away, 360 degree view, 40 miles long over The Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and much more. It is one of London’s most popular attractions. Pick up/drop off available.

£12pp

“Wicked”

Experience the sights of London from the best seat in town. Capture the spectacular Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, O2, St. James Park and spectacular city skyline all from your capsule in the sky. Journey lasts 45 minutes. Free coach-parking bay for 20 minutes to drop off and pick up your group.

Experience that ‘Centre Court’ feeling with the Centre Court 360 degree platform. Take an all access tour around the grounds rich in history. In the Museum learn about the legendary players past and present. This is a guided tour lasting approx 2 ½ hours. Free coach parking included.

Lord’s Cricket Ground & Museum

(Special exhibitions within each museum require purchased tickets).

Single supplement: Grafton Hotel: £35 per night. Clarendon Hotel £15 per night.

£26pp

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Stay Fri/Sat/Sun. Min. 1 night stay. Fri: 1/5, 22/5, 19/6, 24/7, 3/8, 18/9, 9/10 Arrive Sundays x 2nts: 2/8, 9/8, 16/8, 23/8, 30/8

Included in hotel price is pre-booked entry into any of these Top museums

Buckingham Palace Visit the home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Where you can witness the traditional changing of the guard. Wonder around the breathtaking gardens featuring the Herbaceous Border, Waterloo Vase and the Grand State Rooms. Guided tour of gardens, Audio tour of staterooms. Allow 3 hours. Drop off/Pick up points available. (Open Aug & Sept only).

London Eye

Standard

Only a 20 minute rail journey into the City, this fine Georgian Hotel faces Blackheath with commanding views across open grassland to Royal Greenwich. Independently owned 178 bedroom 3 star hotel.

BBC Guided Tour Step into the heart of BBC Broadcasting House – one of the most famous broadcasting houses in the world. With an exclusive behind the scenes look into actual TV studios and newsrooms. Absorbing the extensive history first hand. This is a guided Tour lasting about 1 ½ hours. Pick up and drop off outside BBC.

Take a guided tour around the legendary grounds. Gaining access to the Pavilion Long Room, J.P Morgan Media Centre, Lord’s Honours Boards and the famous Ashes Urn. Not forgetting the must see museum full of memorabilia from cricket’s greats. Guided tour takes approx. 1 ¾ hours. Drop off/pick up point at entrance. Parking either London Zoo or Regents Park.

West End Shows Classic can book multiple shows for one performance, allowing more choice for your passengers, as well as increasing your coach numbers. From prices shown are for mid tier seats the main West End shows. We can book any other show if required. Only full ticket prices apply on Saturday night.

Make your tour special by booking Afternoon Tea at Harrods. See below

Per seat

Performances

Jersey Boys* Warhorse Wicked* 39 Steps Billy Elliot* The Bodyguard* Les Miserables* Phantom of the Opera

£57 £50 £57 £29 £57 £57 £66 £48

Mon-Thu Mon-Thu Mon-Fri Mon-Fri Mon Fri , Sat Matinee Mon-Thu Mon-Thu Mon-Fri

We will Rock You

£40

Mon-Fri

(2014 prices – final show prices may be slightly different to those shown) * Includes 2 course pre- theatre dinner in a West End Restaurant

Afternoon Tea at Harrods An indulgence perhaps, but a very rewarding one. Uniquely British, imbued with ceremony, and something that deserves a little time and attention. (Choice of sandwiches, scones, English fancies and teas ) £33 pp.

3. Contact Classic to discuss your requirements

ds n ke able e e l W vai A

England

Delightful ... Shropshire must surely be one of Englands hidden gems. Unspoilt countryside, lovely medieval towns, lakes and wooded hillsides are all there to be enjoyed. We jump on board for a steam train journey and a visit to historical, spectacular and informative Ironbridge, providing a nostalgic opportunity to step back in time to the Heritage of the Victorian Industrial era.

Severn Valley Victoria Bridge

Highlights P Ironbridge Gorge P Shrewsbury P Severn Valley Railway P Ludlow & Worcester P Bridgnorth & Kidderminster

Price Includes P Welcome tea & biscuits on check in P Glass of wine with dinner on 1 night

5 days from

£194pp

Scenic Shropshire and the Severn Valley Day 1 Arrive at the refurbished Buckatree Hall

Day 4* Severn Valley Steam Railway & Worcester

P Min 1 nights entertainment

Hotel set in its own grounds for welcoming tea and biscuits

Bridgnorth, a pretty 17th century riverport of 2 halves, the lower half is beside the River Severn,

P Entry into Ironbridge Gorge

Day 2 Shrewsbury & Ludlow Firstly to Shrewsbury

P Single steam rail journey

with it’s balck and white tudor buildings and

P Free Place over 25pax.

ancient alleyways must surely be one of England’s finest Tudor towns. Time free to explore

and the castled upper town is connected by the steepest funicular railway in the UK. There are many shops and attractions including a leaning

P 2nts* or 4 nts DBB

Friday x 2nts £99 pp

Shrewsbury Telford Iron Bridge Ludlow

Bridgnorth Kidderminster Worcester

Severn Valley Railway

Hotel 3* Buckatree Hotel, near Wellington See page 44

Shrewsbury before taking the scenic drive through rolling borderlands and meadows to Ludlow - probably one of the most picturesque medieval towns in England, with its river and castle. Back in time for dinner with a glass of wine. Day 3 Ironbridge The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and the site of the world’s first Iron Bridge built in the 1700’s. Your pass gives

castle where Charles 1 lost his head in 1645. We catch the steam train on the 45 minute scenic journey meandering along the Severn Valley to Kidderminster. The highlight of the trip is the crossing of the River Severn. The Victoria Bridge is a massive 200-foot single span, high above the water which, features in the film ‘The Thirtynine Steps’ with Robert Powell. Afterwards, we spend the afternoon in vibrant Worcester before returning to the hotel.

you access to all 10 attractions. Firstly, a short introduction at the Museum of the Gorge

Day 5 Breakfast and then time to head home.

explaining the regions Industrial Heritage. We

Ironbridge Gorge

travel to the Tar Tunnel and Coalport China Museum, showing the hardships of factory working life. Blists Hill Victorian town is one of the largest Open Air museums in Britain, where a Victorian town has been re-created with shops, pub, bank, bakers, offices and factories. The town is set amongst 30 acres of woodland on the banks of the canal. On arrival, costumed staff provide a fascinating insight into how life was lived in Victorian times, and of course, you have the opportunity to cross the bridge itself. Tickets are

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

valid for 1 year, so you can return at a later date as well.

Arrive Fridays x 2nts includes Ironbridge £99pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

England Charming ... Lakeland towns, cascading waterfalls, inspiring mountains and sixteen sparkling lakes has made the Lakes one of the most beautiful and best loved regions in the UK. The area has inspired poets and artists for centuries, and now regarded, quite rightly, as England’s most scenic National Park. There’s plenty to discover on this carefully balanced tour.

Glenridding & Ullswater

Highlights P Ullswater cruise P Lake Windermere P steam railway P Kirkstone Pass P Holker Hall & Gardens P Brewery Tour

Price Includes P Steam Train Haverthwaite to Lakeside P Entrance to Holker Hall and Gardens P Cruise on Ullswater Steamer P Brewery Tour and Tasting P 2 nts entertainment P Free use of leisure facilities P Free place for your driver over 25 pax.

Weekend breaks available on request Carlisle

Bassenthwaite Ullswater

Kendal Bowness Hawkshead Brewery

Haverthwaite Railway Holker Hall

Hotels 3* Windermere Hydro Hotel, Bowness on Windermere 4* Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite Page 45

Available: March – November Rates and dates attached.

£199pp

England’s Lakeland Glory

P 4 nights DBB

Keswick

4 nights from

Day 1 Arrive at your hotel for a welcoming refreshment and take in the glorious Lakeland views from the hotel entrance. Day 2 Lake Windermere & Southern Lakes Firstly, we stop off at Haverthwaite for the 20 minute journey on the scenic Steam train through picturesque Leven Valley to Lake Windermere. Afterwards, we proceed through Lakeland scenery to the famous Holker Hall & Gardens - regarded as one of the best stately homes in Britain. We spend most of the afternoon at Holker, where you can explore the house and stroll the gardens that merge into parkland framed by Lakeland mountains. Return to the hotel via Lake Coniston (of Bluebird fame) and Ambleside in time for dinner. Day 3 Ullswater & Northern Lakes Over the Fells and Kirkstone Pass, which is the highest road in the Lakes and to Glenridding where you board the Ullswater steamer for a one hour cruise on beautiful Lake Ullswater the second largest lake in the Lake District, with time for coffee at Pooley Bridge. Marvel at the dramatic beauty of the fells as the tour continues to Keswick, stunningly located at the head of Derwentwater. Time free to explore this popular town before returning through Grasmere and past Dove Cottage (William Wordsworth’s home) and to your hotel in plenty time for dinner.

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Day 4 Free time & Lakeland Brewery Tour Morning Free to explore the local area. Bowness is Cumbria’s most popular destination, with the town busy for much of the year. The Castle Inn has a glorious countryside setting with many easy walks to take in the Lakeland air. Around about lunchtime we take the journey to Hawkeshead Brewery, an award winning family business, brewing traditional real ales with a modern twist. A guided tour is arranged which takes about 1 hour followed by a pint or 2 half pints in the Brewery Tap room. (The Brewery Tour has some steep stairs and is unsuitable for wheelchair users). Day 5 Lakeland Breakfast Take in the views for the last time before you leave the Lakes and head for home.

Lake Ullswater Cruise

Extra Nights available from £45 pppn DBB

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England

Enchanting ... new holiday staying near to the Cotswolds. Live life like a Lord in a wonderful 19th century Gothic styled castle. Included is a visit to probably England’s most treasured Palace. Spend time in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford and then for chocoholics we venture to nearby Cadbury World for a tour and of course some chocolate! A diverse and excellently well priced holiday offering something a little out of the ordinary.

Shakespeares Birthplace

Highlights P Stratford upon Avon P Cotswolds P Cadbury World P Blenheim Palace P Themed Evening

Price Includes P Welcome tea/coffee and shortbread

on arrival

P Entry into Cadbury World P Entry into Blenheim Palace P Themed Evening with music P 1 other night entertainment P Driver free over 25 pax.

(Over 20 pax in out of season)

No Single Supplement Birmingham Cadbury World Redditch Studley Castle Stratford Upon Avon Banbury

Evesham

Blenheim Palace

Cheltenham Oxford

Hotels Studely Castle, nr. Redditch Page 44

Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

£174pp

Castle Parties in the Cotswolds Day 1 Arrive Studley Castle with welcoming tea/coffee and biscuits waiting.

P 4 nights DBB

5 days from

Day 2 Shakespeare Country Enjoy your first Castle breakfast at leisure before boarding your coach taking you through rural Warwickshire reaching Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon at about lunchtime. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town with it’s many shops, boutiques and eateries. You can board a cruise on the River Avon, or take a tour of William Shakespeare’s birthplace, and see where the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up, brought to life by costumed guides. Day 3 Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace The journey to Blenheim takes you through the Cotswolds – a region famous for it’s ancient mellow “honey” coloured limestone villages such as Broadway and Stow-on-theWold. The afternoon is spent at what is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture – Blenheim Palace. Entrance is included to the Palace, it’s staterooms, it’s 2000 acre estate with fine gardens and the Churchill exhibition. Completing a circular tour back to Studley Castle via Banbury. Day 4 Cadbury World Discover a whole world of chocolate fun at nearby Cadbury

World. Explore the 14 amazing zones, from playing in chocolate rain to having warm chocolate poured over your favourite treat. Uncover the fascinating story of Cadbury from its humble beginnings in 1826. You’ll discover the origins of cocoa, the birth of chocolate bars and with free chocolate to enjoy it’s a fun packed day out. In the evening prepare for a castle themed evening with music.

Out of Season Castle Parties Classic and Studley Castle have put together an exclusive castle party programme which includes 4 nts DBB, welcoming drinks reception, 2nts entertainment entrance to Cadbury World and day out in Cotswolds visiting Stratford upon Avon. Dates in bold are festive themed: Arrival dates x 4nts: 2014: 5/10, 3/11, 17/11 2015: 8/3, 12/4, 4/10, 15/11, 7/12 2016: 13/3, 10/4

5 days £154 pp 1st 4 singles no Single Supplement

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

England

Embsay Steam Railway Highlights P York P Farmers Market P Steam Railway P Canal Cruise P Buxton P Ladybower Dam

An exploration ...

of both England’s first and largest National Parks. Yorkshire; including “Last of the Summer Wine” country, the walled city of York, and the Dales with a trip on a barge and steam train. Then The Peak District, enjoy outstanding scenery following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and WWII Dambusters.

Fri. x 2nts from Mon. x 4nts from

£79 £159

Sunday extra night only £xxpp Bolton Abbey York

Boasting ...

beautiful countryside, imposing castles, fi

gardens, a glorious coastline and attractiv

Skipton Huddersfield

Wakefield

Holmfirth Glossop

Highlights P Sissinghurst P Great Dixter Castle P Nynams Garden P Steam Railway

Sheffield Ladybower Dam Eyam

Buxton

towns, its little wonder that South East

England is known as the “Garden of Englan Discover all this and more on what could be England’s finest break. Absorb in the beauty of castles & stately homes, take in

scenery exploring a wonderful coastline, a enjoy a vintage steam railway journey.

Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Highlights

Castles and Gardens

Monday/Friday Arrive at your chosen hotel to welcoming tea and

Price Includes

biscuits.

Price Includes

P 2, 3 or 4 nts DBB P Welcome tea & biscuits on

Tuesday York We head across Yorkshire to the ancient walled city of

P Welcome tea and biscuits

arrival

P Canal Cruise with hot drink

and biscuits

P Single on Embsay – Bolton Priory Steam Railway P Min. 2 nights entertainment

York. We spend most of the day in York where you can delve into the

city’s vibrant culture, or take time to watch talented street performers.

P 4 nts DBB

York is renowned for it’s exquisite architecture, its labyrinth of narrow

P Entry into Sissinghurst

winding streets such as “The Shambles” and of course the 900 year old

on check in

Gardens

iconic York Minster.

P Entry into Great Dixter

Wednesday/Saturday Skipton, Canals & Railways We travel to

P Entry into Hever Castle &

and Saturday, founded 800 years ago, held beneath the impressive

P Entry in Nymans Gardens

medieval castle. Afterwards, a canal cruise on an original barge

P Single Journey on Steam

Day 3 Hever Cas of treasures wait home of Ann Bol are amongst the garden, water fe plants.

Hotels

Day 4 South Coa Downs on the sc resort of Brighto from the heritag in seaside fun. N dream set in sple a romantic Gothi

railway

commentary). Finishing the fabulous day with a steam journey on the 19th century Embsay – Bolton Priory Railway. Thursday Derbyshire Peak District Before heading into the Peak District, we stop off in Holmfirth, well known to “Last of the Summer Wine” viewers. You can pop into Sids café for a pot of tea! We proceed over the High Peaks with glorious views before descending into the spa town of Buxton, proceeding to the plaque town of Eyam stopping

The Shambles, York

in Castleton to visit the famous caverns beloved by Queen Victoria. Continuing over Snake Pass to the Lady Bower and Derwent Dam, a

Hotels

place written in history by the famous WW11 Dambusters.

