Groups package brochure 2016 by Classic Britain

Business Excellence Award Winner

Group Packages & Breaks 2016 Featuring P P P

Rail Inclusives Themed Breaks Hotel Centred Stays

P P P

Island Escapes Weekend Breaks Multi Location Tours

England

Low Prices and Best of Terms Assured

Scotland

Wales

Inspiring Ideas & packages Staying in 156 Group Friendly Member Hotels

January 2016 - April 2017

Quote

21 Holidays are Free from Single Room Supplements

Classic celebrates 20 years working closely 70 Inspiring & easy to book

Twenty years has flown by since the first group stayed with Classic in Fort William. I remember that day well as it started a wonderful journey not only working with most of the UK’s and Europe’s most well-known and respected Travel Trade Companies, but also with some amazing hotels and characters! There’s no doubt about it, the industry has seen many changes since 1996 with today’s modern day customer evolving. We will continue to adapt our products to meet these new demands as well as featuring many of our “old favourites”. We are working closely with our hotel members to provide a more individual experience for each coach passenger. Many packages are designed for customers who are looking for a different coach holiday experience. You will see suggestions include wildlife, the outdoors, island hopping and so on. Each holiday has been meticulously planned using our wealth of expertise - making most of our products unique. All of us at Classic will continue to push out the boundaries to make sure you have the choice to offer your clients, and for your clients to have “the time of their lives” with your Company, so they will book with you again and you with us. Andrew Simpson Managing Director

Oban

Handpicked Hotels – Dedicated Team – Bags of Information Classics Hotel Book

Left to Right: Pamela, Bev, Richard, Nathalie, Heather, Claire, Susan, Anne-Marie, Andrew, Fiona and Mark

In addition to our Groups Package Brochure, we have introduced a 120 page brochure featuring 220 member hotels who are keen to attract group business. Each hotel has been visited & graded by Classic for group suitability. Classic’s Hotel Book for Groups is handy to have to refer to for more in depth information or for any private group enquiries or if you are looking for other ideas out with our packaged product. Let us know if you would like us to post you a copy.

w s ! No ude tels o cl In n H o nd

• England • Wales • Scotland P 200 Group

Orientated Hotels

P Low Group Rates P Free Places P Free Tour Planning Service

The Hotel Book for Groups

Coach Tours | Private Groups | Special Interest Tours

Hotel Membership

Pay less for More

Classic has always been a hotel consortium, representing over 300 members. We act as a Hotel Group, within which we supply both Wholesale and Ground Handling facilities. Classic will not represent an hotel which we believe cannot meet our minimum requirements and your expectations. We are happy to provide you with unbiased advice about any of our hotels, to be sure the right hotel is selected for your clients.

Because Classic is funded by its hotel members, then there is no need for the Wholesale mark ups. On top of which Classic obtains extremely good rates due to both our long working relationship with our members and the volume of business we place. We are happy to pass on these savings to you.

Quality Inspections For our business relationship to flourish, it’s essential you trust our product. That is why we make a point of visiting our hotels and grading them to further assist you with your hotel selection. Approved: Hotels which meet Classic’s minimum level of expectation Commended: Considered to be average or slightly above average within their star category 1st Class: Top end hotels in all departments in both service, décor and value

In addition, Classic offers welcoming refreshments on all packages at no extra cost, a generous free place policy as well as excellent payment terms, with no deposits required.

Hotel descriptions, review ratings & guideline group rates on pages 46–51

E: groups@classicbritain.com

with the Groups Market Packages staying in Quality hotels

Island Escapes

Page

Legendary Isle of Man............................................................................ 04 Irish “Hopscotch”..................................................................................... 05

About our Packages

Dunoon, Isle of Bute & Argyll’s Secret Garden.................................. 06

Each and every one of our packages has been carefully researched. Altogether, a choice of 70 packages ranging from weekend breaks to 9 day touring holidays. Special attention has been made to carefully balance each tour so they are both exciting as well as relaxing. Each hotel we use has been visited and the vast majority of hotels we have stayed in. Some of the packages are new, and some are so popular we keep repeating them every year, and they do book out very quickly.

Oban & Three Island Adventure........................................................... 08

Other benefits for you:

The North West Passage (Skye - Orkneys).......................................... 14

The Scottish Islands “Blooming” Gardens........................................... 07 Fort William,The Highlands & Isle of Skye........................................... 09 Rail & Scotland’s Natural Wonders....................................................... 10 Scottish Marine Wildlife & The Summer Isles.................................... 11 Inner Hebridean Island Hopper............................................................ 12 Hebridean Odyssey................................................................................. 13

• You will have one point of contact throughout your booking process. • Classic has a selection of thousands of Royalty free images which you can access free of charge • Thousands of real guest reviews can be found on www.classicbritain.com • All our packages are available in Word Doc. Format allowing you to amend itineraries for your brochure • Payment is only asked for once the final room list has been received (unless credit has been agreed) • To Help max. your sales we will, in most cases, provide you with a further 3 twin/dble rooms for you to sell to any late bookers.

Glorious Orkneys & Highland Grandeur.............................................. 15 Spectacular Orkneys & Shetlands Mini Cruise.................................... 16 Scotland Castle Parties in the Scottish Borders................................................. 17 The Grand Scottish All Inclusive........................................................... 18 Castles and Palaces of Ayrshire and Arran......................................... 19 Edinburgh & The Scottish Option........................................................ 20 Waterways of Scotland.......................................................................... 21 Royal Highland Safari............................................................................. 22 Scotland’s Regal Castles & Gardens..................................................... 23 Scotland’s Autumn Gold........................................................................ 24 Romantic Highland Railways................................................................. 25 Boats & Trains of the Grampians & Moray.......................................... 26

14 16

Boats & Trains of the Highlands & Islands.................................... 26/27

14 15 13

Boats & Trains of West Highlands & islands....................................... 27 Wales

11 14

Boats, Trains & Castles around Snowdonia........................................ 29

14 13 11

25 27 26 26 9 13 22 7 12 21 24 23 8 12 10 6 20 20 12 19 17 7 18

5 5

Welsh Highlands, Anglesey & Puffin Island........................................ 28

Shetlands

England Harrogate & The Yorkshire “Jaunt” ..................................................... 30 Chatsworth House & the Peak District Heights................................. 30 Windsor, Oxford & Downton Abbey.................................................... 31 The Code Breakers & WW2 Triumphs.................................................. 31 Kents Gardens, Wines & Railway Lines................................................ 32 Eastbourne for Singles Holidays........................................................... 33

Castle Parties in the Cotswolds........................................................... 34 Scenic Shropshire & The Severn Valley................................................ 35

Peak District Treats & Bomber Command.......................................... 36 41

39 4

Derbyshire Peaks & Yorkshire Highlights............................................ 37 Scarborough’s Yorkshire Coast & Castle............................................. 38

Lakeland & Lancashire Landscapes...................................................... 39

30 40 30 36

Best of the North - By Boat, Rail and Road........................................ 40 England’s Lakeland Glory....................................................................... 41

Romantic Journeys of Northumberland............................................. 42

Out of Season & Festive Festive Fun............................................................................................... 43

Themed & Drinks Inclusives................................................................... 44 Houseparties............................................................................................ 45

Hotels & Group Rates

England & Wales...................................................................................... 46 32 33

England, Ireland & Isle of Man.............................................................. 47 Scottish Borders & Ayrshire.................................................................. 48 Glasgow, Edinburgh & Central Belt...................................................... 49 Perthshire & Western Highlands.......................................................... 50 Speyside, Deeside, Northern Highlands & Islands............................. 51

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes

New Itinerary

Fiercely ... Proud of its diverse culture, fascinating heritage and folklore, the “Kingdom of Man” has a captivating story to tell, steeped in myths and legends, going back thousands of years. We visit the oldest parliament in the world, take a steam train journey and explore more than 200 square miles of unspoilt countryside & coastline. On an island full of folklore, you never know what will be around the next bend or hiding in the shadows of wells, caves and bridges.

Douglas Marina

5 days from

£224pp

Highlights P Mountain Railway P Steam train P Castle Rushen P Laxey Wheel P Port Erin P Peel

Price Includes P 4 or 5 nts DBB P Welcoming tea & biscuits on check in P Ferry to and from the Isle of Man P Train to Snaefell Peak P Single steam train journey P Castle Rushen P 2 night’s entertainment P Free coach parking at hotels P Driver free over 25 paying passengers

Driver day off option Isle of Man Ramsey Snaefell Laxey

Peel Tynwald Port Erin Port St Mary

Douglas

Hey

sha

Castletown

Hotels 3* Rutland Hotel, Douglas Page 47

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

6 days from

£259pp

Legendary Isle of Man 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 world’s 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, take a ride on the horse and cart along the seafront, or visit the museum. The hotel is within easy walking distance of all the local attractions and shops. Day 4 Steam train, Castle Rushen & Peel Hop on board the IOM steam railway, the longest narrow gauge steam line in the UK, still operating with its original locos and carriages. The 16 mile journey transports you through charming countryside to Port Erin, where your coach will be waiting to take you to nearby Castle Rushen, one of

Europe’s most finely preserved Medieval Castles. Afterwards, board your coach for a scenic coastal drive visiting Port St Mary & Port Erin, before proceeding up the west side of the island to Peel, famous for its kippers is a thriving fishing port with a fantastic sandy beach, modern marina with tiny lanes & a cathedral. The town is dominated by Peel Castle. Peel is the best place in Britain to observe Basking Sharks at close quarters and are often the length of your coach! They regularly come within yards of the shoreline. Returning to your hotel along the TT circuit over Tynwald Hill and the 1000 year old Manx Parliament. Day 5 Unless you are staying a fifth night you catch the ferry shortly after breakfast arriving in Heysham around lunchtime for your journey home.

Peel Harbour & Castle

Quote from Coach Operator: “it has become almost impossible to find accommodation to equal Classic Britain’s rates.”

Island Escapes

2015 Sold Out

Astonishing ... 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 comfortable and 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 P P P P P P P P

1 nt Dumfries DBB 2nts Northern Ireland DBB 2 nts Gretna Green Return ferry with coach Cairnryan – Belfast Entrance into Titanic centre Giants Causeway Guided tour Bushmills Whiskey Distillery Entrance to Chester Fort Entrance to Threave Gardens

Driver free over 25 paying passengers Hadrians Wall Portrush Giant’s Causeway Bushmills

Dumfries Threave Gardens

Antrim

Belfast

Cairnryan Carrickfergus

Gretna

Hotels 1 nights 2 nights 2 nights

Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries Page 48 Carrion Hotel, Carrickfergus Page 47 Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green Page 48

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

6 days from

£289pp

The Irish “Hop-Scotch” 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 inspired 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 nearby 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 11/2 hours. 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.

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. Titanic Centre, Belfast

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 Threave

Quote from Coach Operator: “Classic offers excellent hotels and great itineraries! A pleasure to deal with!”

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Lower Prices

Island Escapes Inspirational ... 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 Scottish Night P Mount Stuart Palace P Rothesay P Benmore Gardens P Inveraray Castle

Price Includes P Welcome refreshment on check in P 4 nts DBB P Ferry crossings as described P Min 2 nts entertainment (Scottish night in Argyll) P Entry into Mount Stuart Palace & Gardens P Entry to Inveraray Castle P Entrance into Benmore Botanical Gardens P 1 free place for your driver over 25 pax.

Extra night from £36 pppn DBB Crinan Canal Benmore Gardens Dunoon Rothesay & Mount Stuart

Inveraray Arrochar Loch Lomond Glasgow Edinburgh Ayr Gretna Dumfries Carlisle

Hotel 3* Argyll Hotel, Dunoon Page 49

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

£184pp

Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Argyll’s Secret Garden Day 1 Firth of Clyde & Dunoon Past Glasgow and along the shoreline of the Firth, catching the sea crossing to Dunoon from Gourock. Check in to your loch side hotel with a welcoming refreshment. 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. Day 3 Inveraray, Castle & Coastal Drive 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, where entry is included. Stroll round the beautiful castle and its grounds leading down to the loch. We return along Argyll’s secret coastline, one of the most 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 Dunoon & Benmore Gardens After a leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to explore the delights of Dunoon. In the afternoon, we take the short drive into magnificent mountainous countryside within Loch Lomond National Park to discover the hidden Benmore Botanical Gardens, presenting a vital link to a disappearing wilderness. The enchanting gardens date back to the mid 1800’s, and there is both a formal garden as well as paths leading through the Redwood Tree Avenue, The Bhutanese Glade, Tasmanian Ridge and The Chilean Rainforest Glade. We spend a couple of hours here before returning to the hotel in plenty time for dinner and entertainment. 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.

Quote from Coach Operator: “Classic Britain offers new, fresh and exciting itineraries to meet the ever increasing demands of the modern day customer.”

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. Isle of Arran & Brodick Castle

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

P 2 nts Isle of Arran DBB 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

Arduaine Gardens Crinan Canal

Arrochar

Lochgilphead

Glasgow

Isle of Gigha Kinloch Isle of Arran

£299pp

Scottish Islands “Blooming” Gardens

Price Includes

Loch Awe

6 days from

Brodick

Ardrossan

Hotels 2 nts 3* Kinloch Hotel, Arran Page 48 3nts 3* Argyll Hotel, Inveraray Page 50

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

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.

Guest Comment about the Kinloch Hotel: “A warm friendly welcome and all staff very pleasant and attentive. Food excellent and the full Scottish breakfast was amazing.”

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

Island Escapes

Prices lower than 2015

Bonnie ... 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. The culmination of 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 Commando Monument P Seil Island

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 2nts entertainment at Regent P No single supplement in Regent Hotel

Extra night or overnight from £36pp DBB Commando Monument Neptunes Staircase

Fort William & Nevis Range

Mull Staffa Iona

Oban Loch Lomond

Stirling Glasgow

Hotels 3* Columba Hotel, Oban 3* Caledonian Hotel, Oban 2* Regent Hotel, Oban Page 50

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

£239pp

Oban & the Three Island Adventure

Price Includes

Seil Island

5 days from

E: groups@classicbritain.com

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.

from the 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 £22 pp.

Day 2 Seil Island After a leisurely breakfast, time free to explore Oban. After lunch we journey to Seil Island, made famous for the film “Ring of Bright Water.” We 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 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 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. Driver Day off option Passengers can enjoy the Three Isles Adventure without your coach. Hotels are no more than 300 yards

Day 5 Depart hotel via Loch Lomond and Glasgow.

Commando Monument, Spean Bridge

Voted by Telegraph readers as one of the best day tours in the UK

Island Escapes

New

Extraordinary ... Holiday set against the majestic Highland landscape of lochs and mountains. A holiday exploring the most well-known parts of the West Highlands, blending together the history, the wildlife and of course the best of scenery which has made this area of Scotland so attractive. Sit back enjoy the ride as we transport you up into the mountains, take you over the sea to Skye, view the most famous loch in the world and take the Harry Potter rail journey to the Isles.

Kyleakin, Isle of Skye

Highlights P Isle of Skye ferry P Mountain Gondola P Road to the Isles P Clan Donald Centre P Loch Ness & Inverness P Rail journey P Neptunes Staircase

Price Includes P 4nts DBB P Full hot breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners P Mountain Gondola ride P Entry to the Clan Donald Centre P Single ferry journey P Single rail journey P Free on-site coach parking P 1 free place over 25 paying passengers Extra night from £50pp DBB

Broadford

Eilean Donan Castle

Clan Donald

Inverness

Loch Ness Mountain Gondola

Mallaig

Fort William Stirling

Glasgow

Hotel 3* West End Hotel, Fort William Page 50

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

5 days from

£234pp

Fort William, the Highlands & Isle of Skye 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. 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 West Highland Railway & Isle of Skye Circular A fabulous day awaits. Your coach drops you off at Fort William station to catch the ScotRail train to Mallaig, arguably the most scenic railway journey in the UK if not Europe, passing Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, over the 21 arched Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter films and on to Mallaig, where the ferry is waiting to take you over to Skye. Admission included into the magnificent 20,000 acre Clan Donald Estate in south Skye. Explore the gardens, with the imposing ruins of Armadale Castle, take one of the many easily graded trails to admire wonderful panoramic vistas. Discover the history of the Highlands

Quote from Coach Operator: “I am delighted that Classic Britain now promotes more than just a hotel”.

and Islands through the story of Clan Donald, its most powerful clan, at the award-winning museum. Afterwards, we head to Broadford before crossing over the Skye Bridge towards Fort William. On the 70 mile journey we pass Eilean Donan Castle, lots of Lochs with an abundance of Highland Grandeur all the way. 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.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes

New Itinerary

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. RSPB Loch Lomond Wildlife Cruise

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

Price Includes P P P P P P P P P P

Tea and shortbread on check in 4 nights DBB Single Journey on the West Highland Line Natural Wonder cruise with RSPB with Guided walk Wildlife and Scenic cruise from Oban 1 Scottish night with 4 course Highland banquet Min. 1 other nights entertainment Free overnight coach parking Driver free if over 25 paying pax Porterage

Longer stays available from £42 pppn DBB West Highland Line

Fort William Ben Nevis

Oban Inveraray

Crianlarich Tarbet

Arrochar Inversnaid

Stirling

Loch Lomond Glasgow

Hotels 3* Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar 3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich Page 50

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

£179pp

Rail and Scotland’s Natural Wonders Monday Glasgow & Loch Lomond 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 Inveraray, Oban and Island cruise Hugging the shoreline of the loch we stop off at the historical 19th century market town of Inveraray. Continuing to Oban, where your chartered ship cruises out of Oban on a 2 hour adventure towards the beautiful Isle of Mull. Stunning scenery, marine wildlife, and some of Scotland’s most

romantic and picturesque castles all come into view from the sea. The cruise boat is covered, takes 250 pax, and there is both a running commentary and refreshments on board. On returning to Oban, head back to your hotel in time for dinner. Thursday Fort William, West Highland Line After breakfast, catch the mid morning train from 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 circumnavigate the massif of Ben Nevis. The railway journey takes a different route from the road. Time free in Fort William. After lunch board your coach for the short journey to Banavie, and see the magnificent engineering feat of Telford’s Neptunes Staircase. A series of 8 lock gates linking Loch Linnhe to the Caledonian Canal. Watch boats navigating the locks, whilst taking in unsurpassed views of Ben Nevis. Afterwards, returning to your hotel through mighty Glencoe. Friday After breakfast its time to head for home.

