The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all rights applying to packages; 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 have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that they become insolvent. Just Go Holidays Limited are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group, overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited. This is a government approved consumer protection scheme.
This ensures that in relation to the coach package holidays described in this brochure that a Bond, which may be called upon in the unlikely event of the members Insolvency, protects the clients’ monies. Clients are recommended to inspect the current membership certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to abtot.com/bch-abtot-members-directory/ or telephone 0207 065 5316 to confirm current membership. Your attention is also drawn to the Bonded Coach Holiday Group Trading Charter that will apply to these coach 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 The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
Front Cover Image: Powderham Castle, Kent
Kentwell Hall
Hundreds of Homes, Thousands of Stories
Discover the nation’s glorious heritage
We’re delighted to introduce an enthralling collection of bespoke escorted tours for 2025, produced in support of Historic Houses, and giving 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 2025 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 a leisurely steamer cruise on Lake Windermere through to an afternoon tea at a Tudor castle.
Supporting Beautiful Properties for future
generations to enjoy
Just Go! Holidays is proud to pledge their support of Historic Houses and show commitment to their work. For every person who books on to one of these Historic Houses breaks, Just Go! Holidays will make a donation to Historic Houses This will help Historic Houses assist owners in conserving these wonderful places for future generations to enjoy.
As well as some firm favourites to Cornwall, Kent, the Lake District and beyond, there are plenty of riveting new tours to choose from. The Stately Homes & Historic Halls of Royal Norfolk allows us to discover the proud heritage and secrets of some fascinating historic homes in the region while Christmastime in the Country Homes of the Cotswolds offers a wonderful festive celebration in the Shires.
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 their important work to keep these special places alive for future generations.
We look forward to your company in 2025.
Ben Cowell Director General Historic Houses
Are you a Member of Historic Houses?
Prices shown on the tour pages 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.
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.
Highgrove Gardens
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.
All of our tours include...
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
Tea & coffee with included dinners at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
What’s Inside
08-09
A Tour of Kent’s Most Exclusive Castles, Gardens & Houses
10-11
Coast to Coast: Cornish Homes & Gardens
12-13
The Grand Castles & Finest Homes of Devon
14-15
A Kaleidoscope of Coast & Country in Dorset
16-17
Northumbria's Most Splendid Castles, Churches & Homes
18-19
Majestic Castles, Gardens & Homes of Glorious Gloucestershire
20-21
Hidden Houses of the Lake District 22-23
The Stately Homes & Historic Halls of Royal Norfolk
24-25
The Splendour of Diverse & Stunning Somerset
26-27
An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses - By Air
28-29
A Fireside Tour of Festive Homes in Yorkshire
30-31
Christmastime in the Country Homes of the Cotswolds
32-33
Frequently Asked Questions
Book or enquire online at: justgoholidays.com/historichouses or call: 03332 342 172
35
Air Dates & Prices
FEAST YOUR EYES ON NATIONAL TREASURES, HISTORIC HOMES & NATURAL WONDERS
Tailored itineraries visiting Historic Houses properties across the country
Special extras and guided tours at many properties
Escorted by a friendly tour manager
Discount for Historic Houses Members
Please see page 3 for information.
Quality, hand-picked hotels
Flexible travel options
Historic Houses member discount
Sudeley Castle
DAYS
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 memorable visit to the idyllic Hole Park and our fragrant discovery of The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle rounds off this celebration of magnificent Kent.
Itinerary
Monday: Arrival
Check in to the Holiday Inn, Maidstone – Sevenoaks in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
Tuesday: Hole Park & Allington Castle
We begin with a trip 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
Hole Park
Wednesday: Lullingstone Castle & the World Garden & Provender House
After breakfast, we make our way to Lullingstone Castle, recorded in the Domesday Book and one of the oldest family estates in England. The present manor house was built in 1497 and has been home to the same family ever since. Altered extensively in Queen Anne’s time, the house boasts fine state rooms and beautiful grounds, including a stunning 15-acre lake and the World Garden, home to thousands of rare plants collected from around the world by Tom Hart Dyke, the current heir, planted in their respective continents of origin. Incredibly, the ideas and plans for this garden were started during Tom’s nine-month kidnap ordeal in the early 2000s, a result of rare plant hunting in the Colombian jungle. There are plenty of unique species, including the world’s most dangerous plant, the hottest chilli and the rarest gum tree. If he is available, Tom takes us on a guided tour.
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,* rounded off with tea and cake.
After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.
Thursday: Camden Place & Belmont House
Today we visit Camden Place, the house where the overthrown Napoleon III died in exile, where
we enjoy tea and cake. 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.