4* Cedar Court, Wakefield

Friday/Sunday There are plenty of interesting areas to visit on your

4* Cedar Court, Huddersfield

way home.

Friday x 2nts with Skipton, Canals & Railways included £xx pp

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3* Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury Page 44 3* Burlington Hotel, Folkestone Page 45 3* Chatsworth Hotel, Hastings Page xx

Page 45 & 44 Available: April – October Rates & Dates attached.

Day 2 Sissinghu as one of the mo Castle & Gardens created and colo At Tenterden bo journey through Then, blossomin place of pilgrima

Skipton – “The Gateway to the Dales”. Market days are Wednesday

along the Leeds – Liverpool canal (Includes tea/coffee, biscuits and

Gardens

Day 1 Arrive Ke travel time we re world” Leeds Cas acres of gardens

Available: May – September Rates & Dates attached.

Day 5 Canterbu exploring Canter buildings and cat

Yorkshire voted 3rd Top Places to

England

Leeds Castle

r P Hever y Journey

5 days from

Scarborough Highlights P North York Moors P Steam train ride P Summer Spectacular Show P Whitby & Filey

£199

The worlds first ...

1 free place over 25 paying passengers

fine

Hever Castle

nd”.

Canterbury Sissinghurst

Nymans

Tenterden Great Dixter

the

and

been welcoming holidaymakers for over 350

Sheffield Park Brighton

Leeds Castle

years. Scarborough is noted for it’s Victorian façade, narrow streets, beachfront cafes,

Dover

famous for its natural beauty from the striking chalk white cliffs of Flamborough Head, to the

Filey Whitby Goathland

York Bridlington Flamborough Head

wildness of the North Yorkshire Moors.

s of South England

Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coaster

ent, Leeds Castle & Gardens Depending on your ecommend visiting the “loveliest castle in the stle, complete with 900 years of history and 500 s and parkland.

Price Includes P Welcoming tea & biscuits on

check in

P 4nts DBB with free use of

leisure facilities

P Steam train Whitby-

Goathland

P Ticket for Summer

Spectacular Show

P Choice 3 course dinners plus

coffee

P Full English breakfasts P Porterage P 2 nights entertainment

Hotels

ast, Brighton & Nymans Garden The South cenic south coast visiting the Victorian seaside on, a place overflowing with places to explore, ge of the Royal Pavilion and Gardens to indulging Nearby, Nynams Gardens – a horticulturists endid countryside in the grounds of the ruins of ic mansion.

ury & Home If time permits, we recommend rbury with its rich history, ancient timber framed thedral - A UNESCO world heritage site.

Scarborough

Thornton-le-Dale

elegant Esplanade. The surrounding area is also

Bodiam Castle Hastings Eastbourne

stle More than 700 years old Hever Castle is full ting to be explored. The castle was once the leyn, the 2nd wife of Henry V111. The gardens e best in England – 125 acres including the Italian eatures, walled rose garden and over 4000

£189 £42DBB

golden beaches, gardens, attractions & an

Folkestone

urst, Steam Rail & Great Dixter Regarded ost famous of English gardens, Sissinghurst s dates back to the 16th century with lovingly ourful gardens, divided into distinctive areas. oard the steam train for the 45 minute nostalgic h glorious countryside, passing Bodiam Castle. ng Great Dixter, an historic house and garden, a age for horticulturists from across the world.

Extra nt from

Driver Day off Wednesday

Seaside resort, with it’s 12th century castle, has

Royal Tunbridge Wells

5 Days from

3* Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough 3* Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough Page 45

Red Lea Hotel Available: May – October Out of season packages available.

o visit in the world by Lonely Planet

Monday Arrive at Hotel for a cuppa and check in, in plenty of time for dinner. Tuesday Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors After breakfast enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Whitby stopping off at Smugglers Cove of Robin Hoods Bay. Time free in the working fishing town of Whitby, the home of Captain Cook and an inspiration to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Depart Whitby on the North Yorks steam train arriving in Goathland, famous as Aidanfield in TV series ‘Heartbeat’, and later as Hogsmead in the Harry Potter trilogies. Afterwards, through stunning North Yorkshire Moors scenery including the picture postcard village of Thornton-le-Dale. Wednesday Free Day in Scarborough After your leisurely breakfast you can relax back at the hotel, or do some sightseeing in Scarborough, the “Queen of the Yorkshire Coast”. There are many things to see and do, with beaches, shops, amusements and cruises. Return to the hotel in time for a pre-theatre dinner. In the evening you are booked into Scarborough’s Spa Theatre Summer Show Spectacular. Thursday Yorkshire Coast Firstly , to the Victorian seaside resort of Filey, with it’s 5 mile stretch of award winning golden beach, whitewashed Edwardian houses and quaint cottages. Along the coastal heritage Trail & the white chalked cliffs of Flamborough Head (walking shoes required). Where you can admire the views and the various colonies of seabirds. Then Bridlington with time free to stroll round the beach, harbour and shops. Friday Travel Home Its time to leave Scarborough and head home.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

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England

A rich ... and diverse region with an illustrious heritage. A tour of superb contrasts. It’s not only a land of outstanding natural beauty, but also a land of mighty castles, pretty fishing villages and bustling cities. This holiday captures the scenery, history and it’s tradition. A visit to Beamish, will bring back many memories. A cruise on the Tyne, followed by a steam train ride will explore the industrial age of the North East. Explore the coast including entrance into the 700 year old Alnwick Castle and gardens.

Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Highlights P Beamish Open Air Museum P River Tyne Boat Cruise P Steam Train Ride P Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Price Includes P Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits on

arrival

P 4 nights DBB P Entry into Beamish Open Air Museum P River Tyne Cruise P Tanfield steam railway P Alnwick Castle & Gardens P 2 nights entertainment (Caledonian)

Driver Free if over 25 paying passengers Holy Island Bamburgh

Alnwick Castle

de or

Carlisle

Newcastle Hexham

Beamish Durham

Hotels 3* Caledonian Hotel, Newcastle Page 45

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

Tyne Cruise

Tandfield Railway

5 days from

£189pp

Romantic Journeys of Northumbria Day 1 Durham & Angel of the North are two of the landmarks on your way to your hotel for welcoming refreshments on check in.

Day 4 Alnwick Castle & Northumberland Coastline Enjoy a relaxing day visiting one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe with its leading contemporary gardens. Explore the beautiful stately rooms within the 700 year old castle, and beautiful gardens with its unique features including the Poison Garden. Later in the afternoon, a delightful tour of Northumbria’s coast, through charming fishing villages with a stop at Bamburgh, with it’s impressive castle, and then on to Beal, with views of the Holy Island and Lindisfarne, recognised as the cradle of Christianity.

Day 2 River Tyne Cruise & Tanfield Railway Firstly, the short journey to Gateshead. Walk across the new Millennium “Winking eye” Bridge and into Newcastle. After lunch, board the boat for a wonderful cruise, under the famous bridges, to see the legendary shipyards, Tyne Gorge, and South Shields, with live commentary along the way. Afterwards we complete this fascinating heritage day with a ride on the world’s oldest Day 5 Journey Home Depending on your existing railway, the 300 year old Tandfield travelling time, recommend stopping off Railway. in the cathedral city of Durham. Day 3 Beamish Today we step back in time at the world famous Beamish Open Air Museum, capturing how life changed in over 100 years from the Georgian Agricultural lifestyle to the Industrial Revolution. This living history museum is on a 300 acre site, sample life down a drift mine, jump on a vintage tram, explore the authentic town street, station, colliery, farm and Pitt village.

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Tyne Cruise, Newcastle

Choose to stay either in a city hotel or a country retreat

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Wales

Savour ... the best of Wales, on this amazing 5 day tour. A showcase of all that’s great about this wonderful and proud country. Unspoilt coastlines & castles galore will be seen each day. On this tour we include lots of little extras which make this holiday so different and appealing, such as a trip down a coalmine, a sampling of Welsh whisky, and a wildlife cruise. You get to sample Welsh food finishing with a rousing recital by a local male voice choir.

Barmouth

Highlights P Tour down a coalmine P Welsh Whisky Tour and Tasting P Coastal Railway Journey P Sealife Cruise P Caernarfon Castle P Cardiff P Welsh Evening

Price Includes P Tea & Bara Birth on Day 1 check in P 2 nights South Wales hotel DBB

P Welsh Whisky Tour & Tasting P Coalmine Tour P Single Coastal train journey P Entrance into Caernarfon Castle P Sealife Cruise P Welsh Themed Evening

Driver free over 25 pax Liverpool

Prestatyn

Puffin Island

Chester

Plas-Newydd Caernarfon

Mold

Portmerion Barmouth Aberystwyth Cardigan

Whisky Distillery National Coal Museum

Swansea Cardiff

Hotels 2 nights 3* Mercure Swansea 2 nights 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn Page 44

Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

£199pp

Wonderful Wales Monday South Wales & Cardiff Depending on your arrival time in Wales, time free in Cardiff before checking into your hotel. Enjoy some Tea & Bara Brith.

P 2 nights North Wales hotel DBB

5 days from

Tuesday Brecon Beacons, Whisky Tour and Coalmine Scenic tour of Brecon Beacons to Penderyn. Guided tour of Wales’ only whisky distillery with 2 tasting sessions. Onwards into the Welsh Valleys and to the National Coal Museum, where we travel safely 100m underground to discover what life was really like for coalminers on the Welsh coal face. Time in Cardiff before returning early evening for dinner. Wednesday Welsh Coastline, Railway Journey & Barmouth Northwards towards Cardigan Bay & the popular seaside resort of Aberystwith. Board the Cambrian Coastal Railway on a spectacular journey hugging the Welsh coastline before crossing the bridge to disembark in picturesque Barmouth. Continue along North Wales coast checking into your hotel for the next 2 nights. Thursday Caernarfon Castle, Anglesey, Sealife Cruise Firstly, the short journey to the historical town of Caernarfon, with entrance included into its famous castle. Over the Menai Straights and on to Isle of Anglesey with a tour of the island and its coastal resorts such as Rhosniger before boarding the boat at Beaumaris for a cruise to Puffin Island – home

Additional nights available from £40 pppn DBB

to an abundance of wildlife. The 1 ½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with chance to see the grey seal colony and spot bottle nose dolphins. Back to the hotel for a Welsh themed evening. Friday Depart hotel depending on your departure times and itinerary, recommend a day in the walled city of Chester, or a visit to Liverpool, home of the Beatles.

Puffin Island

Cardiff Waterfront

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

w ry Ne era n Iti

Wales

Fantastic ... opportunity to explore the gems of North Wales. We take a ride on the worlds oldest narrow gauge steam railway with breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia. Visit probably Wales’ most famous castle, culminating with a leisurely cruise across the longest water aqueduct in the world. North Wales and its coastline is recognised as an area of outstanding beauty, making this holiday particularly spectacular.

Portmeirion Village

Highlights P Ffestiniog Mountain Railway PCaernarfon Castle PAquaduct Boat Cruise PPortmeirion PMenai Straights Cruise

Price Includes P Welcome tea & Bara Brith P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Full Welsh Breakfasts

Railway

P Entrance into Caernarfon Castle P Aqueduct canal boat cruise P Entry into Portmeirion P Menai Straights Boat Cruise P 2 nights entertainment including a Welsh

themed dinner

Wednesday Drivers Day off

Llandudno

Chester Prestatyn

Anglesey Caernarfon

Betws-y-Coed

Ffestiniog Portmeiron

Llangollen Aquaduct Portmahog

Hotels 3* Beaufort Park, Mold 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn Page 44

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

Mold

£189pp

Boats and Trains of North Wales and Snowdonia

P 4nts DBB

P Single journey on Ffestiniog Mountain

5 days from

Monday To Wales arriving at your chosen hotel to a Welsh welcome of tea, coffee & Bara Brith. Tuesday Caernarfon Castle & Boat Cruise Taking the coastal route passing the seaside towns of Colwyn Bay & Llandudno to the historic town of Caernarfon, which is dominated by its castle giving the town a distinct medieval atmosphere, with castle entrance included. Afterwards, board the “Queen of the Seas” for a 40 minutes Menai Straights cruise. A perfect way to enjoy the changing landscapes of Snowdonia, with magnificent views of Isle of Anglesey and Caernarfon Castle. Wednesday Ffestiniog Railway and Portmerion Board The Ffestiniog Railway, operated by the oldest independent rail company in the world, taking you on the spectacular 13½ mile scenic journey though mountainous Snowdonia, from 700 feet down to sea level. Pass through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or even tunnelling through it, before reaching the harbour in Porthmadog, the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. Here your coach takes you to the nearby “Italianate village” of Portmeirion A short guided introductory tour with time free to roam

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round this unique setting, made up of about 50 buildings, surrounded by acres of coastal and woodland gardens. Portmeirion has been a location for many films such as Dr Who and The Prisoner. Thursday Llangollen Wharf Aqueduct Cruise Today we head south via the Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. Board the canal boat taking the peaceful two-hour cruise along the Dee Valley, with a live commentary from your skipper explaining the history and local knowledge along the way. The journey will come to an end after you pass over the famous and thrilling Pontcysyllte aqueduct built by Thomas Telford in 1805 towering 128ft above the River Dee. The coach will meet you at Froncysyllte returning through Llantyslio Mountain range with time free in the charming market town of Ruthin.

Queen of the Sea and Caernarfon Castle

Welsh Medieval Banquets - 2nts £99 on page 7

Wales Wonderful ... five day holiday based in the mountainous region of Snowdonia, visiting Anglesey, a cruise to see an abundance of wildlife surrounding Puffin Island, entrance to a 19th century fantasy castle; and a “jaw-dropping” rail journey to the top of Snowdon. To top this fabulously priced tour the Royal Victoria will be laying on entertainment every night.

Penrhyn Castle

Highlights P Anglesey P Puffin Island Cruise P Caernarfon P Snowdon Railway P Penrhyn Castle & Gardens P 4 nts entertainment

Price Includes P Welcoming tea & Bara Brith on check in P 4 nights DBB plus coffee P Snowdon return steam rail journey with

5 days from

£209pp

Welsh Highlands, Anglesey and Puffin Island

entrance to Visitor Centre

P Entry to Penrhyn Castle & Gardens P 4nts entertainment in Llanberis P Cruise to Puffin Island P Porterage & Free on site coach park P 1 free if over 25 paying pax.

Wednesday - Drivers Day off option in Llanberis

Puffin Island Beaumans

Prestatyn

Penrhyn Castle

Caernarfon

Llanberis Snowden Railway

Hotels 3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn Page 44

Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

Monday Arrive at hotel to Tea and Bara Brith. Tuesday North Wales Coast & Penrhyn Castle A visit to North Wales coast, dotted with bays, sandy beaches, villages and resorts, passing Rhyll & Colwyn Bay, with free time in Llandudno. Then to nearby Penrhyn Castle. This enormous 19th-century neoNorman castle is crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork,mock-Norman furniture and an outstanding collection of paintings. The stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum. The 60 acres of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection and a Victorian walled garden. Wednesday Snowdon Mountain Railway Morning free to either relax in the surroundings of your hotel or take a stroll into the village of Llanberis, or seaside resort of Prestatyn. Within walking distance of Llanberis there are many worthwhile things to see & do: Llanberis Lake Railway & Welsh Slate Museum. In Prestatyn, the beach is opposite the hotel, and the town centre is close by. In the afternoon, and adjacent to the Royal Victoria, we take the world famous Snowdon Railway to the top of Snowdon, affording the most majestic of views, with entrance into the Visitor centre included. If staying in Prestatyn, there is a short drive to Llanberis.

