Historic Houses Brochure - 2024

In association with Britain’s finest

historic houses, castles & gardens

ESCORTED TOURS 2024

With Just Go! Holidays

Keeping your money safe

Complete Financial Protection

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

Front Cover Image: Powderham Castle, Devon

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 abtot.com/bch-abtot-members-directory/. 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 atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Clients are recommended to inspect the current ATOL certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to caa.co.uk to confirm the current licence.

Details of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found at legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents

A Message from Historic Houses

Discover the nation’s glorious heritage

I am delighted to introduce our enthralling collection of bespoke escorted tours for 2024, 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 come and see where history happened, 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 2024 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 afternoon tea at a Tudor castle.

Supporting Beautiful Properties for ture 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.

As well as some firm favourites to Cornwall, the Cotswolds, the Lake District and beyond, there are plenty of riveting new tours to choose from. Well Dressed in the Romantic Peak District allows us to experience a centuries-old tradition amidst stunning surroundings while A Kaleidoscope of Coast & Country in Dorset offers a wonderful celebration of this idyllic county.

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 2024.

Ben Cowell 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: 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

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses is 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.

JG Hotel Ratings

We take great pride in carefully hand-picking all the hotels we use to assess their suitability for each holiday. Our JG ratings are explained below.

JG3

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be fairly spacious with a range of amenities. Public areas typically include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

JG4

Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wider range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages

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, included 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 instead.

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.

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.

5 DAYS

Well Dressed in the Romantic Peak District

Every year, throughout little Derbyshire towns such as Tissington, the residents come together for a spectacular tradition known as the Well Dressing, where the six wells of the town are adorned with decorations and images made by the local people. We travel to the romantic verdant scenery of the Peak District to enjoy the results of this remarkable annual display and take in guided tours of the incredible stately homes and manor houses that scatter this beautiful region. From the famous tales within Chatsworth House to the hidden secrets of Thornbridge Hall, there’s a wealth of historic treasures for us to uncover.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: Tissington Hall & Tissington Well

Dressing

Our first visit takes us to the impressive Tissington Hall in the south of Derbyshire. Built in 1609, during the reign of James I, the house has been the home of the FitzHerbert family since its construction. A fine example of Jacobean-period architecture blended with more contemporary landscaping, the hall’s terraced gardens were laid out in 1913 and offer

lovely views over the surrounding countryside, while the interiors contain wonderful original panelling and a collection of more than 3,000 books in a spectacular library. Our guided tour outlines the fascinating story of the house and allying estate over the last 400 years.

We then have free time in Tissington village where we have the opportunity to see the elaborate decorations of Tissington’s annual Well Dressing, a centuries-old tradition which takes place in the village every year on the eve of Ascension Day. Here, the local community decorate the six wells across Tissington using only natural materials such as flower petals, coffee beans and a unique type of colourful clay

SUN 12 MAY TO THU 16 MAY FROM £999

that is constructed solely for the use in these decorations. The resulting images are both an example of delightful festive ingenuity and a wonderful display of community spirit.

Chatsworth House

Tissington Hall

Tuesday: Thornbridge Hall & Haddon Hall

This morning we travel to Thornbridge Hall, a stunning Grade II listed country house in the Derbyshire Dales. Inside we discover the exquisite rooms of this wonderfully-preserved stately home such as the music room, the great hall and the carriage house, as well as discover the development of the new Thornbridge Brewery which resides on the estate. The crowning jewel of Thornbridge is its wonderful collection of gardens including an Italian garden, Koi pond, scented terrace and orangery, many of which have undergone restorative works over the last few years. After our guided tour we are treated to lunch here.

Later, we enjoy a visit to Haddon Hall, one of the best-preserved examples of a fortified medieval manor house and described as ‘the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages’. The Hall dates back to the 11th century, where it was one of 162 manors that comprised the Honour of Peverel that stretched across the region. Developments and additions to the house continued through the centuries and in 2020 the medieval parkland on the grounds acquired funding to be restored to its 14th-century state as a woodland pasture, in order to provide a unique view of early English life. On our guided tour we enjoy the sumptuous highlights of the house and grounds, including the Banqueting Hall complete with minstrels’ gallery, the oak-panelled Tudor Long Gallery and the 17th-century kitchens.

Wednesday: Chatsworth House & Renishaw Hall

Our day starts with a visit to the spectacular Chatsworth House where we enjoy a guided tour. Though it has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549, Chatsworth’s origins stretch back to the 11th century, when a version of the estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The developments over the next few centuries transformed Chatsworth into one of the finest and most storied houses in England. We take in the many highlights of the house such as the state apartments, the vast collection of art and the spectacular Cascade House, an extravagant water feature built in the 1st Duke’s Garden in 1696.

What's Included

Š 4 nights at the New Bath Hotel, Matlock Bath with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Tissington Hall, Tissington Wells, Thornbridge Hall, Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House & Renishaw Hall

Š Guided tour of Tissington Hall

Š Guided tour, with lunch & refreshments at Thornbridge Hall

Š Guided tour of Haddon Hall

Š Guided tour of Chatsworth House

Š Guided tour & cream tea at Renishaw Hall

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

Our last visit takes us to Renishaw Hall, the home of the Sitwell family since its construction in the 17th century, where we are treated to guided tour and a delicious cream tea. Said to have been the inspiration for the setting of D.H. Lawrence’s novel, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Renishaw’s captivating surroundings and fascinating history reveal themselves around every corner. From the stunning collection of art and furniture, the treasure trove of heirlooms littered in every room and the fabulous 19th-century Italianate gardens, which are a particular passion of the current owner Alexandra Sitwell, there is a wealth of history to discover in this house’s storied 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.