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.
Friday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at the Holiday Inn, Maidstone – Sevenoaks with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Hole Park , Allington Castle, Lullingstone Castle & the World Garden, Provender House, Camden Place & Belmont House
Exclusive meeting with the owner, refreshments, lunch & guided tour of Hole Park
Exclusive guided tour of Allington Castle
Guided tour with Princess Olga Romanoff* & refreshments at Provender House
Refreshments at Camden Place
Guided tour & refreshments at Belmont House
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
*Subject to availability. If the Princess is not available, the tour will be led by another family member.
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel JG3 rating ***
This Holiday Inn is ideally located for our exploration of Kent, near the county town of Maidstone. The hotel features modern bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi, as well as a restaurant, bar, health club with indoor swimming pool and gym.
Single supplement £180
Hotel Accessibility
Accessible rooms available. Step-free access to the hotel.
Provender House
Provender House
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. 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 luxurious Penventon Park 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, which we discover on a guided tour. The 17th-century mansion is surrounded by acres upon acres of peaceful parkland, spectacular specimens and beautifully landscaped gardens, which
5 DAYS SUN 1 JUN TO THU 5 JUN FROM £1,299
Caerhays Castle and Gardens
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
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 about the history of this Celtic nation and its language, from Charlie Fripp and Cornwall Grand Bard Pol Hodge.
Wednesday: Pencarrow House and Gardens & Prideaux Place
A warm Cornish welcome awaits at Pencarrow House, nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor and the family home of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for almost 500 years. Our guided tour uncovers the secrets of this magnificent house, along with hidden passageways, glorious portraits, fine porcelain and marble busts sporting a variety of hats upon the wishes of the Lady of the Manor! There is plenty to explore outside too, from a colourful Italian garden and wild woodlands to walking routes, an Iron Age hill fort
and a grotto, believed to have once been a secret meeting place.
We continue with a guided tour of Prideaux Place on the north coast, located close to Padstow and the home to fourteen generations of the Prideaux-Brunes. Completed in 1592, this Elizabethan manor house has changed little over the last four centuries and the magnificent rooms offer a captivating slice of history and plenty of unique treasures, including Italian paintings, elegant antiques, an ever-growing collection of teddy bears and you can also find England’s oldest cast iron canon in the armoury. The author of Poldark, Winston Graham, became a great friend of the family and regularly visited the house, and part of the estate was used for dramatic clifftop scenes in the 2015 BBC adaptation of the popular novel. Outside, the grounds are gradually being restored to their former glory with an 80-tree lime avenue and a remodelling of the Victorian formal garden.
Thursday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at the Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Caerhays Castle and Gardens, Trewithen Gardens, St Michael’s Mount , Roswarne House, Pencarrow House and Gardens & Prideaux Place
Guided tour with the owner & lunch at Caerhays Castle
Guided tour of Trewithen Gardens
Guided tour with the owner & Cornish cream tea at Roswarne House
Guided tour at Pencarrow House
Guided tour of Prideaux Place
Themed evening talk from two guest speakers
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel JG4 rating ****
The Penventon Park Hotel is a beautifully converted Georgian manor house set in private parkland in Redruth, Cornwall. This independently-owned hotel combines elegant interior style in keeping with original Georgian features and offers traditionally-styled guest rooms, a bar, lounge and restaurant. Leisure facilities include a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness suite. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost.
Single supplement £100 Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. No steps to one entrance, 5 steps to another entrance. Some ground floor rooms available.
Join us deep in the hidden valleys of Devon, a land epitomised by castles that could easily spring forth from a fairytale, magic of a bygone era and breathtaking yet diverse scenery. There is much to discover, from the majestic walls of Powderham Castle which guards 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.
Itinerary
Thursday: Arrival
Check in to the Mercure Hotel, Paignton in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
Friday: 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 artefacts and plenty of elegant antiques). We find out more on our guided tour, complete with a traditional Devonshire cream tea. Outside, the grounds offer an enticing network of colourful walkways, secret walled gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown.
*Subject to availability.
THU 5 JUN TO MON 9 JUN THU 4 SEP TO MON 8 SEP FROM £1,049
Powderham Castle
Ugsbrooke House
Saturday: 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.
Sunday: Downes House & Great Fulford
This morning are treated to refreshments and a guided tour with the owner of Downes House, a lived-in family home which hasn’t changed hands for over 330 years. Built in 1662 and set within idyllic parkland, the stunning architectural gem is Grade II listed and is full of traces from Parker-Buller family life. There are also plenty of portraits and paintings, as well as a little museum dedicated to General Sir Redvers Buller, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Battle of Hlobane,
part of the Zulu War of 1879.