Page 6: 5 Day Welsh Houseparties from £99pp

Thursday Anglesey & Puffin Island Cruise Firstly to the seaside town of Caernarfon. Time free to stroll round this historical town with its famous castle. Then over the Menai Straights and on to Isle of Anglesey. We stop for photos at the impressive Beaumaris Castle, a great unfinished masterpiece of Edward I, built in 1295 and regarded as the finest of Edwardian castles. Nearby, join the cruise out to Puffin Island – home to an abundance of wildlife. The puffin being just one of the many species of birds you may see. The 1½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with regular sightings of grey seals and bottle nose dolphins. Friday Final Welsh Breakfast then time to say “hwyl fawr” to Wales.

Snowden Mountain Railway

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

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Scotland

Astonishing ... new tour based in the Scottish Borders & Northern Ireland. A blending of evocative coastal scenery together with visits to interesting and diverse range of attractions from gardens to exhibitions, historical gems to romantic settings. There is dancing and music staying in handpicked 3 star hotels. An intriguing holiday, where each day is distinctly different conducted at a nice relaxing pace.

Threave - Top 10 Garden in UK

Highlights P Belfast P Titanic Centre P Threave Gardens P Giants Causeway P Chester Fort P Bushmills Distillery P Evening entertainment

Price Includes P 2nts Northern Ireland DBB P 2 nts Gretna Green P Return ferry with coach Cairnryan – Belfast P Entrance into Titanic centre P Giants Causeway P Guided tour Bushmills Whiskey Distillery P Entrance to Chester Fort

Driver free over 25 paying passengers Hadrians Wall Dumfries Threave Gardens

Antrim Carrickfergus

Cairnryan Belfast

Gretna

Hotels 1 nights 2 nights 2 nights

Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries Page 46 Carrion Hotel, Carrickfergus Page 44 Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green Page 46

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

£279pp

The Irish “Hop-Scotch”

P 1 nt Dumfries DBB

Portrush Giant’s Causeway Bushmills

6 days from

Sunday Dumfries Check in to the Cairndale Hotel in time to prepare for dinner and welcoming Scottish Ceilidh with music and dancers. Monday Belfast RMS Titanic Exhibition depart Dumfries to catch the 1130 sailing to Belfast from Cairnryan. The sailing takes just over 2hours. Be traumatised by the story and tragedy of the Titanic, where entrance is included into this multi award winning exhibition, extending to nine galleries with special effects, dark rides, full scale reconstructions and innovative interactions explaining the Titanic from her conception to her catastrophic demise. Arriving in Carrickfergus in plenty time for dinner and some Irish Jigging. Tuesday Giants Causeway & Bushmills Another exciting day awaits. Firstly to the coastal resort of Portrush and to the nearby Giants Causeway. With fast track admission to the new state of the art visitor centre and the causeway itself, which is a World Heritage site. Allow 1.5hrs. Afterwards we have arranged a guided tour and tasting at the famous Bushmills Whiskey Distllery – the oldest working distillery in Ireland and over 400 years old. Returning along the spectacular Antrim coast with it’s vertical cliffs, glens and mountain scenery. Wednesday Threave Estate & Gretna After a leisurely breakfast catch the sailing back to Cairnryan arriving about 2pm. On the way to Gretna we stop off at the Threave

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Gardens, voted 2nd in the Independents Top Ten gardens in the UK.. A 1600 acre estate split into four elements – a baronial house, landscaped gardens & themed “rooms”, the Sculpture Garden & Threaves nature reserve. We spend all afternoon here before taking the 1 hour journey to Gretna. Thursday Borders & Hadrians Wall A leisurely breakfast and morning free to explore Gretna Green and the famous Anvil, where couples from all over the world come and get married. You may even be a witness at one! About 1200hrs head east. About 1 hours drive away stop off at the World Heritage site and guided tour of Chester Fort, the finest example of a Roman cavalry Fort in the UK. We return along the Military road, stopping off close to Hadrians Wall to take in spectacular views of the Borders. Tonight the hotel will be laying on a farewell dinner and musical entertainment.

Giant’s Causeway

You can add on a night - only £36 pp DBB

w Ne

Drinks Inclusives

Highland dancers Highlights P 2 Distilleries P Wine Tasting and Tour P 3nts Entertainment P Glamis or Dundee

Da Vinci Code - Roslyn Chapel

5 days from pp

Highlights P Dumfries House P Roslyn Chapel

£164

P Edinburgh P Ayr P Loch Lomond

The resurrection ...

is included in the price! Classic’s new “all inclusive” is based in the family owned and managed 3* Abington Hotel, 30 miles south of Glasgow. The hotel takes one group so you are assured of personal and attentive service at all times. As well as the drinks element, the package includes packed lunches, wine with dinner, entertainment and also entry into two of Scotland’s most fascinating and well publicised attractions.

All Inclusive Edinburgh, Ayrshire and the Trossachs

Perthshire Drams and Flings Price Includes

Sunday Arrive Blairgowrie to tea & shortbread.

Price Includes

P Welcoming tea/shortbread on check in P 4 nights DBB P Whisky appreciation evening P 1 Scottish themed Gala Evening with

Monday Pitlochry, Loch Tummel & Blair Atholl Time free in the Victorian Spa town of Pitlochry followed by a guided tour and a “dram” at Scotland’s smallest distillery Edradour. Afterwards, a local tour of Loch Tummel, the Queens View & Blair Atholl and its white castle. After dinner we get you in to the spirit of the holiday with a Whisky evening.

P Welcome Tea & Shortbread P 4 nights DBB P 3nts entertainment, 1 Scottish

piper/dancer and glass of wine

P 2 other nights entertainment P Guided tour of two distinctly different

distilleries with tastings

P Guided tour and wine tasting at a

Scottish Vinyard

P Entry into Glamis (May –Oct) Driver free over 25 pax (over 20pax Nov- Apr) Blair Atholl Blairgowrie Queen’s View Aberfeldy Glamis Pitlochry Winery Comrie Dundee Perth Crieff Stirling

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Hotel 3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie Page 49

Available March – November Rates & dates attached

Tuesday Wine Tasting, Glamis or City of Discovery Between May – October, entry is included into Glamis Castle & Gardens. An impressive castle, and scene to many “Royal Flings”! In the out of season period, we visit the vibrant and cultural city of Dundee together with its modern shopping Malls and historical connections such as Captain Scotts Antartic ship RRS Discovery. After lunch along the Firth to Cairn O’Mohr Winery. Here they have been brewing up award winning country wines using berries & wild flowers from the local area since 1987. Guided tour and tasting. Dinner & Entertainment. Wednesday Perthshire & Whisky Galore A glorious day out into Perthshire. Firstly, Crieff, Comrie, Loch Earn and into the Highlands - stopping for photos at Dochart Falls. Then, Loch Tay and Aberfeldy, with a guided tour of Dewars “World of Whisky”, a very different experience to Edradour, with a couple of drams to see you on your way. Scottish themed evening with song and dance. Thursday Home passing Miekleour Hedge, the longest and highest hedge in the world.

Both tours are Exclusive to Classic

£164

Everything ...

and re-vitalisation of Classic’s popular 5 day break staying in the “Big tree County” of Perthshire. Now located in the 3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie with entertainment 3 nights, guided tour of two whisky distilleries, Scottish Wine tour with tasting and some fine touring are just some of the exciting things laid on. Available for both summer and out of season brochures.

5 days from pp

Monday To Scotland Arrive at the 3* Abington Hotel for tea & shortbread.

themed

P 3 packed lunches P Wine with dinner each night P 3 drinks vouchers each night P Entry into Dumfries House* P Entry into Roslyn Chapel 5th night available on Sunday for £xx pp DBB Aberfoyle Loch Lomond

Callander Stirling Edinburgh Roslyn Chapel

Glasgow Ayr Dumfries House

Biggar

Hotel 3* Abington Hotel, near Biggar Page 46

Available March – November *(Dumfries House not open in November)

Tuesday Edinburgh & Roslyn Chapel Today we head through beautiful Borders country towards Edinburgh stopping off at the C15th Roslyn Chapel, a truly compelling & unique building surviving the turbulent times of the Reformation, to the Da Vinci Code as portrayed in the 2003 film starring Tom Hanks. Afternoon in Edinburgh returning to Abington for dinner and entertainment. Wednesday Loch Lomond & Trossachs Lying approx. 1 hour north is an area of outstanding Highland beauty. We travel through the Trossachs visiting Callander, Aberfoyle and Drymen before stopping off at the southern shoreline of Loch Lomond, at Lomond Shores for retail therapy, by-passing Glasgow on the way back to your hotel. Thursday Ayrshire Coast & Dumfries House* First to Ayr to take in some sea air, before heading to nearby Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set in two thousand acres of land. It is regarded as an 18th century time-capsule since the principal rooms and their contents have remained virtually unchanged for 250 years. In 2007 HRH The Prince of Wales, headed a consortium of charities to purchase the House in order to keep this historical jewel intact and accessible to the public. Last night’s dinner followed by entertainment.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland Living ... like a Scottish Laird for a few days is a truly wonderful experience, staying in a high standard 3* Castle. Included is a visit two of Scotland’s most treasured and historical houses. There is time to explore Scotland’s capital city, with entry into the new 5* National Museum, bringing together Scotland’s rich and turbulent heritage. The tour concludes with a “Grand Scottish Evening”. This is an ideal holiday for those looking for something a bit different. A Classic Castle Party remains one of our most sought after breaks.

Floors Castle & Gardens

Highlights P Floors Castle P Traquair House P Edinburgh & National Museum of Scotland P Grand Scottish Night

Price Includes

5 days from

£189pp

P Welcome tea, coffee & shortbread on

Castle Parties in the Scottish Borders

P 4 nights DBB P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Full Scottish breakfasts P 1 Scottish themed evening with piper P Entry into Floors Castle & Gardens

Sunday Travel to Barony Castle Located in 25-acres of its own grounds near Peebles. Welcome tea, coffee & shortbread awaits whilst your luggage is taken care of. The hotel has recently been refurbished.

arrival

(Apr-Oct)

P Entry into Traquair House P Free use of leisure facilities P Driver free if over 25 paying pax,

(1 in 20 Nov – April)

P Free on site coach parking

No Single Room Supplement

Traquair House Edinburgh Floors Castle

Peebles Langholm

Melrose Carlisle

Hotels 3* Barony Castle, near Peebles Page 46 Please note single rooms are not accessible by lift. Available: March - November Rates and dates attached.

Monday Traquair House After your 1st nights stay in the castle enjoy breakfast in the Blue Dug Restaurant. This morning, you have time to relax, read one of the complimentary newspapers, take a stroll round the gardens, or have a swim in the hotel’s beautiful leisure club. Afterwards, the short drive takes you Traquair House. Dating back to 1107. A refuge for Catholic Priests during he centuries of terror and a hunting lodge for Kings and Queens. Traquair is a unique piece of living history and one of the highlights of the holiday. In the out of season period, the house is quite often opened for exclusive viewing. Tuesday Floors Castle Following breakfast an exciting day awaits. Firstly to Galashiels, rich in history beginning in 1124, continuing on to Floors Castle and Gardens –Scotlands largest inhabited castle and home to the Duke of Roxburghe. The castle dates back to 1721 and contains many fine paintings and antiques from all over the world. It is a romantic fairytale castle with its roofscape of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. The gardens & grounds are vast being laid out in the early 1800’s. Allow upto 4 hours to make the most of Floors before returning through the border towns of Kelso, Melrose and its Abbey – destroyed

E: groups@classicbritain.com

by Richard II in 1385, is one of Scotland’s most famous ruins. (Floors Castle is open & entry included for all tours between April & October) Wednesday Edinburgh No holiday can be complete without a visit to Scotland’s capital - voted one of the top cities in the world for sightseeing. There is so much to see and do from shopping to the many attractions within the city. In the afternoon, for those who wish, entry is included into Scotland’s National Museum, a 5* Visitor Attraction, exploring the diversity of the Natural world, its cultures, art, design, technologies and Scottish History – all under one roof. Return to Barony to relax, before preparing for your “Grand Scottish Evening”, with traditional menu, the piping in of the Haggis and Selkirk Grace. Thursday Living like a Laird sadly comes to an end as you head through the Borders homeward bound.

Traquair House

Exclusive to Classic, now in its 5th year

e sh

e ic

Scotland

Famous ... historical places are common in Scotland, but none more so than the Firths of Forth and Clyde in shaping Scotland’s and indeed Britain’s heritage. At a leisurely pace we explore the best bits, from a loch cruise on a steamer, to the world’s only boat lift hoisting you over 35m. Be captivated at the landmarks and wildlife on the arranged cruises on the Forth and across the Clyde from Dunoon.

Falkirk Wheel

Highlights P Steamship cruise P Falkirk Wheel P Boatlift P Forth Bridges Cruise P Dunoon

Price Includes

5 days from

£149pp

Waterways of Scotland

P Welcome tea and shortbread P 4 nights DBB

Day 1 Journey into Scotland Arrive at your

various wildlife including seals, dolphins and

P Steam cruise on Loch Katrine

chosen hotel, for welcoming tea, coffee &

puffins.

P Entry to Falkirk Wheel & Boat lift

shortbread.

P Forth Bridges Cruise

Day 2 Loch Katrine and the Trossachs A

into “bonnie” Scottish Highland countryside.

P Ferry from Dunoon to Gourock

short journey through the glorious Trossachs

First, to Loch Lomond, the’ Queen of Scottish

P 3 nights entertainment at Rob Roy

will take you to Loch Katrine. Take your seat

Lochs’ before turning to Arrochar with its

P Full Scottish breakfasts

on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott with the

dramatic mountain backdrop, known as

P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee

beauty of the loch unfolding before you,

the “Arrochar Alps”. We continue along the

P 1 free place for your driver over 25 paying

which inspired Sir Walter Scott to write his

shoreline of Loch Fyne, Loch Eck and the

famous poem. As you travel, the tales and

famous Holy Loch to Dunoon, with time free

legends of the loch will be narrated by a

for lunch. Afterwards we board the ferry

crew member. Afterwards, continue through

across the Firth of Clyde to Gourock returning

Callander with some time free in historical

to your hotel over the River Clyde’s Erskine

Stirling, with its famous castle. With time free

Bridge.

P Bucks Fizz reception ( Dreadnought)

passengers

Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB

Aberfoyle Loch Katrine Forth Cruise Arrochar

Dunoon Falkirk Wheel

Drymen

Dunblane

Hotels 4* Dunblane Hydro Hotel near Stirling 3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen 2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle 2* Dreadnought Hotel, Callander Page 48 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

Day 5 Travel Home After a hearty Scottish

Day 3 Falkirk Wheel & Forth Bridges

breakfast its time to pack your bags and head

Cruise A short drive takes you to the Falkirk

for home.

