Historic Houses - 2023

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Just Go Holidays Limited will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole.

Additionally, as required by law, Just Go Holidays Limited has protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that it becomes insolvent.

Your booking with Just Go Holidays Limited is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. This ensures that in

relation to the self-drive package holidays described in this brochure that the clients’ monies are protected by a Bond which may be called upon in the unlikely event the company becomes insolvent. Please see the consumer guarantee at www.bch-uk.org. Our Terms and Conditions based on the Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) Trading Charter will apply to these package holidays.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays we offer are financially protected by the ATOL scheme (ATOL No. 10889). When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about

financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Clients are recommended to inspect the current ATOL certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to www.caa.co.uk to confirm the current licence.

Details of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found at

Holker

A Message from Historic Houses

Explore the nation’s heritage

I am delighted to introduce our enthralling collection of bespoke escorted tours for 2023, produced in partnership with Just Go! Holidays, giving Historic Houses members and their friends the opportunity to explore many of our properties. Join us to uncover a range of architectural styles, fragrant gardens, unique collections and extensive family narratives of some of the most beautiful, historically significant houses and castles in Britain.

These tours are a wonderful invitation to see where history comes alive, where fascinating stories are forever enclosed within ancient walls, just waiting to be discovered. Independent heritage is unlike a museum; these exquisite properties are personal, living examples of Britain’s past. With many owners offering exclusive access or behind-the-scenes tours for our guests, you can get a glimpse into the lives of those who call these special places home as well as uncover the tales and treasures of previous generations, amassed over the centuries.

Our 2023 collection features some of the most exciting itineraries to date; an eclectic mix of historic properties and breathtaking landscapes combined with unique, memorable experiences, from an immersive afternoon on a Welsh farm through to whisky tasting at a famous Scottish distillery. As well as some firm favourites to the Cotswolds, the Lake District and beyond, there are

plenty of riveting new tours to choose from. The Historic Homes & Gardens of Herriot Country allows fans of the popular writer to step into his beloved Yorkshire, Coast to Coast: Cornish Homes & Gardens is a lovely celebration of magical Kernow and Kent’s Most Exclusive Castles & Houses offers unique access to a host of the Garden of England’s historic gems.

In addition, for every person who books any of these specially-tailored tours, Just Go! Holidays will make a donation to Historic Houses, meaning you’ll also be supporting our important work to keep these special places alive for future generations.

We look forward to your company in 2023.

Supporting Beautiful Properties for future generations to enjoy

Just Go! Holidays is proud to pledge their support of Historic Houses and show commitment to their work. For every person who books on to one of these Historic Houses breaks, Just Go! Holidays will make a donation to Historic Houses This will help Historic Houses assist owners in conserving these wonderful places for future generations to enjoy.

Director General Historic Houses

Are you a Member of Historic Houses?

Prices shown on the tour pages and in the price panels are applicable to customers who are members of Historic Houses. For non-members, there is a £30pp supplement to add to these prices.

To qualify for the members’ price, please quote your membership number when booking with Just Go! Holidays. If you would like to become a member of Historic Houses, please visit: www.historichouses.org/join

Travel Your Way

Whether you decide to travel by car or train, your holiday starts when you arrive at the hotel, where a welcome drink reception awaits.

Please note: some hotels may charge for car parking which will be at your own expense. Details are available on request.

Flights

The NC500 & Historic Homes of the Highlands and An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses are available by air only, with flights included in the price of the holiday. Choose from a selection of UK airports (shown in the price panels on page 35) and we will book flights for you as well as transfers to and from the hotel.

Just Go Safely

The wellbeing of our customers is our number one priority and when you join one of our holidays you will notice enhanced safety and cleaning protocols both on the coach journey and at the hotel.

Please visit our website before you depart for our latest safe travel updates: justgoholidays.com/covid19

These symbols indicate that our business has robust Covid-19 protection measures in place to deliver enhanced safety and cleaning protocols.

Sion Hill Hall

What to Expect on a Historic Houses Tour

A friendly tour manager will meet you at the hotel on the first day and will host a welcome drink reception, giving you the opportunity to meet the rest of the group. The tour manager’s role is to make sure your visits run smoothly and that you enjoy your break. If you have any queries or experience any issues during your stay, please talk to your tour manager who will be happy to assist you, ensuring your enjoyment of the break is not compromised.

You will be travelling with a group of like-minded people and you are likely to find them interesting and congenial company. Therefore, dinners at the hotel will be arranged on a group basis and you will be asked to be seated in the restaurant at a specific time each evening. Tables will be set out in 4s, 6s or 8s so you may share the day’s experiences together. Menus will be set but with a minimum of three choices for each of the three courses. Some restaurants may feature buffet-style service.

On a selection of our tours you will also be able to enjoy a fascinating after-dinner talk by an expert in their field that promises to be both informative and engaging. Taking inspiration from the theme of our tours, you’ll be able to gain a valuable insight into an aspect of the history, architecture or collections of the area that you are visiting.

All the hotels that we use have been carefully selected following inspection visits. They are conveniently located for our touring itinerary and we are confident that they deliver a good level of service and comfort.

Book or enquire online at: justgoholidays.com/historichouses

call: 03332

What’s Inside

to Coast: Cornish Homes & Gardens

Please note that the Historic Houses properties that we visit are sometimes located in remote countryside areas which do involve travelling some distance to reach by coach. We try not to make any single leg of your journey longer than an hour and a half when you are travelling on excursion days.

You will also need a reasonable degree of mobility to keep with the pace of the tour. As a general guideline, we recommend that you are comfortable to stroll for 20-30 minutes at a time.

These tours are carefully planned (sometimes over a year in advance) to deliver a unique insight into many of the properties we visit. Our aim is to provide you with a faultless service from your booking experience to your return home.

All of

include...

where available

drink

tea and coffee

Historic Homes & Gardens of Herriot Country

Shaping of History in Stunning Suffolk

Houses of the Lake District

Houses & Gardens of North Norfolk 16-17

Kent's Most Exclusive Castles & Houses 18-19

Castles & Homes of Glorious Gloucestershire

Charming Houses of the Cotswolds 22-23 Discover the Celebrities & the Secrets of North Wales 24-25

hotel

transfers to and from

excursions

manager

by a knowledgeable

Northumbria's Most Splendid Castles, Churches & Homes 26-27

Christmas in the Shires: Mighty Cathedrals & Festive Homes 28-29

The NC500 & Historic Homes of the Highlands - By Air

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland's Finest Houses - By Air

Asked Questions

Coast to Coast: Cornish Homes & Gardens

With its glistening blue waters, mystical tidal islands and folkloric stories, Kernow is the sparkling jewel in the crown of Britain’s historic counties. On this break we are warmly invited into a treasure trove of exquisite Cornish homes, including unique Pencarrow, glorious Caerhays, Elizabethan Prideaux Place and fascinating Trereife, where an owner-led guided tour and Cornish cream tea awaits. All of these properties have captivating stories to tell and some of them have been home to the same family for generations, allowing us to discover the fabric of Cornish life through the centuries. As we meander along the spectacular coast, we also marvel at a cornucopia of colour with some of the finest gardens in the country.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the County Arms Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Caerhays Castle and Gardens & Trewithen Gardens

Nestled near the sea on the south coast of Cornwall, the Caerhays Estate is an idyllic gem only open to the public during the springtime. We take a guided tour of the castle, which displays an extensive personal collection of treasures amassed by the Williams family, the owners of the property since 1860, from Victorian

crockery and the bric-a-brac of an Edwardian billiards room to the wonderful Garden Diary with contributions from generations of the family. After our tour, there’s time to discover the award-winning gardens, a riot of colour with fragrant magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias and hydrangeas. You may also like to enjoy lunch (not included) in the tea room here.

Translated as ‘house of the trees’, it’s no surprise that Trewithen boasts exquisite grounds. The 17th-century mansion is surrounded by acres upon acres of peaceful parkland, spectacular specimens and beautiful landscaped gardens, which we discover with a hot drink in hand

this afternoon. Developed during the time of plant hunting expeditions in the early 20th century, a wide variety of seeds were sent back to Trewithen to establish an enviable botanical reputation that remains today.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

St

Caerhays Castle

Tuesday: St Michael’s Mount & Trereife House

This morning we head to St Michael’s Mount, one of the most iconic of Cornwall’s sights. The little sister of Brittany’s Mont St Michel, this craggy island features a medieval castle which has been home to the St Aubyn family since the 17th century, a harbour and village with a close-knit island community.