Our day finishes at Great Fulford, first and foremost a family home for over 800 years and Grade I listed by English Heritage. The ballroom has been recently restored to its former glory complete with an impressive, ornate ceiling sculpted by Geoffrey Preston. We take a peek around this special house, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and spend time in the gardens here, which feature a pretty lake, beech avenue and more.
After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.
Monday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at the Mercure Paignton Hotel, Paignton with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Powderham Castle, Ugsbrooke House, Bickleigh Castle, Fursdon House, Downes House & Great Fulford
Guided tour with the owner at Powderham Castle
Devonshire cream tea at Ugsbrooke House
Guided tour & refreshments at Downes House
Cream tea at Great Fulford
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel JG4 rating
****
This lovely Mercure Hotel boasts a fabulous location along Paignton Beach in the heart of Torbay. The elegantly designed bedrooms offer tea and coffee-making facilities, smart TV and eco-friendly toiletries, while other hotel features include a restaurant with stunning sea views and an al fresco terrace plus a comfortable lounge/bar.
Single supplement £180
Hotel Accessibility
Accessible rooms available. Step-free access to public areas. Lifts to all floors.
Bickleigh Castle
Great Fulford
5 DAYS
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 enchanting setting for many of Thomas Hardy’s works. We’re treated to guided tours through the wealth of medieval houses and treasured sites littered across the land, including unique Moignes Court, Warmwell House, the Himalayan Minterne Gardens and the kaleidoscopic Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, home to a variety of rare and exotic plants.
Itinerary
Sunday: Arrival
Check in to the Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
Monday: Minterne Gardens & Athelhampton House
For our first visit we make our way to the Minterne estate, ancestral home of the Churchill and Digby families since 1620 and nestled in a peaceful valley. As the house is closed to the public, today we discover the stunning gardens on a guided tour with the current owner, Lord Digby. Resplendent with Himalayan rhodedendrons and azaleas, cherries, maples and rare trees, and with
peaceful little lakes, trickling waterfalls and gently bubbling streams too, it really is the perfect setting for a tranquil stroll before we enjoy lunch here.
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, complete with refreshments.
Tuesday: Moignes Court & Warmwell House
Today we start our day with a guided tour (with the owners if they are available on the day) of 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
Athelhampton House
Warmwell House
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.
Next, 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 not usually open to the public, 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.
After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.
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, our next stop of the Grade 1 listed Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a fascinating highlight of the county, with a legacy stretching 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. 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 on our fragrant guided tour.
To round off our day we spend some time at Abbotsbury Swannery, once established by Benedictine monks and home to the only managed colony of mute swans in the world.
Thursday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at the Grosvenor Arms , Shaftesbury with dinner & breakfast
Guided garden tour with Lord Digby & lunch at Minterne Gardens
Guided tour & refreshments at Athelhampton House
Guided tour of Moignes Court
Exclusive guided tour of Warmwell House
Guided tour of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
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
The Grosvenor Arms is a lovely boutique hotel in the pretty Dorset town of Shaftesbury. A wonderful mix of Georgian features and elegant décor, the hotel offers a restaurant, cosy bar with a wood burner, relaxing conservatory, outdoor terrace and beautifully designed bedrooms with a smart TV, Pure radio, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities and luxury toiletries.
Single supplement £280
Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. Step-free access to the hotel. Accessible rooms available.
Mapperton House
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Northumbria's Most Splendid Castles, Churches
& Homes
A journey back in time to the ancient kingdom of Northumbria beckons on this enthralling break, filled with historic tales and fascinating guided tours. As we weave through a magical land dotted with atmospheric relics of the past, we admire a host of beautiful churches, abbeys and castles and learn more about their intriguing stories. We follow in the footsteps of King Cnut at the incredibly well-preserved Raby Castle and enjoy a special visit to magnificent Naworth Castle, the private ancestral home of the Howard family and renowned for its Pre-Raphaelite ambience and sumptuous interiors, 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
4 nights at the Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel, Allensford with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Ushaw College, Brancepeth Castle, St Brandon’s Church, Raby Castle, Rokeby Park , Naworth Castle & Hexham Abbey
Guided tour & refreshments at Ushaw College
Guided tour with the owner & afternoon tea at Brancepeth Castle
Private guided tour at Raby Castle
Guided tour of Rokeby Park
Private guided tour with the owner & lunch at Naworth Castle
Guided tour of Hexham Abbey
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
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 £160
Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. Several steps to entrance. No ground floor rooms.
Majestic Castles, Gardens & 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 warmer months. 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.