Comment about the Arrochar Hotel: “Great location, good food and fun entertainment. Excellent value for money.”

Island Escapes

New Itinerary

Unforgettable ... twin centred holiday based on the Atlantic coastline, has been one of Classic’s most sought after holidays for the last six years, because it offers something out of the ordinary and is an exclusive holiday designed by Classic and tailored for the Coach passenger. It’s a holiday to appreciate the abundance of wildlife which can be readily seen at close quarters and to have the opportunity to explore and admire the rugged, unspoilt and more inaccessible regions of the West Highland coastline. There are two cruises to the smaller isles included, with regular sightings of eagles, dolphins, basking Your hotel in Morar with views of the Isles

sharks and whales.

Highlights P Small Isles cruise P Wildlife cruise P Isle of Skye P Inverness P Ullapool

6 nights DBB Welcoming tea & shortbread on day 1 arrival Full hot breakfasts Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee Cruise to Eigg & Rum Tea & Biscuits at the Caledonian Hotel 1 night entertainment staying in Caledonian Hotel Summer Isles & Marine Wildlife cruise Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye

Monday The West Highlands to your beach and

Friday Marine Wildlife & Summer Isles Cruise After

island view hotel for the next 3 nights.

breakfast we head to Ullapool pier to catch the MV

Tuesday Isles of Eigg & Rum After a leisurely breakfast we depart from nearby Arisaig at 1100hrs on the MV Shearwater, cruising to the Hebridean Isles of Eigg and Rum. With a short stop at Eigg, where passengers can if they so wish disembark and explore the island and walk the Scurr of Eigg, and be collected 5hrs later. Or, continue to Rum for a 2hr stop. Kinloch castle is a 20 minute walk away (buggy transfers

Wednesday Drivers Day off

Summer Isles

Ullapool

Inverness

Eigg

tours of this flamboyant 19th century castle. Or, there are many nature trail walks - full information available on landing. The village hall has information about the (Walking shoes recommended on Rum). A wide array of sea and bird life can be spotted on and around the

Plockton Skye Rum

available at an extra cost), where there are guided

island & is host to the local tea room and home baking.

Gairloch

islands and it is not unusual for sailings to be slightly

Aviemore Mallaig

Fort William

Pitlochry

late due to a detour to watch Minke Whales, Basking Sharks or Dolphins. Arriving back in Arisaig c1800hrs.

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. Tea/coffee included. The cruise arrives back about 1330hrs. After lunch, optional afternoon tour of the local area including Ardmair Bay, 3 miles from Ullapool, a small Highland village with superb views over the isles. (Groups of 31+

Wednesday Free Day There are some lovely beach

pax will be split, so half the group will do the cruise at

walks from Morar, and loch cruises from Mallaig.

1330hrs and the optional tour in the morning).

Recommend 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 or 3

Hotels

£299pp

Scottish Marine Wildlife and The Summer Isles

Price Includes P P P P P P P P P

7 days from

trains a day!

Saturday Inverness & Spey Valley The journey to Inverness “The Highland Capital” hugs to shoreline of Loch Broom, then sweeps inland where Highland landscapes, lochs, mountains and moorlands all come

Thursday Isle of Skye & Atlantic Coastline Over

into view. The journey takes approx. 1 ½ hours before

3nts 3* Morar Hotel, Morar

the sea to “Bonnie” Skye, and to Broadford. Take the

arriving in the thriving city of Inverness with time free.

2nts 3* 3* Royal Hotel, Ullapool

Skye bridge to Kyle travelling through magnificent

Afterwards, we head south and into the Spey Valley and

Highland glen scenery & coastal views passing Loch

your 3* hotel. You can stay further south in Perthshire or

1nt 3* Southbound hotel.

Maree and Loch Carron and your Ullapool hotel for

Glasgow to suit your onward journey on Sunday.

Pages 49, 50 & 51

the next 2 nights.

On all cruises we recommend warm clothing, gloves,

or 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

Available: April – September | Dates and rates attached

Quote from Coach Operator: “Classic Britain has a superb selection of tours offering a true one-stop shop service with imaginative & themed itineraries”

secure hat, walking shoes, camera and binoculars.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New

Island Escapes

Fascinating ... Scottish Island experience, visiting five distinctly different islands, Arran, Islay, Mull, Iona and Skye. An ultimate tour with breath-taking & unspoilt coastline scenery. But this is only part of an adventure, where unexpected wonders unfold before you each day, learn about each islands’ culture and history, wildlife and their unique island lifestyle. A truly inspiring journey to Highland islands which have little changed in generations.

Eilean Donan Castle

Highlights P Arran P Mull P Iona P Islay P Skye P Oban P Fort William P Distillery visit P Mountain cable car

P 6 nights DBB P All ferry crossings as described with your coach P Whisky Distillery tour & tasting P Cable car ride P Free place for your driver over 25 paying passengers

Longer stays available from £42 pppn DBB Isle of Skye Mallaig Fort William

Morar

Oban

Iona Ardrishaig Islay

Glasgow

Kennecraig Isle of Arran

Troon

Hotels 1 nt min 3* Glasgow/Ayrshire area 2 nts 3* Grey Gull Hotel, Ardrishaig 1 nt 2* Regent Hotel, Oban 3* Imperial Hotel, fort William 2 nts 3* West End Hotel, Fort William or 3* Morar Hotel, Morar Page 48-51 Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

£379pp

The Inner Hebridean Island Hopper

Price Includes

Isle of Mull

7 days from

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Day 1 Ayrshire or Glasgow Travel to your chosen overnight hotel in the Glasgow/Ayrshire area in time for dinner. Day 2 Isle of Arran & Mull of Kintyre After breakfast catch the morning sailing to Arran. Scotlands most southerly Island and one of the largest. We spend most of the day on the island visiting Highland Aromatics, the islands capital Brodick, Blackwaterfoot and a drive around the coastline. The islands history dates back to 7000BC and there is evidence of this on your travels. Late afternoon, catch the “wee-boat” at Lochranza and on to the Mull of Kintyre. The journey to Ardrishaig hugs the shoreline of Loch Fyne. Check in to the Grey Gull Hotel for the next 2 nights. Day 3 Isle of Islay A fantastic day awaits. With your coach catch the ferry at Kennecraig to Islay, recognised as the “Queen of the Hebrides” with 8 working whisky distilleries, stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and friendly people. It is an island with a rich past dating back to the Bronze Age, stone circles and remains of settlements are clearly visible. Islay was once the main seat of power in West Scotland and became known as the home of the Lords of the Isles. It is considered one of the World’s most beautiful islands. We have organised a guided tour and tasting at Bowmore Whisky Distillery. We travel across the island before catching the ferry back to the mainland. Arriving back at your hotel about 7pm. Day 4 Oban & Isles of Mull & Iona The scenic coastal drive to Oban passing Loch Melfort with glorious island views takes about 1 hour before catching the mid-morning sailing to the Isle of Mull – the third largest of the Scottish Islands, with over 300 miles of coastline. We pass imposing Duart

Castle as we head for the short ferry crossing over to the sacred isle of Iona, the burial place of over 100 Scottish Kings and still regarded by many as a religious sanctuary. It is also an island of extreme beauty and time is spent here before returning to Oban and your overnight hotel. Day 5 Fort William Morning free in Oban. Afterwards we make the 45 mile journey along the lochside to the West Highlands main town of Fort William. The best views of the Highlands is from the top of a mountain and we have arranged for you to be transported, in safety, in a mountain cable car from sea level to over 2000ft up Aonach Mor, next to Ben Nevis. From here the views over the town towards the isles are spectacular. There is a café, shop and walking trails. Next two nights either in Fort William or Morar. Day 6 Isle of Skye Circular Another amazing day out. We head along the “Road to the isles” to Mallaig. Enjoy one of the most well-known ferry journeys in the world with a sail ‘“Over the sea to Skye’”. On Skye we head to Broadford and then the Islands capital Portree, fringed by high cliffs. A quaint fishing town with narrow streets and a thriving cultural centre, after lunch we head towards the Skye Bridge with the Cuillins – the most dramatic of Scottish mountain ranges coming into view. Continuing past Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland’s 2nd most photographed Scottish castle, after Edinburgh, returning to your hotel past many lochs and mountain ranges. Day 7 Depart for Home After breakfast head south through Glencoe. Overnight hotels can be arranged in the Scottish Borders if required from £36 pppn DBB.

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “Classic Britain makes life so much easier and assists us greatly in our tour planning”

Island Escapes

2000+ pax. have done this tour

Blessed ... With miles of white sandy beaches, the Outer Hebrides is truly one of the most unspoilt areas in Europe. A beautiful set of 200 islands in a 130 mile archipelago. On this breathtaking tour we visit the main islands of Skye, Uist, Lewis and Harris. Appreciate the true beauty of the rugged Highlands, enjoy magical sailings between the islands, and look out for plenty of wildlife, much of it exclusive to island habitats. Sample the island lifestyle, the culture and their ancient history spanning back over 5000 years.

Beaches can stretch to over 20 miles long

Highlights P Isle of Skye P The Uists P Fort William P Inverness P Guided tour of Lewis & Harris P Ullapool P Callanish Stones

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 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 or Kings Arms, Skye or 3* Lochalsh Hotel, Kyle 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 | Dates and rates attached

6 days from

£355pp

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 at Eilean Donan Castle, 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, for 1 night. 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. 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

Trip Advisor named the Hebrides as one of the Top Ten Island Destinations in the world.

Callanish (Scotland’s Stonehenge, but older). Ancient thatched “blackhouses”, typical of crofting 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

5000 year old Callanish Stone Circle

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes

£20 lower than 2015

Dramatic ... Seascapes & impressive unspoilt scenery unfold before you. This is big country on the extreme edge of Europe. From Fort William, we explore the Isle of Skye and one of Scotland’s oldest castles. Then, into an area where very few people have been, an area of extraordinary beauty round Scotland’s North West coastline. A fascinating guided tour of the Orkney Isles is included completing a most memorable holiday where you will have witnessed a way of life and culture which has little changed in generations.

The Old Man of Hoy, Orkneys

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

Durness

Orkney

Thurso

John o’ Groats

Ullapool

Dunrobin Castle

Gairloch Portree

Inverness

Dunvegan

Balmacara

Fort William

Pitlochry

Stirling Glasgow

Hotels Pages 48-51 1nt Min 2nts 1nt 2nts or 1nt

3* Glasgow area hotel 2* Dunollie or Kings Arms, Skye or 3* Lochalsh Hotel, Kyle 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso 3* Royal Hotel, Thurso 3* Stirling/Perthshire hotel

Available: May – September | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

8 days from

£394pp

The North-West Passage Fort William – Skye – Ullapool – Orkneys

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 into mountainous Glencoe, where the road sweeps through the narrow glen before opening up to Loch Linnhe 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 on the Isle of Skye. 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 - over 800 years old. Returning along the coast road, with views of the Cuillens, the most impressive mountain range in the UK. Day 4 Loch Maree & Ullapool Depart Skye & head along the west coast to Ullapool, and Loch Maree. Time free in Gairloch, passing Inverewe Gardens and Guinard Island, continuing to Ullapool for 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 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, then 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 chosen 3* hotel in the Perth or Stirling area. Day 8 Depart Scotland and head for home.

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “The packages available are interesting and varied and most importantly cover the Scottish Islands”

Island Escapes

Mysterious ... and Magical is the feeling you have as soon as the Scottish mainland slips astern. Across the Pentland Firth, a graveyard to sunken ships adds to the mystique of the Orkneys, an archipelago of over 70 islands. The holiday highlight is a full day guided tour of the Orkneys with its bountiful wildlife, 5000 years of history, world famous archaeology and unrivalled island scenery. Combined with many of the Highland’s Highlights, makes this holiday one of Classic’s all-time favourites.

Churchill Barriers & Scapa Flow, Orkneys

6 days from

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

Price Includes P P P P P P P P

5 Nights DBB Welcoming tea/coffee & cakes on arrival in Thurso (Silver package) Return ferry between John O’Groats & Orkneys Full day island tour with guide & private coach Entry to Castle of Mey 3 Course choice dinners plus coffee Full Scottish breakfasts 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 Stirling Glasgow

Dunkeld Perth Edinburgh

Gold 1 nt 3* Queens Hotel, Perth Page 49 3nts 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso Page 51 1 nt 3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen Page 49

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 49 Available: May – September | Dates and rates attached

£264pp

Glorious Orkneys & Highland Grandeur 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.

islands including Skara Brae, The Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Ring of Brodgar, The Standing Stones of 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 Skara Brae, Orkneys

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

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “Our passenger numbers to Scotland witnessed significant growth which we attribute largely to the new and exciting product provided by Classic”

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Island Escapes

Experience ... Island lifestyles which have little changed in generations. Discover Europe’s most remote islands of Shetlands and Orkneys, where you will find the spirit of the isles and its people to be truly inspiring in both culture and welcome. The history of these islands spans back over 5000 years and with the help of experienced local guides you will learn and find out more about the folklore, traditions, archaeology and the islands abundant wildlife. This fascinating voyage of discovery is complimented with stay overs in mainland Scotland.

Shetland seaview

6 days from

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

Price Includes P 3 nts mainland hotels DBB P 1 night BB*, 1nt DBB on Orkneys 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 Lerwick Inverness Aviemore

Aberdeen

Perth Glasgow

Edinburgh

Hotels 1nt 3* Central Scotland Pages 47 & 48 1nt on ship 2nts 3* Stromness Hotel, Orkneys Pages 51 2nts 3* Perth, Dundee, Stirling or Dunfermline Page 50 Available: May – September | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

£479pp

7 days from

£529pp

Spectacular Orkneys to Shetlands Mini Cruise Saturday Journey through Scotland 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 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 Head Home You can add a further night in the same hotel for an additional £50 pp DBB. If you decide to stay 2 nights then we will ensure the hotel is well positioned to relax and explore the area. Edinburgh will also be accessible.

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

More attractions included

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”. Classic’s Castle Parties is our top reveiwed package in 2014.

Rosslyn Chapel

Highlights P Floors Castle P Traquair House P Edinburgh P Rosslyn Chapel P Grand Scottish Night

Price Includes P Welcome tea, coffee & shortbread on arrival 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 (Apr-Oct) P Entry into Traquair House P Entry into Rosslyn Chapel 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 Rosslyn Chapel

Floors Castle

Peebles Langholm Melrose Abbey Carlisle

Hotel 3* Barony Castle, near Peebles Page 48 Please note single rooms are not accessible by lift. Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

5 days from

£204pp

Castle Parties in the Scottish Borders 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. 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 by Richard II in 1385, is

Guest Comment about Barony Castle: “Enjoyed our stay at the Barony Castle staff were friendly and service was excellent rooms were nice”

one of Scotland’s most famous ruins. (Floors Castle is open & entry included for all tours between April & October) Wednesday Rosslyn Chapel & Edinburgh Another exciting day awaits. After a delicious breakfast we head north through rolling countryside, to stop off and visit what is probably one of the most famous chapels in the world. 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, immortalised in Dan Browns film “Da Vinci Code”. A stunning place to explore the myths and legends surrounding the whereabouts of the “Holy Grail”. Afterwards, you can either return to the hotel for afternoon at leisure, use the pool, have a spa treatment, or shop in Peebles. Or make the short journey into Edinburgh and spend the remainder of the day there. Thursday Living like a Laird sadly comes to an end as you head through the Borders homeward bound.

Traquair House

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

2015 Sold Out

Scotland

Everything ... is included in the price! Based at 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, as well as a tour of a whisky distillery.

Edinburgh

Highlights P Dumfries House P Rosslyn Chapel P Edinburgh P Ayr P Loch Lomond P Whiskey Tour & Tasting

Price Includes P Welcome Tea & Shortbread P 4 nights DBB P 3nts entertainment, 1 Scottish themed P Tour and whisky tasting P 3 packed lunches P Wine with dinner each night P 3 drinks vouchers each night P Entry into Dumfries House* P Entry into Rosslyn Chapel

5th night available on Sunday for £40 pp DBB Aberfoyle Loch Lomond

Callander Stirling Edinburgh

Glengoyne

Rosslyn Chapel

Glasgow Ayr Dumfries House

Biggar M7

Hotels 3* Abington Hotel, near Biggar Page 48

Available: March – November | Dates and rates attached *(Dumfries House not open in March and November)

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

£156pp

The Grand Scottish All Inclusive Monday To Scotland Arrive at the 3* Abington Hotel for tea & shortbread. Tuesday Edinburgh & Rosslyn Chapel Today we head through beautiful Borders country towards Edinburgh stopping off at the C15th Rosslyn 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. Afterwards a tour and tasting at Glengoyne whisky distillery. 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 timecapsule 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. Friday Time to board the coach and head home.