Wednesday: Pencarrow House and Gardens & Prideaux Place

A warm Cornish welcome awaits at Pencarrow House, nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor and the family home of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for almost 500 years. Our guided tour uncovers the secrets of this magnificent house, along with hidden passageways, glorious portraits, fine porcelain and marble busts sporting a variety of hats upon the wishes of the Lady of the Manor! There is plenty to explore outside too, from a colourful Italian garden and wild woodlands to walking routes, an Iron Age hill fort and a grotto, believed to have once been a secret meeting place.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star County Arms Hotel, Truro with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Caerhays Castle and Gardens, Trewithen Gardens, St Michael’s Mount , Trereife House, Pencarrow House and Gardens & Prideaux Place

Guided tour of Caerhays Castle

Guided tour and hot drink at Trewithen House

Guided tour with the owner and Cornish cream tea at Trereife House

Our next stop is Trereife House, a stunning manor house set against the lovely backdrop of Cornish countryside. During our guided tour with the owner, we enjoy a fascinating look into the history of the property and its Queen Anne architecture, finding out about its role as a filmset, the estate’s connection to prominent Romantic poets and much more. After all of that exploring, we are treated to a traditional Cornish cream tea here (but remember, when in Cornwall the jam goes before the cream)!

We continue with a guided tour of Prideaux Place on the north coast, located close to Padstow and the home to fourteen generations of the Prideaux-Brunes. Completed in 1592, this Elizabethan manor house has changed little over the last four centuries and the magnificent rooms offer a captivating slice of history and plenty of unique treasures, including Italian paintings, elegant antiques, an ever-growing collection of teddy bears and you can also find England’s oldest cast iron canon in the armoury. The author of Poldark, Winston Graham, became a great friend of the family and regularly visited the house, and part of the estate was used for dramatic clifftop scenes in the 2015 BBC adaptation of the popular novel. Outside, the grounds are gradually being restored to their former glory with an 80-tree lime avenue and a remodelling of the Victorian formal garden.

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to

Guided tour at Pencarrow House

Guided tour of Prideaux Place

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

Within walking distance of Truro city centre, the 4-star County Arms Hotel boasts picturesque views over the Cornish countryside. The bedrooms are a lovely place to relax, with tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TV and complimentary toiletries, while other hotel facilities include a bar with award-winning Cornish beers, restaurant and a lovely terrace plus free Wi-Fi.

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. Some ground floor rooms.

Cornish Cream

Prideaux

Pencarrow

The Historic Homes & Gardens of Herriot Country

Stretching from the wind-swept North York Moors to the spectacular Yorkshire Dales, beautiful Herriot Country provides the perfect backdrop to the area’s elegant houses and gardens, each bringing the past to life with their fascinating heritage. This breathtaking region was, of course, the stomping ground of legendary vet and beloved author, James Herriot, and we step through the famous red door at 23 Kirkgate to find out more about his life at Thirsk’s award-winning museum. Fans of the 1978 TV adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small may recognise Constable Burton Hall too, and we also discover rich family histories, grand architecture, sumptuous interiors and treasured collections amassed across the centuries in some of Yorkshire’s other historic highlights.

Thursday: Arrival

Check in to the Cedar Court Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Friday: Bolton Castle & Constable Burton Hall

This morning we enjoy a meet and greet with a costumed guide at Bolton Castle, built between 1379 and 1399 by Sir Richard le Scrope, Lord Chancellor of England to Richard II. Once a family home and a defensive fortress, it now offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the

past and despite being sieged by Cromwell’s army during the Civil War, the castle remains in remarkable condition. There is plenty to discover, from the ancient kitchens and Great Chamber to the atmospheric dungeon, nursery and Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom.

The Grade I listed Palladian mansion of Constable Burton Hall is our next stop, designed by eminent architect John Carr. Privately owned by the Wyvill family for centuries, the hall also appeared in the 1978 TV adaptation of Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small. We enjoy a guided tour of the elegant interiors and personal

treasures enclosed within, and there’s time to explore the grounds, where beautiful terraced gardens, pretty wildflowers, herbaceous borders and reflection ponds surround the house.

Bolton

Constable

Saturday: World of James Herriot Museum & Sion Hill Hall

Today we step into the world of James Herriot, the popular author and one of England’s most famous vets. The fascinating museum is the perfect chance to see where he lived, worked and penned his beloved series of books documenting his North Yorkshire experiences. There is so much to see, including plenty of memorabilia, a Second World War air-raid shelter, Herriot’s car and the original dispensary filled with potions and remedies.

We then enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) in picturesque Thirsk, where Herriot moved to in 1940 and remained for the rest of his life. There are some lovely cafés, pubs and shops on offer here, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

Afterwards we travel to Sion Hill Hall, a wonderful Arts and Crafts-inspired home, for a special guided tour with the current owner followed by refreshments. Surrounded by charming gardens and parkland, this Edwardian house is of outstanding architectural excellence, having been designed in 1913 by the renowned York architect Walter H. Brierley, known as the ‘Lutyens of the North’. It also houses the Mawer collection of furniture, porcelain, paintings and clocks plus more recent acquisitions made by the present owner.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Sunday: Markenfield Hall & Ripley Castle

This morning we travel north to Markenfield Hall. Tucked privately away down a mile-long winding drive stands one of the most astonishing and romantic of Yorkshire’s medieval houses. Still completely moated, it was built defensively in 1310 by Edward II’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, John de Markenfield. We enjoy a captivating guided tour, learning about the architecture and on-going restoration of the Hall which is now a much-loved family home, followed by refreshments from the popular Cake Lady of Harrogate.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Bolton Castle, Constable Burton Hall, World of James Herriot Museum, Thirsk , Sion Hill Hall, Markenfield Hall & Ripley Castle

Meet and greet with a costumed guide at Bolton Castle

Private guided tour at Constable Burton Hall

Private guided tour with the owners and refreshments at Sion Hill Hall

Guided tour and refreshments at Markenfield Hall

Guided tour of Ripley Castle

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

Our final visit takes us to Ripley Castle. Home to the Ingilby family for over 700 years, the castle is steeped in history and offers fascinating stories of its inhabitants; one of the ten oldest families in the country still living in the same residence. Ripley’s colourful and sometimes gruesome history is well documented and we learn more on our guided tour.

Monday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

The 4-star Cedar Court Hotel is situated close to the centre of Harrogate.

Surrounded by the 200-acre Stray parkland, Cedar Court dates back to 1671 and blends modern facilities with period features, offering spacious and elegant rooms with flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi, plus a lounge bar, restaurant and small fitness centre.

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. Ground floor rooms. 2 sets of 3 steps from reception to lift and ground floor rooms.

Ripley

Sion

Markenfield

The Shaping of History in Stunning Suffolk

On this intriguing tour we step back in time to the ancient lands of Suffolk, a beautiful county steeped in rich heritage. Come and learn how the fascinating discovery of Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo revolutionised historian’s understanding of early England and uncover secrets at South Elmham Hall, where the fascinating connections span back to the 7th century and offers unique clues into the past. We fast forward to the Tudor period with the moated Kentwell Hall and the stunning West Stow Hall, where the owner shares stories and family heirlooms enclosed within this magnificent property.

To complete our wonderful exploration of Suffolk, we admire glorious gardens set in the region’s extensive estates, including Bressingham Hall, owned by the aptly named Bloom family, and the kaleidoscopic Helmingham Hall Gardens.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Holiday Inn Colchester in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: South Elmham Hall & Bressingham Hall

Nestled within a four-acre moated site lies South Elmham Hall, our first stop today, where bishops, kings and courtiers once came and went. Recent restoration work has revealed more of the original bishop’s palace than first thought, including the oldest domestic wall paintings in

Suffolk, and the 16th-century exterior also hides a medieval hall. A peaceful deer park and the ruins of an 11th-century chapel complete this ancient episcopal estate. It has been home to three generations of the Sanderson family, who feel privileged to farm sustainably and nurture the landscape here.

Sitting pretty on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, the foliage-covered Bressingham Hall is our next visit today. Home to the extended Bloom family since 1946, we enjoy a guided tour with the owner to discover more about this beautiful house, followed by refreshments.

Living up to their name, the Blooms' passion for horticulture is evident in the glorious gardens, with over 8000 species of plants creating an idyllic paradise.

Bressingham Hall

Kentwell Hall

Tuesday: Sutton Hoo & Helmingham Hall Gardens

This morning we are met by a local guide at Sutton Hoo, home to one of the most significant discoveries ever made. As the Second World War loomed, archaeologists meticulously brushed away layers of soil to reveal an Anglo-Saxon ship, burial chamber and a range of ancient treasures and in 2021, this remarkable story was transformed into a smash-hit film, The Dig We find out more about the archaeological finds at the High Hall exhibition and learn more about the fascinating life of Edith Pretty, the woman responsible for the excavation, at her former home, Tranmer House.

Wednesday: Kentwell Hall & West Stow Hall

Our first visit takes us to Kentwell Hall, a romantic, moated, mellow red brick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. Once neglected, the Hall has been lovingly restored by the current owner, Patrick Phillips, slowly returning it to its former glory. We enjoy a private guided tour of this much-loved family home and have time to explore the beautiful gardens.

Afterwards we visit West Stow Hall, one of England’s most unusual Tudor houses and still a family home. Built in the early 16th century by Sir John Croftes, ‘Master of the Horse to Mary Tudor’, the Hall consists of large timber frames joined by iron ties while the lounge has one of the largest inglenooks in Suffolk. The highly decorative brick gatehouse has turrets surmounted by terracotta figures and contains a very rare 16th-century wall painting of the Four Ages of Man, discovered during Victorian restorations. We learn more about the history of the house on a guided tour with the owner plus refreshments.