Sunday: Arrival
Check in to the hotel in 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
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
4 nights at a selected hotel in Cheltenham with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Berkeley Castle, Dr Jenner’s House, Thornbury Castle, Highgrove Gardens, Woodchester Mansion, Cirencester Park & Kelmscott Manor
Guided tour of Berkeley Castle
Afternoon tea at Thornbury Castle
Guided tour of Highgrove Gardens
Guided tour of Woodchester Mansion
Guided tour of Cirencester Park
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel - June JG4+ rating
****
Queens Hotel, Cheltenham
On the June departure date, we stay at the Queens Hotel, steeped in history and boasting a lavish Palladian-style exterior. The hotel overlooks a manicured garden, while the classically-elegant bedrooms provide a relaxing oasis at this Cotswold retreat.
Hotel - July JG4 rating
****
Delta Hotel by Marriott, Cheltenham
On the July departure date, we stay at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, a contemporary hotel perched on the edge of the Cotswolds. The stylish bedrooms feature a TV, high-speed Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is also a bar and restaurant with stunning views, plus indulgent spa and leisure facilities.
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 Ro Hotel, Windermere 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.
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.
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.
Wednesday: Lake Windermere Cruise & Holker Hall and Gardens
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.
What's Included
4 nights at the Ro Hotel, Windermere with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Johnby Hall, Dalemain Mansion, Leighton Hall, Levens Hall, Lake Windermere & Holker Hall and Gardens
Guided tour with the owners & refreshments at Johnby Hall
Guided garden tour with a Gardener & lunch at Levens Hall
Cruise on Lake Windermere
Guided tour & lunch at Holker Hall and Gardens
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel JG4 rating ****
The Ro Hotel, Windermere, Reopened in 2021 after a multi-million-pound investment and nestled in the heart of the Lake District’s pretty Bowness-on-Windermere, the Ro Hotel offers a tranquil setting to relax in. You can expect a lovely restaurant with stunning views of Lake Windermere, an outdoor terrace, bar and luxurious rooms with flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar and complimentary toiletries.
Single supplement £340
Hotel Accessibility
Accessible rooms available. Lifts to all floors. Step-free access to main areas.
Levens Hall
Lake Windermere
The Stately Homes & Historic Halls of Royal Norfolk
Norfolk is known for its big skies, wide horizons and sandy beaches but also for its fascinating heritage and abundance of beautiful Historic Houses properties, ranging from fairytale moated manors to Arts and Crafts homes. Many are spectacular examples of the Palladian style of architecture, celebrated for their magnificent interiors and glorious gardens; the finest of which we discover on this captivating break. During our fascinating guided tour of Hindringham Hall and Gardens, you can expect everything from medieval fishponds to tales of the connection to Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, while our visit to Sandringham offers an enthralling glimpse into Royal Family life.
Itinerary
Sunday: Arrival
Check in to the Best Western Knights Hill Hotel, King’s Lynn in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
Monday: Holkham Hall, Clifton House & King’s Lynn
We make our way to Holkham Hall, an elegant 18th-century country mansion constructed in the Palladian style for Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. Set in a vast landscaped park, the hall is currently home to the 8th Earl of Leicester and his family. The spectacular Marble Hall, with
its splendid colonnade and breathtaking 50ft domed ceiling, was inspired by the Temple of Fortuna Virilis and the Pantheon in Rome. At the same time, the magnificent state rooms boast superb collections of ancient statuary, original furniture and tapestries plus works of art from the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck and Gainsborough. We discover more on our private guided tour.
Later, we visit Clifton House, a medieval merchant’s house with incredible interiors dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, showcasing the transformation of the building throughout the years. This Grade I listed building features a vaulted undercroft and a five-storey Elizabethan tower, added in the early years of
Elizabeth I’s reign. It continues to be a privately owned home and we enjoy a guided tour by the owner and refreshments.
Houghton Hall
King's Lynn
King's Lynn, founded in the 12th century, was known as Bishop’s Lynn until 1537, with both names representing the market town’s prosperous growth. We have time to explore this old town’s historical landmarks such as St. Margaret’s church, while a guided tour offers a glimpse into its past, led by the owners of Clifton House. As we wander past well-preserved merchant houses along cobbled streets, we discover more about the town’s history and maritime heritage.
Tuesday: Hindringham Hall & Walsingham Abbey
We visit Hindringham Hall, one of Norfolk’s hidden gems. The picturesque Tudor manor house was built by Martin Hastings, a courtier to Henry VII’s illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, using stone taken from the local monasteries which were then being dissolved. We enjoy a guided tour, where we learn more about the house, from its inhabitants over the last 500 years to the four acres of impressive gardens on either side of the 13th-century moat surrounding the house. There is also time to discover the highlights including the working walled vegetable and fruit garden, Victorian greenhouse, water garden, wild garden and medieval fishponds.