Wheel, one of Scotland’s top attractions. Your time here will involve a trip on the boat

Wildlife cruise under Forth Bridges

to experience the only rotating boatlift in

Callander Glasgow

before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 Five Lochs Tour A spectacular day out

the world, joining the Union Canal. In the afternoon continue towards Edinburgh, boarding the “Maid of the Forth” for a memorable cruise under the two famous Forth Bridges, as well as passing by the 3rd bridge which is currently under construction. Then, and out towards Inchcolm Island to view

Ask for our Trossachs Drinks Inclusives 5 days from £139

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

st r e B lle Se

Scotland

Explore ... the natural beauty of Perthshire & Speyside in comfort and style, on this fascinating holiday of contrasts. See the Highlands from an entirely different perspective. You’ll have every opportunity of observing an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat, including a mountain top 4x4 safari led by kilted Rangers. A journey into rugged & mountainous Speyside with a visit and guided tour of the Wildlife Park. The holiday concludes with a visit to Glamis Castle & Gardens, the Queen Mum’s childhood home.

Queens View, Loch Tummel

Highlights P Mountain top Safari P Speyside P Highland Wildlife Park P Glamis Castle P Dundee P Lunch in one of Scotland’s oldest Inns

Price Includes

P Full Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P 2½ hour Highland Safari with Rangers P “Wee dram” in a Mountain chalet P Lunch in one of Scotland’s oldest Inns P Guided Tour of Highland Wildlife Park P Entry into Glamis Castle & Gardens

Extra night from £30 pp

Cairngorms

Loch Tummel

Aberfeldy

Pitlochry Dunkeld Glamis Castle

Stirling

Edinburgh

Hotels 3* Birnam House Hotel, Dunkeld 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld 3* Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry 3* Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry Page 49 Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

£189pp

Royal Highland Safari

P 4 nights DBB P Welcoming tea & shortbread on arrival

5 days from

Monday Perthshire Awaiting you is refreshing Tea & shortbread whilst you check in. Tuesday Highland Safari After a leisurely breakfast, travel the short distance to meet up with your kilted Mountain Safari Rangers. Armed with your binoculars and cameras the 4x4’s will transport you in comfort and safety into Europe’s last wilderness. From the tops the scenery is breathtaking. There are regular sightings of Grouse, Mountain hares, deer and Golden Eagles. Stop off for a “wee dram” and shortbread at a Mountain chalet. Afterwards, we drive to the Kenmore Hotel, Aberfeldy by Loch Tay for lunch in one of Scotland’s oldest inns, dating back to 1572. Rabbie Burns was so struck by the area, that he composed a poem sitting on the bridge over the Tay and wrote it in pencil on the chimney breast of the fireplace in our Poet’s Bar - where you’ll find it to this day. After lunch we drive through glorious Perthshire countryside stopping off in Pitlochry.

the Britain as well as many more animals and birds not on show in any other UK zoo or park. Afterwards free time in Aviemore. On the way back we stop off at Queen Victoria’s favourite view at the head of Loch Tummel. Thursday Glamis Castle & Gardens No visit to Perthshire would be complete without a castle, and Glamis will not disappoint. Only an hour away from Dunkeld in the fertile valley of Strathmore is Glamis Castle & Gardens. Admire its stunning architecture, explore its history, legends and myths or enjoy the surrounding beauty of the grounds and gardens. The castle is famed as being the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. We spend approximately 4 hours at Glamis, giving time for the short journey to the rejuvenated city of Dundee, known as the city of Discovery for some sightseeing and shopping. Friday After breakfast it’s time to head for home, via Perth, Stirling and Glasgow.

Wednesday Highland Wildlife Park Today we take you to the Cairngorm National Park, an area of outstanding beauty. Firstly, a Park Ranger will join the coach for a guided tour of the 200 acre Highland Wildlife Park - discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world’s mountains and tundra in a spectacular Highland setting. The park is home to wildcats, wolves, Armur Tigers, red deer, capercaillie, the only 2 Polar bears resident in Highland Safari

E: groups@classicbritain.com

There is no strenuous walking on this holiday and is suitable for all ages

d ve ry o pr ra Im ine It

Scotland

Stimulating ... holiday based in the epicentre of the West Highlands, surrounded by amazing scenery. A holiday with a twist as you have every opportunity of being in close proximity to extraordinary wildlife, with two cruises included, one accompanied by an RSPB Reserve Manager. A journey on the Famous West Highland line will take you through some of the remotest yet prettiest areas of the Highlands, not accessible by road.

Wildlife cruise from Fort William

Highlights P Rail journey on West Highland Line P Two Wildlife Cruises P Loch Tay P Fort William P Loch Lomond P Scottish night

Price Includes P Tea and shortbread on check in P 4 nights DBB P Single Journey on the West Highland Line P 2 hour Natural Wonder cruise with RSPB

with Guided walk

P Wildlife and Scenic cruise in Fort William P 1 Scottish night with 4 course Highland

banquet

P 1 other nights entertainment P Free overnight coach parking P Driver free if over 25 paying pax P Porterage

Longer stays available from £42 pppn DBB West Highland Line

Fort William Ben Nevis

Loch Earn Loch Tummel

Crianlarich Tarbet Inversnaid

Crieff

Loch Lomond

Stirling Glasgow

Hotels 3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich Page 50 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

5 days from

£189pp

Rail and Natural Wonders of Scotland Monday Stirling & the Trossachs Recommend you take the A85 between Stirling and Crianlarich. Welcome tea and shortbread awaiting on arrival Tuesday Loch Lomond & RSPB Cruise An exciting day awaits. We travel the short distance to Loch Lomond and board your cruiser at Tarbet. Joined by the RSPB Reserve Manager we cruise the eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond to Inversnaid, where we disembark. Here, for those who wish, join a guided circular walk to vantage points on the Reserve, learning about the wildlife and eco-systems, whilst enjoying remarkable scenery. The walk takes around one hour. (A moderate level of fitness is required. It is a fairly steep path, with many steps to the viewpoint. Appropriate clothing and footwear is essential, recommend binoculars.) Those not wishing to join the walk can enjoy a lunch or refreshment (own arrangements) in the loch side Inversnaid Hotel, returning to Tarbet at 1445hrs along the western side of the Loch and your hotel for dinner. Wednesday Loch Tay & Crieff A more leisurely day out doing a circular tour venturing into Perthshire. Firstly to Dochart Falls, Killen then along the shoreline of glorious Loch Tay, and to Aberfeldy. The tour

One of Classic’s most sought after holidays

continues to the Perthshire resort of Crieff with time free for lunch and to explore the many curious shops and boutiques, before returning to the hotel along the shoreline of another famous loch – Loch Earn. Then back to the hotel in plenty time to get ready for the Scottish Night and Highland Banquet. Thursday Fort William, West Highland Line & Wildlife cruise After breakfast, catch the mid morning train from nearby Crianlarich Station. This particular rail journey was voted as the best railway journey in the world by readers of Wanderlust Magazine , the bible for independent travellers. On your 2 hour journey you’ll pass shimmering lochs, travel through the UK’s only snow tunnel, and travel round the massif of Ben Nevis. The railway journey takes a different route from the road. Time free in Fort William. After lunch a Wildlife watching tour on the sea loch – Loch Linnhe. Enjoy breathtaking scenery with Ben Nevis in clear view, hear stories of the loch from the skipper. Apart from a family of porpoise living in the loch there are seals, salmon, sea eagles and perhaps a golden eagle. Returning to hotel in your coach through mighty Glencoe. Friday After breakfast its time to head for home via Loch Lomond & Glasgow.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

st r Be ou 14 g T 20 llin Se

Scotland

Breathtaking ... rail journeys capture the contrasting villages and towns of Inverness, Fort William, Aviemore and Kyle of Lochalsh. Sit back and relax as dramatic Highland landscapes glide past you. Go back in time on one of the most well known and nostalgic rail journeys in Europe, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Also includes two other memorable rail experiences.

Strathespey Heilan’ Flyer

Highlights P Jacobite Steam Train P Kyle Line P Aviemore Steam P Isle of Skye P Entertainment P Inverness

Price Includes

(excl West End Hotel)

and Highlander

P Single Rail journey from Inverness to Kyle

of Lochalsh

P Single Steam Rail journey from Aviemore

to Broomhill

P Rail journey on the Jacobite Steam Train P 3 course choice evening meals P Full Scottish breakfasts P Free place for driver over 25 paying

passengers

Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB

Kyle Skye

Inverness Grantownon-Spey

Aviemore

Mallaig

Newtonmore/ Kingussie Pitlochry

Glenfinnan Fort William

Perth Stirling

Hotels 3* Balavil Hotel, Newtonmore 3* Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie 3* West End Hotel, Fort William 3* Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore Page 50 Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

£199pp

Romantic Highland Railways

P 4 Nights DBB P Tea/coffee and shortbread on check in P Min 2 nights entertainment in Balavil P 4 nights entertainment in Duke of Gordon

5 days from

Monday: Travel north through the Borders and arrive at the 3 star hotel of your choice, with welcoming refreshments. Tuesday: Jacobite Steam Train reserved seats on the nostalgic West Highland line, steam hauled. Made famous in the Harry Potter movies. The journey takes approximately 2 hours each way with free time to explore the fishing village of Mallaig. The Jacobite Steam train is one of Europe’s most popular train journey’s absorbing Loch Eil, Caledonian Canal, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument and Loch Morar – Scotland’s deepest Loch. Absorb in the beautiful views of Eigg, Muck and Rum. On return capture the vista of mighty Ben Nevis. Passengers enjoy one leg on the steam train and the other leg utilising your coach. The rail journey is very different to the road journey. A stop will be made at Glenfinnan for photo opportunities of the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument, the viaduct and Loch Shiel. Wednesday: The Kyle Line After breakfast head for Inverness to catch the train for Kyle of Lochalsh, by the Isle of Skye. A rail journey passing moorlands and mountain regions, quoted by Michael Palin as being one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the Europe. Once in Kyle, join your coach for the short journey over the bridge to Skye with time for sightseeing. Returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Thursday: Aviemore Steam & Whisky Trail A leisurely breakfast followed by a short drive to Aviemore with free time to explore the resort and shops before boarding the Strathspey Steam train to Broomhill – most famously known as Glenbogle in the popular ‘Monarch of the Glen’ TV series. Hauled by steam the one way 45 minute journey passes through spectacular Speyside scenery. After time for photos we carry on our journey Grantownon-Spey with time free before returning to the hotel via the Scottish Heather Centre at Dulnain Bridge to get ready for your final Scottish dinner, with Scottish entertainment. (Tours staying in Fort William replace the Grantown-on-Spey part of the day with the scenic drive along the shores of Loch Laggan & Spean Bridge). Friday: Travel home After breakfast start your journey home.

Jacobite steam, Glenfinnan viaduct

Extra nights available from £36 pp DBB

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Scotland

Spectacular ... Scottish holiday located in the “Big Country” of Perthshire. A tour which combines the opportunity of being in touch with nature at close quarters both on land and at sea together with a visit to the Royal Families Scottish Castle residency in Royal Deeside. If you wish, you can join our experienced guide for an easily graded walk round the surrounding Balmoral Estate. The tour concludes with a rail journey over the Forth Rail Bridge followed by a cruise.

Firth of Forth Road and Rail Bridges

Highlights P Mountain Top Wildlife Safari PGuided walk or Royal Deeside P Balmoral Castle PInchcolm Island cruise P Forth Bridge Rail Journey

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Welcome Tea & Shortbread on check in P 2 ½ hour Highland Safari with Rangers P “Wee dram” in a Mountain chalet P Entrance to Balmoral Castle & Grounds P Guided Walk round Balmoral Estate or lunch P Single Forth Rail Bridge journey P Forth Boat cruise P Entertainment most nights Apart from the optional Balmoral Walk, this is not a strenuous holiday, and is suitable for all ages, but not recommended for those with mobility issues. Passengers wishing to take the Balmoral Walk must have a reasonable level of fitness. There are no steep gradients and all guides are fully qualified and experienced, with exit points if required. As this is a wildlife based tour, we recommend passengers wear appropriate clothing and footwea, and bring binoculars and cameras. Packed Lunches can be purchased at the hotel for those participating in the Balmoral Estate walk.

Extra nights available from £

Aberdeen Balmoral Braemar Pitlochry Highland Safari Perth North Queensferry Stirling Glasgow

Ballater Blairgowrie St. Andrews Anstruther Inchcolm Island

Edinburgh

Hotel 3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie 3* Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar 3* Station Hotel, Perth See page 49 Available: April – July Rates and dates attached.

5 days from

£214pp

Scotlands Heritage and Wildlife Day 1 Perthshire Arrive at your chosen hotel with tea & shortbread awaiting Day 2 Highland Safari Time free before meeting up with your kilted Mountain Safari Rangers. The 4x4’s will transport you in comfort and safety into Europe’s last unspoilt wilderness. Take in the breathtaking mountain top scenery, keeping an eye out for regular sightings of Grouse, Deer and Golden Eagles. We stop off in a mountain chalet for a “wee” dram of whisky and shortbread, before returning to your hotel via Pitlochry. Day 3 Royal Deeside & Balmoral Estate A visit to the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home - Balmoral Castle with entrance included for all passengers. Classic has teamed up with Walk Deeside to include a guided walk round Balmoral Estate, with special permission to see areas which are not available to the general public. The circular walk on paths and tracks is 8 miles long and is “easy” graded. The walk will take you through stunning glens overshadowed by Lochnager, hearing stories from your guide along the way. Chance of sighting deer, buzzards & Golden Eagles.

Day 4 Perth & Forth Rail Journey and Wildlife Cruise Firstly, St Andrews, with time to explore this historical University and Golf seaside town. Our journey continues along the coastline passing through the fishing villages of Crail, Anstruther & Pittenweem before joining the train at North Queensferry for the short 10 minute impressive journey crossing one of the worlds most magnificent Victorian engineering feats – the Forth Rail Bridge. Rejoin your coach returning over the impressive Forth Road Bridge, where you will be able to see the building of the 3rd bridge, before joining the “Maid of the Forth” for a cruise under the bridges towards Inchcolm Island to view various wildlife including seals, dolphins and puffins. Day 5 Homebound Braemar & Blairgowrie tours will pass the 580 yards long, 120 feet high Mickleour Beech Hedge planted by Bonnie Prince Charlies troops in 1745. It is the largest hedge in the world.

For those not wishing to join the walk, your coach will take you on a wonderful sightseeing tour of Royal Deeside with time free in Aberdeen. Lunch is included in Ballater, before collecting the “Walkers”.

This tour is suitable for all ages

Balmoral Castle

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

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Scotland

A real gem ... Of a trans-Scottish adventure. A holiday designed to experience two distinctly different Scottish cultures and scenery. From the Kingdom of Fife complete with it’s legends, turbulent history and of course its famous golf courses; to the more rugged West Highlands round Oban and Argyll, with a visit included to the Isles. Classic has selected waterfront hotels in both locations, in keeping with the nature of the tour.

Famous Old Course, St Andrews

Highlights P St Andrews P Oban P Isles of Mull & Iona P Hollow Mountain P Seil Island P RRS Ship Discovery

Price Includes

£249pp

Scotland’s Coastal Journeys

P Welcome tea/shortbread on check in P 2 nts Anstruther DBB

6 days from

Tuesday Travel to Fife By passing Edinburgh,

imposing Duart Castle before landing on

over the Forth Road Bridge & to your hotel

the Isle of Mull, the 2nd largest of the Inner

P Min. 2 nights entertainment

with tea and shortbread waiting.