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Holiday Inn, Colchester with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to South Elmham Hall, Bressingham Hall, Sutton Hoo, Helmingham Hall Gardens, Kentwell Hall & West Stow Hall

Guided tour with the owner and refreshments at Bressingham Hall

Guided visit to Sutton Hoo

Guided tour and vintage afternoon tea at Helmingham Hall Gardens

Guided tour of Kentwell Hall

Guided tour with the owner at West Stow Hall

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

Next, we head to Helmingham Hall Gardens, a spectacular Tudor moated Hall set within a 400-acre deer park and an exquisite example of horticultural brilliance. Named ‘Garden of the Year 2017’ by Historic Houses and extensively redesigned by the current Lady Tollemache, a well-known garden designer and Chelsea Gold Medallist, the gardens include a classic parterre flanked by hybrid musk roses, a stunning walled kitchen garden with lovely herbaceous borders and beds of vegetables, a herb and knot garden as well as a beautiful rose garden. Our visit is complete with a vintage afternoon tea here. After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Located just outside Colchester’s town centre, this 4-star Holiday Inn offers a wonderful base for our break. The en-suite bedrooms feature tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, while other hotel facilities include a bar, restaurant and health club with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym.

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

Ground floor rooms available.

Helmingham Hall Gardens

Kentwell Hall

Hidden Houses of the Lake District

Recently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District boasts some of England’s finest scenery; awash with glittering blue lakes, jagged fells and verdant valleys. We are transported into a striking abundance of natural beauty in this region and are treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into a treasure chest of hidden houses, renowned for their curious interiors, pele towers and secret gardens. Our owner-led tour illuminates the history of beautiful Johnby Hall and we enjoy access to unseen areas of pink-hued Dalemain Mansion, while we admire the picturesque vistas from a different perspective on our leisurely Lake Windermere cruise.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Lancaster House Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Levens Hall & Leighton Hall

This morning we visit Levens Hall, a stunning Elizabethan mansion built around a 13th-century pele tower. During our private guided tour we learn all about this family home of the Bagots, who have owned the property for over 400 years. Inside we discover an assortment of beautiful objects, including many fine paintings by Rubens, Lely and Cuyp, along with the earliest English patchwork. We also have the chance to explore the award-winning gardens, which boast the oldest topiary in the world, featuring over 100 huge abstract shapes, pyramids and columns resembling towering chess men.

Later, we step back in time with a guided tour entitled ‘Inside Leighton Hall’, the ancestral home of the world-famous Gillow furniture family who are known as one of the leading British cabinet-making firms. The family home still retains a relaxed atmosphere as every room in the house is used regularly by the Gillow Reynolds family. There are no roped off areas at all, so we can sit on the ancient chairs while the entertaining guide reveals the family's history and habits. We enjoy an afternoon tea after our tour.

Tuesday: Johnby Hall & Dalemain Mansion

Nestled on the edge of the Lake District in the heart of rural Cumbria, Johnby Hall is a fortified Tudor mansion built around a defensive 14th-century pele tower. It is now a family home and the current owners, Henry and Anna Howard, take us on a fascinating guided tour, followed by refreshments. Purchased by the Duke of Norfolk in 1783, Johnby Hall has been home to the Howard family ever since, and if there are any musicians amongst us, then the owners love hearing guests play the piano in the Great Hall! Outside, the gardens are a delight to explore and perfect for bird spotting, from woodpeckers and nuthatches to treecreepers and buzzards.

Afterwards, we head to Dalemain Mansion, finely dressed in a salmon-pink Georgian façade which almost glows in the sunlight. There’s time to enjoy lunch (not included) before we begin exploring. Behind Dalemain’s orderly frontage are the remnants of a 12th-century pele tower and an Elizabethan manor, and during our exclusive guided tour we trace its roots back to the reign of Henry II. There is much to discover inside; a helter-skelter of secret passages, spiral staircases, a priest’s hiding hole, as well as Chippendale furniture and priceless oil portraits. Our 'Secret Dalemain' tour also includes access to unseen areas of the house along with tea and scones served in the Medieval Hall tearoom. Outside, we can explore a Tudor knot garden and a splendid rose walk, and don’t miss the World’s Original Marmalade Shop!

Wednesday: Holker Hall and Gardens & Lake Windermere

Today we visit the stunning Holker Hall and Gardens, the delightful family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish. The property is a true reflection of an age of confidence, spaciousness and prosperity, and the craftsmanship in many of the rooms is outstanding. Built in red sandstone, it was once described as ‘the best Elizabethan Gothic house in the north of England’. On our guided tour we discover fine displays of antique furniture and art including portraits of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, and even visit the bedroom where Queen Mary stayed in 1937. We finish the tour with a wander around the award-winning gardens followed by lunch.

We complete our day with a leisurely steamer cruise on Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. Sit back and relax as we take in the breathtaking scenery of towering mountains, secluded bays and wooded islands before we disembark in charming Bowness-on-Windermere, with its craft and gift shops, lakeside cafés and tea rooms.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Levens Hall, Leighton Hall, Johnby Hall, Dalemain Mansion, Holker Hall and Gardens, Lake Windermere & Bowness-on-Windermere

guided tour of Levens Hall

tour and afternoon tea at Leighton Hall

tour with the owners and refreshments at Johnby Hall

Exclusive guided tour and cream tea at Dalemain Mansion

Guided tour and lunch at Holker Hall and Gardens

Cruise on Lake Windermere

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.

Hotel

4-star Lancaster House Hotel is located just outside the centre of Lancaster and offers stylish accommodation with gorgeous views. This charming hotel also features modern en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant plus a health club with indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and fully-equipped gym.

Single supplement £140

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

Hotel Accessibility

lift, only 2 floors. No steps to entrance.

Photograph courtesy of Dalemain Mansion

Dalemain Mansion

Lake Windermere

Holker Hall and Gardens

Special Houses & Gardens of North Norfolk

North Norfolk is not only renowned for its big skies, wide horizons and sandy beaches but also for its fascinating heritage and abundance of beautiful Historic Houses properties, ranging from fairytale moated manors to Arts and Crafts homes. Many are spectacular examples of the Palladian style of architecture, celebrated for their magnificent interiors and glorious gardens; the finest of which we discover on this captivating break. During our fascinating guided tour of Hindringham Hall and Gardens with the current owner, you can expect everything from medieval fishponds to tales of the connection to Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, while our visit to Sandringham offers an enthralling glimpse into Royal Family life.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Duke’s Head Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Houghton Hall and Gardens & Sandringham

Our first visit is to Houghton Hall, one of England’s finest Palladian houses, where we enjoy a guided tour. Built in the 1720s by Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, the Hall boasts sumptuous state rooms lavishly endowed with pictures, statuary and fine furniture while outside there

is an award-winning, five-acre garden and contemporary sculpture park.

Next, we head to the house, gardens and museum of Sandringham, the country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen. There’s free time for lunch here (not included) before we explore the estate. Built in 1870, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. The interiors feature astonishing exhibits such as a historic collection of arms and armour brought back from the Far East and India in 1876, while the walls are hung with family portraits by leading contemporary court painters. The mostly informal gardens include woodland walks, rockeries, magnificent

sweeping lawns, lakes and the more formal North Garden. The museum, housed in the former coach houses and stable block, holds extraordinary collections of royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia.

Houghton Hall and

Sandringham

Tuesday: Holkham Hall & Walsingham Abbey

We make our way to Holkham Hall, an elegant 18th-century country mansion constructed in the Palladian style for Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. Set in a vast landscaped park, the hall is currently home to the 8th Earl of Leicester and his family. The spectacular Marble Hall, with its splendid colonnade and breathtaking 50ft domed ceiling, was inspired by the Temple of Fortuna Virilis and the Pantheon in Rome, while the magnificent state rooms boast superb collections of ancient statuary, original furniture and tapestries plus works of art from the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck and Gainsborough. We discover more on our private guided tour, followed by refreshments.

Afterwards we head to charming Walsingham for lunch (not included), before discovering Walsingham Abbey, famous for the spectacular remains of a medieval priory. A place of pilgrimage since the 11th century, the priory was destroyed during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. We enjoy a guided tour, learning more about the abbey’s rich history and also take in the beautiful stained glass windows by Michael Cole plus David Begbie’s unique CRUCIFIX sculpture in the nearby Anglican Shrine. There’s also time to explore the unspoilt woodland and landscape parkland, accessed over an ancient packhorse bridge.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday: Hoveton Hall Gardens & Hindringham Hall and Gardens

Today we visit Hoveton Hall Gardens, part of the beautiful Hoveton Hall Estate, for a guided tour followed by refreshments. The delightful 15 acres of gardens are made up of several areas, all with their own unique characteristics including the walled Spider Garden, the Old Kitchen Garden with lawns and herbaceous borders, a 19th-century glass house and 18th-century ice well, a Woodland Walk, Magnolia Garden plus two lakes and an arboretum.