Afterwards, we head to charming Walsingham for lunch (not included) before discovering Walsingham Abbey, famous for the spectacular remains of a medieval priory. A place of pilgrimage since the 11th century, the priory was destroyed during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. We enjoy a guided tour, learning more about the abbey’s rich history and taking in the beautiful stained glass windows
by Michael Cole plus David Begbie’s unique CRUCIFIX sculpture in the nearby Anglican Shrine. There’s also time to explore the unspoilt woodland and landscape parkland, accessed over an ancient packhorse bridge.
Wednesday: Houghton Hall & Sandringham
Our first visit is to Houghton Hall, one of England’s finest Palladian houses, where we enjoy a guided tour. Built during the 1720s by Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, the Hall boasts sumptuous staterooms lavishly endowed with pictures, statuary and fine furniture, while outside there is an award-winning, five-acre garden and contemporary sculpture park.
Next, we head to the house, gardens and museum of Sandringham, the countryside retreat of the Royal Family. There’s free time for lunch here (not included) before we explore the estate. Built in 1870, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. The interiors feature astonishing exhibits such as a historical collection of arms and armour brought back from the Far East and India in 1876, while the walls are hung with family portraits by leading contemporary court painters. The mostly informal gardens include woodland walks, rockeries, magnificent sweeping lawns, lakes and the more formal North Garden. The museum, housed in the former coach houses and stable block, holds extraordinary collections of royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia.
Thursday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at the Best Western Knights Hill Hotel & Spa, South Wootton with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Holkham Hall, Clifton House, Hindringham Hall, Walsingham Abbey, Houghton Hall & Sandringham
Guided tour at Holkham Hall
Guided tour with the owner & refreshments at Clifton House
Guided walking tour of King’s Lynn with the owners of Clifton House
Guided tour of Hindringham Hall
Guided tour of Walsingham Abbey
Guided tour of Houghton Hall
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Hotel JG4 rating ****
The Best Western Knights Hill Hotel & Spa is situated in the heart of the beautiful Norfolk countryside, on the outskirts of King’s Lynn. The hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms, a garden brasserie and bar overlooking the beautiful walled garden and an on-site pub, The Farmers Arms Inn. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room, and fully-equipped gym (spa treatments are available at an extra cost). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Single supplement £280
Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. Accessible rooms available. Ramps at main entrance and public areas.
Sandringham
Holkham Hall
5 DAYS
The Splendour of Diverse & Stunning Somerset
The beautiful landscapes and historic treasures of Somerset and the West Country await on this delightful 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; this really is the best of the West.
Itinerary
Monday: Arrival
Check in to the Somerset hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
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.
Our next stop is 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.
We then enjoy a scenic drive through the
Longleat House
Forde Abbey
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.
Wednesday: Fairfield House & Orchard Wyndham
Today begins 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.
We continue 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.
Thursday: 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 too, 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.
Friday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at a selected hotel in Somerset with dinner & breakfast
Out-of-hours guided tour with the owner at Fairfield House
Guided tour with the owner at Orchard Wyndham
Guided house tour & safari tour at Longleat
Guided tour of Bishops Palace
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel - July JG3+ rating
***
On the July departure date, we stay at the Holiday Inn Taunton, which offers everything we need for a relaxing stay.
The hotel boasts a restaurant, bar, lounge area offering Starbucks drinks, complimentary parking, health club with an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym, plus elegant bedrooms with TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel - Sep JG3 rating
***
On the September departure date, we stay at the Walnut Tree Hotel, located between Taunton and Bridgwater. You can expect a warm welcome along with a restaurant, bar and well-appointed rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries.
Single supplement from £280
Hotel Accessibility
Lifts to all floors. Accessible rooms available.
Cheddar Gorge
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 a 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.
Please note: if you wish to make your own way on this tour, a discount of £100pp will be applied.
Monday: Glenarm Castle & Giant’s Causeway
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
6 DAYS SUN 7 SEP TO FRI 12 SEP BY AIR FROM £1,499
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
Mount Stewart House
Giant's Causeway
stories and science that surround this natural phenomenon. Please note that it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
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.
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.
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.