Hebridean Islands. To Iona passing dramatic

P Entry on to RRS Discovery

Wednesday St. Andrews & Dundee To the

P Guided tour of the Hollow Mountain

University town of St Andrews, the home of

P 3 nts Oban DBB

golf and where Prince William met his future

P Ferry to Isle of Mull + return

bride. Time free in one of Scotland’s oldest

P Ferry to Isle of Iona + return

towns with plenty to see. Then, over the Tay

P Entry into Iona Abbey

Bridge and Dundee – a city transformed in recent years with its £1 billion waterfront development. Berthed is RRS Discovery. Entry

Friday Drivers day off option

Hollow Mountain

St Andrews

is included on to Captain Cooks ship which

Dundee Perth

Oban

Iona

Inveraray Loch Lomond

Seil Island Arduaine

Edinburgh Anstruther

2 nights 3 nights

3* Craws Nest, Anstruther Page 49 2* Regent Hotel, Oban or 3* Columba Hotel, Oban Page 50

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

is Scotland’s most historic and sacred isle. The resting place of over 100 Scottish Kings, an isle which saw the birth of Christianity to mainland Britain by St Columbus in 563AD. Entrance is included into Iona’s well known Abbey. (Drivers Day Off option). Saturday Seil Island and coastal Argyll Morning free to see the sights of Oban.

into the Highlands taking the scenic route along the shoreline of Loch Earn. Through Highland glens to the Pass of Brander on the of the hidden marvels of engineering – The “Hollow Mountain” An underground world on a spectacular scale, buried 1Km below ground

Hotels

of spotting rare wildlife. Neighbouring Iona

1900.

shores of Loch Awe. We stop for a visit to one

Glasgow

historical places and with every opportunity

sailed on his famous Antartica expedition in Thursday Oban By passing Perth we journey Mull

coastal scenery, white sandy beaches,

and as high as the Tower of London. A guided tour is included - it’s like being on the set of a James Bond movie! Arrive in Oban. Friday Isles of Mull and Iona The ferry

½ day tour along the coast, over the 1792 “Bridge over the Atlantic” and on to Seil Island. The film location for the 1960’s film “Ring of Bright Water”. Passing a pepperpot of whitewashed cottages, we stop off in Easedale, with its own micro brewery, museum, café and large gift shop. If you wish to catch the short crossing to Easedale Island, then ring the bell for the ferryman. It’s the only ferry where a timetable is not required! Sunday Homeward bound Heading towards Glasgow, via Loch Lomond.

terminal is only 250yds away from the hotel and the cruise along the Sound Of Mull passes

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Optional Driver & coach for drivers day off on Friday from £425

Scotland Delightful ... holiday set amongst beautiful mountain scenery. Included is a trip on one of the most stunning railway journeys in the world; a cruise on a glass bottom boat around part of Skye. Experience the wonders of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before a jaw-dropping journey on a mountain railway to the highest restaurant in the UK. Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle Highlights P Glass Bottom Boat P Loch Ness Cruise P Urquhart Castle P Mountain Railway P Kyle - Skye Railway

Price Includes P Welcome tea and shortbread on arrival P 4 nts DBB P Cruise on Seaprobe Atlantis Glass

Bottom Boat

P Cruise on Loch Ness and Entrance to

Urquhart Castle

P Return Journey on the Cairngorm

Funicular Mountain Railway

P Single Journey on Inverness – Skye Line P 3 nights entertainment , 1 Scottish Night.

(Carrbridge Hotel)

P Individual dining at both breakfast and

dinner (Carrbridge Hotel)

Add a 5th night from only £37pp DBB

Broadford

Inverness Grantown on Spey

Skye Cruise ine

l Kyle

Kyle Loch Ness Cruise

Funicular Railway

Fort Augustus Boat of Garten Carrbridge

Aviemore

Pitlochry Perth

Hotels 3* Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge 3* Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown on Spey 4* Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten Page 50 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

5 days from

£199pp

Boats and Trains of the Highlands and Islands Monday Enter the Highlands past Pitlochry and Aviemore and to your hotel for welcoming tea & shortbread before dinner. Tuesday Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Morning free to explore Inverness, there are many shops and things to do before taking the short journey to Loch Ness and the Clansman Harbour. Here, board the cruiser taking you out on to the Loch berthing at Urquhart Castle. Entrance is included to the visitor centre, and you can roam round the castle grounds. Your coach will be waiting for you at the Castle entrance and will transport you back to your hotel in plenty time for dinner. Wednesday Isle of Skye & Glass Bottom Cruise After breakfast, we head to Inverness to catch the train to Kyle, by Skye. The journey is particularly scenic and described by Michael Palin as one of the best railway Journeys in the world! Once in Kyle your coach collects you then climb aboard the semi- submersible glass bottom boat - Seaprobe Atlantis, voted as the best wildlife watching experience by the Daily Telegraph. A unique opportunity to explore the rich diversity of marine life. See the abundant wildlife above and below the waves, as the cruise proceeds under the bridge and out to the protected sanctuary of

Overnight hotels available from £36 pp DBB

Seal Island. There is always a very good chance of seeing Otters, seals and puffins. Some trips, depending on tides, include a chance to explore the amazing WW11 shipwreck HMS Napier – a 500 ft minelayer which sank in 1942. Hear the exciting story of how she met her end. Afterwards, we go over the bridge and on to Skye, before returning to your hotel. Thursday Aviemore and Funicular Railway Morning free then the short journey will take you to the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains. Firstly, time in Aviemore before you board the UK’s highest Mountain Railway, have a bite to eat in the UK’s highest restaurant, visit the shop and exhibition about the Cairngorms or take one of the many easily graded walks around the area.

Glass bottom Skye cruise

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland

w Ne

Scotland

Glamis Castle Highlights P Blair Atholl P Glamis Castle

P Whisky Tour & tasting P Royal Yacht

Loch Tummel

5 days from pp

Highlights P Enchanted Forest P Glamis Castle

£164

P Whisky Centre P Royal Deeside P Speyside

Glorious ...

in a palette of breathtaking colours, arguably, Scotland is at it’s best in the autumn time – deep reds, gold, purple, copper and

exploring some of Scotland’s most impressive Regal

russets transform the mountain and valley landscapes. These

residences. We find out how Scotland’s National

arboreal displays are best seen in October and into November.

drink is distilled and take a visit to “Auld Reekie”

At this time of year hotel prices are less & roads and attractions quieter. Also included is entry into the amazing “Enchanted

with a visit to the Royal Yacht included.

Forest” – depicting nature’s forces of earth wind and fire.

Scotland’s Regal Heritage Day 1 Join the management team for a welcome drinks reception before dinner.

Price Includes

Scotland’s Autumn Gold Day1 To Perthshire “The Big Tree Country”, renowned for its magnificent natural environment.

Price Includes

P 4 nights DBB P Welcome Drinks Reception Day 2 Blair Atholl Castle & Distillery set P Entry & Guided Tour of Blair Atholl in the middle of rural Perthshire. An expert Castle guide will take you around the 13th century P Guided tour and tasting at Blair

P Welcome refreshments on arrival P 4 nights DBB P 2 nights entertainment P Entry into the Enchanted Forest

P Cabaret Show & dance (Angus) P Entry to Glamis Castle & Gardens P Entrance on board Royal Yacht

£154

Immersed ...

Perthshire is the base for this fascinating holiday

5 days from pp

Atholl Whisky Distillery

Britannia

P Taste of Scotland Evening with

castle with time free to stroll the gardens. After lunch (own arrangements), to nearby Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. Dinner followed by a cabaret and dance (Angus).

traditional music and dance (Angus) P 1 other nights entertainment

Dunkeld Perth

Glamis

Dundee

Stirling Glasgow Edinburgh

Hotels 3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie

Day 4 Glamis & Perth Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Whether you want to explore the legends of the castle or the beauty of the gardens you will not fail to be touched by the magic of Glamis. Afterwards, to Perth for some free time. After dinner there is some in-house entertainment.

3* Station Hotel, Perth

3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld Day 5 Head for home From the Angus pass

the famous Meikleour beach hedge, planted by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops in 1745. It is the largest hedge in the world, measuring 580 yards long and 120 feet high.

Page 49

Available April - October Rates & Dates attached.

P Entry to Glamis Castle & Gardens. P Free place for your driver over

Day 3 Edinburgh Over the Forth Road Bridge with free time in Edinburgh, known Driver free as the “Auld Reekie”. Afterwards, we board over 25 paying pax. the Royal Yacht Britannia where you can Blair Atholl Loch explore at leisure the former Yacht of the Castle & Distillery Tummel Royal Family. Scottish themed dinner and Blairgowrie entertainment. (Angus). Pitlochry

E: groups@classicbritain.com

and Show, including transfer

P Entry into Dewars World of Whisky

20 paying pax.

4 days from £124pp Tomintoul

Grantown on Spey

Balmoral

Aviemore Dewars Loch Tay

Braemar Pitlochry Glamis

Crieff

Dunkeld

Lochearnhead

Perth Stirling

Glasgow

Dundee

Day 2 Lochs & Whisky Board your coach for a day out into glorious autumn countryside. To Crieff, for a brief stop, before continuing through the pretty villages of Comrie and St Fillans. Along the shores of Loch Earn and the mighty Loch Tay. Finishing the day with a tour and tasting at Dewars World of Whisky in Aberfeldy. Day 3 Glamis Castle & Enchanted Forest The autumn theme continues. Most of the day is spent at impressive Glamis Castle & Gardens. The abundance of trees in the grounds ensures the visitor is treated to a glorious spectacle of autumnal colour. The Castle itself is a place to admire its stunning architecture, to explore its history, legends and myths. Then, after dinner, the highlight of the holiday is entry into the award winning “The Enchanted Forest”. A sound and light show offering a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors at night and with spectacular imagery. The 10 minute coach transfer departs from the centre of Pitlochry. Using the woodland garden as a natural backdrop, experience a light show that is, quite simply, out of this world.

Hotels

Day 4 Royal Deeside & Speyside Over the hilltops to Spittal of Glenshee and into Royal Deeside. 3* Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry Time free in Braemar, before continuing through 3* Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry the most amazing countryside, with purple clad hills and trees displaying wonderful rustic colours. 3* Birnam Hotel, Birnam Passing shimmering lochs and roaring rivers, the 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld journey passes Balmoral Castle & Crathie Church, Page 49 the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat. Returning over the Lecht and into the Spey Valley with glorious Available every Monday x 4nts: autumn scenery all the way, stopping in Aviemore, 12/10, 19/10 & 26/10 before returning to the hotel.

Rates & Dates attached.

Luxury stays available at 4* Atholl Palace

Highlights P Won’t fit

4 or 5 days from

£250

Highlights P Hogmany Ceilidh Banquet P Christmas day dinner

A Merry Little Christmas

5 days from

£114

Turkey n’ Tinsels

3 or 4 days from Highlights P Welcome drinks reception P New Years Eve Gala Dinner

£209

Happy New Years

Enjoy ...

Fun filled ...

Bring in the bells ...

Christmas in one of Classic Britain’s member hotels offering fun and varied programmes staying 3 or 4 nights. Special group rates are available, and we provide 2 free places regardless of numbers. Full festive programmes available.

festive themed breaks in hotels

across the UK. Celebrate Christmas early with decorations up, tree lit and entertainment laid on. Great food, lots of fun for a small price. Still as popular as ever, running most weeks between 17th Nov – 8th Dec.

in Classic style! All our programmes are designed so everyone has a great time. There is a vast array of hotels from a “Highland Hogmanay Fling” to a New Year Party in the Welsh Valleys or take in the air on a Classic English Seaside New Year break.

Price Includes

P 3 or 4 nts DBB P Evening entertainment P Welcoming Mulled Wine

& Mince Pies

P Porterage

2 Free places

Inclusions may slightly

vary per hotel

P 4nts DBB P 2 nts in house

entertainment

P Porterage P 1 free place over 20 pax.

P 1 music night

P 2 or 3 nts DBB P New year Gala Dinner with P Regional live entertainment P Welcome drinks reception P Drink to toast the New Year

P 1 other night’s

entertainment

P 1 free place over 20 paying

pax.

P Wine Tasting P Christmas day lunch

Sample Itinerary

Marine Hotel, Troon

Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 48

York House, Eastbourne Page 44

23 Dec Welcoming drinks reception on arrival followed by dinner and games night.

Christmas Eve A warm welcome awaits you at the hotel. On arrival Tea/Coffee will be served whilst the porters take care of your luggage. Join your fellow passengers for a Bucks Fizz reception in the lounge. Our Christmas Eve menu is served followed by tea/coffee.

30 Dec After checking in enjoy a welcome tea/coffee with home made cakes & mince pies accompanied by live music. Afterwards you will be served dinner in the Verandah & York Restaurant followed by the Quiz of the Year & House Bingo.

Christmas Day Start the day with a cooked breakfast afterwards why not enjoy a day out in Edinburgh and visit the Christmas Markets. Santa is sure to make an appearance tonight with a gift for all during your Traditional Christmas Day dinner. Join us for a game of festive bingo.

Hogmanay After a leisurely breakfast explore the surrounding area returning in time for a light finger buffet lunch followed by pig racing & bingo. Before you take your places for the Gala Dinner (evening dress or lounge suits) enjoy a pre-dinner drinks reception with the manager & team. The spectacular gala dinner is complete with crackers & silly hats. After dinner entertainment will have you dancing in the New Year.

Christmas Eve After a full Scottish breakfast depart for a morning excursion returning in time for wine tasting & Carol singing in the afternoon. In the evening enjoy a 3-course dinner followed by entertainment from a live pianist. Christmas Day A Merry Christmas waits with a full Scottish breakfast, a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings is kicked off with a glass of Champagne and Santa pays a visit. Relax in the lounge watching the Queen’s speech and playing board games. Later on a hot and cold buffet for those who are still peckish, followed by a Quiz Night. Boxing Day Full Scottish Breakfast followed by a free day to enjoy the surrounding area before returning in time to put your feet up in the lounge or enjoy the extensive leisure facilities before a sumptuous 3 course dinner & entertainment from the live 2 piece band. 27 Dec After a Full Scottish Breakfast time to say goodbye head for home.

entertainment

P Welcome reception

Boxing Day Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading off on another day touring Scotland why not tour Perthshire or pop up to Glasgow for some Christmas shopping. Enjoy a mouth watering 3 course evening meal. Afterwards join our in house team for a quiz night. New Years Eve Breakfast is served On return to the hotel get the glad rags on and celebrate Hogmanay! We start he evening with a Whisky reception in the lounge bar followed by our Hogmanay Banquet. Our ceilidh evening will take you through to Auld Lang Syne.

P Free overnight coach parking

New Years Day Have a well deserved long lie as your brunch will be served between 9am – 12pm. In the afternoon you will have the chance to test your brain with a quiz. The evening kicks off with “Chef’s Spectacular Buffet”. If you are game you can take part in the fancy dress parade (Theme is Cartoon Characters!) Prizes will be given to the best dressed!