Dumfries House

Loch Lomond

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “Its nice to work with Classic who appear to be a finely tuned machine, delivering excellent standards and who genuinely seem to care”

Prices lower than 2015

Scotland

Outstanding ... 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 conducted at a relaxing pace. Drumlanrig Castle

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

Price Includes P P P P P P P P P P P P

Welcoming tea & shortbread at check-in 4 nts DBB Entry into Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens Return ferry to Arran Entry into Brodick Castle & Gardens Entry into Dumfries House Full Scottish breakfasts Choice 3 course dinner plus coffee A Scottish themed night Min 1 other nights entertainment free coach parking 1 free place if over 25 paying passengers

Extra night from £42 pp DBB Glasgow Irvine Brodick

Ailoway Dumfries House

Drumlanrig Castle

Hotels 4* Menzies Hotel, Irvine 3* South Beach Hotel, Troon Page 48

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

£209pp

Castles and Palaces of Ayrshire and Arran Day 1 Ayrshire Arrive at your chosen hotel to welcoming tea and shortbread. 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.

Turnberry

Ailsa Craig

Cumnock

Troon Ayr

Strathaven

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

Guest Comment about Menzies Irvine: “Nice open reception area, bedroom spacious and two chairs appreciated. Good bathroom, Food good too.”

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 of the arch shaped Ailsa Craig & Firth of Clyde with the mountains of the Isle of Arran in the distance. Day 5 After breakfast its time to head for home.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New

Edinburgh

Pick ...

Your Edinburgh hotel and dates and add on one of our recommended packages, (min 3* hotels). Alternatively, you can ask Classic to “tailor-make” a specific package around your Edinburgh dates. Or, you can book your Edinburgh hotel on its own. Our “Edinburgh Option” gives you the security of having an Edinburgh hotel either at the beginning or end of your tour, with the flexibility of building a programme just right for your clients. Edinburgh Hotels: Arrival dates x 2nts 3* Ibis Hotel, Edinburgh city 8/5, 15/5, 6/6, 3/7, 18/9, 25/9 £106pp B&B ss £90pp (2 nts)

3* Brooks Hotel, Edinburgh city 8/5 - £110pp. 5/6, 3/10 -114pp. 3/7, 4/9 - £120pp. 7/8- £165pp. All B&B. ss £50-£80pp (2 nts)

3 days from

3* Kings Manor, Edinburgh (Page 49) 6/5, 2/6, 19/6, 3/7, 1/9, 15/9 - 1nt DBB/1nt BB - £132pp ss £60pp (2 nts)

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh & the Scottish Option Add on 3 nights Tartan Taster

6 days from

£299pp

Add on 4 nights Whisky & Castles

7 days from

£379pp

£106B&B

8 days Add on 5 nights from Highlands & Islands £427pp

Oban

Blair Castle

Ferry to Mull

1nt Inverness area - 1nt W. Highlands - 1nt Stirling

1nt Perthshire – 2nts Speyside – 1nt Argyll

2 nts Speyside – 1nt Skye area - 2nts Oban area

Price Includes

P 2 nts BB/DBB Edinburgh P 1 nt DBB Inverness area P 1 nt DBB Oban area P 1 nt DBB Stirling area P Entry to Blair Castle

P Guided Tour & whisky Tasting P Loch Ness Cruise P Entry to Urquhart Castle P Rail journey on West Highland Line

1st 2 nights or last 2 nights Edinburgh Day 3 Highlands One of Europe’s last unspoilt landscapes. Firstly Perth, then free time in the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry. Afterwards, entry into Blair Castle & whisky tour and tasting at nearby distillery. Aviemore. Overnight hotel in Inverness area. Day 4 West Highlands & Coast Along the Great Glen with cruise on Loch Ness & entry to Urquhart Castle. Spectacular drive to Fort William with time free, continuing along the lochside to your overnight hotel in Oban area. Day 5 West Highland Line & Trossachs Board the train to Crianlarich, on one of Europe’s most scenic railway journeys. Continue through the Trossachs via Callender and your overnight hotel in the Stirling area.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

P 2nts BB/DBB Edinburgh P 1 nt DBB Perthshire

P Entry to Blair Castle P Entry to Cawdor Castle

P 2nts BB/DBB Edinburgh

P 1 Afternoon Tea

P 2 nts DBB Speyside

P 1 nt DBB Argyll

P 3 x whisky Tours & Tastings

P 1 nt DBB Skye area

P Entry to Glamis Castle

P Steam Train Journey

P 2nts DBB Spey Valley

P 2nts DBB Oban area

P Entry Blair Castle P Whisky Tour & Tasting P Return ferry to Isle of Mull P Return ferry to Isle of Iona

1st 2 nights or last 2 nights Edinburgh

Day 3 Perthshire & Glamis First stop Glamis Castle & Gardens, one of Scotland’s finest and most glamorous castles. Mid afternoon head to the Grouse Experience for a Guided tour and whisky tasting of Scotlands most popular brand. Overnight Pitlochry area.

Day 3 Perthshire & Highlands Time free in St Andrews & Pitlochry, then into the Highlands with a stop at Blair Castle before heading to your hotel for 2nts in Speyside.

Day 4 Speyside Head north into the Highlands stopping for a visit to Blair Castle. Afterwards stop off in Aviemore to catch the steam Train to Broomhill through spectacular Mountain scenery. Speyside hotel for 2nights. Day 5 Whisky Trail The world famous whisky trail with 9 working distilleries. A visit and sampling of one of the famous Speyside malts. Time in Elgin before a visit to Cawdor Castle & Gardens with tea/coffee and tray bake. Day 6 West Highlands Through mountainous & lochside scenery to Fort William for a visit to the highly acclaimed Ben Nevis Distillery. Afterwards, through mighty Glencoe and into the kingdom of Argyll for your final nights’ stay.

Day 4 Whisky Trail & Inverness Along the total route of the Whisky Trail with a stop at one distillery for a tour & tasting. Time free in Nairn before heading back to your hotel. Day 5 Isle of Skye After spending time in Inverness the Highland capital, the spectacular journey over to Skye commences, passing many lochs and castles including Eilean Donan the 2nd most photographed castle in Scotland. Overnight in Skye area Day 6 West Highlands & Skye Time is spent on Skye before heading inland towards Loch Ness and the Great Glen. Free time in Fort William before proceeding on towards Oban and your hotel for 2 nights. Day 7 Isles of Mull & Iona Ferry over to Isle of Mull and then along the coastline to catch the short crossing on to the sacred Isle of Iona, the birth of Christianity and burial place of over 100 Scottish Kings. Returning to your Oban hotel in time for dinner.

Quote from Overseas Coach Operator: “With Classic booking a multi centre holiday with several inclusions is quick and simple”

Prices lower than 2014

Scotland

Legendary ... 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.

S.S. Walter Scott on Loch Katrine

Highlights P Steamship cruise P Falkirk Wheel P Boatlift P Forth Bridges Cruise P Dunoon P Entertainment P Five Lochs Tour

5 days from

£149pp

Waterways of Scotland

Price Includes P Welcome tea and shortbread P 4 nights DBB

Day 1 Journey into Scotland Arrive at your

view various wildlife with the chance of

P Steam cruise on Loch Katrine

chosen hotel, for welcoming tea, coffee &

spotting seals, dolphins and puffins.

P Entry to Falkirk Wheel & Boat lift P Forth Bridges Cruise

shortbread.

P Ferry from Dunoon to Gourock P 3 nights entertainment at Rob Roy

Day 2 Loch Katrine and the Trossachs

into “bonnie” Scottish Highland countryside.

A short journey through the glorious

First, to Loch Lomond, the “Queen of

Trossachs will take you to Loch Katrine. Take

Scottish Lochs” before turning to Arrochar

your seat on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott

with its dramatic mountain backdrop, known

with the beauty of the loch unfolding before

as the “Arrochar Alps”. We continue along

you, which inspired Sir Walter Scott to write

the shoreline of Loch Fyne, Loch Eck and

his famous poem. As you travel, the tales

the famous Holy Loch to Dunoon, with time

and legends of the loch will be narrated by a

free for lunch. Afterwards we board the

crew member. Afterwards, continue through

ferry across the Firth of Clyde to Gourock

Callander with some time free in historical

returning to your hotel over the River

Stirling, with its famous castle. With time

Clyde’s Erskine Bridge.

P Full Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P 1 free place for your driver over 25 paying passengers

Overnight hotels available from £36 pppn DBB

Aberfoyle Loch Katrine Forth Cruise Arrochar

free before returning to your hotel. Dunoon

Day 3 Falkirk Wheel & Forth Bridges Falkirk Wheel

Drymen Callander Glasgow

Dunblane

Day 4 Five Lochs Tour A spectacular day out

Day 5 Travel Home After a hearty Scottish breakfast its time to head for home.

Cruise A short drive takes you to the Falkirk Wheel, one of Scotland’s top attractions. Your time here will involve a trip on the boat to experience the only rotating boatlift in the world, joining the Union Canal. In the

Hotels

afternoon continue towards Edinburgh,

4* Airth Castle Hotel, near Falkirk 3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen 2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 49

memorable cruise under the two famous

boarding the “Maid of the Forth” for a Forth Bridges, as well as passing by the 3rd bridge which is currently under construction.

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

Then, and out towards Inchcolm Island to

Quote from Coach Operator: “Classic Britain makes life so much easier and assists us greatly in our tour planning”

Falkirk Wheel

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland

Discover ... 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.

Cairngorm Mountains & Wildlife Park

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

P 4 nights DBB P Welcoming tea & shortbread on arrival 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

Aberfeldy Stirling

Pitlochry Dunkeld Glamis Castle Edinburgh

Hotels 3* Birnam House Hotel, Dunkeld 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld 3* Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry Page 50

Available: May – September | Dates and rates attached

£182pp

Royal Highland Safari

Price Includes

Loch Tummel

5 days from

E: groups@classicbritain.com

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 the hotel’s Poet’s Bar - where you’ll find it to this day. After lunch we drive through glorious Perthshire countryside stopping off in Pitlochry. 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 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.

Highland Safari

Guest Comment about Royal Dunkeld Hotel: “Excellent Hotel. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Food was outstandingly good.”

Scotland

“Big County” ... Perthshire is the base for this fascinating holiday. An area which has become synonymous for its majestic Highland glens, picturesque lochs, ancient forests, magnificent wildlife and characterful towns and villages. It is also an area with a captivating historical connection and many of Scotland’s most grand castles and palaces are all nearby. The Angus Hotel brings this altogether with a comprehensive entertainment programme with a Scottish “twist”.

Glamis Castle & Gardens

Highlights P Scone Palace P Glamis Castle & Gardens P Blair Atholl Castle P Whisky Tour and tasting P Scottish night

P 4 nights DBB Entry and Guided Tour of Blair Atholl Castle Guided Tour and tasting at Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery Cabaret Show & Dance (Angus) Entry into Glamis Castle & Gardens Entry in Scone Palace & Gardens Taste of Scotland Evening with traditional music & dance (Angus) One other night’s entertainment (Angus) Free use of Leisure facilities

Driver Free over 25 paying pax Loch Tummel Pitlochry Blairgowrie Scone Perth A9

Blair Atholl Castle & Distillery Glamis Dundee

St Andrews

outh

Stirling

M74 S

£153pp

Scotland’s Regal Castles & Gardens

Price Includes P P P P P P P P

5 days from

Edinburgh

Hotels 4* Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry 3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld Page 50

Day 1 Perthshire Passing Perth, arrive at your chosen hotel. Welcome drinks reception with the Management team before dinner. Day 2 Scenic Perthshire & Blair Atholl Over the “Tops” we pass Pitlochry and stop off at the Queens View at the head of Loch Tummel, a most admired spot for Queen Victoria, who stopped here on several occasions whilst in Balmoral. Nearby is Blair 12th century Blair Castle. Entrance is included. Blair has a chequered history involving Mary Queen of Scots & Bonnie Prince Charlie. Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Nearby entry to Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. We return to the hotel stopping off in the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry. Dinner followed by cabaret and dance. (Angus) Day 3 Perth & Scone Palace Free time in nearby Perth. There are some lovely riverside walks, and extensive shopping mall. Afterwards we travel the short distance to Scone Palace, where you will be following in the footsteps of countless kings. It is here the “Stone of Scone” was used to crown many Scottish Monarchs over the centuries. It is now referred to as the “Coronation Stone” was last used in 1953 for the coronation of Queen

Elizabeth II. Outside, over 100 acres of fabulous Perthshire grounds are waiting to be discovered. We complete the circular tour through Coupar Angus to prepare for tonight’s Scottish celebration of food and dance. (Angus) Day 4 Glamis & The City of Discovery Dundee’s £1billion Waterfront development is planned to be completed by 2016. Regarded as one of the UK’s top 10 regeneration projects will put Dundee firmly back on the map as an “in-place” to visit. After some free time, the short drive takes us to Glamis Castle & Gardens, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, the birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret and the setting for Shakespeare’s “MacBeth”. Most of the afternoon is spent exploring the legends of the Castle and the beauty of the Gardens. It is hard not to be impressed by the magic of Glamis. The day concludes with a scenic drive through the fertile valley of Strathmore, for your final night’s dinner with in-house entertainment. (Angus) Day 5 Homeward Bound The tour comes to a close, with many happy memories. On leaving the Angus your coach will 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.

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

Go Luxurious at the 4* Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland

Immersed ... in a palette of breath-taking colours, arguably, Scotland is at its best in the autumn time – deep reds, gold, purple, copper and russets transform the mountain and valley landscapes. These arboreal displays are best seen in October and into early November. At this time of year hotel prices are more attractive with both roads and attractions being quieter. Between 8th-30th October entry into the amazing “Enchanted Forest” is included – depicting nature’s forces of earth, wind and fire.

Multi Award winning Enchanted Forest, near Pitlochry

Highlights P Enchanted Forest P Glamis Castle & Gardens P Whisky Tour & Tasting P Queens View P St Andrews P Perth

P Welcome hot refreshments on arrival P 4 night’s DBB P 2 night’s entertainment P Entry into the Enchanted Forest and Show (arrivals 10, 17, 24 Oct)

P Entry to Famous Grouse Whisky with tour & tastings P Entry to Glamis Castle & Gardens. P Free place for your driver over

25 paying pax.

Driver Free over 25 paying pax Queens View Enchanted Forest

Loch Tummel Loch Tay

Aberfeldy

Pitlochry

Killin

Dunkeld Glamis

Perth

Dundee

Crieff Loch Earn

Stirling Glasgow

£159pp

Scotland’s Autumn Gold

Price Includes

5 days from

St Andrews Cupar

Edinburgh

Hotels 4* Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld 3* Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry 3* Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry Page 50

Day1 To Scotland Passing Stirling you enter “The Big Tree Country” of Perthshire, renowned for its magnificent natural environment & to your chosen hotel for welcoming hot refreshments whilst your luggage is taken care of. Day 2 Lochs & Whisky Todays tour takes you out into glorious autumn countryside. Firstly, the short drive to “Queens View” at the head of Loch Tummel – Queen Victoria’s favourite spot, continuing along the lochside with magnificent sites of purple clad hillsides, the shimmering loch and rustic autumn leaves, through Aberfeldy and Kenmore where the full glory of Loch Tay will unfold before you. We head into the Highlands to Killen before continuing the autumn theme with Loch Earn, St Fillans and Comrie. Nestling in the foothills near Crieff is the spiritual home of the Famous Grouse & Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest and most visited distillery. A guided tour is arranged together with two tastings. Day 3 Glamis Castle & Gardens & Enchanted Forest After a leisurely breakfast, the autumn theme of the holiday continues with the short drive through the Vale of Strathmore to the 5* Visitor Attraction of Glamis Castle & Gardens - the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Most of the day is spent in this impressive setting. At this time of year the abundance

of trees in the grounds ensures the visitor is treated to a glorious spectacle of autumnal colour. There are various nature trails with many exotic trees and plants. The Castle itself is a place to admire, its stunning architecture, together with its proud and long standing history, legends and myths. After an early dinner, entry is included into the dazzling visuals and innovative design that is the Enchanted Forest. (A multi award winning annual event). Set in stunning woodland near Pitlochry & using the forest as a natural backdrop, experience a light show that is quite simply out of this world. (Free transport is provided depts. outside the Fishers Hotel). Day 4 Perth & St Andrews Firstly a stop off in Dundee with a chance to see the new £1bn waterfront development, before heading over the Tay Bridge and into Fife. Time free in the ancient University & Golf town of St Andrews, with its ancient monuments, historical links, and boutique shops and coastal walks. On the return journey to your hotel, we stop off in Perth. (Enchanted Forest provisional opening dates 8th – 30th October. Suitable footwear and warm clothing recommended. All pathways are lit, walking gradient is easy, unfortunately not suitable for those who have difficulty walking)

Available: Sept – November | Dates and rates attached

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Over 35,000 visitors experienced Enchanted Forest in 2014

2015 Best Selling Tour

Scotland

Absorbing ... 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.

Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel

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

P 4 Nights DBB P Tea/coffee and shortbread on check in (excl West End Hotel) P Min 2 nights entertainment in Balavil P 4 nights entertainment in Duke of Gordon 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*

Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB

Skye Mallaig

Glenfinnan Fort William

£199pp

Romantic Highland Railways

Price Includes

Kyle

5 days from

Inverness

Grantown -on-Spey

Aviemore Newtonmore/ Kingussie Pitlochry Perth Stirling

Hotels 3* Balavil Hotel, Newtonmore 3* Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie 3* West End Hotel, Fort William Page 50 & 51 (Fort William Diesel Train available in April)

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.

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 to Grantown-on-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. Strathspey Railway

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 by coach to your hotel in time for dinner.

Available: April – October | Dates and rates attached

Quote from Coach Operator: “I have done good business with Classic Britain for many years now and always find all of the staff extremely friendly, helpful and efficient”.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Boats & Trains

New

Balmoral Castle

Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle

Highlights P Glass Bottom Boat P Loch N Castle P Mountain Railway P

5 days Highlights P Railway journey P 2 Castle visits P Whisky Distillery from

£164

P Wildlife Cruise P City Guided tour

Stunning ...