What's Included
Return flights to Belfast
Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
Airport transfers in Ireland
5 nights at the Holiday Inn, Belfast with breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Glenarm Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Redhall Estate, Titanic Belfast , Montalto Estate, Hillsborough Castle, Mount Stewart House & Ballywalter Park
Guided tour of Glenarm Castle
Guided tour of Mount Stewart
Guided tour of Ballywalter Park with the owners
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 £320
Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. Steps and ramp to entrance. No ground floor rooms.
Ballywalter Park
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. December 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 18th-century traditions at charming Fairfax House and are transported back to a time before the Victorian-born customs we know and love today even existed.
Itinerary
Sunday: Arrival
Check in to the Doubletree by Hilton York in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
Monday: Castle Howard & Fairfax House
Our first visit of the day is to Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for over 300 years. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and TV adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel, as well as providing the backdrop for various scenes in the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton
This magnificent 18th-century residence, surmounted by its iconic gilded dome, offers world-renowned collections and stunning architecture, all set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking wintery scenery. Every Christmas season, the estate takes on a different magical
5 DAYS SUN 07 DEC TO THU 11 DEC FROM £1,049
theme, such as Narnia or Neverland, where stunning installations and projections bring ever-popular tales to life. After time exploring the estate and marvelling at the festive wonderland, we enjoy lunch here.
We then travel south to Fairfax House in York for a guided tour and refreshments. This architectural gem is a stunning Georgian townhouse that has been restored to its former glory, providing a perfect time capsule of life in Georgian times with a richly decorated interior and a fine collection of English 18th-century furniture. We learn more about the festive traditions of the era, which include some unique decorations in place of the Victorian-born customs we are used to today.
Castle Howard
Fairfax House
Tuesday: Brockfield Hall & Harewood House
We begin with a visit to Brockfield Hall, a delightful late Georgian house designed by Peter Atkinson, the partner of eminent architect John Carr. Purchased in 1951 by Lord Martin Fitzalan Howard, brother to the 17th Duke of Norfolk, it is now the family home of his grandson and boasts the UK’s largest collection of paintings by Yorkshire’s impressionist artists, the Staithes Group.
The spectacular Harewood House awaits this afternoon, sumptuously dressed for Christmas. When Edwin Lascelles started building in 1759, he employed the finest craftsmen of the time: York-born architect John Carr, interior designer Robert Adam, England’s greatest furniture maker Thomas Chippendale and visionary landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The house is also filled with an outstanding art collection ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to 20th-century art including paintings by JMW Turner, Reynolds, Titian and El Greco. Harewood is still home to the Lascelles family and reflects the changing tastes and styles of the past 250 years. We are treated to a festive afternoon tea to round off our visit.
After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.
Wednesday: Burton Constable Hall & Burton Agnes Hall
This morning we enjoy a guided tour and refreshments at Burton Constable Hall, a
lovely Grade I-listed Elizabethan country house designed by eminent architect John Carr. Privately owned by the Wyvill family for centuries, the hall appeared in the popular 1978 TV adaptation of Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small. We admire the elegant interiors and personal treasures enclosed within, illuminated with twinkling decorations at this special time of year, and there’s time to explore the grounds too.
Our last visit takes us to Burton Agnes Hall, where we are treated to festive refreshments in this beautifully decorated treasure. While the hall was designed in the 1500s by Robert Smythson, Master Mason to Elizabeth I, the estate dates back further to 1173, when Roger de Stuteville built the Norman manor house. Since then, the property has never changed hands by sale and has amassed a whole host of treasures as a result. You can expect unique period features, such as the original Elizabethan carving and plasterwork, alongside French paintings, Epstein bronzes, Chinese porcelain and more. Wrap up warm to take a refreshing stroll in the beautiful award-winning grounds, which feature frosty gardens, a yew maze and a tranquil arboretum walk.
Thursday: Departure
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel for our journey home.
What's Included
4 nights at the Doubletree by Hilton, York with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to & from your excursions
Visits to Castle Howard, Fairfax House, Brockfield Hall, Harewood House, Burton Constable Hall & Burton Agnes Hall
Lunch at Castle Howard
Guided tour at Fairfax House
Festive afternoon tea at Harewood House
Guided tour & refreshments at Burton Constable Hall
Guided tour & festive refreshments at Burton Agnes Hall
Themed evening talk from a guest speaker
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Single supplement £280
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel JG4 rating
****
Located in the centre of beautiful York and overlooking the historic city walls and famous Monk Bar gateway, the Doubletree by Hilton York is the perfect base for our break. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and stylish bedrooms with LCD TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.
Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. Accessible rooms available.