The New Bath Hotel in Matlock Bath is an impressive 18th-century property surrounded by stunning natural scenery that offers comfortable accommodation and a friendly welcome. The hotel features modern en-suite rooms, a bar, restaurant and an outdoor, spring-fed pool plus a spa with thermal hot tub, steam room and sauna.

Single supplement £250

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. 3 steps to entrance. Some ground floor rooms.

New Bath Hotel

Haddon Hall

Renishaw Hall

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 beautiful Pencarrow, glorious Caerhays, Elizabethan Prideaux Place and historic Roswarne, where a traditional 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 from our unique base at the luxurious Bodmin Jail Hotel. As we meander along the spectacular coast, we also marvel at a cornucopia of colour, with some of the finest gardens in the country.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the historic Bodmin Jail 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 are treated to a guided tour of the castle with the owner to discover the extensive personal collection of treasures amassed by the Williams family, the proprietors 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. We also enjoy lunch 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 beautifully landscaped gardens, which we discover 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.

St Michael’s Mount

5 DAYS

SUN 2 JUN TO THU 6 JUN

FROM £1,449

Caerhays Castle

Tuesday: St Michael’s Mount & Roswarne 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. Depending on tide times, we either enjoy a boat ride over to the island or a 15-minute walk along the ancient, cobbled walkway.

Our next stop is Roswarne House, once an ancient farmhouse and extended in 1810 by landed gentry. Nestled in six acres of picturesque parkland, the property has now returned to its former glory, after an extensive restoration project, and highlights include a delightful Orangery, Ballroom, Library and Drawing Room. We find out more about its history on our guided tour with the current owner, followed by a Cornish cream tea (jam first, of course)! After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday: Pencarrow House and

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

What's Included

Š 4 nights at the Bodmin Jail Hotel, Bodmin with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

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

Š Guided tour with the owner & lunch at Caerhays Castle

Š Guided tour with the owner & Cornish cream tea at Roswarne House

Š Guided tour at Pencarrow House

Š Guided tour of Prideaux Place

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

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.

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.

A fascinating and luxurious stay awaits at the Bodmin Jail Hotel, located in the Cornish town of Bodmin. Steeped in history, the 18th-century prison has been transformed into a stunning boutique hotel, with two restaurants, a Champagne bar and stylish rooms housed in former cells, featuring elegant touches, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.

Single supplement £650

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors. No steps to one entrance, 5 steps to another entrance. Some ground floor rooms available.

Bodmin Jail Hotel

Prideaux Place

Pencarrow House

Pencarrow House and Gardens

© James Darling Photography

© James Darling Photography

The Grand Castles & Finest Homes of Devon

Join us deep in the hidden valleys of Devon, a land of castles that could easily spring forth from a fairytale. There is much to discover, from the majestic walls of Powderham Castle, guarding the River Exe and the romantic allure of Bickleigh Castle to the enchanting Fursdon House and the secrets of Ugsbrooke House, where history hides in every nook. Complete with stunningly landscaped grounds, these treasure troves stand like proud sentinels, preserving the rich heritage of Devon and weaving stories of generations past. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of a bygone era amidst breathtaking landscapes during this special tour.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: Powderham Castle & Ugsbrooke House

We begin our first day of excursions at Powderham Castle, which has been home to the Courtenay family for over 600 years, having been built by Sir Philip Courtenay in the 14th century. Located on the peaceful banks of the River Exe, this historical gem offers impressive turrets, an elegant façade and enchanting gardens. Our guided tour with the owner* is the perfect chance to explore the

well-preserved interiors packed with rare art and antiques, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its past inhabitants.

Next up is the imposing Ugsbrooke House, a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike. Nestled within the beautiful Devon countryside, this manor has stood proudly for over 900 years, beckoning visitors to discover the grandeur within (think precious artifacts and plenty of elegant antiques). Outside offers an enticing network of colourful walkways, secret walled gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown. We enjoy a tour complete with a traditional Devonshire cream tea.

*Subject to availability.

Powderham Castle

Ugsbrooke House

What's Included

Š 4 nights at the Royal Beacon Hotel, Exmouth with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Powderham Castle, Ugsbrooke House, Bickleigh Castle, Fursdon House, Shilstone House & Hemerdon House

Š Guided tour with the owner at Powderham Castle

Š Guided tour with Devonshire cream tea at Ugsbrooke House

Š Guided tour at Shilstone House

Tuesday: Bickleigh Castle & Fursdon House

We head back to the tranquil banks of the River Exe this morning to visit the Bickleigh Castle, a medieval water castle that used the river as part of its natural defences. Complete with dignified towers, manicured lawns, a 6th-century chapel and come-hither knot garden walks, get ready to discover the secrets that lie within the ancient walls of this moated gem.