Driver free over 25 Paying passengers

Grampian Highland landscapes merge with the magnificence of Royal Deeside, the holiday retreat for the Royal family for over 150 years. We visit the Royals Balmoral Castle and head to nearby Crathes Castle & Gardens. We board a train on a wonderful journey through the glens to a well-known whisky distillery and to top it all we visit Aberdeen ending with a wildlife cruise from its famous and flourishing harbour.

Kieth

Aberlour Grantown -on-Spey

Crather Aberdeen

Balmoral

The Lecht

Perth

Aboyne

Dundee

Stirling

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Original ...

Boats & Trains package, has for years been one of Classic’s most popular packages. Based in the picturesque Spe Valley, there is a choice of hotels to suit your taste and budget. Each day is different; a train journey on one of the world’s most famous railways, a cruise a glass bottom boat, a journey up into the mountains, and plenty more to com

Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands Price Includes P Welcome tea & shortbread on check in P 4 nights DBB P Single journey on Keith – Dufftown Railway P Entrance to Balmoral Castle & Gardens* (May -July) P Entrance and guided tour to Crathes Castle & Gardens P Wildlife Cruise P Whisky Tour and tasting P 2 nights Entertainment (Huntly Arms)

Hotels 4* Norwood Hall Hotel, By Aberdeen 2* Huntly Arms Hotel, Aboyne Page 51 * Balmoral Castle closed August & September. Available: May – September Rates & Dates attached.

The Highlands

Wednesday Arrive Aberdeenshire via the A90 coast road via Dundee & Brechin. Arriving at your chosen hotel. Thursday Castle Trail Firstly to the Queens’ Balmoral Castle with entrance to the Ballroom, exhibition and Gardens. We stop off in Ballater, before proceeding to turreted 16th century Crathes Castle, where our guide will explain the history and ghostly activities of the Green Lady. The walled gardens have to be the jewel in the Scottish Highland garden crown – famous for its long and colourful borders. Friday Aberdeen and Wildlife Cruise Aberdeen, Scotland’s third city and Oil Capital of Europe. The flourishing “Granite” city boast beautiful architecture and cultural gems. A city with a maritime heritage, which we explore by joining our covered cruiser out through Aberdeen harbour and into the North Sea. Together with running commentary, you will have the chance to see some of Scotland’s amazing wildlife up close in its natural habitat such as dolphins, sharks, whales and a wealth of seabirds. Saturday Train Ride and Whisky Trail Crossing into Moray we head to the market town of Keith to board the 1225 train to the worlds Malt Whisky Capital, Dufftown - 11 miles away. The tour continues along the Whisky Trail, which is a particularly scenic drive stopping off for a guided tour of a famous distillery and tasting. We stop for a break in Grantown on Spey before heading into the Cairngorm Mountains, through Tomintoul, the highest village in the UK before descending back into Royal Deeside and your hotel in time for dinner.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Price Includes P Welcome tea and shortbread on arrival P 4 nts DBB P Cruise on a Glass Bottom Boat P Cruise on Loch Ness P Entrance to Urquhart Castle P Return Journey on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway P Single Journey on Inverness – Skye Line

Hotels 4* Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten 3* Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey Page 50

Available: May – October Rates & Dates attached.

Monday Enter t for tea and shor

Tuesday Loch N Inverness, befor Board the cruise Loch berthing a visitor centre an the Castle and b

Wednesday Isle Inverness to cat Palin as one of t in Kyle your coa submersible gla the best wildlife See the abunda cruise proceeds sanctuary of Sea Otters, seals an include a chance HMS Napier – a

Thursday Aviem then the short j Mountains. First UK’s highest Mo in the UK’s high Cairngorms or t

Exclusive Boats & Trains

Boats & Trains

Ness Cruise P Urquhart Kyle-Skye Railway

5 days from

£244

Add a 5th night from only £39pp DBB Broadford

Inverness Grantown -on-Spey

Skye Cruise ine

l Kyle

Funicular Railway

Kyle Loch Ness Cruise

on o me!

Fort Augustus Boat of Garten Carrbridge

Aviemore

Pitlochry Perth

Ness and Urquhart Castle Time free in re taking the short journey to Loch Ness. er at Clansman Harbour and out on to the at Urquhart Castle. Entrance is included to the nd castle grounds. Meet up with your coach at back to your hotel in time for dinner.

e of Skye & Glass Bottom Cruise To tch the Skye train - described by Michael the best railway Journeys in the world! Once ach collects you to climb aboard the semiass bottom boat - Seaprobe Atlantis, voted as e watching experience by the Daily Telegraph. ant wildlife above and below the waves, as the s under the bridge and out to the protected al Island. There’s a good chance of seeing nd puffins. Some trips, depending on tides, e to explore the amazing WW2 shipwreck 500 ft. minelayer which sank in 1942.

more and Funicular Railway Morning free journey to the magnificent Cairngorm tly, time in Aviemore before you board the ountain Funicular Railway, have a bite to eat hest restaurant, visit the exhibition about the take one of the many walks around the area.

New

5 days from

Highlights P West Highland Line P Oban Isle of Mull P Loch Lomond cruise P Steam Train P Fort William P Whisky distillery

Impressive ...

£229

4 Choices of Destinations

Holiday based on and around the rugged west coast of Scotland. Included are two amazing railway journeys on the West Highland line, one of which is steam hauled. A cruise on the “Queen of Scottish lochs” with commentary, together with a sea crossing over to the Isle of Mull with a visit to the sacred Isle of Iona. A blending together of nostalgia, wildlife, scenery and culture – a recipe for a perfect holiday.

s and Islands

the Highlands Check in to your chosen hotel rtbread

“Harry Potter” Steam Train

Skye

Mallaig Glenfinnan

Corran Ferry

Fort William Onich Ballachulish

Lochaline

Mull Oban Tobermory

Crianlarich Tarbet

Loch Lomond

Inversnair

Stirling

West Highlands & Islands Price Includes P Welcome refreshments on check in P 4 nights DBB P 2 night’s entertainment (Crianlarich) P Return crossing to Isle of Mull P Single rail journey Crianlarich – Oban (Crianlarich) P One way steam rail journey Fort William – Mallaig P Loch Cruise * Diesel Train 1 Apr-18 May

Hotels 3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich 3* Onich Hotel, Onich 3* West End Hotel, Fort William 3* Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish Page 50 Available: April – October Rates & Dates attached.

Packages with Classic

Monday Arrive at your West Highland Hotel via Stirling and Callander to a welcoming refreshment. Tuesday Loch Lomond Cruise From Crianlarich Scenic drive along the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond with a cruise on the “Queen of Scottish Lochs” - 24 miles long and with 184 islands. The commentary is provided by the RSPB Reserve Manager explaining about the abundant wildlife around the loch. You can continue the guided tour with a circular walking tour around the various vantage points of Inversnaid. (Moderate level of fitness is required with many steps. Appropriate footwear and clothing recommended). The walk takes about 1 hour. Those not wishing to do the walk can enjoy lunch and drinks at the waterside Inversnaid Hotel. Returning to Tarbet at 1445 by boat. From Fort William area Time free in Fort William, followed by a short tour along the Caledonian Canal, visiting Neptunes Staircase, a series of 8 lock gates and the Commando Monument, Spean Bridge. Afterwards board Soutars Lass, for a wildlife watching cruise along Loch Linnhe with Ben Nevis in clear view, with running commentary from your skipper. Wednesday Rail to Oban & Isles of Mull & Iona From Crianlarich catch the train (approx. 200yds from the hotel) to Oban dept. 1024, the journey through Highland Glens and passed lochs takes just over 1 hour. From Fort William area scenic drive to Oban, hugging the shoreline of Loch Linnhe all the way. With your coach board the ferry to the Isle of Mull depts. 1200hrs. On Mull (The 2nd largest of the Hebridean Islands), we head to the colourful island capital of Tobermory, with time free. Afterwards, a guided tour of Tobermory Whisky Distillery with a wee dram before returning to Fort William by ferry via Lochaline and the Ardamurchan Peninsula and through Oban for Crianlarich. Thursday Fort William & West Highland Line We head through mountainous Glencoe, voted as one of Europe’s most outstanding drives to Fort William to board the steam train (Hogwarth Express in the Harry Potter films) to Mallaig,* regarded as the ultimate steam train journey in the UK, for its unsurpassed views of mountains, lochs, coastline and the distant isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Skye. To make the most of this most nostalgic of journeys, one leg is by train and the other leg by coach. The rail and road journeys are very different. By road stop off at Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard for the claim to the English throne in 1745, which ended in tragedy at Culloden one year later.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Most Popular Welsh Tour

Wales

Popular ... 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.

Llandudno

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 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

Caernarfon

Prestatyn

Penrhyn Castle Llanberis

Snowden Railway

Hotels 3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn Page 46

Available: April – September | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

£215pp

Welsh Highlands, Anglesey and Puffin Island Monday Arrive at hotel to Tea and Bara Brith.

included. If staying in Prestatyn, there is a short drive to Llanberis.

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 19thcentury neo-Norman 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.

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.

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

Friday Final Welsh Breakfast then time to say “hwyl fawr” to Wales.

Snowdon summit

Quote from Coach Operator: “We find Classic spends time to educate themselves on their customers requirements and the standard of hotel required.”

Prices lower than 2015

Wales

Delightful ... opportunity to explore the beauties 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. Caernarfon town

Highlights P Ffestiniog Mountain Railway P Caernarfon Castle P Aquaduct Boat Cruise P Portmeirion P Menai Straights Cruise

Price Includes P Welcome tea & Bara Brith P 4nts DBB P Single journey on Ffestiniog Mountain 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

Mold

Llangollen Aquaduct Portmahog

Hotels 3* Beaufort Park, Mold 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn Page 46

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

5 days from

£189pp

Boats, Trains and Castles around Snowdonia Monday To North 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 round this

Guest Comment about Beaufort Park: “Each time we have enjoyed our stay with excellent food, helpful staff and excellent comfortable clean rooms. We will certainly stay again.”

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.

Pontcyslite Aquaduct

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

England

New

Chatsworth House

New

Harewood House

Highlights P Chatsworth House P Crich Tramway Museum P Bakewell P Matlock P Eyam P Castleton

5 days

£194

5 days from

Highlights P Ripon P Train Ride P Cheese Tour & Tasting P Brewery Tour & tasting P Harewood House

£189pp 3 Days

£84pp

Luxury ...

Unspoilt ...

Holiday staying in the 4* Palace Hotel, Buxton. A tour

Yorkshire, home to the UK’s largest National Park. You can select either a weekend break or stay 4 nights based in either Harrogate or Leeds. Explore the diversity of the UK’s largest county from its ancient cities, to breath-taking Dales scenery, pretty villages, high fells & ancient ruins. The tour includes a nostalgic train ride as well as tasting some of Yorkshire’s “world famous” produce.

which embraces the diversity of the Peak District including a visit to one of England’s greatest houses, a trip back in time to experience life during the Victorian era as well as a wonderful sightseeing tour visiting many of the Peak Districts’ most scenic and well known areas.

Chatsworth House and Peak District Heights Price Includes P Tea & Biscuits on check in P 4 nights DBB P Entry into Chatsworth House & Gardens P Entry into Crich Tramway Museum P Porterage P 1 free place over 25 pax.

4 Days from £149pp

Glossop

Ladybower Reservoir

Eyam Buxton

Castleton Chatsworth Matlock

Bakewell

Crich

Hotels 4* Palace Hotel, Buxton 4* Menzies Mickleover Hotel, Derby Page 47

Available: May – October Rates & Dates attached.

Day 1 Peak District Check into your 4* hotel, with tea and biscuits served on arrival. Day 2 National Park Tour Morning free. After lunch we head out to experience the Peaks, the first National Park in Britain. To the plague village of Eyam, holding dark stories of terrible plague, sacrifice and death. Nearby is the “honey-pot” village of Castleton, overshadowed by 11th century Peveril Castle. The famous caverns beloved by Queen Victoria are close by, including Poole’s Cavern – one of the finest show caves in UK. Afterwards, continue over the wild moors and spectacular High Peak and Snake Pass, the Lady Bower reservoir and Derwent Dam, made famous by WWII ‘Dambusters’. Day 3 Chatsworth House First stop is nearby Bakewell famous for its Original Bakewell Pudding Shop where you will have time to browse, followed by a demonstration of how to make a proper Bakewell Tart. Proceed to Chatsworth House, one of Britain’s finest stately homes, with one of Europe’s most significant art collections. Discover giant water features, sculptures and flowers, set in 105 acres of gardens. Day 4 Crich Tramway Village After a leisurely breakfast, board your coach for the short journey to Crich nestling on the edge of the Peak District. An award winning “living” museum taking you on a 1 mile journey through a Victorian street to open countryside overlooking delightful Derwent Valley. Enjoy unlimited vintage tram rides, explore 30,000 sq. feet of indoor attractions, housing the largest collections of trams in the UK. On return we stop off in the Matlock. Day 5 Depart Hotel On your journey home there are many places worth stopping at. Classic will be delighted to advise you.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Harrogate and the Yorkshire “Jaunt” Price Includes P 2 - 4nts DBB P Welcome refreshment on check in

Monday or Friday Arrive at your chosen hotel to a welcoming refreshment.

Tuesday Harrogate & Harewood House Morning Free to explore Harrogate, with its Valley Gardens, Parks, Victorian arcades and P Single train journey – Wensleydale myriad of boutiques and tearooms. After P Tour and tasting at Black Sheep lunch travel to the magnificent Harewood Brewery House “The Jewel in Yorkshire’s Crown”, Cheese Factory Entry, P with entrance to both the house, majestic demonstration and tasting staterooms and the 100 acres of glorious Entrance to Harewood House P gardens, reported to be amongst the best & Gardens with garden-lovers. P 2 night’s in house entertainment (Cedar Court)

Available All Year Round Wensleydale Redmire

Kettlewell

Leeming Bar Black Sheep Brewery Ripon Fountains Abbey Harrogate

Grassington Harewood House

Leeds A1

Hotels 4* Cedar Court Harrogate 3* Kimberley Hotel, Harrogate 3* Holiday Inn, Leeds (Garforth) Page 47 Weekend dates based at the Holiday Inn.

Available: April – October Rates & Dates attached.

Wednesday or Saturday The Dales, Cheese and Train A full day tour through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, passing picturesque villages, castles, waterfalls and “wall to wall” scenery all the way. We enter the Northern Dales and stop off for a visit, demonstration & tasting at the award winning Wensleydale Cheese Centre. Afterwards, we travel to nearby Redmire to board the remarkable Wensleydale Railway. A heritage line covering 17 miles (40 minutes) of glorious scenery to Leeming Bar, before returning to your hotel. Thursday Ripon, East Yorkshire and Brewery Tour Firstly, Ripon, an inspiring old city stretching back to the 7th century with a cathedral and many other historical buildings. Market day is every Thursday in the market square. After lunch, we head into the Eastern Dales and the Black Sheep Brewery for a guided tour lasting about 1 hour followed by some beer tasting.

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “Always willing to help on the rare occasions there is a problem and go beyond the call of duty to ensure an acceptable outcome.”

Mix & Match

England

New

Bletchley Park

New

Highclere Castle

Highlights P Bletchley Park P Blenheim Palace, Park & Gardens P Churchill Exhibition P Imperial War Museum & Airshow

from

£44.75pp per night

Highlights P Windsor Castle P Thames River cruise P Highclere or Blenheim P Edwardian Afternoon Tea

4 days from

£179

Uncover ...

Fascinating ...

The fascinating insight into the achievements of the British people during WW2 including the secret code breaking enigma at Bletchley Park, hastening the end of the war. Select the number of nights you wish to stay which includes entry to Bletchley. You can add on extra nights & include a guided tour of the “Palace at War” at Blenheim, or enjoy a day out at an Airshow at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford.

Short break exploring the 1000 year old Windsor Castle, together with an Edwardian cruise along the Thames with Afternoon Tea. The highlight of this break is the opportunity to access Highclere Castle & Gardens, the setting for the popular TV series Downton Abbey. Alternatively, entry is included into what is probably England’s most grand stately home – Blenheim Palace, with access included to all areas including the Churchill Museum.

The Code Breakers and WW2 Triumphs

Windsor, Downton Abbey or Blenheim Palace

Price Includes P 1, 2, 3 or 4nts DBB P Entry into Bletchley Park Options: + Entry to all areas of Blenheim Palace, Park & Gardens Incl. Churchill Exhibition £14pp + Entry Imperial War Museum, Duxford £13pp + Entry I.W.M. with Airshow admission £25pp

Driver Free over 25 Passengers Milton Keynes Banbury

Cambridge

Bedford

Blenheim Palace

Duxford Luton

Oxford Bletchley Park

London

Hotel 3* Park Inn, Bedford Thu, Fri, Sat or Sun x 1nt Thu, Fri, Sat x 2nts Thu, Fri x 3nts Thu x 4nts (Includes DBB & entry into Bletchley Park)

Rates & Dates attached.

£56 £97 £138 £179

Depending on your travelling time you can select the number of nights you require. Attractions can be visited on your arrival and/or departure day, reducing the number of nights in the hotel, then add on the optional attractions. Bletchley Park is included in prices shown below. Full day (included) Bletchley Park See the world’s largest display of enigma machines and the “unbreakable” cipher machine, created by mathematical geniuses which influenced & shortened the course of WW2, as well as laying the foundation for the modern computer. Stroll round the wartime huts, hear the stories from spies, the Japanese Challenge, the Home Front Exhibition explaining how people lived during the war. Full Day (Optional) 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 300 years, including “The Palace at War” - the HQ for MI5 as well as a school for evacuees during WW2. Visit the astonishing Churchill Exhibition. Wander round the 2000 acres of Parklands and formal gardens. Full Day (Optional) Imperial War Museum, Duxford The best preserved Battle of Britain fighter airfield is now one of the world’s most spectacular heritage complexes reflecting the landmark achievements made in aviation history. On most dates admission into one of the 3 spectacular Air Shows is included. Air shows in May, July & September. (Ask Classic for dates).