Harewood House
Christmastime in the Country Homes of the Cotswolds
Historic houses filled with sparkling decorations, ancient castles aglow with twinkling lights and dazzling trails winding around beautiful grounds; there’s nothing like the run up to Christmas in the Cotswolds. Start your December celebrations with a magical break taking in the highlights of the Shires, including the Georgian jewel of Ardington House and mighty Blenheim Palace, where the stunning interiors and Great Court are transformed into a scene straight from a Christmas card. The festive delights continue with Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light; the perfect chance to admire spectacular illuminations with a spiced mulled wine or warming hot chocolate in hand.
Sunday: Arrival
Check in to the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Cheltenham in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.
Monday: Ditchely Park & Blenheim Palace
Our first day begins with Ditchley Park, a Grade I listed Palladian mansion and one of the country’s finest estates, which has been used as a country retreat for royalty and those in power for centuries, symbolised by the stag antlers hunted by James I which adorn the Saloon. The first owner of the property, Sir Henry Lee,
was one of Elizabeth I’s most eminent courtiers and welcomed the monarch to Ditchley in 1592, commemorated by the lavish Ditchley portrait which now hangs at the National Portrait Gallery. In the 1930s, the house was transformed by wealthy Anglo-Americans Ronnie and Nancy Tree (who became the famous decorator Nancy Lancaster), while Winston Churchill used Ditchley as a secret base at the start of the Second World War. Elizabeth II also visited several times, and we find out more during our guided tour.
During this special time of year, the house takes on a different theme and is decorated sumptuously for Christmas, glittering with
5 DAYS SUN 14 DEC TO THU 18 DEC
FROM £1,099
festive lights and beautiful decorations. Outside, there is an enchanting Christmas Market in the Great Court, where the cosy chalets are bursting with homemade gifts and tasty treats, as well as
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace
a magical, illuminated trail around the grounds.
After dinner this evening we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.
Tuesday: Berkeley Castle & Sudeley Castle Festival of Light
We start the day with a guided tour of Berkeley Castle, built by Robert Fitzharding in the 12th century and 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 here, complete with sparkling trees and twinkling lights. Reigning monarch Edward II was sent to Berkeley as a prisoner after his wife Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer usurped his power, and we can even see the room where he is supposed to have been murdered in 1327. The castle is also the oldest building in the country to be inhabited by the same family who built it, and the Berkeley family are one of only four in England who can trace their ancestry from father to son right back to Saxon times.
Later, a lovely festive experience awaits at the glorious Sudeley Castle, an exquisite Cotswolds gem. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, this spectacular castle played an important role in England’s turbulent past and the castle was once home to Katherine Parr, the last of King Henry VIII’s six wives (it remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds). The magnificent fortress creates a spectacular backdrop for the Spectacle of Light, where delightful music, light beams, colourful lanterns, twinkling illuminations and sparkling water features combine to create an enchanting trail
around the grounds – it’s a real highlight of the Cotswolds festive calendar.
Wednesday: Ardington House & Lydiard House Museum
This morning we step in from the cold and into the inviting Ardington House, a true Georgian masterpiece adorned with portraits of previous occupiers. Built between 1719-1721 with perfect symmetry in mind, you can just imagine the people of ‘the ton’ socialising here centuries ago and gathering next to the Imperial staircase which dominates the property’s entrance, or in the oak-panelled dining room. Still a family home to this day after changing hands several times, we learn more about its history on a guided tour. Notable past residents include Robert Vernon, who made his fortune selling horses during the Napoleonic Wars, and Lord Wantage, who was awarded a Victoria Cross for bravery during the Crimean War and went on to establish the British Red Cross.
We continue to the beautiful historic estate of Lydiard Park, aglow with decorations at this special time of year. The striking Palladian house was the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke until it passed by marriage to the St John family, who called it home for 500 years until the Second World War. After serving as a military hospital and Prisoner of War hospital, it was refurbished and opened to the public in 1955 with its original furnishings, ornate plasterwork and family portraits dating back to Elizabethan times on display. Now restored to its former glory, it’s a lovely place to enjoy some festive refreshments and wander through the elegant State Rooms.
Thursday: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.
What's Included
4 nights at the 4-star Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Cheltenham with dinner & breakfast
Porterage where available
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea and coffee at the hotel
Coach transfers to and from your excursions
Visits to Ditchely Park , Blenheim Palace, Berkeley Castle, Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light , Ardington House & Lydiard House Museum
Guided tour of Ditchely Park
Guided tour of Berkley Castle
Guided tour of Ardington House
Festive refreshments at Lydiard House Museum
Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Hotel JG4 rating
****
Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds, the Delta by Marriott Hotel is a contemporary hotel within easy reach of Regency Cheltenham. The stylish bedrooms feature a TV, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities and the hotel also offers a bar and restaurant with stunning views, plus indulgent spa and leisure facilities.