Our next visit takes us to Fursdon House, a privately-owned Elizabethan manor close to the cathedral city of Exeter. Boasting charming gardens, meandering woodland paths and breathtaking views of the Exe Valley, we step inside only to be transported back in time, surrounded by period features and elegant interiors.

Wednesday: Shilstone House & Hemerdon House

With its majestic Georgian façade and honey-hued stone walls; Shilstone House gives a great first impression to its visitors. We enjoy a tour to discover everything from the opulent interiors, adorned with striking geometric floors, arched passageways and intricate detailing, to the spawling gardens enveloped in ancient woodlands. Don’t miss the tranquil tree-lined paths leading to the pretty garden tower.

This afternoon we head to Hemerdon House in Devon’s stunning South Hams area for a guided tour with refreshments. There is plenty of local history to immerse ourselves in as we find out all about the Woolacombe family who built the house in the 18th century. Situated in an idyllic setting, this stately manor is a veritable magpie’s nest packed with artifacts revealing the family’s connections to the naval and military services.

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

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.

Š Guided tour & refreshments at Hemerdon House

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

Prepare to relax and unwind at the Royal Beacon Hotel. Situated high on the clifftop in Exmouth with spectacular coastal views, expect Regency interiors, comfortable en-suite bedrooms and a warm welcome. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar and lounge, and all guest rooms feature a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.

Single supplement £150

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors. 6 steps to front entance, lift to back entrance. Some ground floor rooms available.

Royal Beacon Hotel

Bickleigh Castle

Shilstone House

A Kaleidoscope of Coast & Country

in Dorset

Filled from horizon to horizon with majestic scenery and fascinating locations, Dorset is an understated gem of Britain’s historical landscape. On this idyllic break, we take in some of the most storied destinations across the coast and countryside which provided the inspiration for the fictional region of Wessex, the setting for many of Thomas Hardy’s works. We’re treated to guided tours through the wealth of medieval houses and historical sites littered across the land, including Wolfeton House, Warmwell House and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, home to a variety of rare and exotic plants. Step into the heart of Hardy Country on these enchanting few days away.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: Moignes Court & Wolfeton House

We start our day with a visit to Dorset’s oldest inhabited house, Moignes Court, the home of the Cree family since the 1820s. This deceptively modest 12th-century manor house in the village of Owermoigne is an impressive example of medieval architecture, with only a small number of alterations made to the structure due to a fire in 1880. There are many historical highlights

for us to discover during our visit, including a collection of 13th-century windows, a first-floor court room and even a moat! The medieval grounds are still exquisitely well-preserved and have been repurposed by the current owners of a wild living initiative, providing charming holiday accommodation and education spaces for members of the community and beyond.

Later we travel to the magnificent Wolfeton House near Charminster for a guided tour. This Grade 1 listed building dates back as far as the late 15th century and was expanded upon in the latter half of the 16th century when most of the features we see today were built. Architectural highlights of the grounds include two non-identical towers

on the north and south sides of the house and an astonishingly well-preserved Gatehouse that previously paved the way to the main house and has seen several notable historical figures pass through including Sir Walter Raleigh and Thomas Hardy.

Athelhampton House

5 DAYS

SUN 23 JUN TO THU 27 JUN

FROM £1,099

Warmwell House

Tuesday: Warmwell House & Athelhampton House

Today we visit Warmwell House, an immaculately maintained 17th-century Jacobean Manor in what would be the heart of Thomas Hardy’s fictional Wessex country. Surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens and delightful greenery, Warmwell is a quintessentially English manor house complete with sophisticated wooden interiors, elegant occasion rooms and leisure facilities including a hedge maze and a tennis court. On our exclusive guided tour, we are given the chance to explore this wonderful property and discover the storied history that lies within.

Our next stop takes us to lovely Athelhampton for a tour of Athelhampton House, referred to as one of England’s ‘most important medieval manor houses’. The site of Athelhampton House has been populated since the Saxon era and is even mentioned in the Domesday Book where it is known as ‘Pidele’, meaning there is a wealth of history to uncover during our guided tour. Later we enjoy some refreshments after the conclusion of our tour before returning to our hotel.

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

Wednesday: Mapperton House & Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

We travel to the parish of Mapperton for our visit to Mapperton House, owned by American Viscountess Julie Montagu who shares her unique experiences on Youtube. With its meticulous gardens and eagle-topped pillars that flank the pathway to the entrance, first impressions of Mapperton House can’t help but make you feel as though you’ve been pulled into the pages of a romance novel. Called ‘the

nation’s finest manor house’ by Country Life Magazine, this Grade 1 listed house dates back to the 11th century and has been built upon extensively throughout the centuries with many of the features on display today having been established during the house’s reconstruction in the second half of the 16th century. Lying on the Jurassic coast, surrounded by green fields and spectacular scenery, the Grade 1 listed Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a fascinating highlight of the county, whose legacy stretches back to its founding in the middle of the 18 th century. Thanks to the microclimate afforded to the property by the surrounding woodland valley, there is a great variety of rare and exotic plant species on display here, all of which are maintained without the use of greenhouses which would normally be required for plants of this kind. We take a special look through this delightful collection, from the local camellia groves and rhododendrons to the formal and informal gardens and the specially curated climate zones that exhibit specimens from different topographical environments within a few steps of one another, there’s no shortage of botanical wonders to discover.