Next stop is Hindringham Hall and Gardens, one of Norfolk’s hidden gems. The picturesque Tudor manor house was built by Martin Hastings, a courtier to Henry VII’s illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, using stone taken from the local monasteries which were then being dissolved. We enjoy a guided tour with the owner where we learn more about the house, from its inhabitants over the last 500 years to the four acres of impressive gardens that lay either side of the 13th-century moat that surrounds the house. We discover many of the highlights including the working walled vegetable and fruit garden, Victorian greenhouse, water garden, wild garden and medieval fishponds.

What's Included

4 nights at a selected 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Houghton Hall and Gardens, Sandringham, Holkham Hall, Walsingham, Walsingham Abbey, Hoveton Hall & Hindringham Hall and Gardens

Guided tour of Houghton Hall and Gardens

Private guided tour and refreshments at Holkham Hall

Guided tour of Walsingham Abbey

Guided tour and refreshments at Hoveton Hall

Guided tour with the owner of Hindringham Hall and Gardens

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

Hotel - July

Located in the market town of King’s Lynn, the 4-star Duke’s Head Hotel features en-suite rooms with free Wi-Fi, TV and tea and coffee-making facilities, plus a restaurant and a relaxing lounge bar.

supplement

Hotel Accessibility

Disabled ramp access to the right of front entrance.

Hotel - September

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

The 4-star Knights Hill Hotel & Spa is situated on the outskirts of King’s Lynn. The hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms, a Garden Brasserie and Bar, an on-site pub and leisure facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

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Hotel Accessibility

No lift, only 2 floors. 31 ground floor rooms.

Holkham

Hoveton Hall

Kent's Most Exclusive Castles & Houses

A splendid discovery of the Garden of England’s treasures awaits on this special tour. We take an exclusive peek into a range of glorious estates, including atmospheric Provender House, where our private tour is led by Princess Olga Romanoff herself, and stunning Allington Castle, an exquisite gem no longer open to the public (if you were to imagine a castle straight from the pages of a fairytale book, Allington would be it, with turreted stone exteriors, regal tapestries, a time capsule Great Hall and lily pad-clad moat)! Our out-of-hours exploration of Godinton House offers a fascinating dive into Jacobean architecture, while we also tread the path of King Charles II at Restoration House and a whole host of Cabinet Ministers at Chevening House to round off this celebration of magnificent Kent.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel & Country Club in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Restoration House & Allington Castle

Today we visit Restoration House in Rochester for an out-of-hours guided tour. Originally two medieval buildings which were joined together in the 17th century, the house takes its name from the stay of King Charles II on the eve of

the Restoration and was also the inspiration for Miss Havisham’s Satis House in Charles Dickens’

Great Expectations

Next stop is Allington Castle, a magical 12th-century fortress not open to the public. With its winding moat, precious tapestries and regal furniture, it feels as if we’re stepping into an ancient world here; just imagine Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn dining with politician and poet Sir Thomas Wyatt in 1530 in the atmospheric Great Hall! Today, all that remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace, which dates back to 1174. The powerful

Wyatt family acquired the property in 1491 and transformed it into an impressive mansion house, and we find out more on our guided tour.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Allington

Godinton House

Tuesday: Godinton House & Provender House

We begin with a visit to Godinton House, a delightful Jacobean property incorporating a medieval hall and ornate carvings, where we enjoy a private guided tour when the house is closed to the public. Godinton is a much-loved home where each room reflects the tastes of those who have lived here with an excellent collection of furniture, art, and curios. We also have time to explore the 12 acres of tranquil gardens with its kaleidoscope of colour and heady mix of floral aromas.

After lunch, we travel to Provender, home of Princess Olga Romanoff, daughter of Prince Andrew Romanoff, the eldest nephew of the Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Dating back to the 13th century, Provender is a fascinating record of English building traditions over seven centuries. A recent programme of careful restoration has revealed a wealth of historical and architectural detail which we discover on our exclusive private tour, led by the princess herself.

Wednesday: Camden Place & Chevening House

Today we visit Camden Place, the house where the overthrown Napoleon III died in exile. Largely unchanged for over a century, this historic gem boasts feature fireplaces and staircases plus intricate tapestries left by Napoleon himself, as well as Empress Eugénie and the Prince Imperial, the house’s previous tenants. On our guided tour we discover stories of murders, spies, exiled life and more, followed by coffee and cakes.

We then make our way to Chevening House, steeped in 800-year-old history and the product of seven generations of the Stanhope family. The astounding 3,000 acres of grounds feature a tranquil lake, traditional maze, stunning parterre, picturesque woodland and a vast kitchen garden. Now, Chevening is a ministerial country residence and summer holiday home, and the Prime Minister has the responsibility of appointing the house to a Cabinet Minister or a lineal descendent of King George VI. Recent nominations have included HRH The Prince of Wales, John Major and Jeremy Hunt, but after Liz Truss and Dominic Raab were battling over access to the house in 2021, Boris Johnson ruled that the two of them should share the 115-room mansion.

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Marriott Tudor Park Hotel & Country Club, Maidstone with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Restoration House, Allington Castle, Godinton House, Provender House, Camden Place & Chevening House

Guided tour of Restoration House

Exclusive guided tour of Allington Castle

Private out-of-hours guided tour of Godinton House

Guided tour with Princess Olga Romanoff at Provender House

Guided tour, coffee and cakes at Camden Place

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout Hotel

Nestled in the lovely Kent countryside in the heart of the county, the 4-star Tudor Mariott Park Hotel & Country Club offers everything you need for a relaxing stay. The comfortable en-suite bedrooms feature high-speed Wi-Fi, TV and tea and coffee-making facilities and the hotel also boasts lovely grounds, an 18-hole golf course, a restaurant, bar, spa and an indoor swimming pool. (Spa treatments are available at an extra cost).

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

Lift available, 4 steps to entrance. Limited ground floor rooms.

Provender House

Godinton House Gardens

Photo

Majestic Castles & Homes of Glorious Gloucestershire

With fragrant flowers blooming in award-winning gardens and architectural jewels caught in dappled sunlight, the royal county of Gloucestershire is a lovely place to explore during the summertime. Join us to discover the horticultural excellence of Highgrove, the incredible gardens of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and enjoy afternoon tea at the remarkable 16th-century Thornbury Castle, once owned by Henry VIII. We also follow in the footsteps of pioneering figures of their field, from the home of Dr Edward Jenner, famous for his world-changing vaccination discovery, to the idyllic Kelmscott Manor, the evocative inspiration for many of William Morris’s most significant designs.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Jurys Inn Cheltenham in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Westonbirt House & Highgrove Gardens

Our first visit is to Westonbirt House, ‘the finest example of Victorian architecture, landscape and gardens in the Cotswolds’ as described by Country Life. Belonging to the Holford family from 1665 until 1926, this architectural treasure houses a fine collection of art and books. There’s time to meander through the lovely grounds,

which feature an exquisite, Italianate walled garden, before we enjoy a guided tour of the house itself. We also indulge in a traditional afternoon tea here.

Next is an expert-led guided tour of Highgrove Gardens, the organic gardens of their Royal Highnesses. Over 30 years in the making, Highgrove has one of the most creatively inspired and innovative gardens in the country and embody HRH The Prince of Wales’s environmental philosophy ‘it is better to work with nature than against it’. Each area has its own character and purpose and includes the Kitchen Garden, the stunning Wildflower

Meadow and a National Collection of Beech trees, with Highgrove House always visible in the distance. Highgrove is also just a few miles from Gatcombe Park, the country residence of Anne, Princess Royal.

Thornbury Castle

Westonbirt

Tuesday: Berkeley Castle, Dr Jenner’s House & Thornbury Castle

Today we visit Berkeley Castle, ordered by Henry II to defend the Severn estuary and the Welsh border. Berkeley is a real jewel, an almost complete medieval survival that allows us to imagine how it might have been to live there with its fine rooms and magnificent collections. The castle is the oldest building in the country to be inhabited by the same family who built it, and the Berkeley family are one of only three in England who can trace their ancestry from right back to Saxon times. This historic gem is also famous as the scene of Edward II’s brutal murder and has additionally been used as a filming location, including in the hugely successful Poldark TV series and Wolf Hall. We learn more about the history and collections within the castle on our fascinating guided tour.

We then travel the short distance to Dr Jenner’s House, also situated in the historic market town of Berkeley. Here we discover the elegant former home of the country doctor whose work changed the world. This is the house where Edward Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccination, once lived and from where he told the world about his work.

Later, we step back in time at Thornbury Castle, the only Tudor Castle to be opened as a hotel. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn spent ten nights here in 1535 and the beautiful Tudor castle was once owned by the infamous Tudor king. Here we are treated to a fascinating history talk and an indulgent afternoon tea, while outside, there’s time to follow in the footsteps of royalty and explore the manicured lawns and landscaped grounds.