Single supplement £260
Hotel Accessibility
Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. Ground floor rooms.
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light
Photography by Steve Green
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit and when is my final balance due?
The deposit payable at the time of booking is £125 per person (£300 per person for holidays by air). If you don’t wish to pay the full balance in one go; the remaining payment is due 8 weeks before departure (10 weeks before departure for holidays by air).
You can make payments against your balance anytime between making the booking and the balance due date. If you are booking online you can pay your remaining balance by logging into your account. You will need to log in using the email address and password you set up during the payment process.
Why do I have to pay a single supplement?
It is standard practice in the hotel trade to charge for single occupancy of a room as the cost of providing heating, lighting and cleaning etc, is the same regardless of the number of people occupying it.
Will I get a more detailed itinerary to take with me?
Yes, your full itinerary will be posted approximately two weeks prior to departure, along with your final confirmation documents.
How many travellers will be in our group?
The maximum capacity we operate on any one coach is 53 but in most cases there will be no more than 30 to 40 travellers in the group.
Will there be free parking at the hotel?
Please ask for details on hotels where car parking charges apply. Please be aware that at some hotels parking can be limited and is not guaranteed. You should aim to arrive at the hotel no earlier than 3pm.
I have limited mobility; will these tours be suitable for me?
These tours offer a varied level of activity and participants can take on as much or as little as they wish. The minimum requirement is that you are able to climb the steps onto a coach unaided and, to keep up with the pace of the tour, we recommend you are comfortable to stroll for 20–30 minutes at any one time. Any specific restrictions are indicated in the brochure and on the website. Most properties offer a good level of access, but due to their historic nature there may be some upstairs sections without lift access, or gardens with limited walkways.
Many hotels featured offer lift access, but if this is a firm requirement please check with our reservations staff at the time of booking.
Any physical condition which may necessitate special requirements (for example, the need of a wheelchair) must be reported at the time of your reservation, and we advise that you bring a companion with you if you need assistance. Coach space and weight restrictions limit the number of walking aids that we can accept on each tour therefore you must pre-book a space when you book your tour and confirmation of this will be on our correspondence to you. Please be aware that the hire of scooters or wheelchairs at Historic Houses properties must be organised in advance.
What do I do if I have a special request?
We will do our best to help but we cannot guarantee that this will be fulfilled. If your request is imperative to your enjoyment of the holiday, please inform one of the members of our reservations staff at the time of booking. All special requests are subject to availability and general confirmation that a request has been noted or passed to the supplier is not confirmation that your request will be met.
Hoveton Hall Gardens
How long will we get to spend at each excursion?
Visiting times are based on the recommendation of property staff, and we aim to allow ample time to explore and take refreshment.
Are the excursions guaranteed to be as specified in the brochure and website?
Our brochures and itineraries are put together over a year in advance therefore unfortunately things may change before the tour takes place and some excursions may be swapped from one day to another. On rare occasions a specific visit or guided tour at a property may become unavailable and we reserve the right to make a suitable replacement.
Why do I need insurance?
It is a condition of booking a holiday with us that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes sufficient medical cover for your needs as well as personal injury and repatriation cover to get you home should you not be fit to return as scheduled on our itinerary. Unfortunately, we cannot be liable for your repatriation costs in these circumstances. Should you decide not to purchase our travel insurance, any that you obtain elsewhere must offer cover as comprehensive as ours.
What do I do if I’m not completely happy?
It is imperative that if you are unhappy about any aspect of your holiday, you raise the matter IMMEDIATELY with the coach driver, tour manager or accommodation provider. If you fail to do this and deny us the opportunity to rectify the matter at the time, we shall not accept any responsibility retrospectively. If the matter cannot be resolved immediately, it is a condition that you write to us, quoting your booking reference, with the details of your complaint so that we may commence an investigation.
If anyone in your party has mobility concerns, 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 2024) but are subject to fluctuation.
Air package holidays are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions which are available to read online at justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms. Bookings are accepted on the basis that you have read and understood them. Prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to fluctuation and availability. The final price will depend on your chosen airport, airline and flight time. Financial protection is in place via the ATOL scheme and terms and conditions apply. Please visit our website for more details. Errors and omissions excepted. Operated by Just Go! Holidays, ATOL No.10889. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply.
One piece of checked-in hold luggage PER PERSON is included however; the weight allowance does vary between airlines. Please ask for details.
Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. Full terms and conditions will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Also available on request, please call 03333 212 772 or visit justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms