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

Š 4 nights at the Royal Chase Hotel, Shaftesbury with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Visits to Moignes Court, Wolfeton House, Warmwell House, Athelhampton House, Mappeton House & Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Š Guided tour of Wolfeton House

Š Guided tour of Warmwell House

Š Guided tour & refreshments at Athelhampton House

Š Guided tour of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager on some evenings

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

Deep in the scenic surroundings of the Blackmore Vale sits the charming Royal Chase Hotel. This former 17th-century monastery offers a peaceful and comfortable stay in charmingly decorated rooms, as well as a fascinating history and friendly welcome. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and indoor pool, while the en-suite rooms feature a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Single supplement £250

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. No steps to entrance. Limited ground floor rooms.

Royal Chase Hotel

Mapperton House

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

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 King Charles III and Queen Camilla, 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.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: 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 history. This is the house where Edward Jenner,

pioneer of the smallpox vaccination, once lived and from where he told the world about his work.

Highgrove Gardens

£1,199

© GAP Photos/Highgrove -

A. Butler

Berkeley Castle

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 fortress was once owned by the infamous Tudor king. Here we are treated to an indulgent afternoon tea, while outside, there’s time to follow in the footsteps of royalty and explore the manicured lawns and landscaped grounds.

Tuesday: Highgrove Gardens & Woodchester Mansion

We begin with an expert-led guided tour of Highgrove Gardens, the organic gardens of Their Majesties. Over 30 years in the making, Highgrove has one of the most creatively inspired and innovative gardens in the country and embody The King’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.

Next is a guided tour of Woodchester Mansion, a unique and unfinished Victorian Gothic Revival house. The masterpiece of a young local architect, Benjamin Bucknall, the mansion blends the local traditional work in limestone with the ideas of the French architectural thinker Viollet-le-Duc. Building started around 1857 but stopped in the mid-1860s, leaving floors and ceilings missing, walls unplastered and windows unglazed.

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 Cotswold 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 19 th century, when the Morris family were living there.

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

Š 4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Cheltenham with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

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

Š Guided tour of Berkeley Castle

Š Afternoon tea at Thornbury Castle

Š Guided tour of Highgrove Gardens

Š Guided tour of Woodchester Mansion

Š Guided tour of Cirencester Park

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

The Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham is set 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.

Single supplement £180

Hotel Accessibility

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

Thornbury Castle

Kelmscott Manor

© Society of Antiquaries of London (Kelmscott Manor)

A Tour of 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 our memorable visit to the idyllic Hole Park rounds off this celebration of magnificent Kent.

Itinerary

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: Hole Park & Allington Castle

We begin with a visit to Hole Park, a delightful private home situated in a picturesque parkland setting and boasting a magnificent garden with far-reaching views over the woodland. For the past four generations, Hole Park has been owned by the Barham family and today we are treated to refreshments, an intriguing guided

tour and an exclusive meeting with the current owner in the spectacular Hall (which isn’t usually open to the public), plus lunch in the Rolls Room. Next stop is Allington Castle, a magical 12th-century fortress rarely 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.

Allington Castle

Godinton House

What's Included

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

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Hole Park, Allington Castle, Godinton House, Provender House, Camden Place & Belmont 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.

Afterwards 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.*

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

For our last visit we head to Belmont House for a guided tour and refreshments. This magnificent Neo-classical country house is a completely unspoilt example of architect Samuel Wyatt’s work. Six generations of the Harris family have each left their mark on this treasure, which contains mementos of the family’s history and travels and the finest private collection of clocks and watches in Britain, created by the 5th Lord Harris. There is also time to enjoy the lovely grounds, which encompass everything from beautiful gardens and magical woodlands to fruit-laden orchards and a cricket pitch.

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.

Š Exclusive meeting with the owner, refreshments , lunch & guided tour of Hole Park

Š Exclusive guided tour of Allington Castle

Š Private out-of-hours guided tour of Godinton House

Š Guided tour with Princess Olga Romanoff* at Provender House

Š Guided tour & refreshments at Belmont House

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

Wednesday:

Camden Place & Belmont House

Today we visit Camden Place, the house where the overthrown Napoleon III died in exile. Largely unchanged for over a century, this atmospheric 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. If these historic walls could talk, they would tell fascinating stories of murders, spies, exiled life and more.

Nestled in the lovely Kent countryside in the heart of the county, the Tudor Marriott 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 £180

Hotel Accessibility

Lift available to all floors. 4 steps to entrance. Limited ground floor rooms.

Provender House

Provender House

Natural Beauty & Architectural Splendours of Suffolk

On this intriguing tour we step back in time to the ancient lands of Suffolk, a beautiful county steeped in rich heritage and dotted with fragrant gardens. 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.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: South Elmham Hall & Haughley House

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, and we find out more on our guided tour.

Haughley House awaits next, where we meet the current owner. Henry II was once lord of this late medieval manor, which sits on the outer bailey of a ruined Norman castle, and is now only open for private tours. There are plenty of stories to hear and intriguing features to discover enclosed within the ancient walls on our fascinating guided tour, from a chimney priest hole and blocked up tunnels to fascinating antique weapons. Outside, the walled kitchen garden

and three-acre garden provide the perfect setting for a summertime stroll.