After dinner this evening we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday: Cirencester Park & Kelmscott Manor

This morning we head to Cirencester Park, a magnificent mansion built on the foundations of a Jacobean house. Concealed from the town by the world’s tallest yew hedge, the classical-style gem is nestled in 3,000 acres of tranquil woodland and was used as a military base during World War Two. While the picturesque park is open to visitors all year round, access to the house itself is rare, but we are lucky enough to enjoy a private guided tour today.

Our next stop is the 17th-century Kelmscott Manor, the Cotswolds retreat of William Morris, his family, friends and colleagues. Described as ‘heaven on earth’ by Morris himself, this tranquil haven inspired many of Morris’s most important designs and writings and the evocative house contains an outstanding collection of the possessions and works of Morris and his associates including furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics. The manor reopened in 2022 after it was closed for refurbishment and the interiors have been redisplayed to offer a more homely feel and an authentic impression of how they appeared in the late 19th century, when the Morris family were living there. During our visit we are treated to lunch, followed by a private, out-of-hours tour when Kelmscott is closed to the public.

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Jurys Inn, Cheltenham with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Westonbirt House, Highgrove Gardens, Berkeley Castle, Dr Jenner’s House, Thornbury Castle, Cirencester Park & Kelmscott Manor

Guided tour and afternoon tea at Westonbirt House

Guided tour of Highgrove Gardens

Guided talk at Berkeley Castle

tea and history talk at Thornbury Castle

guided tour of Cirencester Park

out-of-hours tour of Kelmscott Manor

evening talk from a guest speaker

by a knowledgeable tour manager

4-star Jurys Inn Cheltenham is set in attractive grounds on the edge of the Regency town and is a lovely place to relax after sightseeing. The comfortable en-suite rooms feature a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a bar and restaurant, plus a health and leisure club with a hot tub, sauna and fully-equipped gym.

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Hotel Accessibility

to all floors. No steps to entrance.

floor rooms. 2 sets of 3 steps from reception to lift and ground floor rooms.

Highgrove Gardens

Berkeley Castle

© Chris Cherrington

GAP Photos/HighgroveA. Butler

Charming Houses of the Cotswolds

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is a pastoral landscape of gently rolling hills, idyllic views and quintessentially English market towns and villages of honey-coloured stone where time seems to have stood still. These postcard-perfect scenes are complemented by some fine historic treasures, ranging from ancient Sudeley Castle, Elizabethan Chavenage House and Jacobean Stanway House to exotic Sezincote and the epitome of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Rodmarton Manor. We admire these varying architectural styles during our tranquil retreat and also journey back to the golden age of steam travel aboard the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Mercure Bowden Hall in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Rodmarton Manor & Chavenage House

We head first to Rodmarton Manor, one of the last country houses to be built and furnished according to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The house is filled with fine examples of handmade furniture and we enjoy a fascinating guided tour plus free time to explore the beautiful gardens.

Afterwards we make our way to Chavenage House, an Elizabethan-era manor house, where

we are treated to a traditional Cotswolds afternoon tea followed by a guided tour. Constructed of grey Cotswold stone and largely unchanged for 400 years, the house has a rich history and many Civil War associations as well as an interior packed with stunning period furniture, historic tapestries and fascinating relics from the Cromwellian era. It is no surprise that the house and grounds have been used as a TV and film location on many occasions, including epics such as Poldark and Wolf Hall

Tuesday: Sudeley Castle & Stanway House

Our day begins with a captivating talk at Sudeley Castle, focusing on its extensive history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, this Tudor castle played an important role in England’s turbulent past. The castle rooms contain many fascinating treasures from ancient Roman times to the present day while outside are award-winning gardens. The castle was once home to Katherine Parr, the last of King Henry VIII’s six wives, and she is buried in the 15th-century church within the grounds. After our visit, we enjoy lunch here.

Sudeley

Chavenage House

Stanway House

Next is a guided tour at Stanway, a fine example of a Jacobean manor house built from mellow Cotswold stone. Home to the Earls of Wemyss, the house is noted for its beautiful architecture including Jacobean mullions and gables, and its furniture, much of which has been in the house since it was made. The house is surrounded by ancient parkland and an 18th-century water garden, one of the finest in England, with a cascade and pyramid folly, a single-jet, 300ft fountain, the highest fountain in Britain and the tallest gravity fountain in the world.

After dinner this evening we enjoy an interesting, themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Broadway & Sezincote House

Today we board our train on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway* and embark on a nostalgic journey from Cheltenham to Broadway, travelling through the spectacular scenery of the Cotswolds with lovely views of sleepy hamlets and villages along the way. The line was only extended to Broadway in 2019 with the help of fundraising spearheaded by Pete Waterman OBE.

We then have some free time for lunch (not included) in the quintessential Cotswold village of Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, with its picturesque High Street lined with golden-hued stone buildings and tea rooms.

*Please note: the railway reserves the right to substitute the steam locomotive with an alternative diesel-powered locomotive without notice or refund.

In the afternoon we make our way to Sezincote, believed to be the only surviving Mogul building in Western Europe, where we enjoy a guided tour of this unique and exotic palace and gardens. As we head down the drive, it’s almost as if we’ve stumbled upon a majestic palace in India rather than the Cotswolds! In the early 1800s, Charles Cockerell, who had worked for the East India Company, commissioned his architect brother, Samuel, to design and build an Indian house in the Mogul style of Rajasthan. Assisted by the artist Thomas Daniell, the result is a unique combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture with a weathered-copper onion dome, elegant minarets and an exquisite, curving orangery while outside is a romantic landscape of temples, grottoes, elephant statues and waterfalls designed by Humphry Repton.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Mercure Bowden Hall, Gloucester with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Rodmarton Manor, Chavenage House, Sudeley Castle, Stanway House, Broadway & Sezincote

Guided tour of Rodmarton Manor

Guided tour and afternoon tea at Chavenage House

History talk , tea/coffee and lunch at Sudeley Castle

Guided tour and refreshments at Stanway House

Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Guided tour of Sezincote House

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.

in 12 acres of sweeping parkland, the Mercure Bowden Hall Hotel is an elegant Regency country house hotel situated three miles from the city of Gloucester. All bedrooms feature flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi and other facilities include a brasserie restaurant with views across the lawns and lake, and an elegant lounge and bar.

Single supplement £140

Friday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

Hotel Accessibility

Platform lift to first floor, the rest is steps.

Discover the Celebrities & the Secrets of North Wales

From breathtaking scenery and historic estates to famous residents and lesser-known gems; beautiful North Wales has it all. On this lovely break we go in search of recently discovered nooks at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, one of the country’s best-kept secrets, discover the stories of the magnificent Gwyrch Castle, known as the I’m a Celebrity castle, and enjoy an immersive rural experience with Gareth Wyn Jones, the nation’s favourite farmer. In contrast, our day celebrating the renowned Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis transports us to the Mediterranean with the sun-speckled terraces, ornate statues and renaissance-inspired topiary of Plas Brondanw Gardens and the wonderfully Italianate village of Portmeirion, home to an authentic gelateria, domed architecture and brightly-painted cottages.

Monday: Arrival

Check in to the Warner Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Tuesday: Plas Brondanw & Portmeirion

We make our way through the stunning Snowdonia National Park to Plas Brondanw Gardens. The house itself was given to architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis by his father in 1902 and the gardens are regarded by some as his finest

work. Inspired by the horticulture of renaissance Italy, he created a unique landscape with stone walls, ornamented terraces with statuary, topiary and avenues of trees leading the eye to the dramatic mountainous backdrop.

We continue our celebration of Williams-Ellis with a guided walking tour of Portmeirion, an enchanting Italianate village created by the famous Welsh architect and inspired by his visits to the Mediterranean. Its unique atmosphere has been featured on camera many times, most famously in the iconic 1960s British TV series The Prisoner. Afterwards, we enjoy afternoon tea here.

Plas

Wednesday: Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Plas Newydd & Ty’n Llwyfan Farm

Our first stop today is Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, a series of historic gardens which are gradually being restored to their former glory, where we enjoy a private tour and refreshments. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with the remains of a 19th-century folly.

of Wales, and has been restored over the last 20 years by the current owners. With its idyllic rural setting, ancient outbuildings, oak beams and original slate flooring, it’s easy to imagine Welsh farmers living and working here long ago. We find out more during our guided tour, followed by refreshments.

Next, we make a short stop for lunch (not included) in the picturesque gateway to Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed, where the backdrop of coniferous forests has earned this area the name ‘Little Switzerland’.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Warner Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, near Rhyl with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Next, we head to Plas Newydd, a fine country house built on the banks of the Menai Strait. Its most famous past resident is the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo in 1815. The elegant interior owes more to the 1930s, thanks to its associations with the artist, socialite and fallen WW2 soldier Rex Whistler.

Later, a memorable experience awaits at Ty’n Llwyfan Farm, nestled in stunning countryside and boasting views over to the Isle of Anglesey. The nation’s favourite farmer, Gareth Wyn Jones, and his wife Rhian love sharing their passion and vision for sustainable farming with guests and they invite us to take a peek into their way of life. Gareth’s family has been working this land for over 370 years and we find out more during our visit. We also enjoy a tractor pull, sheepdog demonstration and a local Welsh lamb dinner. As Gareth and Rhian are Welsh speakers, we may like to practice some useful phrases too!

Thursday: Plasglasgwm & Gwyrch Castle

A fascinating glimpse into the past beckons this morning with a visit to Plasglasgwm, a rare example of a 16th-century farm holding. The estate was built in approximately 1573 by descendants of Owain Gwynedd, the last king

We continue to the spectacular Gwyrch Castle, which you may recognise as the Welsh setting for the popular show, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Built between 1812 and 1822 in a medieval European architectural style, the castle was once a lavish family home before being requisitioned as part of Operation Kindertransport, a rescue effort of children in Nazi-controlled territory before the outbreak of World War Two. We learn more about the castle’s past on our guided history tour here. While the main building remains an atmospheric ruin, there are various internal rooms to discover, including the Chapel designed by prominent Victorian architect, George Edmund Street. The far-reaching views of picturesque parkland leading to the Irish Sea (and even to Liverpool on a good day!) are not to be missed.

Visits to Plas Brondanw, Portmeirion, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Plas Newydd, Ty’n Llwyfan Farm, Plasglasgwm, Betws-y-Coed & Gwyrch Castle

Guided walking tour and afternoon tea in Portmeirion

Private guided tour and refreshments at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

Tractor pull, sheepdog demonstration and Welsh lamb supper at Ty’n Llwyfan Farm

Guided tour and refreshments at Plasglasgwm

Guided history tour at Gwyrch Castle

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.

The Warner Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel is a Grade II-listed Victorian building located close to the village of Bodelwyddan in North Wales. The hotel is set within the grounds of a romantic castle but after a multi-million pound renovation, has all the amenities of a modern hotel. The rooms feature a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities, and the hotel also offers two restaurants, a variety of bars, and an indoor swimming pool.

Friday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

Upgrade to a Signature Room for £40 per person (please go online for details)

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

Lift, but not to all rooms.

Gwyrch Castle

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

Northumbria's Most Splendid

Castles, Churches & Homes

A journey back in time to the ancient kingdom of Northumbria beckons on this enthralling break, filled with historic tales and fascinating guided tours. As we weave through a magical land dotted with atmospheric relics of the past, we admire a host of beautiful churches, abbeys and castles and learn more about their intriguing stories. We follow in the footsteps of King Cnut at the incredibly well-preserved Raby Castle and enjoy a special visit to magnificent Naworth Castle, the private ancestral home of the Howard family and renowned for its Pre-Raphaelite ambience and sumptuous interiors. Here we are treated to an exclusive tour by the current owner, Philip Howard, and also enjoy lunch in the Great Hall, a spectacular room no longer open to the general public.

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Derwent Manor Hotel – BW Premier Collection in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Raby Castle & Rokeby Park

We make our way to Raby Castle, where our private guided tour begins at the castle entrance. King Cnut owned the estate in the early 11th century but it was the Nevilles, one of the major powers in the North, who built the 14th-century castle we see today. The exterior of

medieval towers, turrets and embattled walls contrasts with the sumptuous interiors which span medieval, Regency and Victorian periods and provide a magnificent backdrop for the stunning art collection. We are also treated to a lunch here.

Next, we travel to Rokeby Park for another fascinating guided tour. Completed in 1735 by its owner, Sir Thomas Robinson, this architectural treasure represents the heyday of the Palladian-style country house. A unique collection of 18th-century needlework pictures by Anne Morritt are on display here as well as a very rare surviving print room.

Hexham Abbey

Raby

Tuesday: Ushaw College, Brancepeth Castle & St Brandon’s Church

Today we head to Ushaw College, founded over 200 years ago to educate students for the Catholic priesthood. The vast estate contains buildings designed by Augustus Pugin and his followers and boasts significant examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. We discover some of the main buildings and chapel on our guided tour.

Our next stop is Brancepeth Castle, once the stronghold of the Neville family in medieval times. The current castle is a combination of the Neville’s medieval towers and the grand country house created for the wealthy Russell family in the Regency period. The castle is once again a private home and we enjoy a guided tour to find out more. Afterwards, we make a short visit to St Brandon’s Church opposite the castle in Brancepeth village.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday: Naworth Castle & Hexham Abbey

This morning we visit Naworth Castle, the ancestral home of the Howard family. We enjoy an exclusive private guided tour by the current owner, Philip Howard, followed by lunch in the castle’s striking Great Hall, which is no longer open to the general public. A border stronghold dating back to 1335, the castle was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries. Almost destroyed by a devastating fire in 1844, restoration began in 1850 but the interiors were the work of the 9th Earl of Carlisle who counted many of the eminent Pre Raphaelites, including William Morris, among his friends.

For our last visit we head to Hexham Abbey, one of the earliest seats of Christianity in the country. The intricate building has stood proudly during tumultuous periods and historic turmoil, from Viking marauders destroying part of Hexham Monastery to Scottish raiders setting fire to the Priory. In 2014, the Abbey regained ownership of its former monastic buildings and restoration was completed, reuniting the buildings of the religious site for the first time since the Reformation. We learn more through our included guidebook and captivating tour.

Friday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Derwent Manor Hotel – BW Premier Collection, Allensford with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Raby Castle, Rokeby Park , Ushaw College, Brancepeth Castle, St Brandon’s Church, Naworth Castle

Hexham Abbey

guided tour and lunch at Raby Castle

tour of Rokeby Park

tour of Ushaw College

Guided tour of Brancepeth Castle

Private guided tour with the owner and lunch at Naworth Castle

Guided tour of Hexham Abbey (includes guidebook)

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

The 4-star Derwent Manor Hotel

BW Premier Collection is an

18th-century boutique hotel set in 20 acres of Northumberland countryside with views overlooking the Derwent Valley.

hotel features elegant and spacious en-suite bedrooms, a bar and restaurant. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym.

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors, several steps to entrance.

Brancepeth

Ushaw College

Naworth Castle

Christmas in the Shires: Mighty Cathedrals & Festive Homes

Historic houses filled with twinkling decorations, the festive glow of ancient cathedrals and dazzling light trails winding around beautiful grounds; there’s nothing like the run up to Christmas in the English shires. Start your December celebrations with a magical break taking in the highlights of Herefordshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, including the beautifully dressed Kingston Bagpuize House, which once appeared in the Christmas special of Downton Abbey, and Blenheim Palace, where the stunning interiors and Great Court are transformed into a scene straight from a Christmas card. The festive delights continue with Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light; the perfect chance to admire stunning illuminations with a spiced mulled wine or warming hot chocolate in hand.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Delta by Marriot Cheltenham Chase Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Hereford Cathedral & Bromesberrow Place

Built on a place of worship used since Saxon times, Hereford Cathedral has some of the finest examples of art and architecture from Norman times to the present day. The cathedral houses international treasures including the famous Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving medieval map of the world, and the largest

surviving medieval chained library. We find out more about the cathedral and its past on our intriguing guided tour.

Next we visit the Bromesberrow estate, nestled in the foothills of The Malverns, where we soak up the festive atmosphere with refreshments and a talk about the history of the house. This Regency Greek Revival masterpiece has a fascinating social history as it was owned by David Ricardo, one of the most influential classical economists, and boasts a special collection of English Sporting Art and other treasures dating between 1770 and 1840. The house was originally set within 100 acres of parkland however in 1993 this was extended by a further 100 acres.

After dinner this evening we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Blenheim

Hereford

Tuesday: Kingston Bagpuize House & Blenheim Palace

Today we visit Kingston Bagpuize House, a much-loved Georgian family home with a remarkable Queen Anne exterior, 18th-century cantilever staircase and towering, twinkling Christmas tree. As you wander through the beautifully decorated entrance hall, lavish drawing room, oak-panelled library and more, look out for the French furniture, Turkish rugs and Chinese wallpaper amongst other family treasures. It is no surprise that the house has featured on screen multiple times, including series 5, 6 and the Christmas special of Downton Abbey plus the 2020 adaption of Emma

Highlights include the 15th-century Lady Chapel, the crypt, the medieval library, the tomb of King Edward II and the Great East Window. Installed in the early 1350s, it is one of the greatest landmarks of European stained glass. The medieval monastic cloisters are famous for their breathtaking fan vaulting as well as their appearance in the Harry Potter films.

From the cathedral, we take a guided walk to Westgate Street, one of the oldest parts of Gloucester and once the most important road in the city. Along the way, we find out more about James Wood, one of the most colourful characters in Gloucester’s history and the inspiration for Charles Dicken’s Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. A commemorative blue plaque sits proudly on what used to be a private bank run by ‘Jemmy,’ one of the country’s wealthiest commoners, well known for his meanness and frugality – bah humbug!