Price Includes P Welcome tea & biscuits P 2 nights DBB P 1 night BB P 1 Afternoon Tea P Entrance into Windsor Castle P Themed river cruise “Downtown” style P Entrance into Highclere Castle or Blenheim Palace P 2 nights entertainment*

Driver Free over 25 Passengers Blenheim Palace Witney Oxford Swindon

Maidenhead London

Windsor Basingstoke Highclere Castle

Newbury

Hotels 3* Chequers Hotel, Newbury 3* Marsh Farm Hotel, Wootten Bassett Page 46 * 2 nights entertainment at Marsh Farm

Available: May – September Rates & Dates attached.

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “We are regular group bookers with Classic Britain and time after time find the service from initial enquiry to after sales extremely efficient and simple.”

Please note; arrivals 18/7 & 8/8 include entry to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). Other dates include entry to Blenheim Palace. Monday Arrive at your chosen hotel. Tuesday Windsor and Themed River Cruise We head to Windsor Castle, entry included into the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world & the official residence of the Queen. Its history spans over 1000 years. See the magnificent state apartments, the Royal Collection, St Georges Chapel and featured exhibition. Afterwards, a three hour themed boat cruise on the Thames to Maidenhead. On board, an Edwardian maid will serve delicious Edwardian inspired afternoon tea, Downton style on the finest silver wear. There is running commentary along the way together with games and singalong to songs of the era. Your coach will collect you at Maidenhead. The afternoon tea is significant, so no dinner is included tonight. Wednesday Downton Abbey or Blenheim For arrivals 18/7 & 8/8 entry is included into Highclere Castle & Gardens. All other dates entry is included into all areas at Blenheim Palace. Highclere is the setting for the award winning TV series Downton Abbey. You will have access into the Castle see the sets and hear the stories. But apart from its TV fame Highclere is one of England’s most beautiful Victorian castles set in 1000 acres of parkland. Explore the gardens and entry is also included into the Egyptian Exhibition. On other dates a full day is spent at the World Heritage site that is Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a true masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture. Explore the Palace, wander round the 2000 acres of parklands with entrance into the Churchill museum included.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New

England

Fun filled ... Holiday to Kent, known as the “Garden of England” with its attractive towns, imposing castles, fine gardens, glorious coastline & rolling meadows. On this tour we blend together the best of Kent, so you can sample, relax and enjoy the best of what South East England has to offer. We visit the “loveliest castle in the world”. Taste some award winning wines, board a vintage steam train for a nostalgic journey through the heart of Kent. The tour is based in Canterbury with its UNESCO World Heritage site, or on the coast in Folkestone or Hastings.

Leeds Castle

Highlights P Steam train journey P Leeds Castle P Wine tour & tasting P Hever Castle

Price Includes P Welcome tea & biscuits on check in P 4 nights DBB P Entry into Leeds Castle & Gardens P Entry into Hever Castle & Gardens P Single Journey on steam railway P Vineyard tour and wine tasting P Min. 2 nts entertainment in Hastings P 1 free place over 25 paying passengers

4 Day Breaks also Available Chapel Down Winery Sittingbourne

Canterbury Leeds Castle

Hever Castle Royal Tunbridge Wells Great Dixter

Folkstone Tentenden Bodiam Castle Hastings

Hotels 3* Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury 3* Burlington Hotel, Folkestone 3* Chatsworth Hotel, Hastings 3* Coniston Hotel, Sittingbourne Page 46 Available: April– Mid Sept | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

£189pp

Kent’s Gardens, Wines and Railway Lines Day 1 Arrive Kent at your chosen hotel, with welcoming hot drink awaiting. Day 2 Canterbury & Leeds Castle If staying in the Abbots Barton your morning is free. Otherwise travel to Canterbury with time free to explore this 14th century town, rich in history such as its famous Kings School, monastery ruins, half-timbered houses and of course it’s Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site). Afterwards, make the short journey to Leeds Castle described as the “loveliest castle in the world” dating back over 900 years. The rest of the day is spent exploring the castle and its 500 acres of gardens and parkland.

before departing on the scenic drive to Hever Castle & Gardens, one of the best kept examples of a 13th century castle and Royal Tudor home. The castle is full of treasures, and was once the home of Ann Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry VIII. The gardens are reported to be amongst the best in the UK – 125 acres waiting to be explored, including the Italian Garden, water features, walled rose garden and over 4000 plants.

Day 3 Wines & Steam Train lines Relaxing journey through rolling Kent countryside to Bodiam and its imposing castle where your steam train “The Jewel of the Weald” will be waiting to take you on a 50 minute gentle winding journey through the Rother Valley. It is the UK’s finest example of a rural light railway. At Tenterden we take the short journey to England’s largest Vineyard at Chapel Down for a guided tour of the vineyard and a tasting of 5 different wines. Afterwards lunch can be taken at the Winery, before spending time in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Day 4 Hever Castle Leisurely morning

Wine Tasting at Chapel Down

Guest Comment about Abbots Barton: “This hotel is all you would ever require.. Comfortable lounges, great food [especially the breakfast selection!] large, well equipped rooms with huge TVs!”

All Year Round

England

Remarkably ... Eastbourne enjoys mild and sunny weather, earning its nickname “Suntrap of the South”. It is sheltered by the towering cliffs of Beachy Head and the foothills of the South Downs. A place literally bursting with many things to see and do from its long tree lined flat promenade, to its famous pier dating back to 1870. There are 5 miles of beaches, and exquisite gardens are all near your hotel. A holiday providing plenty time to enjoy the delights of this popular Victorian resort as well as venturing further afield to explore this much loved area.

Eastbourne Seafront

Highlights P Bluebell Steam Railway P Beachy Head P Brighton P 1066 Country P Herstmonceux Castle P Wine every night

Price Includes P Tea/coffee & biscuits on check in P 4 nights DBB in single rooms P Wine with dinner each night P 2 night’s entertainment P Single Journey on Bluebell Steam Train (April-Sept) P Guided tour of Herstmonceux Castle (May-Oct) P Driver free over 25 paying passengers (1 in 20 Oct – April)

Shorter Stays Available

Bluebell Railway

Herstmonceux Castle

Battle 1066 Rye

Hastings Brighton

Eastbourne Beachy Head

Hotel 3* Shoreview Hotel, Eastbourne Page 46

Available: All year round | Dates and rates attached

5 days from

£149pp

Elegant Eastbourne for Singles Holidays Day 1 Eastbourne Drive through scenic Sussex countryside arriving at your seafront hotel to welcoming tea and biscuits. Day 2 Herstmonceux Castle After a leisurely breakfast we take the short journey to Herstmonceux, renowned as one of England’s most magnificent moated castles, set in 600 acres of beautiful parkland and Elizabethan gardens. A stirring place which embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. Afterwards, we continue through 1066 country to Battle, the day which changed the history of England for ever marked by the ruins of the Abbey. Returning to Eastbourne through Hastings and Pevensey Bay. (Herstmonceux Castle is closed November – April.)

After lunch we head inland through glorious scenic Sussex countryside to board the preserved Bluebell Railway. Recreating the age of steam. It has the second largest collection of steam trains in the country. The 11 mile nostalgic journey takes approx. 40 minutes. Returning to the hotel in plenty time for dinner. (Bluebell Railway not included between October – March) Day 5 Depart Eastbourne There is the option of staying for an extra night or longer. The additional cost is £49 per person DBB. Another day out option would be the cinque port of Rye, a fortified hilltop town which has remained more or less unchanged for hundreds of years.

Day 3 Free Day Day at leisure. Take in the sea air, take a stroll along the promenade or one of the many parks. Browse around the shops and the many attractions or relax on the beach. After dinner tonight there is some entertainment. Day 4 Beachy Head, Brighton & Bluebell Steam Crossing the South Downs we enjoy the panoramic views of Beachy Head continuing along the coast to Brighton with its superb shopping architecture, Victorian Pier, beachfront and the Royal Pavilion.

All single rooms or twins or doubles are for sole occupancy

Herstmonceux Castle

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New Itinerary

England

Charming ... New holiday exploring the beautiful Cotswolds and many of its “hidden gems.” It’s a holiday of contrasts from visiting Shakespeare’s hometown, to admiring the beauty of Sudeley Castle & Gardens, wildly regarded as the most beautiful castle in Middle England. Included is a steam train ride through rolling Cotswolds countryside finishing with a local brewery tour and refreshing tastings. To top it all, you’ll be living like a Lord in a 19th century Gothic styled castle. The tour is exceptionally well priced providing a more interesting slant than the normal “run of the mill” Cotswolds holiday.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens

Highlights P Sudeley Castle & Gardens P Steam Train ride P Stratford P Themed Evening P Brewery Tour & Tasting P Cotswolds Villages

Price Includes P Welcome tea/coffee & shortbread on check in P 4 nights DBB P Entry into Sudeley Castle & Gardens P Single Steam Train Journey P Guided Brewery Tour and tastings P Themed Evening with music P 1 other night’s entertainment P Driver free over 25 paying pax (Over 20 pax in out of season)

No Single Room Supplement Birmingham Reditch Evesham

Studley Castle

Brondway

Stratford upon Avon

Sudely Castle

Hooky Brewery

Toddington

Cheltenham

Moretonin-Marsh Bourton-on -the-Water

Stow-inthe-Wold

Hotels 3* Studley Castle, near Redditch Page 46

Available: April – November | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

£164pp

Castle Parties in the Cotswolds Sunday Arrive Studley Castle on the edge of the Cotswolds to welcoming tea/coffee and shortbread. Monday Shakespeare Country After a leisurely breakfast we depart for the short journey to Shakespeare’s birthplace StratfordUpon-Avon. Most of the day is free to enjoy the town with its many sights, shops, boutiques and eateries. You can board a cruise on the Avon, take a tour of Shakespeare’s birthplace together with costumed actors or have a drink in The Dirty Duck, the pub on the riverside near the famous Swan Theatre. At 1100hrs each day there are local professionally led guided walks seeing 15th century timber buildings, Holy Trinity Church, Shakespeare’s school and birthplace, Royal Shakespeare Theatres, Guild Chapel, town houses and more. Returning past Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Tuesday Central Cotswolds & Brewery Tour The heart of the Cotswolds is only a short distance from the hotel, with plenty time to stop and wonder around many of the areas honey suckled villages. On Tuesdays there is the large open farmers market in Moreton- in Marsh, stop off in Stow-on-the-Wold – the highest village in the Cotswolds, and where the last skirmish of the English Civil War took place in 1646. Admire the honey coloured stone architecture of Bourton-on-the-Water and its idyllic village scenes. After lunch, we

head to Hook Norton Brewery, which has been brewing local ales for the Cotswolds for over 150 years, still delivering around the village by horse drawn dray. Guided tour has been arranged followed by ½ hour of sampling the various ales. (Please note there are steep stairs on brewery tour). Wednesday Southern Cotswolds & Sudeley Castle & Gardens. A wonderful day awaits. Firstly, to Cheltenham to board the Glos. & Warcs. steam railway at approx 1100hrs for the 40 minute journey through rolling Cotswolds countryside to Toddington where your coach will be waiting to take you to nearby Sudeley Castle & Gardens, which has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England’s past, with royal connections stretching back over 1000 years. Inside, there are many fascinating treasures from ancient Roman times to the present day. The award-winning gardens set within a 1,200 acre estate are breath-taking. It is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives lies entombed in the beautiful 15th Century church. Returning through Broadway and the lush meadows & orchards of the Vale of Evesham. In the evening prepare for a castle themed evening with live music. Thursday After breakfast time to head for home.

Guest Comment about Studley Castle: “Very helpful staff & a charming building full of character. We would recommend the hotel to anyone & would love to come back”.

Prices Held

England

Tucked away ... on the English and Welsh Border, Shropshire and the Severn Valley is easy to reach from most parts of England. It is a delightful area to visit, staying comparatively unchanged for decades. The unspoilt countryside, laid back lifestyles and pretty medieval towns are all there to be enjoyed. One of the holiday highlights is a nostalgic steam train journey through the Severn Valley countryside with another having the opportunity to step back into Victorian times with an informative and memorable day out at Ironbridge.

Severn Valley Victoria Bridge

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

£199pp

Scenic Shropshire and the Severn Valley

Price Includes P Welcome tea & biscuits on check in P Glass of wine with dinner on 1 night P 4 nts DBB

5 days from

Day 1 Arrive at the well appointed Buckatree

are valid for 1 year, so you can return at a later

Hall Hotel set in its own grounds for welcome

date as well.

P Minimum 1 nights entertainment

tea and biscuits.

P Entry into Ironbridge Gorge

Day 2 Shrewsbury & Ludlow Firstly, to

Day 4 Severn Valley Steam Railway & Worcester Bridgnorth, a pretty 17th century

Shrewsbury with it’s black and white tudor buildings and ancient alleyways must surely be one of England’s finest Tudor towns. Time

riverport of 2 halves, the lower half is beside the River Severn, and the castled upper town is connected by the steepest funicular railway in

free to explore Shrewsbury before taking the scenic drive through rolling borderlands and

the UK. There are many shops and attractions including a leaning castle where Charles 1 lost

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

his head in 1645. We catch the steam train on the 45 minute scenic journey meandering along the Severn Valley to Kidderminster. The highlight

glass of wine.

of the trip is the crossing of the River Severn. The Victoria Bridge is a massive 200-foot single

P Single steam rail journey P Free Place over 25 pax.

Shorter Stays Available

Shrewsbury Telford Iron Bridge Ludlow

Bridgnorth Kidderminster Worcester

Severn Valley Railway

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 you access to all 10 attractions. Firstly, a short introduction at the Museum of the Gorge explaining the regions Industrial Heritage. We

span, high above the water which, features in the film ‘The Thirty-nine Steps’ with Robert Powell. Afterwards, we spend the afternoon in vibrant Worcester before returning to the hotel. Day 5 Breakfast and then time to head home.

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

Hotel 3* Buckatree Hall Hotel, near Wellington Page 46

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

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

Guest Comment about Buckatree Hall: “We took advantage of a 4-night DBB package and were not disappointed. Overall, the stay was very enjoyable and we’d certainly recommend the hotel.”

Ironbridge, Blists Hill Victorian Village

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New

England

Nostalgic ... Journey back in time. A fascinating holiday based on the edge of the Peak District. To the west, the glorious Peaks where we visit Bakewell and nearby Chatsworth House & Gardens. In contrast, to the east are the Lincolnshire Wolds & Lincoln, with entrance into WW2 Aviation Centre, where you can see at close quarters, amongst other wartime artefacts is the Lancaster Bomber and you may even see and hear it taxiing down the runway. Definitely a memorable holiday with tales to tell.

Lancaster Bomber - Picture courtesy of Silksheen Photography

Highlights P Chatsworth House P Aviation Heritage Centre - see & hear a Lancaster Bomber P Lincoln P Peak District

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB in luxury 4* hotel P Welcome tea & biscuits on check in P Entry into Aviation Heritage Centre P Lancaster Bomber Experience P Entry into Chatsworth House & Gardens P Single steam train journey P Free use of leisure P Driver free if over 25 Paying Passengers

2 Nights Entertainment Included Chatsworth House Bakewell Rowsley

Lincoln

Aviation Centre

Matlock Woodhall Spa Derby Matlock Bath Ashbourne

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Hotel 4* Menzies Mickleover Hotel, Derby Page 47

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days

£199pp

Peak District Treats and Bomber Command Monday Derbyshire the 4* Menzies Hotel, near Derby is a luxury 4* hotel, in an ideal location, so no long journeys, maximising your time to relax and enjoy the next 5 days. Tuesday Lincoln & Bomber Country Nearby Lincoln with its magnificent 900 year old Cathedral and home to one of the 4 copies of 12th century Magna Carta. Time free before proceeding into “Dambuster Country” where we have arranged a fabulous visit to the Aviation Heritage Centre. Relive a WW2 Bomber Airfield, experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere. See the original control tower, the NAAFI and the memorial chapel. It is the only place in the UK to see a Lancaster Bomber and we have planned the tour so you will hear it fire up the roaring Merlin engines and see it taxi down the runway. (Tour may have to swap with Thursday). Returning through the delightful village of Woodhall Spa. Wednesday Matlock & Steam Train Morning free to relax, have a spa, take a swim or visit nearby Derby. After lunch a short afternoon tour into the Peak District with a nostalgic 25 minutes steam train journey through sweeping countryside between Rowsley and Matlock. (Depts.

1351). With time free in Matlock before returning to the hotel for dinner. Thursday Peak District & Chatsworth House Entering the Peak District through Matlock, stopping off in Bakewell, famous for its “tart”, with a visit to the original Bakewell Pudding shop. The afternoon is spent at nearby Chatsworth House & Gardens, reported as one of England’s finest stately homes. Explore the house with all its unique treasures. Wander the 105 acres of gardens set against a backdrop of Peak District countryside. We return through the Peak District via Ashbourne.

Rowslet-Matlcok Railway

Guest Comment about Menzies Mickleover: “Rooms were large and clean and had everything expected for a four star hotel.”

2015 Sold Out

England

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 staying in a 4* hotel.

Baslow End

3 days

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

£85pp 5 days from

£164pp Price Includes P 2, 3 or 4 nts DBB P Welcome tea & biscuits on arrival

Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Highlights

P Canal Cruise with hot drink and biscuits

Monday/Friday Arrive at your chosen hotel

into Sids café for a pot of tea! We proceed

P Single journey on Embsay – Bolton Priory Steam Railway

to welcome tea and biscuits.

over the High Peaks with glorious views

Tuesday York We head across Yorkshire to

P Min. 2 nights entertainment P Free use of leisure

the ancient walled city of 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. York is renowned for it’s exquisite architecture, its

Sunday extra night only £35pp

“The Shambles” and of course the 900 year

Bolton Abbey York Skipton Huddersfield Holmfirth Glossop

labyrinth of narrow winding streets such as old iconic York Minster. Wednesday/Saturday Skipton, Canals

Wakefield Sheffield Ladybower Dam Eyam

Buxton

before descending into the spa town of Buxton, proceeding to the plaque town of Eyam stopping in Castleton to visit the famous caverns beloved by Queen Victoria. Continuing over Snake Pass to the Ladybower and Derwent Dam. A place written in history by the famous WW2 Dambusters. Friday/Sunday There are plenty of interesting areas to visit on your way home.

& Railways We travel to Skipton – “The Gateway to the Dales”. (Market days are Wednesday and Saturday), founded 800 years ago, held beneath the impressive medieval castle. Afterwards, a canal cruise on an original barge along the Leeds – Liverpool canal (Includes tea/coffee, biscuits and commentary). Finishing the fabulous day

Hotel 4* Cedar Court, Wakefield Page 47

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

Available: April – August | Dates and rates attached

Guest Comment about Cedar Court: “A very pleasant stay. Everything worked, staff were friendly and efficient, hotel ideally situated.”

York Minster

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New Itinerary

England

Stunning ... Scarborough is one of the world’s first seaside resorts, and still one of the most popular resorts in the North of England, with its harbour, two bays, golden beaches, 12th century castle, cliff top views, gardens, Victorian façade and elegant Esplanade. The surrounding area is also famous with chalk white cliffs, fishing villages and resorts. On this holiday we tour the North Yorkshire Moors and visit one of the world’s greatest mansions - Castle Howard.

Scarborough Harbour

Highlights P Robin Hoods Bay P Whitby P Steam train on North York Moors P Filey P Castle Howard

Price Includes P P P P P P P P P

Welcoming tea & biscuits on arrival Min 4 nts DBB Full English Breakfasts Choice 3 course dinners Entry to Castle Howard & Gardens Single steam train to Goathland 2nts entertainment in Esplanade & Ambassador Swimming pool in Red Lea and Ambassador Free place for driver over 25 pax.

No Single Supplement Dates Goathland

Whitby Robin Hoods Bay Scarborough

Thorntonle-Dale

Filey

Pickering

Castle Howard

Malton

Buiton Agnes Hall

York Eden Camp

Scarborough Hotels 3* Redlea Hotel, South Bay 3* Esplanade Hotel. South Bay 3* Ambassador Hotel, South Bay Page 47 Available All Year Round Drivers day off option

5 days from

£194pp

Scarborough’s Yorkshire Coast and Castle Day 1 Arrive in Scarborough at your chosen hotel in the more popular South Bay to welcome tea and biscuits. Day 2 Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors After breakfast, a scenic coastal drive to Whitby stopping off at historical Smugglers Cove of Robin Hoods Bay. Time free in the working fishing town of Whitby to roam the winding lanes by the waterfront, sample the Fish and Chips, reputedly the best and freshest in the UK. Visit 7th century Whitby Abbey. Whitby is also the home of Captain Cook as well as an inspiration to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Afterwards we travel on to the North Yorks Moors National Park catching the steam train from Goathland, famous as Aidanfield in TV series ‘Heartbeat’, and later as Hogsmead in the Harry Potter trilogies. Enlight one hour later at Pickering, returning to Scarborough through the picture postcard village of Thornton-Le-Dale. Day 3 Free Day in Scarborough After a leisurely breakfast relax 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, cliff top walks, gardens, amusements and cruises. An early dinner

is arranged tonight, so those that wish can take the short walk to Scarborough’s Spa Theatre Summer Show Spectacular. (Own arrangements) Day 4 Filey & Castle Howard Firstly, we head south to nearby Filey, with its white washed buildings and five mile stretch of award winning golden beach, protected by the sheer drop cliffs of Flamborough Head. After a short stop, the tour continues inland through Malton with entrance included into nearby Castle Howard voted by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s Top Ten greatest Mansions. It’s certainly a very stunning 18th century residence, set in 1000 acres of breath-taking gardens and landscapes. An area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s not only a thriving rural estate, but also a place to enjoy world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and inspiring stories. Relax amid idyllic gardens, enjoy woodland and lakeside walks. Castle Howard is a true Yorkshire gem. Day 5 Depart Scarborough Depending on your journey time and route you can spend time in York, visit WW2 Eden Camp or travel across the Yorkshire Wolds and visit Burton Agnes Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan Mansion built in 1598.

Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “Found the service from Classic helpful, ensuring the appropriate accommodation was booked for a disabled guest.”

New

England

Choose ... Your coastal resort, either elegant Lytham, widely regarded as Lancashire’s most fashionable resort, or Morecambe, the birthplace of Eric Morecambe. Included are two distinctly different days out. The Southern Lakes with a cruise on England’s largest lake and a day out exploring Lancashire with a visit and guided tour of ghostly 15th century Samlesbury Hall finishing with a steam train journey through Lancashire countryside. Between September – November you can take in Blackpool illuminations.

Blackpool Illuminations

5 Days from

Highlights P Lake District with cruise P Morecambe Bay P Samlesbury Hall P Steam Train P Blackpool Illuminations (Sept-Nov)

P 2 or 4 nights DBB P Tea/coffee & biscuits on check in

Monday Arrive Lytham or Morecambe with tea/coffee and biscuits served on arrival.

P Lytham - 2 nts entertainment (1nt for 2nt stays) P Morecambe – 4 nights entertainment P Lake Windermere Cruise P Single Steam rail journey (May- Sept) P Guided tour Samlesbury Hall P Free use of leisure facilities (Inn on the Prom)

Lytham: Drivers rest day Wednesday Windermere

Coniston Water Morecambe

Kendal

Lancaster Settle

Blackpool Lytham-St-Annes

Preston Clitheroe

Southport Liverpool Birkenhead

3 Days Illuminations

£109pp

Lakeland & Lancashire Landscapes

Price Includes

Ambleside

£129pp

Rawtenstall Salmesbury Hall

Bury

Hotels 3* Inn on the Prom, Lytham St Annes 3* Morecambe Bay Hotel, Morecambe Page 47

Available: May – October | Dates and rates attached

Tuesday Morecambe Bay & the Lakes After enjoying your first full breakfast, board your coach as we head north to Morecambe, the birthplace of Eric Morecambe. See his statue on the promenade, one of the most photographed statues in the country. Take in the sea air and admire the coastal views towards the Lakeland Fells. The day continues with the afternoon spent in the glorious Lakes and Bowness- in - Windermere, where we have arranged a cruise with commentary on England’s largest lake. Afterwards, we take a tour of the Lakes through Ambleside and Coniston Water of “Bluebird” fame before returning to the hotel in time for dinner. Wednesday Blackpool Staying in Lytham today is yours to enjoy. Take a stroll along the beach in front of the hotel, have a swim in the hotel pool. Wonder into Lytham and browse the shops, or take the bus or tram into Blackpool which is only 3 miles away. Staying in Morecambe, morning free to explore this re-juvenated resort. In the afternoon a tour to Blackpool. Illuminations (Sept-Nov): Lytham - early dinner will be served, followed by a drive through Blackpool’s famous illuminations. Morecambe: Afternoon tour to Blackpool, drive through the lights and back to Morecambe for a late dinner. Thursday Samlesbury Hall & East Lancs. Railway A fabulous tour awaits. From Lytham , passing through Preston and from Morecambe a scenic drive skirting the fringes of the Yorkshire

Guest Comment about Inn on the Prom: “Staff were very friendly and helpful. Food was excellent and nothing was too much trouble.”

Dales passing Settle and Clitheroe and on to Samlesbury Hall, dating back to 1325. The history and legends of Samlesbury is fascinating and to gain the most of your visit, we have arranged a guided tour explaining life in this fascinating medieval house, as well as stories of witchcraft and ghostly experiences. The tour last approx 90 minutes. There are charming grounds to enjoy including the Rose Garden as well. For April – September tours, we take the short journey to Rawtenstall to catch the 1400hrs steam train. Step back in time to the 50’s, when the railway was an intricate part of the areas industrial heritage. 35 minutes later disembark Bury. For out of season dates time can be spent at Oswaldtwistle Mills, before making your way back to your hotel for dinner. Friday Depart your hotel after breakfast

3 day Illuminations Weekend Itinerary Friday Check in Lytham early afternoon with welcome tea/coffee and biscuits waiting. Early dinner flowed by drive through the famous illuminations Saturday Morecambe Bay & Lakes Similar to the 5 day programme, a day tour visiting Morecambe Bay, followed by a journey into the heart of the Lakes with a cruise on Lake Windermere. Sunday Depart hotel Classic will be happy to add additional attractions to include on your journey home.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

New

England

Showcasing ... The best of what the North of England has to offer. Based in Yorkshire we visit the vibrant and proud city of Liverpool with a cruise on the Mersey culminating with a tour of a U-Boat. We reach into the unspoilt Yorkshire Dales with a steam train journey over one of the most famous viaducts in the world. We go back in time by visiting a coal mine with an underground tour included. A holiday with absolute variety, with each day excitingly different, staying in a luxurious 4 star hotel.

Ferry across the Mersey

4 days

Highlights P Liverpool P The Dales P Steam Train Ride P River Cruise P U –Boat Story P Coal Mine Tour P Last of the Summer Wine

Price Includes P Welcome refreshments on check in P 4 nights DBB P Free use of leisure facilities P Entry to the U-Boat Story Exhibition P Cruise & Commentary on the Mersey P Steam train Garsdale - Skipton P Coal mine Tour P 2 nights entertainment

Driver free of charge over 25 Paying passengers

Garside

Hawes Kettlewell

Ribblehead Viaduct

Mersey Cruise

Skipton

Grassington

Keigley

Huddersfield Liverpool

Wakefield

Holmfirth U-Boat Story

Manchester

Coal Mine Museum

Hotels 4* Cedar Court Huddersfield 4* Cedar Court Wakefield Page 47 See rate sheet for other hotel options

Available: April – August | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

£137pp 5 days

£179pp

Best of the North By Boat, Road and Train

Monday Yorkshire You can build in some sightseeing on your journey to Yorkshire. Welcoming hot refreshments will be served on check in. Tuesday Liverpool & Merseyside After breakfast we head to Liverpool – a transformed city with its rich history. Time free to roam around prestigious Albert Dock, one of Britain’s top attractions, a UNESCO site and home to the Beatles Story, Maritime Museum, and Tate Liverpool. Afterwards board the iconic Mersey Ferry for a 50 minute cruise with commentary viewing Liverpool’s rich past and present. World renowned architecture, such as the Liver Building, wildlife, hear stories of smuggling, music and war. On return entry is included to the famous WW2 U-Boat with tour of the exhibition and submarine. Wednesday Yorkshire Dales & Steam Train A memorable day awaits travelling by coach through the centre of the Dales, passing Grassington and Kettlewell and on to Hawes in the Northern Dales. We board the train at Garsdale and journey for just over 1 hour on probably England’s most famous railway lines, passing over spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct continuing through the Dales scenery and to Skipton where your coach is waiting to continue your journey back to the hotel. If time permits, visit Howarth, near Keighley, famous for the Bronte sisters and the Railway Children Film.

Thursday (4 night stays) Coal Mine Tour & Last of the Summer Wine After a leisurely breakfast we take the short journey to The National Coal Mining Museum, suitable for all ages and agility an opportunity to travel 140 metres underground with a retired miner as a guide to provide you with an insight and stories of the hard-working lives of miners through the ages. Allow 2-3 hrs, half of which is underground. Afterwards, drive across the moors to Holmfirth, home of “Last of the Summer Wine”, for a stop and the chance of a cuppa in Sid’s café.

National Coalmining Museum

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “A sincere thanks to Beverly and her whole team for all their assistance, sales support and attention to detail”

More hotel choice

England

Delightful ... 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. Grasmere

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

P 4 nights DBB P Steam Train Haverthwaite to Lakeside P Entrance to Holker Hall and Gardens P Cruise on Ullswater Steamer P Brewery Tour, Lunch and Tasting P 2 nts entertainment P Free use of leisure facilities P Free place for your driver over 25 pax.

Prices lower than 2015 Carlisle

Bassenthwaite Keswick

Ullswater Cruise Watermill Brewery Damson Dene

Haverthwaite Railway

£249pp

England’s Lakeland Glory

Price Includes

Ambleside Lake Windermere Bowness

5 days from

Newby Bridge Holker Hall

Hotels 3* Windermere Hydro, Bowness on Windermere 3* Newby Bridge Hotel, Newby Bridge 3* Damson Dene Hotel, near Windermere 4* Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite Page 47 Available: March – November | Dates and rates attached

Day 1 Arrive at your hotel for welcome refreshments and take in the glorious Lakeland views. 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. If you wish you can return to the hotel via Lake Coniston (of Bluebird fame) and Ambleside. 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.

Guest Comment about Windermere Hydro: “The hotel staff were very helpful and most courteous putting everyone at ease. The quality of the food was excellent and the quantity had to be seen to be believed.”

Day 4 Free Time and Lakeland Brewery Tour Morning free to explore the local area. Wherever you are staying there are some beautiful Lakeland walks. Bowness is Cumbria’s most popular destination. All hotels have leisure facilities. About midday we take the journey over to the much talked about Watermill Brewery. An award winning family business brewing traditional ales to Cumbrian hostelries and beyond. We have arranged a guided tour of the brewery followed by a beer, soup and sandwich lunch. Day 5 Lakeland Breakfast Take in the views for the last time before you leave the Lakes and head for home.

Lady of The Lake, Ullswater

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Castle Stays Available

England

An intriguing ... 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, will explore the industrial age of the North East. Explore the coast including entrance into the 700 year old Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Bamburgh Castle

5 days from

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

£199pp

Romantic Journeys of Northumbria

Price Includes P Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival (Except Caledonian) P 4 nights DBB

Day 1 Durham & Angel of the North are

Explore the beautiful stately rooms within

P Entry into Beamish Open Air Museum

two of the landmarks on your way to your

the 700 year old castle, and beautiful

hotel for welcome refreshments on

gardens with its unique features including

P River Tyne Boat Cruise

check in.

the Poison Garden. Later in the afternoon,

P Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Day 2 River Tyne Cruise Firstly, the short

a delightful tour of Northumbria’s coast,

P 2 nights entertainment (Caledonian)

journey to Gateshead. Walk across the new

through charming fishing villages with

Millennium “Winking eye” Bridge and into

a stop at Bamburgh, with it’s impressive

Newcastle. After lunch, board the boat for a

castle, and then on to Beal, with views of

wonderful cruise, under the famous bridges,

the Holy Island and Lindisfarne, recognised

to see the legendary shipyards, Tyne Gorge,

as the cradle of Christianity.

and South Shields, with live commentary

Day 5 Journey Home Depending on your

along the way. Afterwards we complete this

travelling time, recommend stopping off in

fascinating heritage day with time free in

the cathedral city of Durham.

Driver Free if over 25 paying passengers Holy Island Bamburgh Alnwick Castle Otterburn Newcastle + Tyne r Cruise de Hexham r o

Carlisle

Redworth Beamish Durham

Newcastle. 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

Hotels

vintage tram, explore the authentic town

4* Redworth Hall, Redworth 3* Otterburn Castle Hotel, Otterburn (19 rooms) 3* Caledonian Hotel, Newcastle

Day 4 Alnwick Castle & Northumberland

Page 47

street, station, colliery, farm and Pitt village. Coastline Enjoy a relaxing day visiting one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe with its leading contemporary gardens.

Available: May – September | Dates and rates attached

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Beamish

Guest Comment about Caledonian Hotel: “Great location. Hotel very clean and staff helpful and friendly. Would stay again”.

Festive Fun

Cracking ... choice of over 200 hotels across the UK providing Classic deals for pre-Christmas themed breaks as well as Christmas and New Year. Below is only a small sample of the programmes available. If you are thinking of promoting some Festive Tours, then Classic will be able to provide you with a package to suit. Simply let us know what you are looking for either 2015 or 2016 and we will send you ideas together with festive itineraries.

Turkey n’ Tinsels

Christmas

New Year

5 days from

4 days from

£124pp

£235pp

£230pp

Turkey and Tinsel Deals Carlisle Crown & Mitre Hotel

Guest Rating 81%

Llanberis (North Wales) Royal Victoria Hotel

Guest Rating 79%

Biggar (Borders) Tinto House Hotel

Guest Rating 80%

This group orientated hotel is located right in the heart of the city. Their Turkey n Tinsel packages are amongst our favourites with 3 nights entertainment included. More detail on Page 47

Festive themed break with a Welsh twist, located in the Welsh Mountains next to Snowdon. All the Christmas decorations will be up, and entertainment on 3 nights. More detail on Page 46.

A particularly friendly and homely hotel with 36 bedrooms. In true Scottish character with open fires and wood panelling provides a welcoming pre-Christmas venue. More detail on Page 48

2015: 30/11, 7/12 £139pp ss Nil 2016: 6/12, 12/12 £139pp ss nil

2015 9/11. 2016 5/12, 12/12. £124pp ss Nil

2015: 02/11, 16/,11, 23/11, 30/11, 05/12 - £140pp + £60 srs 2016: 07/11, 14/11, 21/11, 28/11, 05/12 - £140pp + £60 srs

Christmas Crackers Chigwell (Essex) Menzies Prince Regent

Mold (North Wales) Beaufort Park Hotel

Guest Rating 82%

Guest Rating 83%

Ballachulish (Highlands)

Isles of Glencoe Hotel

Guest Rating 81%

Luxury Christmas package based in Essex. Full Christmas itinerary, with entertainment. Located in own grounds, this listed Georgian building is a great venue for your Christmas group.

This hotel has always been a popular location for Classic and the hotel put on a lavish Christmas programme with all the trimmings. Excellent base for exploring Chester and North Wales coastline. More detail on Page 46

One of the West Highlands most well known hotels for groups, sitting on a peninsula with superb Highland scenery of lochs and mountains in all directions. The Isles has always laid on a fabulous Highland Christmas programme. More detail on page 50

Arr. 23rd December x 4nts £260pp ss £100

Arr. 23rd December x 4nts £279pp

Arr. 23rd December x 4nts £235pp ss £64

ss £80

Happy New Year Shap (Lakes) Shap Wells Hotel

Guest Rating 80%

Glasgow (Renfrew) Glynhill Hotel

Guest Rating 85%

Montrose (Angus) Park Hotel

Guest Rating 86%

This well known hotel is within easy access off the M6 and near to the Lake District. At New year the hotel comes alive with a fabulous entertainment programme. More detail on Page 47

Come and celebrate a Scottish New Year in the Glynhill. Their Hogmanay Ball is known for miles around, and there is entertainment on one more night. 6 miles from Glasgow centre. More detail on page 49

A family run hotel, near to both the centre and the beach. The Park has a varied New Year programme available especially designed with groups in mind. More detail on Page 50

Arr. 30th December x 3nts £230pp ss £45

Arr. 30th December x 3nts £275pp ss £60

Arr. 30th December x 3nts £280pp ss Nil

Quote from Coach Operator: “We have got to know the team at Classic Britain well over the years and as a result we are offered exactly what we are looking for.”

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Out of Season

New

Themed

A selection ... of exceptionally well priced breaks to keep your coaches busy and your customers happy over the quieter months between October and April. Classic has selected three All Inclusive 5 day breaks, a luxury 4* Singles Holiday based in Ayrshire, a popular Murder Mystery break in Wales, and a fabulous preChristmas 2 night break visiting “decked-up” Chatsworth House. If the dates shown are unsuitable, please let us know, we can acquire other dates.

5 days from

£119pp

Drinks Inclusives 5 days

Wales

£146

Llanberis Royal Victoria Hotel

pax.

More hotel detail on Page 46

2016 14/11, 21/11 2017 20/2, 13/3, 27/3 First 6 singles no supplement

£146pp £146pp

£149

5 days

Trossachs £119

Dunoon Argyll Hotel

Guest Rating 79% One of Classic’s most popular Price Includes choices, located in the heart P Tea, coffee and Bara Brith on of the Welsh Highlands & check in next to Snowdon. Superb P 4nts DBB base to explore NW Wales P 1 Welsh Themed evening and enjoy fine food in P 2 more nights entertainment relaxing surroundings. *Free bar includes House Wines, P Free Bar 1900 – 2300* draught beer, lager & soft P No single supplement P 1 free place over 20 paying drinks.

5 days

Dunoon

Aberfoyle Rob Roy Hotel

Guest Rating 81%

Price Includes P Welcome tea & biscuits on arrival P 4 nts DBB P Return ferry Gourock - Dunoon P 1 themed Scottish evening P 2 other nights entertainment* P 4 drinks vouchers per day (4) P 1 free place over 20 paying passengers

Easily accessed from most parts of the UK, and we have included the ferry crossing as well. The Argyll is in the centre of Dunoon so all the shops and local attractions are nearby. The hotel also has a seafront location. *Entertainment subject to min. 35 pax. If less then 2nts apply. More hotel detail on Page 49

2015: 5/10, 16/11, 7/12 £149pp 2016: 7/3, 4/4, 31/10, 28/11 £149pp 2017: 27/3, 10/4 £149pp Single Room Supplement £32pp

Guest Rating 78% An extremely well priced Price Includes “Drinks-Inclusive” destination, P Welcome Tea & Shortbread on based in the centre of check in the Trossachs. Food and P 4nts DBB entertainment has always P Glass of wine with dinner each night scored well here, and there P 3 drinks vouchers for per day (4) are plenty places to visit P Min. 2 nights entertainment in the out of season: Loch P 1 night is Scottish themed Lomond, Glasgow, Stirling P 1 free place over 20 paying and Edinburgh. passengers More hotel detail on Page 49 P No Single Supplement

2015 30/11* £119pp 2016 14/3, 28/3, 7/11*, 5/12* £119pp 2017 13/3, 27/3 £119pp Single Supplement Nil (max 4). * Turkey/Tinsel themed.

Themes Singles

5 days from

£174

Murder Mystery

Ayrshire Menzies Irvine Hotel

Price Includes P Welcome Tea & Shortbread on check in P 4 nights DBB P 2 nights Entertainment P Entrance into Glasgow Riverside Museum P 1 free place over 20 paying passengers

£75

Guest Rating 86%

Guest Rating 83% Beaufort Parks Murder Mystery Breaks have proved popular and are back for 2015, 2016 and 2017. The night starts at 7pm and finishes at 11pm, a night of tensions, rivalries and death tolls running high in a spectacular theatrical show. Sit back, relax and enjoy the drama as it unfolds.

More hotel detail on Page 48

Allocation 40 twin/dble for sole use & 4 twins

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Yorkshire & Chatsworth

At Christmastime

Mold (North Wales) Beaufort Park Hotel

Fabulous 5 day break in picturesque Ayrshire. Tours to Arran, Glasgow & Loch Lomond are all easily accessed. The Menzies is an excellent choice for a solo holiday. All rooms are either dbles or twins for sole use. The Riverside Museum was voted European Museum of the year (2014).

2015 26/10 - £185pp 2/11, 9/11 - £174pp 2016 22/2, 14/3, 21/11 - £182pp 24/10 - £189pp

Fri x 2 nts

Price Includes P Welcome tea and Bara Brith on arrival P 2 nights DBB P Murder Mystery Evening P No Single supplement P 1 free place over 20 paying passengers

More hotel detail on Page 46

2015 16/10 £75pp 2016 25/3, 22/4, 14/10, 4/11 £75pp 2017 10/3, 24/3, 7/4 £75pp Single supplement nil (max 5). £15 per nt thereafter

Fri x 2 nts

£89

Wakefield Cedar Court Hotel

Guest Rating 75% Christmastime at Chatsworth is a Price Includes favourite time of year, the house is P Welcome tea & biscuits on transformed with decorations, using check in a different theme each year. There is P 2 nights DBB musical entertainment and over 150 P Entry into Chatsworth House Christmas market stalls to browse. & Gardens Based in Yorkshire there are other Christmas Markets in Leeds, Castle P Free to browse over 150 stalls Howard and York and smaller ones in the Yorkshire Dales. P 1 free over 20 paying

passengers

More hotel detail on Page 47

2015 20/11, 27/11, 4/12, 11/12 2016 18/11, 25/11, 2/12, 9/12

£89pp All Dates

Single Supplement £30pp

Quote from Private Group Organiser: “Getting the hotel cost, location and entertainment right allows me the time to look after our members on our weekends away.”

Out of Season

New

Houseparties

Looking ... For some out of season ideas? Classic has selected six Houseparty themed hotels, where there is lots going on and most importantly being offered out at extremely attractive prices. The hotels selected are minimum 3 stars, so quality is not sacrificed for price. They make great value for money breaks, and we will be more than happy to help plan your daily excursions as well.

5 days from

£89pp

England & Wales Seaside Houseparties

5 days from

£130

5 days from

Festive Houseparties

Bournemouth

£134

Lytham St Annes Inn on the Prom

Menzies East Cliff Hotel

Guest Rating 83%

Price Includes P Tea & coffee on arrival P 4 nights DBB P 4 nights entertainment P Free coach parking P 1 free place over 20 paying passengers

Lakeland Houseparties

This seafront hotel is Price Includes starting Christmas early, P Tea/coffee & mince pies/cakes on so all pre-Christmas dates arrival are festive themed, with a P 4 nights DBB drinks reception each night, P Drinks reception each night happy hour bar, musical P Happy Hour bar 6-7pm entertainment every evening P 4 nights musical entertainment & Traditional Christmas P Free use of leisure facilities dinner. Can be included with a P Driver free over 20 paying Blackpool illuminations tour. passengers

More hotel detail on Page 46

P No single room supplement

2015 11/10, 1/11 £140pp 2016 20/3 - £130pp. 27/3 - £140pp. 23/10, 13/11, 4/12* - £135 2017 13/3, 26/3 £135pp Single Supplement £15 per/nt. * Turkey Tinsel themed

More hotel detail on Page 47

2015 2/11, 9/11, 23/11, 30/11 2016 7/11, 25/11, 5/12

£134pp £136pp

No Single Room Supplement (max 6). £10 per/nt thereafter

£199

Shap (Penrith) Shap Wells Hotel

Guest Rating 79%

This all year round resort has plenty going on in the quieter months, and the East Cliff is well positioned with beautiful views across the bay. It is a luxury Houseparty brand, with good food and entertainment every night from a quiz to a race night, bingo to a live musician.

5 days from

Guest Rating 80% With easy access off the M6, Price Includes Shap is located in a tranquil P Tea/coffee on check in position surrounded by open P Welcome drink on 1st countryside, but only a 30 minute evening drive to Kendal & Ullswater and the Lakes. Nov/Dec dates are 4 nts DBB P P 1 Cumbrian themed evening festive themed with decorations up and tree lit. Ask about dates P 1 other nights entertainment for the more central Windermere P 1 free place over 20 paying Hydro Hotel.

passengers

More hotel detail on Page 47

2015 9/11 £119pp 2016 14/3 - £119pp. 14/11*, 28/11* £124pp 2017 20/3 £124pp

No Single room supplement (max4). * Festive themed Houseparties

Scotland Borders Houseparties

5 days from

£120

Perthshire Houseparties

Biggar Tinto Hotel

Price Includes P Welcome Drinks reception P 4 nts DBB P 3 nts entertainment P Tea & Cream scones on 2 days P Glass of wine with 1 dinner P 1 free place over 20 paying passengers

More hotel detail on Page 48

2016: 25/1* - £120 . 14/3, 28/3, 26/10 £139pp 2017: 23/1* - £124 13/3, 27/3 £144pp *Burns Themed. Single room supplement £60

£120

Highland Houseparties

Blairgowrie Angus Hotel

Guest Rating 80% The new Tinto management is laying on lots of enticing houseparty programmes, and keen to re-establish the hotel as a popular group venue. Apart from Houseparties with lots going on there is a themed Burns week, with haggis and pipers etc. Full programme available on request.

5 days from

P P £25pp drink/food voucher

More hotel detail on Page 50

2015: 9/11, 16/11 £145pp 2016: 25/1 - £120pp. 22/2 - £129pp. 14/3- £134pp. 11/4 - £140pp. 7/11, 21/11 - £145pp 2017: 13/2 - £129pp. 20/3 - £139pp. 16/4 - £145pp No Single Room Supplement (max 6).

Quote from UK Coach Operator: “Classic Britain team have taken time to understand our business model & more importantly recognise which products & hotels are suitable for our clients”

£89

Oban Regent Hotel

Guest Rating 79% The Angus lays on probably one Price Includes of the best Houseparty packages P Welcome Drinks reception around, with a variety of Scottish P 4 nts DBB themed entertainment, good P 2 afternoon teas food, free use of leisure club Whisky Tasting P and is located in the centre of P Sword dance demo Blairgowrie. We expect many of P Scottish Country dance lesson these dates to sell out quickly, P Scottish themed dinner and so block off your dates with ceilidh Classic soon. Prize quiz and disco

5 days from

Guest Rating 68%

Price Includes P Tea/coffee & biscuits on arrival P Min. 2 nights entertainment P Scottish themed dinner P No single supplement P 1 free over 20 paying passengers

If you’re looking for a Scottish out of season tour, in a Highland setting with views over the islands, with plenty to do, in a hotel which has lots going on, then Oban is a good choice. With min 2 nights entertainment, and a price of between £89- £99 for 5 days, it makes the Regent our best priced Houseparty product. More hotel detail on Page 50

2015: 5/10, 19/10 - £99pp. 2/11 - £89pp 2016: 18/4, 25/4, 17/10, 7/11, 21/11 - £99pp 2017: 20/3, 3/4 - £99pp No Single supplement (max 6) £10 per nt thereafter.

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

England & Wales Looe Portbryan Hotel

Classic has a choice

of 48 group friendly member hotels in England & Wales

48 46 47

from Cornwall up to

Guest Review ??%

45 44 39

42 41 40

Cumbria. If you are

looking for hotel only without the

34 33

package element,

then all these hotels

DBB from £35pp

31 29 28 26 27

Bournemouth Menzies Carlton 2

25 17

will be able to offer

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.

38 37 36

23 22 Guest Review 85%

you best available

group rates. For

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.

20 15

peace of mind

14 13

DBB from £32.50pp

Classic has visited

all these hotels for

group suitability and real guest reviews

Eastbourne Shore View Hotel 3

can be found on our

Guest Review 86%

website, together

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.

with more detailed information.

DBB from £32pp

Hastings Chatsworth Hotel

Folkestone Burlington Hotel

Felixstowe Brook Hotel

Canterbury Abbots Barton Hotel

Sittingbourne Coniston Hotel

Guest Review 69%

Well priced 3* hotel, seafront location, and near to all amenities. Popular hotel for groups with lots of attractions within easy driving distance.

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 £29pp

Guest Review 69%

Privately owned hotel, which takes just one group. Well located only being a couple of minutes’ walk from the shops and beach. Essex and Suffolk countryside within easy access. Ideal for weekend breaks.

DBB from £40pp

Guest Review 87%

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.

DBB from £35pp

Guest Review 75%

This stylish, modern hotel has recently completed a multi-million pound facelift. A wonderful hotel for groups looking for good quality and ideally located for Classic’s South East England package.

DBB from £45pp

DBB from £37pp

Henley Red Lion Hotel

Milton Keynes Hilton Hotel

Cambridge Menzies Hotel

Norwich Brook Hotel

Kenilworth Honiley Court

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.

Guest Review %

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.

DBB from £45pp

Guest Review 78%

Located to the northof Cambridge. The Menzies is in a peaceful setting, surrounded with it’s own golf course. An ideal place for groups to explore this wonderful part of England.

DBB from £40pp

Guest Review 81%

Located on the west side of the city and within easy access for exploring the many characterful Norfolk villages and Norfolk Broads. All bedrooms are similar and furnished to a high standard.

DBB from £49pp

Guest Review 75%

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.

DBB from £35pp

DBB from £36pp

Redditch Studley Castle

Wellington Buckatree Hall Hotel

Llanberis Royal Victoria

Mold Beaufort Park

Prestatyn Beaches Hotel

Guest Review 75%

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.

DBB from £36pp

Guest Review 87%

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

E: groups@classicbritain.com

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.

DBB from £38pp Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Guest Review 83%

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.

DBB from £29pp Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Guest Review 83%

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 Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

England, Ireland and Isle of Man Carrickfergus Clarion Hotel

Tamworth Drayton Manor Hotel

Hinkley Sketchley Grange Hotel

Derby Hallmark Hotel

Derby Menzies Mickleover Hotel

Guest Review %

Guest Review 85%

Guest Review 73%

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.

Set in 280 acres of parkland and adjacent to one of the UK ‘s largest theme parks, Drayton Manor is a fun place to stay with a combination of funny and quirky features.

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

DBB from £xxpp

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 87%

A beautiful Victorian building, with garden in the centre of Derby. The hotel has been caringly refurbished into a stylish boutique hotel, and is a perfect venue for groups wishing to explore The Peak District and Lincolnshire.

DBB from £40pp

Guest Review 81%

A popular hotel for Classic’s groups. Located in a quiet area west of Derby. Ideal for a peak District programme or for weekend breaks. Quality is excellent throughout, with the added benefit of leisure facilities.

DBB from £44pp

DBB from £40pp

Buxton Palace Hotel

Wigan Kilhey Court Hotel

Wakefield Cedar Court Hotel

Otley Chevin Country Park Hotel

Huddersfield Cedar Court

Guest Review 87%

Guest Review 84%

An impressive hotel in the centre of Buxton in the heart of the Peak District. It is a new hotel for Classic and a hotel proving a huge hit with clients, with its top notch comforts and tasteful & spacious interior.

Situated in extensive gardens with its own lake, Kilhey Court has a country house feel with bags of character. A place worth considering for any North England programme.

DBB from £49pp

DBB from £35pp

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.

Guest Review 84%

A unique timber building nestling within the forest of the Wharfe Valley. It is a rural retreat but yet within easy distance of Harrogate, Leeds and the Dales. The whole hotel has been significantly upgraded.

DBB from £35pp

Guest Review 85%

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.

DBB from £47pp

DBB from £38pp

Harrogate Cedar Court Hotel

Harrogate Yorkshire Hotel

Skipton Rendezvous Hotel

Lytham St. Annes Inn on the Prom

Blackpool Imperial Hotel

Guest Review 85%

This Grade 2 listed building overlooks the 200 acre Stray Park and is only a short walk from the centre of Harrogate. It is without doubt amongst the top hotels in the town for groups with the benefit of onsite parking.

Guest Review 78%

A grand Victorian hotel standing proud in the centre of Yorkshire’s popular spa town. The hotel has been improved retaining many of it’s elegant features. The hotel is well geared to deal with groups.

DBB from £50pp

Guest Review 87%

Privately owned hotel, next to the canal surrounded by sweeping Yorkshire Dales scenery. One mile south of Skipton in the heart of the Dales.

DBB from £40pp

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.

DBB from £47pp

Guest Review 82%

Right on the seafront, with the 5 minute tram journey into the centre only 100 yards away. The Imperial is truly a majestic Victorian styled hotel, a venue for many famous visitors.