Helmingham Hall Gardens

Kentwell Hall

Tuesday: Sutton Hoo & Helmingham Hall Gardens

This morning we take a private burial ground tour 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 with Patrick himself 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.

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

Š 4 nights at the Holiday Inn, Ipswich with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to South Elmham Hall, Haughley House, Sutton Hoo, Helmingham Hall Gardens, Kentwell Hall & West Stow Hall

Š Guided tour of South Elmham Hall

Š Guided tour & meet & greet with the owner of Haughley House

Š Private burial ground tour at Sutton Hoo

Š Guided tour with the owner at Kentwell Hall

Š Guided tour with the owner at West Stow Hall

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

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.

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

The Holiday Inn Ipswich is situated on the outskirts of the town and offers a wonderful place to relax and unwind. The modern rooms have air-conditioning, Freeview TV and tea and coffee-making facilities, while the hotel also features a lounge bar, restaurant, indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room and gym.

Single supplement £200

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. 4 steps to entrance. Limited ground floor rooms.

Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo

Kentwell Hall

©NTPL/John Millar

5 DAYS

Hidden Houses of the Lake District

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 special 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.

Itinerary

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: 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. We learn how behind Dalemain’s orderly frontage are the remnants of a 12th-century pele tower and an Elizabethan manor, and 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.

SUN 11 AUG TO THU 15 AUG

FROM £1,199

Dalemain Mansion

Leighton Hall © Jarrold Publishing 2008

Photograph courtesy of Dalemain Mansion

Our Housekeepers tour also includes access to unseen areas of the house and provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into life here. Outside, we can explore a Tudor knot garden and a splendid rose walk, and don’t miss the World’s Original Marmalade Shop! During our time here we also enjoy a cream tea and an introductory talk about the lovely gardens.

What's Included

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

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Johnby Hall, Dalemain Mansion, Leighton Hall, Levens Hall, Lake Windermere & Holker Hall and Gardens

Š Guided tour with the owners & refreshments at Johnby Hall

Š Housekeepers tour, cream tea & introductory garden talk at Dalemain Mansion

Wednesday: Lake Windermere Cruise & Holker Hall and Gardens

Š Guided tour & refreshments at Leighton Hall

Š Guided garden tour & lunch at Levens Hall

Tuesday: Leighton Hall & Levens Hall

This morning we step back in time during a guided tour with the owner of 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 also enjoy some refreshments here.

Later, we visit Levens Hall, a stunning Elizabethan mansion built around a 13th-century pele tower. We find out 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 enjoy lunch before a guided tour of 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.

We start 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. Our last visit is to 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 are treated to lunch here before a wander around the award-winning gardens.

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.

Š Cruise on Lake Windermere

Š Guided tour & lunch at Holker Hall and Gardens

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG3 rating ***

The 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 £250

Hotel Accessibility

No lift, only 2 floors. No steps to entrance.

Levens Hall

Lake Windermere

A Taste of the Stately High Life in Yorkshire

You’re invited to sample a taste of aristocratic Yorkshire, home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country as well as a wonderfully rich heritage. We delve into the past with a peek into some of the county’s most impressive houses, many of which have been lived in by the same families for hundreds of years, filled with personal memorabilia and treasured collections. Our fascinating guided tours of Harewood House, Newby Hall and Ripley Castle illuminate the stories enclosed within their historic walls, passed down from generation to generation and just waiting to be uncovered.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: Harewood House & Harrogate

We start the morning at Harewood House where we enjoy a guided tour followed by lunch. Built in the 18th century for Edwin Lascelles to designs by architect John Carr, it is one of the greatest Treasure Houses in England with interiors designed by Robert Adam, superb Thomas Chippendale furniture and an outstanding art collection ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to 20th-century art. Set in a magnificent landscape created by ‘Capability’ Brown, Harewood is still home to the Lascelles family, with the 8th Earl and Countess living here, and reflects the changing tastes and styles of the past 250 years.

The afternoon is spent in the elegant spa town of Harrogate, where notable sights include the Royal Pump Room and the Grade II-listed Royal Hall. Don’t miss the attractive Montpellier Quarter with its pedestrianised streets lined with 19th-century buildings and traditional tea rooms.

Goldsborough Hall

5 DAYS

SUN 18 AUG TO THU 22 AUG

FROM £999

Harrogate

Harewood House

© Peter_Rollings

Tuesday: Newby Hall & Ripley Castle

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and with some of Britain’s finest Robert Adam interiors, Newby Hall is a perfect example of the Georgian ‘Age of Elegance’. Home to the Compton family and their ancestors since 1748, Newby houses numerous treasures including magnificent classical sculptures, fine pieces of Chippendale furniture and a superb set of Gobelins tapestries. Our exclusive guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the house before it is open to the public and also includes refreshments on arrival.

We then head to Ripley Castle for lunch. 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.

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

Wednesday: Allerton Castle & Goldsborough Hall

Today we head first to Allerton Castle, one of England’s most elegant and illustrious Gothic revival stately homes. Set amongst 200 acres of beautiful grounds, with a towering 70-foot high façade that dominates the landscape, the house was built in the 1840s by Lord Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton and once owned by Prince Frederick (the ‘Grand Old Duke of York’ and brother to King George IV).