Day 5 Sadly we bid you a fond farewell

2 Jan Before we say goodbye enjoy one last hearty breakfast in the restaurant.

Hotels

4* Marine Hotel, Troon

Recommended for their Pre Festive Spirit are:

3* York House Hotel, Eastbourne Page 44

3* Columba Hotel, Inveress Page 51

3* Abington Hotel, Abington Page 46

3* Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold Page 44

4* Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld Page 48

2* Breadalbane Hotel, Aberfeldy

3* Cairn Hotel, Bathgate Page 48

3* Gretna Hall Hotel Page 46

3* Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore Page 50

4* Hallmark Hotel, Derby

4* Menzies Hotel, Strathallan Page 44

3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie Page 49

3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Page 44

2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 48

Contact Classic for a full list of hotels with rates & itineraries

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

England, Wales & Ireland Classic has a choice

Looe Portbryan Hotel

Bournemouth Menzies Carlton

Eastbourne York House Hotel

Eastbourne Shore View Hotel

of 32 group friendly

member hotels in Guest Review ??%

England & Wales

Guest Review 85%

Friendly, coach orientated hotel, totally refurbished, in an elevated position above the town, overlooking the sea. Perfect base to explore beautiful Cornwall and its coastline.

from Cornwall up to Cumbria. If you are looking for hotel

Beautiful cliff top position with open sea views, yet only a 10 minute walk to the traffic free centre and pier.. In a wonderful setting with gardens and leisure.

DBB from £35pp

only without the package element, then all these hotels

Guest Review 86%

A Victorian style hotel boasting a stunning seafront location, just 400 yards from Eastbourne pier and attractions. An excellent quality hotel and a popular place to stay for groups.

The hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment and is now one of Easbourne’s premier hotels. Located in the centre and next to the beach. 88 bedrooms on 4 floors service by lift.

DBB from £38pp

DBB from £32pp

DBB from £32.50pp

Canterbury Abbots Barton Hotel

Bracknell Waterloo Hotel

Henley Red Lion Hotel

Swansea Mercure Hotel

will be able to offer Guest Review 87%

you best available

Guest Review 84%

A quiet hotel, only 10 minute walk from Canterbury, set in own grounds, makes this hotel an excellent base for exploring SE England. The hotel dates back to 1830, and has bags of character.

group rates. For peace of mind Classic has visited

Completely restored to it’s former glory in 2008, yet maintaining many of it’s original features from Victorian times. Hotel is well positioned for Royal Ascot, Legoland, Farnborough Airshow and more.

DBB from £45pp

all these hotels for group suitability and real guest reviews

Guest Review 91%

A character hotel with 38 bedrooms has been looking after travellers for over 600 years. Located in Henley On Thames overlooking the river, makes it a great base for exploring the Home Counties

Set in it’s own landscaped grounds overlooking a lake, and only 3 miles from Swansea city centre. It also provides Operators with easy access to the Brecon Beacons and Gower Peninsula.

DBB from £45pp

DBB from £32pp

DBB from £28pp

Milton Keynes Hilton Hotel

Kenilworth Honiley Court

Redditch Studley Castle

Birmingham Menzies City Hotel

can be found on our Guest Review 75%

website, together with more detailed information.

Guest Review 75%

Guest Review 80%

The hotel is located in it’s own grounds and is 4 miles from Milton Keynes. Being Hilton expect good quality rooms which are bright and airy and food served in their new Horizons Restaurant. The hotel has leisure.

A hotel dating back to the 17th century, with the Boot Pub still retained. The bedrooms and public areas are relatively new and modern. A popular hotel for groups wishing to explore The Cotswolds.

Set in 28 acres of Warwickshire countryside. The hotel dates back to 1883 and is full of charm and character. Well priced for groups and highly recommended if you are looking for a castle hotel.

This 135 bedroomed hotel has been a focal point of central Birmingham for many years as the Strathallan. Has an enviable central location, and all rooms have free wifi and Sky TV.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £36pp

DBB from £38pp

Wellington Buckatree Hall Hotel

Llanberis Royal Victoria

36 22

Guest Review 87%

32 31

Situated in a secluded setting at the foot of the Wrekin, 3 miles from Wellington and Telford. Major refurb in last 3 years has re-established this hotel as a popular choice for groups.

DBB from £38pp

27 26 25 20 19

DBB from £38pp

Mold Beaufort Park

Prestatyn Beaches Hotel

21 Guest Review ??%

One of Classic’s favourites. Very coach orientated, good service & nice facilities. Entertainment included on some nights. Your group will receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff.

17 16

14 15 11 13

10 8

6 7

2 3

Boasting a beautiful beach front location, with many bedrooms providing sea views. Hotel has been refurbished and all areas are new, modern with clean colours. There is a sea view Restaurant and Bar.

DBB from £40pp

Carrickfergus Clarion Hotel

Huddersfield Cedar Court

North East of Belfast at the start of the Antrim Coastal Trail. This 68 bedroom hotel has undergone a lot of refurbishment and is pushing 4*. Very much a welcoming group hotel.

Located just off the M62, 2 miles from Huddersfield, has been the principle hotel in the area for many years. Ideally located for exploring the Dales and Peak District.

35 4

Guest Review 85%

Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Guest Review 83%

DBB from £29pp

Guest Review 82%

Set in 30 acres of gardens at the foot of Snowdon. The Victoria is a favourite for groups. Its peaceful, is within easy distance of most of North Wales’ attractions and has entertainment included.

Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

DBB from £xxpp Disabled assisted rooms available on request

DBB from £38pp Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

England Wakefield Cedar Court Hotel 24

Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)

Bournemouth Elstead Hotel

Cambridge Menzies Hotel

Bassenthwaite Castle Inn 33

Guest Review 75%

Easy access from both M1 and M62, the hotel is located in its own grounds just south of Wakefield. It is a modern hotel with spacious bedrooms and public areas.

DBB from £35pp

Lytham St. Annes Inn on the Prom 25

Guest Review 86%

Guest Review: 87% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 50

Located in a quiet tree lined avenue near the town centre and beach. The hotel has received awards for it’s high standards of service and comfort. It is a first class base for exploring picturesque Dorset. Classic has arranged excellent rates for both short and longer stays throughout the year.

Located on the northern approaches to Cambridge. The Menzies is in a peaceful setting amongst glorious English countryside. The hotel is surrounded with it’s own championship golf course. It is a rural retreat and an ideal place for groups to explore this wonderful part of England.

P Poole & Brownsea Island P New Forest & Beaulieu

P Cambridge P Wisbech & the Fens

DBB from

£34pp

P Isle of Wight P Weymouth Guest Review 80%

Probably the best hotel for groups in St Annes with a seafront location. It’s just a good all round hotel with food, service & rooms all being of high quality.

Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 136

Beautiful Lakeland position with lake nearby and mountains surrounding the hotel. Hotel has been transformed into a top 4* hotel with excellent reviews for food.

DBB from £55pp

Newcastle Caledonian Hotel 34

DBB from

£49pp

P Ely P Newmarket

Tamworth Drayton Manor Hotel

Hinckley Sketchley Grange Hotel

Guest Review 81%

Located in a quiet spot just outside the city centre. The Caledonian’s rates are particularly good and the hotel has undergone a lot of improvements in recent years.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £30pp

Scarborough Red Lea Hotel

Guest Review: 85% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 150

Guest Review 83%

A cracking family owned hotel, the food is fantastic and has a wonderful cliff top position with the cliff lift to the Esplanade & beaches just 100m from the hotel.

DBB from £40pp

Isle of Man Chesterhouse Hotel 29

Guest Review: 73% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 95

If you’re looking for a high quality hotel together with an attractive rate then Drayton Manor will be hard to beat. Set in 280 acres of parkland and adjacent to one of the UK ‘s largest theme parks, Drayton Manor. Within the hotel there is a combination of funny and quirky features.

This is an elegant Mock Tudor country house hotel, offering guests 4* luxury. Located on the Leics/Warks Border & only 10 miles from Leicester. Inside the hotel there is a lot of attention to detail. Well furnished bar and restaurant, beautiful leisure and attentive service is assured.

P Drayton Manor Theme Park P Birmingham P The Potteries

P Belvoir & Rockingham Castles P Bosworth Battlefield Centre

DBB from £38pp

P Leicester

P Twycross Zoo

DBB from £40pp

Chester Mollington Banastre Hotel

Otley Chevin Country Park Hotel

Folkestone Burlington Hotel 35

Guest Review 83%

A great choice for groups, set in it’s own grounds overlooking the Promenade and the Channel. With good food and spacious rooms, many with views.

DBB from £40pp

Carlisle Crown & Mitre Hotel 36

Guest Review 81%

One of the main hotels in Douglas, seafront location with shops and attractions all nearby. Both the Restaurant and bar overlook the bay.

DBB from £36pp

Bowness Windermere Hydro 31

Guest Review: 74% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 68

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 49

Under new management, Mollington is well positioned to explore Cheshire and North Wales. Chester is 4 miles away. The hotel is set in picturesque grounds, with the restaurant over looking the attractive gardens. The excellent group rates makes this hotel particularly attractive, and a hotel well worth considering if planning a tour to Cheshire area.

A unique timber building nestling within the forest of

P Chester & Zoo P Port Sunlight P Liverpool and Mersey Cruise

P Harrogate P Yorkshire Dales

P North Wales Coastline Guest Review 83%

The best priced group 3* hotel in the Lakes. Wonderful setting overlooking Lake Windermere. Entertainment most nights and hotel has full leisure facilities.

DBB from

£34pp

A hotel with Edwardian grandeur, set in the heart of Carlisle. Ideal hotel for overnight stays or for exploring the Borders and Lakes.

the Wharfe Valley. It is a rural retreat but yet within

DBB from £33pp

easy distance of Harrogate, Leeds and the Dales. The whole hotel has been significantly upgraded. The bedrooms are in separate buildings within the forest, making this hotel choice very appealing.

Wetheral Crown Hotel 37

DBB from

£45pp

P Bradford P Leeds

Harrogate Yorkshire Hotel

Ravenscar Ravenhall Hotel

Guest Review 88%

5 miles east of Carlisle. The Crown is a wonderful hotel to stay in. Bags of charm, rosetted food, located in the centre of this conservation village.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £45pp

Shap Shap Wells Hotel 32

Guest Review 80%

Just south of Penrith, the hotel is located down a private road at the end of a tranquil valley high up on the fells and within a short driving distance of the Lakes.

DBB from £35pp

Great reviews about the food

Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 80

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 52

A grand Victorian hotel standing proud in the centre of Yorkshire’s popular spa town. The hotel has been improved over the years retaining many of it’s elegant features. The hotel is well geared to deal with groups. It has it all – location, quality and good group rates - all year round.

Must have one of the most dramatic of settings in the

P Yorkshire Dales

P Scarborough P Whitby P North Yorkshire Moors

P Harewood House & Gardens P Yorkshire Wolds P York

Town or city centre location

DBB from

£35pp

Fine views from hotel

Belford Blue Bell Hotel 34

UK. Perched high on the cliff tops overlooking Robin Hoods Bay, 12 miles from Scarborough and Whitby.

Guest Review 86%

The food is excellent and the quality of service cannot be faulted. A highly recommended hotel for the most discerning of guests who appreciate quality.

P Yorkshire Coast

Free use of Leisure facilities

DBB from

£47pp

Right in the heart of Northumberland and not far from Bamburgh Castle. Privately owned and managed, rooms recently upgraded.

DBB from £44pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scottish Hotels

Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)

Dumfries Cairndale Hotel

Lanark New Lanark Mill Hotel

Dumfries Aston Hotel

Dumfries Hetland Hall

Guest Review 87%

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 91

Guest Review: 90% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 38

Without doubt the Cairndale is one of the best hotels in SW Scotland for groups. It has a great location and the hotel really does know how to look after groups. On Sundays, the hotel has a Ceilidh show, which is free to guests. A good way to start or finish your Scottish holiday.

Converted into a fine hotel from a Woollen Mill in 2001, so the hotel has lots of character, and is widely regarded as one of the regions best hotels.

P Threave Gardens P Drumlarnrig Castle P Sweetheart Abbey

P Edinburgh P Glasgow P Clyde Valley

P Solway Firth Coast

Most rooms have views over the River, which is next to the hotel or on to the World Heritage site of New Lanark Village.

DBB from

£42pp

DBB from

Modern & contemporary hotel located in extensive grounds 2 miles from centre of Dumfries. Well known for good food.

Guest Review 78%

Refurbished country house style hotel 6 miles from Dumfries. Set in it’s own grounds with views over the Solway Firth.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £30pp

Gretna Gretna Hall Hotel

Abington Abington Hotel

£44pp

P Ayrshire

Guest Review 80%

Classic has been working in partnership with most of Scotland’s group orientated hotels since 1996. We know all the hotels inside and out and have a close friendly working co-operation with their owners and managers. When it comes to Scotland no other organisation comes close in being able to offer product, in-depth knowledge of every area in Scotland as well as providing personal advice about any of the featured hotels. In essence, Classic is the Group Reservation arm for 108 group friendly Scottish 2-4 star hotels, providing you with packaged ideas or hotel only options.

Major refurb in 2011-13, so most rooms are new. A perfect stopover hotel. Classic guests get allocated new rooms.

Guest Review 70%

Family owned and managed – a warm welcome awaits you in this cosy hotel. Located 5 minutes from M74. J13.

DBB from £32pp

DBB from £30pp

Peebles Barony Castle

Peebles Cardrona Hotel

Guest Review 81%

A chance to stay in a castle and not pay a fortune. Barony caters well for groups, set in 25 acres of gardens.

Guest Review 84%

Part of Macdonald Hotels, a beautiful 4* property with golf course. 3 miles from Peebles.

DBB from £40pp

Peebles

115

114

DBB from £50pp

Rosebank

Peebles Hydro

Popinjay Hotel

109 Guest Review 73%

An impressive property over looking the Tweed Valley, set in 30 acres of grounds. Lots of single rooms.

113 112 104

108 110

105

111

107

90 106

102

99 98 96 97 95 88 94 93 84 87 86

101

Larkhall

Strathaven Strathaven Hotel

75 74 70 73 92 72 67 69 68 71 66 65 60 64 54 58 57 55 52

Guest Review 83%

56 51

49 48

47 46

A good choice of hotel for overnight stays. 2 minutes from J8 M74, 15 miles south of Glasgow

79 78 77

DBB from £30pp

East Kilbride Bruce Hotel

North Berwick Marine Hotel

Recently refurbished. Located in centre of town adjoining one of Scotland’s largest shopping precincts.

42 41

DBB from £34pp

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Family operated character hotel in the pretty market town of Strathaven. 24 bedrooms.

DBB from £34pp

Guest Review 83%

Guest Review 90%

DBB from £36pp

Shawlands Park Hotel

89 62 61

DBB from £44pp

103

100

Guest Review 87%

Located in the Clyde Valley and next to the river. A lovingly restored mock tudor styled hotel.

Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Guest Review 87%

A luxurious hotel with sweeping sea views, fantastic food & own golf course. Part of Macdonald Hotels.

DBB from £70pp Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

Glasgow Area & South West Highlands Irvine Menzies Hotel 51

Glasgow Marks Hotel

Glasgow West Erskine Bridge Hotel

Glasgow Alexander Thomson 55

Guest Review 86%

Guest Review 71%

Modern contemporary hotel set in it’s own grounds. Plenty of lounge space and all rooms are of good size and quality.

Low priced 3* hotel in the heart of the city. Totally refurbished 7 years ago with further development planned. Great Value.

DBB from £36pp

Troon South Beach Hotel 52

Guest Review 76%

Family owned and managed hotel. Lovely location next to the beach and two minute walk into the seaside resort of Troon.

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 103

Impressive modern hotel, right in the heart of the city, with all main shopping areas, Theatreland and attractions all within easy walking distance. Inside the hotel is bright and spacious and the views from the upper floor rooms over the city are spectacular. The Marks is probably the best price 4* hotel in the city.

Very much geared up to deal with groups, located

P Shopping Breaks P Theatre & Concerts

P Loch Lomond P Firth of Clyde & Dunoon

P Loch Lomond P Clyde Cruises

approx 14 miles west of Glasgow city centre and next

DBB from £30pp

Glasgow Swallow Hotel 55

to the river. All rooms have open views of the River Clyde. The hotel has undergone a lot of refurb. of late and all bedrooms are of consistent high standard. A

Guest Review 73%

good choice of hotel for overnighters or shortbreaks with Loch Lomond only 15 minute drive away.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £38pp

Arran Kinloch Hotel

Guest Review: 77% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 177

P Theatre Breaks & Concerts P Shopping in Braehead

1 mile from the city centre, the Swallow is a popular choice for groups. Rooms all similar and rates are competitive.

DBB from £36pp

Langbank Gleddoch House Hotel

Prestwick Carlton Hotel

DBB from £28pp

Glasgow Glynhill Hotel 55

Guest Review 86%

Guest Review 85%

Right on the seafront in the village of Blackwaterfoot. It’s the main hotel on the island & most rooms have sea views.

Located in a quiet area, 6 miles west of the city. An elegant hotel, with lots of charm and character, with extensive leisure.

DBB from £46pp

Dunoon Argyll Hotel 54

Guest Review 82%

Recently refurbished hotel in centre of Dunoon with fine views across the Firth of Clyde. A Dunoon landmark since 1837.

Guest Review: 80% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 75

Set on a hillside, surrounded by it’s own golf course, Gleddoch offers groups stunning views across the Firth. The hotel is only a 30 minute drive from Glasgow. It is peaceful and the hotel is full of charm from its panoramic Restaurant to its relaxing bars. Guests have free use of the extensive leisure.

A new hotel for the group market, and a good one

P Loch Lomond P Glasgow

P Isle of Arran P Burns Country

P Dunoon P Ayrshire & Arran

too. Located on the Ayrshire coast, just north of

DBB from £44pp

Glasgow Watermill Hotel 55

Ayr. The Carlton has recently completed a major refurbishment programme. The hotel has an excellent local reputation for fine food, and all the bedrooms

Guest Review 79%

are relatively new of modern design and most have

In the centre of paisley 7 miles west of Glasgow. Originally an old mill, so lots of low beamed ceilings. Next to river.

views overlooking the sea.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £32pp

Dunoon Esplanade Hotel

Guest Review: 86% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 39

P Dunoon P Glasgow

DBB from £38pp

Glasgow North Crowwood Hotel

Inveraray Loch Fyne

DBB from £30pp

Kilmarnock Park Hotel 56

Guest Review 86%

Guest Review 85%

A popular hotel for groups located on the West Bay Promenade, affording unsurpassed views out to sea from the front of the hotel.

A modern state of the art hotel, with excellent ratings. A popular choice for groups visiting the Tattoo as rates are good.

DBB from £32pp

Glasgow Normandy Hotel 55

Guest Review 77%

Based 7 miles from Glasgow, the Normandy is a well run hotel with good group rates. Tribute Acts most weekends.

DBB from £30pp

Great reviews about the food

Guest Review: 77% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 33

Guest Review: 82% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 78

The Crowwood is located 7 miles from Glasgow city centre just off the main road to Stirling, making it an ideal stopover hotel. The bar, restaurant and many of the bedrooms look out over the golf course. The hotel has seen several upgrades in recent years, providing Operators with a good all round hotel at a good price.

Beautiful hotel, located right on the lochside and only a 5 minute walk into Inveraray and it’s famous castle. This hotel is definitely one of the best hotels for groups to stay in if visiting Argyll. Public areas are spacious, bedrooms are of good quality, and leisure facilities are 1st class.

P Stirling P Falkirk Wheel

P Isle of Islay P Oban P Arduaine Gardens

P Glasgow P Edinburgh

DBB from £28pp Town or city centre location

Fine views from hotel

P Crinan Canal P Ben Cruachan Mountain”

DBB from £42pp Free use of Leisure facilities

DBB from £45pp

Inveraray Argyll Hotel 62

Guest Review 77%

Located next to the castle. Originally built as a Coaching Inn for Castle guests in 1750, but now a popular hotel for groups.

DBB from £36pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Edinburgh & Central Scotland including the Trossachs Edinburgh Kings Manor Hotel 63

Edinburgh Braid Hills Hotel

Edinburgh Ellersley House Hotel

Drymen Buchanan Arms Hotel 71

Guest Review 90%

Guest Review 82%

Located 4 miles from city centre in a quiet position with easy access into the city. Hotel has extensive leisure.

A fine example of a Scottish hotel, recently refurbished. In centre of conservation village, 4 miles from Loch Lomond.

DBB from £49pp

Edinburgh Hilton Grosvenor 63

Guest Review 79%

Right in the heart of the city. A Georgian styled hotel with a modern twist, with all main sites & shops within easy walking distance.

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 67

Guest Review: 82% Steps into hotel: 7 Bedrooms: 57

A recommended choice of hotel if you are looking for an hotel which is near to the city centre but not too noisy. Braid Hills sits in it’s own grounds in an elevated position providing glorious views of the city and castle – approx. 1 ½ miles away. The hotel itself is 1st class in all departments, with special commendation for it’s food.

Set in its own grounds in a quiet residential retreat and less than 2 miles from Princes Street. Often referred to as a country house hotel in the city. Inside, the furnishings and décor are very much in keeping with a Scottish Country House Hotel. Group rates are surprisingly low for the style and location of the hotel.

P Holyrood Palace P Edinburgh Castle

DBB from £55pp

Edinburgh Murrayfield Hotel 63

P Royal Yacht Britannia P Scottish Parliament Tour

DBB from £36pp

Drymen Winnock Hotel 72

Guest Review 83%

One of the oldest hotels in Scotland dating back to the 1700’s. Now transformed into a wonderful hotel for groups.

DBB from £45pp

Bathgate Cairn Hotel

Grangemouth Leapark Hotel

DBB from £38pp

Arrochar Arrochar Hotel 73

Guest Review 86%

Only 1 mile from Princes Strret. The Murrayfield is an excellent value 3* hotel with 46 tastefully decorated bedrooms.

Loch side location with superb mountain & loch views. Recently refurbished, entertainment most nights, near to Loch Lomond, Inveraray & Dunoon.

DBB from £45pp

Falkirk Airth Castle 66

Guest Review 80%

Set in own grounds, in Airth – 4 miles from Falkirk in the heart of Central Scotland. 123 bedrooms with extensive leisure.

Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 61

Guest Review: 88% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 48

The Cairn is a popular hotel for groups. Not only is it a well presented hotel and professionally run but also it is only a 20 minute drive into Edinburgh. Group rates are20-30% cheaper than similar hotels in the centre of Edinburgh.Inside, there is a spacious restaurant with open views, a bar and all bedrooms are of similar quality and size.

We find the Leapark to be a really friendly and quirky place to stay. This hotel is a new member with Classic, and lots of groups have used the Leapark with rave reviews. The quality is there, but the staff are very attentive and helpful. This together with their flexible group rate makes the Leapark a good choice of hotel for Central Scotland and is only 20 minutes drive from Edinburgh.

P Falkirk Wheel P Edinburgh

P Falkirk Wheel P The Helix

DBB from £36pp

DBB from £42pp

Cumbernauld Westerwood Hotel 67

P Glasgow P Stirling

P Edinburgh P Stirling

DBB from £30pp

Aberfoyle Rob Roy Hotel 74

Guest Review 78%

Exceptionally well priced holidays are on offer in the idyllic setting of the Trossachs. Popular group venue, entertainment most nights.

DBB from £35pp

Stilring King Robert Hotel

Bridge of Allan Royal Hotel

DBB from £25pp

Aberfoyle Forest Hills Hotel 75

Guest Review 84%

Guest Review 82%

Beautifully appointed 4* hotel with open views across the golf course & surrounding countryside. Near to Stirling, Edinburgh & Glasgow.

A Macdonald hotel, with a most magnificent setting in the glorious Trossachs. 49 luxurious bedrooms all with views and best of food.

DBB from £48pp

Dunblane Dunblane Hydro 70

Guest Review 86%

Regarded as one of Scotland’s top resort hotels. Completely refurbished 2009/10 set in an elevated location with panoramic views.

DBB from £52pp

Guest Review: 80% Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 52

Guest Review: 72% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 43

Located on the outskirts of Stirling , next to the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn site. The hotel has easy access links to all parts of Scotland. The hotel has a long standing reputation for being group friendly and a main feature of the hotel is evening entertainment. A hotel which can be used for either an overnighter, or for longer stays as there is a lot to see and do in the area.

Based in a delightful suburb of Stirling, The Royal has recently been upgraded and now provides good quality accommodation for groups at an attractive price. It only takes one group so you can be assured of attentive service. Classic has arranged for accommodation to be in the main hotel, as 11 rooms are in the nearby Royal Ivy.

P Trossachs P Stirling Castle

P Trossachs P Stirling & it’s castle

P Perth P Edinburgh & Glasgow

DBB from £33pp

E: groups@classicbritain.com

P Glasgow P Falkirk Wheel

DBB from £30pp Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

DBB from £55pp

Callander Dreadnought Hotel 76

Guest Review 66%

Traditional hotel, dating back to the C17th with lots of features and wood panelling . Town centre location in the heart of the Trossachs.

DBB from £22pp Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

Perthshire and Fife Anstruther Craws Nest Hotel 78

Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)

Dunfermline Pitbauchlie House Hotel

Kinross Windlestrae Hotel

Dunkeld Royal Dunkeld Hotel 83

Guest Review 75%

Guest Review 79%

A wee gem of a hotel, located in an old fishing village on the Fife coast. A well known hotel for groups.

Wonderfully priced & characterful 250 year old Coaching Inn, in the centre of Dunkeld. Probably the best priced 3* hotel in Perthshire.

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review: 87% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 50

Dundee Doubletree by Hilton 80

after groups very well, hence it’s high guest rating.

Set in it’s own gardens and only a short walk into Kinross. The Windlestrae has seen a lot of improvements over the years with upgraded bedrooms and new public areas. It is now a good quality 3* hotel and a good choice for groups. The level of service is consistently high and location wise excellent for accessing many of the regions top attractions and cities.

P Edinburgh P St Andrews

P Edinburgh P Perth

Set in it’s own well kept gardens, and only a short stroll from Dunfermline, the Pitbauchlie has for a long time been an excellent choice for groups, being near to Edinburgh (½ hour) and with easy access into Fife and Perthshire. The

Guest Review 83%

Formerly the Landmark Hotel & Dundee’s newest hotel following a mutli million pound refurb. 2 miiles from Dundee city centre.

rooms are modern and spacious and the food is 1st class. It is a family owned and managed hotel who treat and look

P Perth P Dundee

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £45pp

Perth Murrayshall Hotel

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 45

P St Andrews P Dundee

DBB from £25pp

Pitlochry Scotlands Hotel 84

Guest Review 73%

The Scotland’s looks and feels very Scottish, located in a quiet position in the centre of this popular Victorian town.

DBB from £45pp

Montrose Park Hotel

Perth Station Hotel

DBB from £43pp

Pitlochry Fishers Hotel 84

Guest Review 79%

Guest Review 73%

Historic country house set in 350 acres of parkland populated with deer, hare & wild birds, surrounded by mountains 5 miles from Perth.

100 year old hotel, totally transformed 3 years ago into a “top notch” group orientated 3* hotel, located in the heart of Pitlochry.

DBB from £57pp

Perth Queens Hotel 82

Guest Review 79%

Is one of the top hotels in Perth for groups. Quiet but central location with emphasis on supreme comfort and guest care.

Guest Review: New Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 57

The Montrose Park is located in the quiet mid-links area of Montrose, yet only a few minutes walk from the busy High Street and the beach. The hotel is an excellent base for exploring the Angus Glens and all they have to offer. Castles, including Glamis and Dunnotar, are a little over half an hour away. For golfers the Montrose Links, which is only 5 minutes walk away, is the fifth oldest golf course in the world.

Dating back to 1888, the Station has for along time been an intricate part of Perth. In 2011 the hotel changed hands into private ownership and since then has had a total makeover in all the bedrooms and public areas. The result being a stylish and charming hotel, very much in keeping with it’s Victorian façade. It’s central location means all local amenities are within easy walking distance.

P Glamis Castle P St Andrews

P Pitlochry & Perthshire P Dundee & Angus

Birnam House Hotel 83

P Dundee P Aberdeen

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £45pp

Dunkeld

Guest Review: 66% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 63

P Glamis Castle P Scone Palace

DBB from £45pp

Pitlochry Atholl Palace

Kinloch Rannoch Loch Rannoch Hotel

DBB from £xxpp

Kenmore Kenmore Hotel 85

Guest Review 84%

Scotland’s oldest hotel dating back to 1532. Loads of history, charm and character, in a wonderful setting next to the R.Tay, overlooking loch & mountains.

DBB from £47pp

Blairgowrie Angus Hotel 87

Guest Review 79%

A warm and welcoming 28 bedroomed Scottish character hotel in Birnam, Dunkeld. Lots of refurb. Completed in last 3 years.

Classic works very closely with the Angus providing many exclusive packages. Entertainment is a main feature of this excellent group friendly hotel.

DBB from £36pp

Guest Review: 82% Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 108

Dunkeld Hilton Dunkeld House 83

Guest Review 78%

Set in a 280 acre estate, next to the river. Classic has specially negotiated some shoulder season dates at affordable preferential rates.

DBB from £49pp

Great reviews about the food

Guest Review: 80% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 49

A long sweeping drive leads to a most impressive hotel, sitting proud above the town and seen for miles around. Every room has open views of glorious Perthshire countryside. Inside there is a sense of grandeur and space, with ornate ceilings, pillars, cosy soft furnishings and open log fires. Atholl Palace is a luxury hotel for groups, the food is amazing as too is the service. Group rates are a more expensive but the difference is worth it.

Must have one of the most idyllic locations in Perthshire, on the loch side, surrounded by majestic mountains. This is a place to stay to relax and enjoy the scenery and comfortable hotel surroundings. Located 20 miles from Pitlochry makes this hotel a perfect Highland retreat for groups.

P Blair Atholl Castle P Loch Tummel

P Pitlochry P Blair Atholl Castle

P Blairgowrie P Edradour Whisky Distillery

DBB from £57pp Town or city centre location

Fine views from hotel

P Crieff & Comrie P Aberfeldy & Loch Tay

DBB from £40pp Free use of Leisure facilities

DBB from £34pp

Braemar Fife Arms 87

Guest Review 64%

Formerly a C19th Hunting Lodge retaining many period features. Located in the centre of Braemar, is a group oriented hotel offering low prices.

DBB from £28pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

West Highlands & Speyside Oban Columba Hotel 89

Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)

Oban Caledonian Hotel

Oban Regent Hotel

Morar Morar Hotel 92

Guest Review 79%

Well positioned hotel on the waterfront in centre of Oban. Well appointed throughout. Public areas redone in 2014.

DBB from £36pp

Oban Oban Bay Hotel 89

Guest Review 76%

Guest Review: 75% Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 59

Guest Review: 68% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 83

Right on the waterfront and in town centre, with rail & ferry terminals only 200m away. Most rooms have superb sea views. There is a large lounge and bar. Hotel is over 100 yrs old, so has many intricate Victorian features with high ceilings and arched pillars. The Caledonian is one of the main hotels in Oban.

A popular hotel for groups, located on the seafront in the centre of Oban. It is a good 2* hotel. The food is plentiful, and there is entertainment included on most nights of the week. Classic clients are allocated best rooms, most of which have sea views. It is by far the lowest cost hotel in Oban.

P Isles of Mull and Iona P Fort William P Seil Island & Arduaine Gardens

P Isles of Canna , Staffa, Mull and Iona P Wildlife cruises

DBB from

£35pp

P Dunstaffnage Castle Guest Review 77%

One of the best hotels in Oban for groups, in a quiet central location with wonderful views of the bay and islands.

DBB from

Fort William Imperial Hotel

DBB from £38pp

Newtonmore Balavil Hotel 93

£30pp

P Arduaine Gardens & Crinan Canal

Onich Lodge on the Loch

A well appointed hotel for groups overlooking the beach towards the Isles. Recent re-investment has immensely improved the fabric of the hotel.

Guest Review 82%

A well run family owned and managed 54 bedroom hotel with emphasis on enjoying a true Highland experience. Bedrooms upgraded in 2013/14.

DBB from £45pp

DBB from £35pp

Fort William West End Hotel

Guest Review: 80% Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 19

This is a cracking small country house hotel, with individually styled bedrooms and all bar 2 have magnificent Guest Review 86%

Great reviews from Group Operators. Prime central location, nice rooms, and the food is very good. Entertainment sometimes provided.

DBB from £42pp

Ballachilish Ballachilish Hotel 90

loch views. Located 9 miles south of Fort William, makes this hotel in an ideal spot to explore the West Coast and Highlands. One of the benefits of the Lodge is the food,

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 33

Been a favourite of Classics for a long time. Most bedrooms have loch views, and hotel is right in the town centre. Railway station is only a couple of minutes walk away. It is a cosy hotel, taking just one group so you will always be well looked after.

which is superb using local fresh ingredients. P Nevis Range Gondola P Oban P Fort William Distillery P Road to the Isles

DBB from £38pp

P ObanP Small Isles Cruise P Isle of Skye

DBB from £36pp

P Inverness & Loch Ness

Fort William Moorings Hotel

Newtonmore Highlander Hotel

Kingussie Duke of Gordon Hotel 95

Guest Review 79%

High quality group orientated hotel 3* hotel, entertainment every night. Well located for Speyside and West Highlands.

DBB from £42pp

Boat of Garten Boat Hotel 98

Guest Review 78%

Right on the lochside, 12 miles south of Fort William. Impressive Scottish baroque styled hotel with lots of charm & character.

DBB from £35pp

Glencoe Isles of Glencoe Hotel 90

Guest Review 81%

Guest Review: 90% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 27

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 85

Without doubt the best hotel in the area for groups and the only 4* hotel taking groups. Wonderful setting next to the lock gates on the Caledonian Hotel, with fine views of Ben Nevis. Rooms are spotless, food is exquisite with a rosetted restaurant and there is a nautical theme carried out throughout the hotel.

Personally managed by Cynthia for over 20 years. Operators book this hotel year after year. A testament to the consistent high standards provided in all departments. The staff make the place, the food is always good, rooms have been upgraded, and entertainment is staged 7nts a week.

P Isle of Skye P West Highland Railway P Commando Monument & Loch Ness

P Aviemore & funicular railway P Strathespey Steam Railway

P Glenfinnan & Loch Shiel Guest Review 51%

Set on a peninsula, surrounded by water, with the most spectacular views from every aspect. Modern, open plan design with large bedrooms & relaxing ambience.

DBB from

£65pp

DBB from

Delightful 34 bedroom country house style hotel. Top class service and 2 rosetted restaurant. Set in heart of Speyside.

DBB from £50pp

Grantown Craiglynne Hotel 99

£35pp

P Whisky Trail P Inverness

Aviemore Aviemore Inn

Aviemore Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel

Guest Review 76%

Positioned in it’s own gardens on the outskirts of town. Plenty of lounge space, spacious dining room overlooking gardens.

DBB from £35pp

DBB from £38pp

Crianlarich Crianlarich Hotel 91

Guest Review 85%

A new hotel for groups, and in an ideal spot for exploring the Western Highlands. Oban, Glencoe, Fort William & Loch Lomond all within easy reach.

DBB from £34pp

Guest Review: 75% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 62

Guest Review: 82% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 175

Part of Macdonalds Aviemore Resort. The Aviemore Inn is a bright and airy hotel, with an abundance of things to see and do in the area. Just about all bedrooms have open views of beautiful Spey Valley scenery. Within the resort there are cinemas, bars, choice of restaurants, leisure complex. and easy graded woodland walks.

Nestling in 65 acres of woodland, 3 miles from

P Threave Gardens P Drumlarnrig Castle

P Cairngorm Mountains & Railway P Whisky Trail & Grantown on Spey

P Sweetheart Abbey P Solway Firth Coast

E: groups@classicbritain.com

DBB from

£36pp

Free on site coach parking

Carrbridge Carrbridge Hotel 100

Aviemore. Coylumbridge is a popular hotel for groups all year round. With a choice of dining options, the hotel provides group guests with a totally relaxing experience whilst staying in the Scottish Highlands. Within the grounds there are activities and walks available.

P Spey Valley Steam Railwaw

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

DBB from

£49pp

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Guest Review 86%

Well priced hotel with mountain views surrounding hotel. 20 miles south of Inverness. New extension added to hotel in 2013. Entertainment 6nts/week.

DBB from £32pp Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

Grampian & Northern Highlands & Islands Elgin Eight Acres Hotel 104

Aboyne Huntly Arms Hotel

Aberdeen Hilton Treetops Hotel

101

102

Stornoway Caladh Inn 109

Guest Review 83%

Modern hotel with extensive leisure, set in own grounds on outskirts of Elgin. Lots of Single rooms without supplement.

DBB from £40pp

Inverness Kingsmills Hotel 105

Guest Review: 77% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 50

Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 8 Bedrooms: 120

A well priced group orientated hotel, with entertainment provided on some nights. Located in the heart of Royal Deeside, approx. 30 miles from Aberdeen. It is one of a very few hotels in the area large enough to take groups. Hotel has seen some upgrading in recent years and offers good value for money.

Located in a quiet suburb and only a short drive from Aberdeen’s city centre. It is an ideal place for groups. The hotel is spacious, there is plenty of coach parking, rooms are all very similar, there is a well appointed restaurant & bar with the added benefit of leisure.

P Aberdeen P Balmoral Castle P Royal Deeside

P Royal Deeside P Castle Trail

DBB from

£26pp

P Castle Trail Guest Review 88%

Totally refurbished luxury 4* hotel, 1 mile from centre. Top class in all departments. Rosetted restaurant, fabulous leisure.

DBB from

Inverness Palace Hotel

103

105

DBB from £55pp

Stornoway Cabarfeidh Hotel 109

£49pp

P Moray Coast

Aberdeen Ardoe House

The largest hotel on the island, and a welcoming one too. It’s well priced, and all rooms are relatively new.

Upgraded to 4* in 2013 after a major refurb. The main hotel in the Hebrides. On outskirts of town surrounded by beautiful countryside.

DBB from £58pp

DBB from £xxpp

Inverness Columba Hotel

Guest Review: 89% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 109

105

design of the Royal Family’s Balmoral Castle.

In a prime position next to the river, opposite the castle and only a couple of minutes walk to the shopping centre. The hotel has excellent quality rooms, many with views over the river and is probably the best all round hotel to stay in whilst visiting central Inverness. The leisure is fabulous.

P Moray Coast P Royal Deeside

P Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle P Fort William P Ullapool & Loch Maree

19th century mansion house set in 30 acres of gardens in a tranquil setting just 3 miles from Aberdeen centre. Guest Review 76%

Grand Victorian hotel, in the centre of Inverness, next to the river and opposite the castle. Many rooms with river views.

DBB from £45pp

Inverness Waterside Hotel 105

Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 10 Bedrooms: 88

Inside the layout and décor has been sympathetically thought through in keeping with it’s grand design. It is believed that Ardoe’s fairytale exterior inspired the

DBB from £65pp

P Castles & Gardens Trail P Angus

P Cawdor Castle & Gardens

DBB from £57pp

Inverness Royal Highland Hotel

Isle of Mull – Craignure Isle of Mull Hotel

105

106

Isle of Skye Dunollie Hotel 111

Guest Review 67%

Based in Broadford, overlooking the sea. The largest of 2 group hotels on the island. A lot of work has been done improving the bedrooms.

DBB from £45pp

Dundonnell Dundonnell Hotel 112

Guest Review 83%

A lovely 26 bedroom hotel & ideal for groups. Emphasis on good food in riverside conservatory restaurant. Central location.

DBB from £42pp

Barra Isle of Barra Hotel 107

Guest Review 85%

Guest Review: 75% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 84

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 80

The most central hotel in Inverness, the Highland Capital. Shops, local attractions, and railway station all nearby. Coach parking available behind hotel. Over the years the hotel has invested heavily in improvements. It is now a good quality 3* hotel, well priced too.The focal point of the hotel is it’s staircase. An inspiration for the grand staircase on the Titanic.

Approx. ½ mile from the Ferry terminal, and is without doubt the main hotel on the island. Totally refurbished in 2009/10. It has a wonderful setting being right on the coast with 360 degree views of the coast and countryside. It really is the only hotel to stay in whilst staying on Mull.

P Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle P Fort William & Great Glen

P Oban P Isle of Iona P Tobermory

DBB from

£42pp

P Culloden Battlefield P Isle of Skye

Literally sits just off the white sandy beach in Hebrides. Views from all bedrooms of beach and Atlantic Ocean.

DBB from

P Wildlife Crusies to Staffa and Canna

Beauly Priory Hotel

Castletown Castletown Hotel

110

115

25 miles south of Ullapool on shoreline of sea loch. Impeccable standards throughout and food is superb.

DBB from £50pp

Ullapool Caledonian Hotel 113

£45pp

Well priced central hotel with views out across Loch Broom. Rooms upgraded in 2013. Spacious public areas. Classic guests allocated best rooms.

DBB from £52pp

DBB from £36pp

North Uist Dark Island Hotel 108

A friendly & welcoming Hebridean hotel, with emphasis on informality and good food, using fresh produce from around the isles.

DBB from £48pp

Great reviews about the food

Guest Review: 89% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 36

Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 26

One of Classic’s most highly rated hotels for groups. It’s just such a warm and welcoming place to stay and groups just love the total flexibility the hotel has. Nothing is too much bother. Late breakfasts, early check ins – the hotel will do their utmost to deliver. All the hotel is in excellent condition. Located in the centre of this pretty market town 12 miles from Inverness.

A well run family owned hotel, which has been refurbished in recent years. Located 4 miles east of Thurso heading towards John O’Groats. An ideal choice of hotel for your Orkneys Tour. Classic receives excellent reviews about the hotel. It is professionally run and the rates are considerably cheaper than Thurso hotels. Also has the Norseman Hotel in Wick.

P Ullapool & Loch Maree P Inverness & Loch Ness

P Orkney Isles P Castle of Mey

DBB from

P Cromarty & the Black Isle P Isle of Skye

Town or city centre location

£47pp

Fine views from hotel

P Thurso P Wick

Free use of Leisure facilities

DBB from

£36pp

Thurso Pentlands Hotel 114

Probably the best hotel for groups in Thurso. Consistently good reviews, and a hotel Classic has been using for over 15 years without complaint.

DBB from £48pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Things you need to know: 1. Information is believed to be correct at time of going to print 2. Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double room including 20% VAT for the duration of stay on a DBB basis, unless otherwise specified. Single supplements do apply, although several hotels will provide some singles without a supplement. 3. Packages shown exclude your own coaching arrangements unless specified in the itinerary. All packages have been negotiated & designed by Classic for the benefit of our clients, and cannot be booked directly with our member hotels. 4. Cancellation without charge 30 days before arrival. Although we are flexible. Classic will ask for updates from you on a regular basis. 5. Payment terms before arrival, unless credit facilities have been agreed. 6. Making a change to a Package All our recommended packages can be â&#x20AC;&#x153;tailor madeâ&#x20AC;? to suit your exact needs. Just call and let us know what you are looking for. 7. Confirmations Classic will send you a copy of our terms of business, which are in place to protect us both in case something peculiar arises. If you wish to see a copy before making your booking, let us know and we will send one out to you right away. 8. Adjustment of Itinerary In the unlikely event an element of the holiday becomes unavailable, then Classic will let you know right away either providing you with an alternative or reducing the cost of the package. 9. Minimum numbers required to operate a package or special themed event is 20 passengers. If you are booking a hotel only then group rates apply to 15 or more adults. 10. Porterage is provided in most hotels within the price, whether on a package or just booking the hotel. 1 piece of luggage per person. Any additional luggage, hotels reserve the right to charge the client at the hotel. 11. Late Bookings Classic recognises the late booking trend by providing 3 twins or double rooms on allocation between 29 and 7 days before arrival. Any requests within 7 days of hotel arrival have to be requested to Classic and not the hotel. On occasion, and in the height of the season a hotel may not be able to offer you late sell rooms. In which case Classic will let you know. 12. Extra Time for selling Classic will assist as much as possible to ensure the operation of each tour. In the event you require extra time to sell a tour, please discuss with Classic first, before cancelling. Quite often our hotels will provide you with extra selling time or further incentives without any financial penalty. 13. Hotel group rates vary enormously, and rates shown are there for guideline purposes. Firm best available group rates will be agreed with you on enquiry. Rates depend on time of year, length of stay, day of week, and volume of business.

3 Dunlop Street, Strathaven ML10 6LA Tel: (+0044) 01357 529129 Fax: (+0044) 01357 520999 Email: groups@classicbritain.com

14. Entertainment Many of Classicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotels provide evening entertainment free of charge, or included it in the package. Classic has taken all possible steps to provide you with as accurate information as possible so far in advance, and may be subject to change of day, or style of entertainment provided. If Classic considers this a major change, we will contact you before arrival. On themed evenings, where there is a significant cost for entertainers, the hotel reserves the right to reduce the entertainment cost if numbers fall below 35 pax. If this should happen we will let you know in advance. 15. Accessibility Please check with Classic for any walking restrictions for passengers booking a package involving a boat cruise. Crew members are on hand to assist as much as possible, but access to the smaller cruise boats will not be possible for passengers who are wheel chair bound. CalMac ferries have full access facilities. 16. Ferries Prices based on maximum 12m length coach. This is the size recommended for most ferry crossings. If your coach is longer than 12m, then an extra charge will be incurred. 17. Drinks Inclusive Packages In Scotland conditions apply to packages which include drinks or drinks vouchers, as governed by Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Service of which is at the discretion of the hotel concerned. Full terms on enquiry.

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