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £50pp

Morecambe Morecambe Bay Hotel

Isle of Man Rutland Hotel

Scarborough Esplanade Hotel

Scarborough Red Lea Hotel

Ravenscar Ravenhall Hotel

Guest Review 81%

Recently transformed into a good 3* hotel for groups. Seafront location, overlooking the bay & near the centre of Morecambe. Personal service is assured having 29 bedrooms.

One of the main hotels in the capital Douglas, stunning seafront location. Please note, hotel not suitable for wheelchair access due to original architectural design.

DBB from £35pp

One of the best located hotels in Scarborough overlooking the South Bay, beach and harbour. A very popular hotel for groups with entertainment, cosy bedrooms & good food.

DBB from £40pp

Guest Review 83%

Guest Review 84%

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.

Must have one of the most dramatic of settings in the UK. Perched high on the cliff tops overlooking Robin Hoods Bay, 12 miles from Scarborough and Whitby.

DBB from £42pp

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £47pp

County Durham Redworth Hall Hotel

Shap Shap Wells Hotel

Bowness Windermere Hydro

Bassenthwaite Castle Inn

Belford Blue Bell Hotel

Guest Review 87%

Located 7 miles north of Darlington, Redworth Hall is a stunning Jacobean retreat dating back to 1693, set in 150 acres of grounds. Many of the original features exist.

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 £xxpp

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 £35pp

Guest Review 86%

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.

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

DBB from £55pp

DBB from £44pp

DBB from £40pp

Newcastle Caledonian Hotel

Otterburn Otterburn Castle Hotel

Wetheral Crown Hotel

Carlisle Crown & Mitre Hotel

Carlisle Hallmark Hotel

Guest Review 79%

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 £30pp Great reviews

about the food Quote

Guest Review 79%

Guest Review 88%

Sat in a 32 acre estate with terraced lawns, this country castle retreat makes an excellent venue for the more discerning group client wishing to explore Northumberland and Borders.

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 £55pp Town or city centre location

DBB from £45pp Fine views from hotel

Free use of Leisure facilities

Guest Review 81%

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

DBB from £33pp

Guest Review 80%

Right in the centre of Carlisle near the Railway Station. The Hallmark is the best hotel in the city for groups. A popular venue for overnighters travelling to and from Scotland.

DBB from £40pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland - Borders & South West Scotland Classic has been working in partnership with most of Scotland’s group orientated hotels since 1996. We know

105

106

107 Guest Review 81%

all the hotels inside and out and have a close friendly working co-operation with their owners and managers.

Dumfries Cairndale Hotel

108

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.

103 101 100

DBB from £40pp 97

102

When it comes to Scotland no other organisation comes close in being able

Dumfries Hetland Hall

85 82 84 83 81 80 79

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.

89 90

88 87 86

75 73 74 72

57 60 54 53 55 66 52 68 50 49 62 36 35 47 48 64 46 65 21 34 33 37 30 63 20 38 39 41 23 29 18 22 24 40 12 10 16 16 13 11 9 4 5 17 14 8 15

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 £38pp

Gretna Gretna Hall Hotel 3

19 Guest Review 80%

Totally refurbished. All rooms are relatively new. A perfect stopover hotel. Classic guests get allocated best rooms.

DBB from £35pp

Abington Abington Hotel

Peebles Peebles Hydro

Peebles Barony Castle

Peebles Cardrona Hotel

Symington Tinto Hotel

Guest Review 70%

Guest Review 73%

Guest Review 81%

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

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

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

DBB from £30pp

Rosebank

DBB from £44pp

Guest Review 84%

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

DBB from £40pp

Guest Review 80%

Located 7 miles from Biggar. Well laid out hotel taking one group. Great for overnight stays or for exploring the Borders and Ayrshire. Group rates are particularly favourable.

DBB from £47pp

DBB from £35pp

Popinjay Hotel

Larkhall Radstone Hotel

East Kilbride Bruce Hotel

Kilmarnock Park Hotel

Irvine Menzies Hotel

Guest Review 87%

Guest Review 83%

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

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

DBB from £36pp

Guest Review 90%

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

DBB from £34pp

Guest Review 85%

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

DBB from £37pp

Guest Review 86%

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

DBB from £45pp

DBB from £36pp

Prestwick Carlton Hotel

Troon South Beach Hotel

Arran Auchrannie Hotel

Arran Kinloch Hotel

Langbank Gleddock House Hotel

Guest Review 86%

A new hotel for the group market, located on the Ayrshire coast, just north of Ayr. The Carlton has recently completed a major refurbishment programme.

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 76%

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

DBB from £38pp

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Guest Review 91%

Superb hotel on the fringes of Brodick, set in own grounds with extensive leisure, excellent food, great island views and superb accommodation.

DBB from £65pp Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Guest Review 86%

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

DBB from £46pp Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Guest Review 80%

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.

DBB from £40pp Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

England &- Glasgow, Scotland Wales Edinburgh & Central Scotland Kelso Cross Keys Hotel

Dunoon Argyll Hotel

Dunoon Esplanade Hotel

Erskine Erskine Bridge Hotel

Glasgow Normandy Hotel

Guest Review 74%

Characterful coaching inn dating back to 1769, in the centre of Kelso. Low group rates available. Well positioned for exploring Borders, The North East and Edinburgh.

Guest Review 82%

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

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 86%

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

DBB from £32pp

Guest Review 77%

Very much geared up to deal with groups, located approx 14 miles west of Glasgow city centre and next to the river. All rooms have open views of the River Clyde.

DBB from £32pp

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 £36pp

DBB from £30pp

Glasgow Glynhill Hotel

Glasgow (Paisley) Watermill Hotel

Glasgow Menzies Hotel

Glasgow Alexander Thomson

Glasgow Apex Hotel

Guest Review 85%

Guest Review 79%

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

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

DBB from £44pp

Guest Review 83%

Central location. The Menzies is one of the best hotels in the city for groups. Stylish décor, spacious rooms and excellent food.

DBB from £30pp

Guest Review 71%

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

DBB from £50pp

Guest Review 84%

Impressive modern hotel, right in the heart of the city, Theatreland and attractions all within easy walking distance. Inside the hotel has been toally refurbished.

DBB from £30pp

DBB from £40pp

Glasgow North Crowwood Hotel

Stirling King Robert Hotel

Stirling Highland Hotel

Bridge of Allan Royal Hotel

Drymen Buchanan Arms Hotel

Guest Review 77%

The Crowwood is located 7 miles from Glasgow city centre just off the main road to Stirling, making it an ideal stopover hotel, providing Operators with a good all round hotel at a good price.

Guest Review 80%

Located on the outskirts of Stirling. The hotel has easy access links to all parts of Scotland and has a long standing reputation for being group friendly.

DBB from £32pp

Guest Review 86%

One of the area’s most prestigious hotels. Sat near to Stirling’s famous castle. Once the High School the Highland has been transformed into a top class 4* hotel, welcoming groups from all over the world.

DBB from £35pp

Guest Review 72%

Based in a delightful suburb of Stirling, The Royal provides good quality accommodation for groups at an attractive price and only takes one group.

DBB from £55pp

Guest Review 82%

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

DBB from £34pp

DBB from £35pp

Drymen Winnock Hotel

Aberfoyle Rob Roy Hotel

Aberfoyle Forest Hills Hotel

Cumbernauld Westerwood Hotel

Falkirk Airth Castle

Guest Review 83%

Guest Review 78%

Guest Review 82%

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

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

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

DBB from £40pp

DBB from £25pp

Guest Review 84%

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

DBB from £55pp

Guest Review 80%

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

DBB from £48pp

DBB from £45pp

Grangemouth Leapark Hotel

Bathgate Cairn Hotel

Edinburgh Hilton Grosvenor

Edinburgh Carlton Hotel

Edinburgh Murrayfield Hotel

Guest Review 88%

Lots of groups have used the Leapark with rave reviews. Staff are very attentive and helpful. Flexible group rate, makes the Leapark a good choice.

Guest Review 78%

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.

DBB from £38pp

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.

DBB from £36pp

Guest Review 83%

One of the most well known hotels in central Edinburgh, close to the Royal Mile, Princes Street and Castle. The perfect hotel for groups requiring a very central location.

DBB from £55pp

Guest Review 86%

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

DBB from £65pp

DBB from £45pp

Edinburgh Kings Manor Hotel

Edinburgh Braid Hills Hotel

Dunfermline Pitbauchlie House Hotel

Kinross Windlestrae Hotel

Kinross Green Hotel

Guest Review 90%

Guest Review 79%

Guest Review 87%

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

An hotel which is near the city centre but not too noisy. Braid Hills sits with views of the city and castle – approx. 1 ½ miles away.

Set in it’s own gardens, the Pitbauchlie has for a long time been an excellent choice for groups, being near to Edinburgh and with easy access into Fife and Perthshire.

DBB from £49pp Great reviews

about the food Quote

DBB from £57pp Town or city centre location

DBB from £40pp Fine views from hotel

Free use of Leisure facilities

Guest Review 81%

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.

DBB from £45pp

Guest Review 83%

Well run hotel, which has been looking after Classic’s groups for over 12 years. Spotlessly clean throughout with awards for its fine food.

DBB from £52pp

T: 01357 529129 open 7 days

Scotland - Perthshire & West Highlands Perth Station Hotel

Perth Queens Hotel

Perth Murrayshall Hotel

Crieff Crieff Hydro Hotel

Dunkeld Birnam House Hotel

Guest Review 66%

Dating back to 1888, the Station has for along time been an intricate part of Perth. Centrally located for all local amenities.

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.

DBB from £45pp

Guest Review 79%

Guest Review 83%

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

Located in extensive grounds, only a one hour drive away from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The hotel is spacious, with modern décor, but still maintains its original features.

DBB from £57pp

DBB from £45pp

Guest Review 79%

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

DBB from £36pp

Dunkeld Royal Dunkeld Hotel

Dundee Doubletree by Hilton

Blairgowrie Angus Hotel

Pitlochry Atholl Palace

Pitlochry Scotlands Hotel

Guest Review 79%

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

Guest Review 83%

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

DBB from £25pp

Guest Review 79%

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

DBB from £45pp

Guest Review 82%

A most impressive hotel, sitting proud above the town. Every room has open views. Atholl Palace is a luxury hotel for groups.

DBB from £34pp

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 £57pp

DBB from £43pp

Pitlochry Fishers Hotel

Kenmore Kenmore Hotel

Montrose Park Hotel

Arrochar Arrochar Hotel

Ardrishaig Grey Gull Hotel

Guest Review 73%

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

Guest Review 84%

Guest Review 86%

The Park is located in a quiet area of Montrose, yet only a few minutes walk from the High Street and beach. An excellent base for exploring the Angus Glens.

Inveraray Argyll Hotel

Inveraray Loch Fyne

Crianlarich Crianlarich Hotel

Isle of Mull - Craignure

Isle of Mull Hotel

Oban Caledonian Hotel

DBB from £xxpp

DBB from £47pp

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 £40pp

Guest Review 82%

Beautiful hotel, located on the lochside and only a 5 minute walk into Inveraray. This hotel is one of the best hotels for groups staying in Argyll.

DBB from £40pp

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

Guest Review 81%

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 £30pp

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 £46pp

Superb location on the shoreline with views from most bedrooms. 15 miles south of Inveraray. Well known for its friendliness and good food.

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 79%

Approx. ½ mile from the Ferry terminal, and is main hotel on the island, a wonderful, on the coast with 360 degree views of the coast and countryside.

DBB from £35pp

Guest Review 75%

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.

DBB from £50pp

DBB from £40pp

Oban Columba Hotel

Oban Regents Hotel

Oban Oban Bay Hotel

Ballachilish Ballachilish Hotel

Glencoe Isles of Glencoe Hotel

Guest Review 79%

Well positioned hotel on the waterfront in centre of Oban. Well appointed throughout. Public areas redone in 2014. Classic’s most popular hotel.

Guest Review 68%

Guest Review 77%

Guest Review 78%

Located on the seafront in the centre of Oban. The food is plentiful, and entertainment is included most nights. Classic clients are allocated best rooms, most with sea views.

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

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

DBB from £36pp

DBB from £28pp

DBB from £49pp

Guest Review 81%

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 £40pp

Onich Lodge on the Loch

Fort William Imperial Hotel

Fort William West End Hotel

Fort William Moorings Hotel

Morar Morar Hotel

Guest Review 80%

This is a cracking hotel, with individually styled bedrooms and all bar 2 have magnificent loch views. Located 9 miles south of Fort William.

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 81%

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.

DBB from £37pp

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Guest Review 86%

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

DBB from £40pp Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Guest Review 90%

Without doubt the best hotel in the area for groups. Wonderful setting next to the lock gates on the Caledonian Hotel, with fine views of Ben Nevis. The food is exquisite.

DBB from £65pp Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Guest Review 76%

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

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

England &- Speyside, Scotland Wales Inverness, Grampian & the Far North Newtonmore Balavil Hotel

Newtonmore Highlander Hotel

Kingussie Duke of Gordon

Aviemore Strathspey Hotel

Boat of Garten Boat 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.

Guest Review 79%

Operators book this hotel year after year. A testament to the consistent high standards. Entertainment is staged 7nts a week.

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

DBB from £35pp

Guest Review 81%

Guest Review 80%

Part of Macdonald Hotels. Located in the Aviemore Centre. All rooms have mountain views. Public areas are spacious, and within the resort there are shops, cinema, and extensive leisure & spa facilities.

Delightful 34 bedroom country house style hotel. Top class service and fabulous restaurant atmosphere. Set in heart of Speyside. 8 miles from Aviemore.

DBB from £46pp

DBB from £50pp

DBB from £42pp

Grantown Craiglynne Hotel

Carrbridge Carrbridge Hotel

Aboyne Huntly Arms Hotel

Aberdeen Norwood Hall Hotel

Aberdeen Ardoe House

Guest Review 76%

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

Guest Review 86%

Well priced hotel with mountain views surrounding hotel. 20 miles south of Inverness. Entertainment 6 nights a week.

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 77%

A well priced group orientated hotel, with entertainment provided on some nights. Located in the heart of Royal Deeside, approx. 30 miles from Aberdeen.

DBB from £34pp

Guest Review 84%

3 miles from Aberdeen centre on the road to Royal Deeside. Set in 9 acres of gardens, this manor house has bags of character, roaring fires, wood panelling a rosetted restaurant.

DBB from £26pp

Guest Review 89%

19th century mansion house set in 30 acres of gardens, 3 miles from Aberdeen centre. The layout and décor has been sympathetically thought through in keeping with it’s grand design.

DBB from £59pp

DBB from £65pp

Elgin Eight Acres Hotel

Inverness Drumossie Hotel

Inverness Palace Hotel

Inverness Columba Hotel

Inverness Kingsmills Hotel

Guest Review 83%

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

Guest Review 85%

This 4* hotel is located 3 miles from central Inverness affording panoramic views across the city, firth and mountains. All aspects of the hotel are good and in particular the food, awarded AA 2 rosettes.

DBB from £44pp

Guest Review 83%

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.

DBB from £57pp

Guest Review 76%

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

DBB from £57pp

Guest Review 88%

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

DBB from £45pp

DBB from £58pp

Inverness Royal Highland Hotel

Inverness Waterside Hotel

Beauly Priory Hotel

Strathpeffer Ben Wyvis Hotel

Isle of Skye Kings Arms Hotel

Guest Review 75%

The most central hotel in Inverness. Over the years the hotel has invested heavily in improvements. The focal point of the hotel is it’s staircase, which inspired the grand staircase on the Titanic.

Guest Review 83%

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

DBB from £45pp

Guest Review 89%

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.

DBB from £42pp

Guest Review 76%

A popular hotel for groups with spectacular views of Ben Wyvis. The architecture of the hotel blends in perfectly with the village whilst the relaxed air of the hotel gardens reflects the serenity of the location

DBB from £47pp

Guest Review 71%

Located on the shoreline of Kyleakin with beautiful views across to the mainland. A traditional Highland Country Inn, dating back to the 1600’s, which has recently been upgraded.

DBB from £45pp

DBB from £40pp

Isle of Skye Dunollie Hotel

Dundonnell Dundonnell Hotel

Ullapool Caledonian Hotel

North Uist Dark Island Hotel

Stornoway Caladh Inn

100

101

102

103

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

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

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.

Guest Review 85%

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

DBB from £48pp

Guest Review 67%

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

DBB from £50pp

DBB from £36pp

DBB from £48pp

DBB from £57pp

Stornoway Cabarfeidh Hotel

Thurso Pentlands Hotel

Thurso Royal Hotel

Castletown Castletown Hotel

Orkneys Stromness Hotel

103

105

106

107

108

Guest Review 84%

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 £69pp Great reviews

about the food Quote

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

Guest Review 74%

The largest hotel in Thurso with 103 bedrooms and is very much a group orientated hotel, situated in the centre of town. The Royal has entertainment on certain nights.

DBB from £48pp Town or city centre location

DBB from £40pp Fine views from hotel

Free use of Leisure facilities

Guest Review 83%

Located 4 miles east of Thurso towards John O’Groats. It is professionally run and the rates are considerably cheaper than Thurso hotels. Also has the Norseman Hotel in Wick.

DBB from £38pp

Guest Review 84%

Overlooking the picturesque harbour the Stromness Hotel is the largest hotel on the island providing a comfortable island experience.

DBB from £62pp

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. Company

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.

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. 14. Entertainment Many of Classicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotels provide evening entertainment free of charge, or included 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.

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.

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.

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.

16. Ferries Prices based on maximum 12.5m length coach. This is the size recommended for most ferry crossings. If your coach is longer than 12.5m, or your numbers are below 20 passengers, then an extra charge will be incurred.

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

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.

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

View our latest offers at www.classicbritain.com/groups