A beautifully preserved relic of the English aristocracy, Allerton is a veritable time capsule offering an insight into a bygone era. Admire the Gothic splendour of the galleried Great Hall, the cosy library and the elegant drawing room during our guided tour here.

Afterwards, we visit Goldsborough Hall. The current Hall was built in the early 17th century and is renowned for its Jacobean architecture and magnificent Robert Adam interiors. Once home to Princess Mary (Elizabeth II's aunt), the Hall has been lovingly restored to its former glory by the current owners and is now a luxury five-star hotel. We enjoy a guided tour and afternoon tea in these stylish surroundings followed by a chance to walk round the award-winning gardens.

What's Included

Š 4 nights at the York Pavillion Hotel, York with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Harewood House, Harrogate, Newby Hall, Ripley Castle, Allerton Castle & Goldsborough Hall

Š Guided tour & lunch at Harewood House

Š Private out-of-hours guided tour & refreshments at Newby Hall

Š Guided tour & lunch at Ripley Castle

Š Guided tour of Allerton Castle

Š Guided tour & afternoon tea at Goldsborough Hall

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

Located just a mile from the centre of historic York, the York Pavillion Hotel is housed in a beautiful Georgian Grade II listed manor and surrounded by landscaped gardens. The hotel boasts individually designed bedrooms with a flat-screen TV, two courtyard gardens, relaxing lounges and a bar.

Single supplement £220

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. Ramp to entrance. Some ground floor rooms.

Thursday: Departure

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

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

York Pavillion Hotel

Newby Hall

Allerton Castle © Graham Hogg

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, where we are treated to an exclusive tour by the current owner.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

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

Monday: 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 followed by refreshments.

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 with the current owner to find out more. After our afternoon tea here we make a short visit to St Brandon’s Church opposite the castle in Brancepeth village.

Tuesday: 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

Hexham Abbey

Raby Castle

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 lavish interiors which span medieval, Regency and Victorian periods and provide a magnificent backdrop for the stunning art collection.

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.

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 on our captivating tour.

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

Š 4 nights at the Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel, Allensford with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

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

Š Guided tour & refreshments at Ushaw College

Š Guided tour with the owner & afternoon tea at Brancepeth Castle

Š Private guided tour at Raby Castle

Š Guided tour of Rokeby Park

Š Private guided tour with the owner & lunch at Naworth Castle

Š Guided tour of Hexham Abbey

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

The Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel is an 18th-century hotel set in 20 acres of Northumberland countryside with views overlooking the Derwent Valley. The hotel features elegant and spacious en-suite bedrooms, a bar and restaurant. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym.

Single supplement £250

Hotel Accessibility

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

Naworth Castle

Rokeby Park

©Rokeby Park

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 Leonardo Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Sudeley Castle & Stanway House

Our day begins with refreshments and a captivating talk at the exquisite Cotswolds gem of Sudeley Castle, focusing on its extensive history and its important role in England’s turbulent past. Once a royal residence closely associated with famous monarchs such as Henry VIII and Charles I, it remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within

the grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII. The castle rooms contain many fascinating treasures from ancient Roman times to the present day while outside are award-winning gardens (look out for Percy the peacock)! After exploring the wonderful estate we enjoy lunch here.

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.

Sezincote House 5

Sudeley Castle

Tuesday: 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 intriguing 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

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.

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.

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

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

Š 4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Cheltenham with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

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

Š Introductory talk , refreshments & lunch at Sudeley Castle

Š Guided tour of Stanway House

Š Guided tour of Rodmarton Manor

Š Guided tour & afternoon tea at Chavenage House

Š Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Š Guided tour of Sezincote House

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating

****

The Leonardo Hotel is set in attractive grounds on the edge of the Regency town of Cheltenham. The comfortable en-suite rooms feature a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel offers a bar and restaurant, plus a health and leisure club with a hot tub, sauna and fully-equipped gym.

Single supplement £150

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. No steps to entrance. 2 sets of 3 steps from reception to lift, some ground floor rooms.

Rodmarton Manor

Broadway

The Splendour of Stunning Somerset & Best of the West Country

The beautiful landscapes and historic treasures of Somerset and the West Country await on this summertime break. We discover family secrets and amassed collections on owner-led guided tours while admiring contrasting architectural styles at properties such as Fairfield House and Orchard Wyndham, only open to the public on limited days throughout the year. There is so much to uncover at impressive Longleat House, where the honey-hued exterior glints in the sunshine, and our exploration of the moated Bishop’s Palace offers a fascinating peek into the past. Our idyllic tour is complete with the spectacular scenery of Cheddar Gorge, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its subterranean caves, breathtaking cliffs and world-famous cheese; it really is the best of the West

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

Check in to the Webbington Hotel & Spa, Axbridge in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Forde Abbey, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge & Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

We make our way to Forde Abbey, a former 12th-century Cistercian monastery with an extensive history spanning 900 years, where we enjoy a guided tour. The abbey became one of the richest institutions of its kind and flourished as a monastery

for 400 years. Much later, the house played host to 19th-century philosophers and politicians and was also featured in the latest adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd. The award-winning gardens include an arboretum and the highest-powered fountain in the country.