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What's Included

4 nights at the 4-star Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Cheltenham with dinner & breakfast

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Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

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After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to and from your excursions

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Visits to Hereford Cathedral, Bromesberrow Place, Kingston Bagpuize House, Blenheim Palace, Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester & Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

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Guided tour of Hereford Cathedral

History talk and refreshments at Bromesberrow Place

We continue to Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture. During this special time of year, the house takes on a different theme and is decorated sumptuously for Christmas, glittering with festive lights and beautiful decorations. Outside, there is an enchanting Christmas Market in the Great Court, where the cosy chalets are bursting with homemade gifts and tasty treats, as well as a magical, illuminated trail around the grounds.

Wednesday: Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester & Sudeley Castle

This morning we visit Gloucester Cathedral, beautifully festive with twinkling trees and a warming ambience. With centuries of craftsmanship on display, the architecture, stained glass and artefacts are some of the best examples of their kind in the country.

Later, a lovely festive experience awaits at the glorious Sudeley Castle. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, this spectacular castle played an important role in England’s turbulent past and the castle was once home to Katherine Parr, the last of King Henry VIII’s six wives. The magnificent fortress creates a spectacular backdrop for the Spectacle of Light, where delightful music, light beams, colourful lanterns, twinkling illuminations and sparkling water features combine to create an enchanting trail around the grounds.

Thursday: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

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Guided walk in Gloucester

Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.

Hotel

Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds, the 4-star Delta by Marriott Hotel is a contemporary hotel within easy reach of Regency Cheltenham. The stylish bedrooms feature a TV, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities and the hotel also offers a bar and restaurant with stunning views, plus indulgent spa and leisure facilities.

Single supplement £140

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance.

Ground floor rooms.

Blenheim Palace

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

Photography by Steve Green

The NC500 & Historic Homes of the Highlands By Air

Full of mystery, intrigue and legendary tales, the Highlands is a delightful region to explore; almost a microcosm of Scotland itself with its sweeping scenery and remnants of the past around every corner. On this intriguing break we encounter a range of clan heirlooms and personal stories at some of the area’s most romantic and unspoilt properties, some lived in for centuries by the same family, including ivy-draped Ballindalloch and charming Castle Leod, home of the Earl of Cromartie and only open on limited days throughout the year. Weaving amongst these historic jewels, we marvel at the scenery of the awe-inspiring North Coast 500 route, and our celebration of all things Alba wouldn’t be complete without a wee dram of whisky at a Speyside distillery!

Sunday: Arrival

We fly to Edinburgh airport and transfer to the Craigmonie Hotel. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: NC500, Dunrobin Castle, Cromarty & Hugh Miller's Birthplace

Today we travel along a stretch of one of the most famous touring routes in the world, the North Coast 500. Sit back, relax and take in Scotland’s breathtaking scenery before we arrive at Dunrobin Castle, a magnificent fortress that resembles a French château with towering conical spires. One of Britain’s oldest

Itinerary NC500

continuously inhabited houses; it has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century. The grand public rooms include the opulent wood-panelled dining room and a superb library housing over 10,000 books. The French influence continues into the extensive formal gardens with parterres and fountains.

There is then some free time to explore Hugh Miller’s hometown of Cromarty, located close to the scenic Black Isle peninsula. Take a stroll along the winding streets, lined with fishermen’s cottages, watch the boats peacefully bobbing in the harbour or uncover fascinating tales at the Cromarty Courthouse Museum.

We also visit Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum, the humble abode of the famous Scottish geologist, writer and folklorist. The thatched cottage was built by his great-grandfather while the Georgian villa next door was built by his father and now houses an interactive museum. From the intriguing

Dunrobin

collection of fossils, tools and manuscripts to the sundial pedestal carved by Miller himself, there is plenty to discover here. Outside in the Garden of Wonders, take the challenge to try and find the six mystery objects.

Tuesday: Foulis Castle & Castle Leod

A guided tour of Foulis Castle awaits this morning, the seat of Clan Munro since the 14th century. The white-washed mansion integrates an old tower, believed to have been built in 1154, and the grounds also feature an 11th-century motte. Upon returning to the house after the 1745 Rising, Sir Harry Munro found much of his beloved home had been destroyed by a fire. The house was rebuilt in a Georgian style and little has changed since, with each Munro member adding to the character of this Scottish treasure.

We continue to another majestic castle, winding our way down the lovely tree-lined avenue to Castle Leod, one of the Highlands best-kept secrets. This beautiful red sandstone castle has been home to the same family for over 500 years and is the seat of Clan Mackenzie. It has stood proudly in the peaceful Scottish countryside during plenty of tumultuous events, from bloody clan battles to the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and more. During our guided tour, look out for the antique maps and furnishings plus the historic portraits of the family, all with their own story to tell. Outside, you can find idyllic parklands, a woodland walk, a pair of Giant Sequoias and a Sweet Chestnut tree planted in 1550 for the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Wednesday: Ballindalloch Castle & Glen Moray Distillery

Known as the Pearl of the North, Ballindalloch Castle was built at a time when clan feuds were rife in the area and has been home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. The fairytale fortress, draped in ivy, is one of the most exquisite surviving examples of a traditional Scottish Baronial castle, and there’s plenty of historic artefacts, family memorabilia and fascinating stories to discover during our visit, including 17th-century Spanish paintings and a fine country house library. The gardens were elaborated in 1850 following vast restorations to Ballindalloch and encompass three distinct areas, a rockery, courtyard garden and walled garden, all offering an abundance of flora and fauna.

Our final stop today is Glen Moray Distillery for a guided tour of the Speyside distillery that has been in operation for more than 120 years. We also have the chance to try a wee dram of whisky!

Thursday: Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle

This morning we discover Culloden Battlefield, scene of the final battle of the 1745-46 Jacobite rising, the short but bloody battle which changed the course of history. We also spend time at the state-of-the-art visitor centre which puts this infamous period of Scottish history into vivid context.

On the way to our next stop, we visit Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s most historic landmarks. The ancient cemetery is believed to be around 4,000 years old and offers clues into the beliefs of the Bronze Age inhabitants here.

What's Included

Return flights to Edinburgh

Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)

Airport transfers in Scotland

5 nights at the 4-star Craigmonie Hotel, Inverness with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Dunrobin Castle, Cromarty, Hugh Millers Birthplace, Foulis Castle, Castle Leod, Ballindalloch Castle, Glen Moray Distillery, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle

drive along the NC500

tour of Foulis Castle

tour of Leod Castle

tour and whisky tasting at Glen Moray Distillery

tour of Cawdor Castle

Dating back to the late 14th century, Cawdor Castle is an imposing tower house with later additions built in a Scottish style including crow-stepped gables of local stone. There’s time for lunch here (not included) before we enjoy a guided tour. Still home to the Cawdor family to this day, the castle has evolved over 600 years and has been filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects and amazing tapestries. Outside, there is a riot of colour to immerse yourself in.

Friday: Departure

We transfer to Edinburgh airport for our return flight home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.

by a knowledgeable tour manager throughout

to the centre of Inverness, the 4-star Craigmonie Hotel dates back to 1880 and boasts a lovely country house ambience and welcoming Scottish hospitality. The hotel features en-suite bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi plus an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna.

supplement £175

Hotel Accessibility

to rooms on 1st and 2nd floors. No ground floor rooms.

Cawdor Castle

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses By Air

Perhaps most famous for its wildly rugged countryside and breathtakingly beautiful coastline, Northern Ireland is also peppered with stunning houses and impressive estates just waiting to be explored. We learn more about the country’s rich heritage as we visit intriguing places on this unique tour, featuring exclusive guided tours with the owners of both Grey Abbey House and Ballywalter Park; offering an intimate insight into the generations who have lived in these architectural treasures. We also admire the much-loved family home and world-famous gardens of Mount Stewart House, combining these fascinating discoveries with the mystical Giant’s Causeway and the vibrant capital of Belfast.

Sunday: Arrival

We fly to Belfast and transfer to La Mon Hotel & Country Club. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Belfast & Titanic Belfast

We start the day with a guided city tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital and a thriving, modern city with a fascinating and at times turbulent history. It was also a key player in the Industrial Revolution, being the centre for the Irish linen and tobacco industries. Afterwards we visit Titanic Belfast, a fantastic interactive exhibition located on the site of

the original shipyard where the famous liner was built. Hear heart-breaking tales about the vessel's passengers, discover the detail behind the mammoth task of building the ill-fated ship and dive into the depths with an immersive video exploring the wreckage on the ocean floor.

Tuesday: Benvarden Gardens, Causeway Coastal Route Scenic Drive & Giant’s Causeway

Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque journey to Benvarden, a historic estate established in the late 17th century and owned by the Montgomery family since 1798. The house is set in lovely walled gardens leading down to the River Bush with fruit trees, herbaceous borders, roses, a box parterre and kitchen garden. We discover more of the stunning grounds on our fragrant guided tour.

Giant’s Causeway

Benvarden Gardens

Credit

Photograph courtesy of Benvarden Gardens

©

Our scenic drive continues along the Causeway Coastal Route with its breathtaking views and rugged beauty. We meander along to the Giant’s Causeway, so-named for the enormous basalt columns produced by volcanic eruptions some sixty million years ago, and now a designated World Heritage Site. Interactive displays, exhibitions and audio guides in the state-of-the-art visitor centre unveil the stories and science that surround this natural phenomenon. Please note that it may not be suitable to those with limited mobility.

Wednesday: Grey Abbey House & Montalto Estate

We take the Strangford ferry to Grey Abbey House, one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland and built by the Montgomery family. Our special guided tour with the current owner illuminates the history of the property, surrounded by what is believed to be one of the first landscaped parks in Ireland. The microclimate provided by Strangford Lough means that a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants flourish in the grounds which contain a southern hemisphere garden, herbaceous and shrub rose borders, a walled vegetable garden and historic apple orchards.

There is then time for lunch (not included) at the impressive Montalto Estate, once a much-loved residence and now open to the public. Dating back to the early 1600s, Montalto has been almost exclusively a family home and we find out more about its history on our guided tour. Outside, the estate boasts exquisite 400-acre grounds of Emerald-green Irish countryside, twisting trails and beautiful gardens.

Thursday: Mount Stewart House & Ballywater Park

This morning we visit the magnificent Neo-classical Mount Stewart House and Garden, located on the shores of Strangford Lough. Home of the Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry, for over 250 years, this recently restored and much-loved family home offers a wealth of treasures and we learn more on our guided tour, followed by lunch. The wonderfully atmospheric garden, with its series of formal themed garden compartments full of rare and tender plants from across the globe, has been voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world.

What's Included

Return flights to Belfast

Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)

Airport transfers in Ireland

5 nights at the 4-star La Mon Hotel & Country Club, near Belfast with dinner & breakfast

Porterage where available

Welcome drink

After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel

Coach transfers to and from your excursions

Visits to Belfast, Titanic Belfast, Grey Abbey House, Montalto Estate, Giants Causeway, Benvarden Gardens, Mount Stewart House & Ballywalter Park

Guided city tour of Belfast

Guided tour with the owner of Grey Abbey House

From here we make our way to one of Ireland’s most important historic houses, Ballywalter Park, where we enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the house and gardens conducted by the owners, followed by refreshments. Home of Lord and Lady Dunleath, the house was built in the Italianate Palazzo style for the present owner’s great, great, great grandfather between 1846 and 1850 to the designs of the eminent architect, Sir Charles Lanyon. A conservatory and billiard room wing, also by Lanyon, was added in around 1870. The house has been afforded Grade A* listing as being of exceptional architectural importance and is situated within a walled demesne of some 270 acres, featuring pleasure grounds, a fine collection of specimen trees and pretty rhododendrons.

Friday: Departure

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Belfast airport for our return flight home.

note: the itinerary order is subject to change and owner-led tours are subject to availability.

Ballywater Park

Guided tour of Montalto Estate

Scenic drive along the North Coast

Guided tour and lunch at Mount Stewart House

Exclusive guided tour with the owners and refreshments at Ballywalter Park

Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour manager in Ireland

inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.

The 4-star La Mon Hotel & Country Club is situated just outside Belfast. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms with a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi, plus a restaurant, bistro and lounge and extensive leisure facilities, including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym.

supplement £175

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. 49 ground floor rooms.

Mount Stewart House

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the deposit and when is my final balance due?

The deposit payable at the time of booking is £125 per person (£250 per person for holidays by air). If you don’t wish to pay the full balance in one go; the remaining payment is due 8 weeks before departure (10 weeks before departure for holidays by air).

You can make payments against your balance anytime between making the booking and the balance due date. If you are booking online you can pay your remaining balance by logging into your account. You will need to log in using the email address and password you set up during the payment process.

Why do I have to pay a single supplement?

It is standard practice in the hotel trade to charge for single occupancy of a room as the cost of providing heating, lighting and cleaning etc, is the same regardless of the number of people occupying it.

Will I get a more detailed itinerary to take with me?

Yes, your full itinerary will be posted approximately two weeks prior to departure, along with your final confirmation documents.

How many travellers will be in our group?

The maximum capacity we operate on any one coach is 53 but in most cases there will be no more than 30 to 40 travellers in the group.

Will there be free parking at the hotel?

Please ask for details on hotels where car parking charges apply. Please be aware that at some hotels parking can be limited and is not guaranteed. You should aim to arrive at the hotel no earlier than 3pm.

I have limited mobility; will these tours be suitable for me?

These tours offer a varied level of activity and participants can take on as much or as little as they wish. The minimum requirement is that you are able to climb the steps onto a coach unaided and, to keep up with the pace of the tour, we recommend you are comfortable to stroll for 20–30 minutes at any one time. Any specific restrictions are indicated in the brochure and on the website. Most properties offer a good level of access, but due to their historic nature there may be some upstairs sections without lift access, or gardens with limited walkways.

Many hotels featured offer lift access, but if this is a firm requirement please check with our reservations staff at the time of booking.

Any physical condition which may necessitate special requirements (for example, the need of a wheelchair) must be reported at the time of your reservation, and we advise that you bring a companion with you if you need assistance. Coach space and weight restrictions limit the number of walking aids that we can accept on each tour therefore you must pre-book a space when you book your tour and confirmation of this will be on our correspondence to you. Please be aware that the hire of scooters or wheelchairs at Historic Houses properties must be organised in advance.

What do I do if I have a special request?

We will do our best to help but we cannot guarantee that this will be fulfilled. If your request is imperative to your enjoyment of the holiday, please inform one of the members of our reservations staff at the time of booking. All special requests are subject to availability and general confirmation that a request has been noted or passed to the supplier is not confirmation that your request will be met.

Hoveton Hall Gardens

How long will we get to spend at each excursion?

Visiting times are based on the recommendation of property staff, and we aim to allow ample time to explore and take refreshment.

Are the excursions guaranteed to be as specified in the brochure and website?

Our brochures and itineraries are put together over a year in advance therefore unfortunately things may change before the tour takes place and some excursions may be swapped from one day to another. On rare occasions a specific visit or guided tour at a property may become unavailable and we reserve the right to make a suitable replacement.

Why do I need insurance?

It is a condition of booking a holiday with us that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes sufficient medical cover for your needs as well as personal injury and repatriation cover to get you home should you not be fit to return as scheduled on our itinerary. Unfortunately, we cannot be liable for your repatriation costs in these circumstances. Should you decide not to purchase our travel insurance, any that you obtain elsewhere must offer cover as comprehensive as ours.

What do I do if I’m not completely happy?

It is imperative that if you are unhappy about any aspect of your holiday, you raise the matter IMMEDIATELY with the coach driver, tour manager or accommodation provider. If you fail to do this and deny us the opportunity to rectify the matter at the time, we shall not accept any responsibility retrospectively. If the matter cannot be resolved immediately, it is a condition that you write to us, quoting your booking reference, with the details of your complaint so that we may commence an investigation.

Book or enquire online at: justgoholidays.com/historichouses

Holkham

Air Dates &

Destinations by Air Dates

The NC500 & Historic Homes of the Highlands

– 6 days

See

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland's Finest Houses

See

days

Sun

BHX BRS EDI LGW

£1,099

Airport codes: BHX: Birmingham, BRS: Bristol, EDI: Edinburgh, LGW: Gatwick, GLA: Glasgow, LHR: Heathrow, LTN: Luton, MAN: Manchester, NCL: Newcastle, STN: Stansted

Please

Hotel Accessibility Information

If anyone in your party has mobility issues, please inform us at the time of booking. It is a minimum requirement that you are able to climb the steps onto a coach unaided. Please read the tour itinerary carefully to make sure it is appropriate for your mobility level. We also hold accessibility information for each hotel featured on our holidays, and are able to advise if lifts and/or ground floor rooms are available.

Further details are shown in this brochure and are also available online at justgoholidays.com/accessibility

If you have any queries on hotel facilities in relation to mobility, please contact us immediately for detailed information.

Please note: our brochures and itineraries are put together over a year in advance, therefore unfortunately things may change before the tour takes place and some excursions may be swapped from one day to another. On rare occasions a specific visit or guided tour at a property may become unavailable and we reserve the right to make a suitable replacement. Tour itineraries will also be subject to local and government guidelines valid at the time of travel.

Terms & Conditions Extract

Self-drive packaged short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions which are available to read online at justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms. Bookings are accepted on the basis that you have read and understood them. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply. Prices are correct at the time of publication (August, 2022) but are subject to fluctuation.

Air package holidays are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions which are available to read online at justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms. Bookings are accepted on the basis that you have read and understood them. Prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to fluctuation and availability. The final price will depend on your chosen airport, airline and flight time. Financial protection is in place via the ATOL scheme and terms and conditions apply. Please visit our website for more details. Errors and omissions excepted. Operated by Just Go! Holidays, ATOL No.10889. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply.

One piece of checked-in hold luggage PER PERSON is included however; the weight allowance does vary between airlines. Please ask for details.

Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. Full terms and conditions will be provided with your booking confirmation. Also available on request, please call 03333 212 772 or visit justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms

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