We continue to the historic market town of Glastonbury, steeped in wonder and mystery. Popular with those seeking spiritual enlightenment, it’s synonymous with the largest music festival in the world but also boasts over 100 listed buildings, a fascinating museum, a holy well, atmospheric abbey ruins and a whole host of weird and wonderful shops.

Longleat House

Forde Abbey

We then enjoy a scenic drive through the magnificent limestone Cheddar Gorge in the heart of Somerset. Classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Britain's largest gorge features dramatic cliffs rising up 450ft and stunning stalactite caverns; it’s a true sight to behold. No visit here is complete without a trip to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, a working dairy where we find out more about the birthplace of this delicious cheese.

Tuesday: Fairfield House & Orchard Wyndham

We begin with an out-of-hours guided tour with the current owner of Fairfield House in rural Somerset. We learn how a house has existed on this site since 1167 and most of what we see today was finished in 1589, with later additions completed in the 18th century. The Elizabethan property is fascinating to explore and we discover intriguing tales of the Acland Hood family who have called Fairfield home for 800 years. After our tour there is time to enjoy a wander through the beautiful grounds, once a medieval deer park, which features a stunning walled garden.

For lunch we head to Orchard Mill before continuing to intriguing Orchard Wyndham, nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park and home to the Wyndhams for over 700 years. Surviving documents reveal how part of the house existed in 1287, but fascinating excavations suggest that the history of this site stretches back a lot further. Sir William Wyndham, Jacobite leader and Chancellor of the Exchequer to Queen Anne, was commanded to remain here after a spell in the Tower of London upon the orders of the new King George III. To pass the time, William decided to make some home improvements, including a Drawing Room, extensive gardens and a roof over the medieval courtyard. We can see these additions during our visit today, as well as the treasures enclosed within the varying architectural styles left by each generation.

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

Wednesday: Longleat House, Bishop’s Palace & Wells

This morning we head to Longleat House, widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest examples of Elizabethan architecture.

Substantially completed by 1580, Longleat House is set within 900 acres of stunning ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland featuring a fine lawn, serpentine river, wooded hills and meandering pathways. We enjoy a guided tour of the impressive house with its ornate painted ceilings and priceless antiques acquired by generations of the Thynn family, which range from intricate Flemish tapestries and ancient manuscripts to unique paintings and rare French furniture. No visit here is complete without embarking on a drive-through safari, the first of its kind outside Africa, to admire the stunning grounds and wonderful wildlife.

Our next stop is the cathedral city of Wells, with its eclectic mix of historic buildings and quaint narrow streets. Here we discover the Bishop’s Palace, a unique medieval palace which has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. We enjoy a guided tour of highlights such as the private chapel and the beautiful Royal Horticultural Society partner gardens.

We round off the day with some time at leisure in peaceful Wells, home to England’s first Gothic cathedral, still intact and the reason for Wells being the smallest ‘city’ in England.

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

Š 4 nights at the Webbington Hotel & Spa, Axbridge with dinner & breakfast

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Forde Abbey, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Fairfield, Orchard Wnydham, Longleat House, Bishop’s Palace & Wells

Š Guided tour of Forde Abbey

Š Out-of-hours guided tour with the owner at Fairfield House

Š Lunch at Orchard Mill

Š Guided tour with the owner at Orchard Wyndham

Š Guided house tour & safari tour at Longleat

Š Guided tour of Bishops Palace

Š Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

Nestled in the idyllic Somerset countryside just south of Bristol, the Webbington Hotel & Spa is housed in a charming black and white Edwardian manor. The extensive leisure facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and floodlit tennis courts, combined with an oak-panelled restaurant, traditional bar and en-suite rooms with flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost.

Single supplement £200

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. 13 steps to entrance. Limited ground floor rooms.

Cheddar Gorge

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, learn 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.

Itinerary

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 for a guided tour. 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 trip to Portmeirion, an enchanting Italianate village filled with colourful domed buildings and created by the famous Welsh architect after taking inspiration from 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. We also enjoy afternoon tea here.

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens 5

Portmeirion

Wednesday: Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens & 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. 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. After all that exploring, we have some lunch here before our next visit.

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 (who currently has over 700,000 Youtube followers!), 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 and sheepdog demonstration. 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 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.

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 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.

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

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

Š Porterage where available

Š Welcome drink

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Plas Brondanw, Portmeirion, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Ty’n Llwyfan Farm, Plasglasgwm & Gwyrch Castle

Š Guided tour of Plas Brondanw

Š Afternoon tea in Portmeirion

Š Lunch at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

Š Tractor pull & sheepdog demonstration at Ty’n Llwyfan Farm

Š Guided tour of Plasglasgwm

Š Guided tour of Gwyrch Castle

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

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. There is also plenty of entertainment at the hotel, including live music, comedy shows, ballroom and sequence dancing plus a range of hosted activities.

Upgrade to a Signature Room for £40 per person (please see website or call for further details)

Single supplement £230

Hotel Accessibility

No lift. No steps to entrance. Ground floor rooms.

Gwyrch Castle

Portmeirion

Gareth Wyn Jones

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses

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 an exclusive guided tour with the owners of Ballywalter Park; offering an intimate insight into the generations who have lived in this architectural treasure. We also admire the much-loved family home and world-famous gardens of Mount Stewart House plus the exquisite Glenarm Castle, combining these fascinating discoveries with the mystical Giant’s Causeway.

Itinerary

Sunday: Arrival

We fly to Belfast and transfer to the Holiday Inn, Belfast. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Monday: Glenarm Castle, Giant’s Causeway & Benvarden

This morning we head to one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle, which has been the private residence of the Earls of Antrim for 400 years. Throughout the castle are superb examples of Irish furniture as well as portraits of family members from the early 17th century onwards, which we learn about on our guided tour. We also explore the castle’s

walled garden, one of Ireland’s oldest, originally created to supply the house with fruit and vegetables and now filled with lovely flowers and specimen plants.

We continue along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route with its breathtaking views and rugged beauty, meandering along to the Giant’s Causeway. So-named for the enormous basalt columns produced by volcanic eruptions some sixty million years ago, it is 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 for those with limited mobility.

Mount Stewart House

6 DAYS

SUN 22 SEP TO FRI 27 SEP BY AIR FROM £1,399

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.

Next, we head to Hillsborough Castle, a beautiful late Georgian mansion created in the 1770s by Wills Hill, the first Marquis of Downshire. Surrounded by 100 acres of glorious gardens, Hillsborough boasts elegant State Rooms filled with wonderful paintings, furnishings and curiosities. Generations of the Hill family lived at Hillsborough until the early 20th century when the castle began to develop the political and royal associations for which it is famous today. Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret spent many holidays at Hillsborough and since the 1970s, it has been the official residence of both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the British monarch.

What's Included

Š Return flights to Belfast

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

Š Airport transfers in Ireland

Š 5 nights at the Holiday Inn, Belfast with breakfast

Š Welcome drink & buffet dinner on the first evening

Š Porterage where available

Š After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

Tuesday:

Redhall Estate & Titanic Belfast

Today we take a peek into the Redhall Estate, a private family home which dates back to the 16th century, with a 12th-century motte and bailey still standing proudly near to the house. Sitting pretty in ancient parkland, Redhall has been shaped by various generations and boasts stunning views over Islandmagee and Larne Lough.

Afterwards, we make our way back to Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital to 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.

Wednesday:

Montalto Estate & Hillsborough Castle

Our first visit is to 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 & Ballywalter Park

Our destination this morning is 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. 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.

From here we make our way to one of Ireland’s most important historic houses, Ballywalter Park, for a fascinating guided tour with the owner. 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 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.

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

Š Coach transfers to & from your excursions

Š Visits to Glenarm Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Benvarden, Redhall Estate, Titanic Belfast, Montalto Estate, Hillsborough Castle, Mount Stewart House & Ballywalter Park

Š Guided tour of Glenarm Castle

Š Guided tour of Ballywalter Park

Š Accompanied by a friendly tour manager in Ireland

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

Hotel JG4 rating ****

The Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre is ideally located in walking distance of local restaurants and traditional Irish bars and cafés, perfect for soaking up the welcoming hospitality of this vibrant city. The hotel offers everything we need for a comfortable stay and you can expect a relaxed open lobby with a bar and Starbucks coffee shop, restaurant, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and stylish rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen TV.

Single supplement £380

Hotel Accessibility

Lift to all floors. Steps and ramp to entrance. No ground floor rooms.

Ballywalter Park

CASTLE HOWARD

FAIRFAX HOUSE

BROCKFIELD HALL

HAREWOOD HOUSE

BURTON CONSTABLE HALL

BURTON AGNES HALL

A Fireside Tour of Festive

Homes in Yorkshire

Step in from the cold and into a host of cosy homes in beautiful Yorkshire, where festive decorations bathe exquisite properties in a warm glow and historic rooms are illuminated with twinkling trees. This is a magical time of year to explore some of the county’s finest gems, including stunning Castle Howard, with its unique annual theme, grand Harewood House and enchanting Burton Agnes Hall; this special break is like walking into a yuletide scene from centuries ago. We also delve into a Georgian Christmas with 18 th -century traditions at charming Fairfax House, a time before the Victorian-born customs we know and love today even existed.

SUN 01 DEC - THU 05 DEC FROM £999

Your Tour

3 4 nights at the Marriott Hotel, York with dinner & breakfast

3 Porterage where available

3 Welcome drink

3 After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel

3 Coach transfers to & from your excursions

3 Visits to Castle Howard, Fairfax House, Brockfield Hall, Harewood House, Burton Constable Hall & Burton Agnes Hall

3 Lunch at Castle Howard

3 Guided tour & refreshments at Fairfax House

3 Festive afternoon tea at Harewood House

3 Guided tour & refreshments at Burton Constable Hall

3 Guided tour & festive refreshments at Burton Agnes Hall

3 Themed evening talk from a guest speaker

3 Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout

Single supplement £200

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

Please note: if you wish to make your own way on this tour, a discount of £100pp will be applied.

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.

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. 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 printing (August 2023) and will be honoured for bookings made on or before 22/09/23. Prices after this date 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

Belfast

Mount Stewart House