Welcome to our exclusive collection of bespoke tours for 2024, offering the opportunity to visit eclectic symbols of Britain’s rich heritage and culture with their captivating stories, sumptuous interiors and striking collections. Featuring many architectural treasures under the stewardship of the National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses, as well as many fascinating independent places and spaces, these unique breaks offer a wonderful way to immerse yourself into a host of differing themes and interests; complemented by private guided tours and other special extras such as introductory talks, out-of-hours access and afternoon teas.
From delving into wartime Britain and uncovering Devon’s past mysteries to exploring hidden gems of the Brecon Beacons, our 2024 range presents an exciting choice. Music fans can look forward to the Three Choirs Weekend in Elgar’s Worcestershire or Gilbert & Sullivan in the Peak District, while art enthusiasts can walk in the footsteps of landscape painting royalty on our new Stately Suffolk & Constable Country break.
For those who like to plan ahead, there’s also an enchanting Christmastime escape with visits to some of the country’s most stunning properties, all decked out for this special time of year. Warm up by the roaring fire in the Edwardian interiors of Bateman’s, experience traditions of Christmas past at impressive Penshurst Place, admire the twinkling trees at Hever Castle and more; there’s plenty to get you in the festive spirit.
So, where will 2024 take you? Join us to explore the story of Britain, where the country’s vast cultural heritage is enclosed within magnificent houses, spectacular castles, captivating museums, beautiful gardens, awe-inspiring cathedrals and beyond, just waiting to be discovered.
We look forward to your company next year.
Chris Simmonds Chief Executive
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 5311 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.
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)
National Botanic GardenofWales Gilbert & FestivalSullivan Bateman’s
Whether you decide to travel by car or train, your holiday starts when you arrive at the hotel, where a welcome drink reception awaits. Or why not include a visit to friends and relatives en-route? Whatever you choose, this is a flexible way to holiday.
We’re committed to ensuring you are taken care of through every part of your experience with us and offer a form of single-trip travel insurance, with no upper age limit that you can purchase when booking your break, making it easier than ever to protect your holiday.
Coronavirus cover
Please note: some hotels may charge for car parking which will be at your own expense. Details are available on request.
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No upper age limit on single trip policies
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CORONAVIRUS cover included 100% P mind
We recommend that all our customers hold some form of travel insurance when purchasing one of our tours, whether from us or another provider. Please speak to our friendly reservations team about adding travel insurance to your holiday.
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For more information visit: justgoholidays.com/insurance
Just Go Holidays Limited trading as Just Go! Holidays are appointed representatives of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
Belsay Hall West Stow Hall Greenway ©NTPL/Nick Guttridge FlatfordThese tours are carefully planned to deliver a unique insight into many of the properties we visit with private guided tours and other special extras such as introductory talks, out-of-hours access and afternoon teas. Our aim is to provide you with a hassle-free service from your booking experience to your return home.
You will be travelling with a group of like-minded people and a friendly tour manager will meet you at the hotel on the first day who will be on hand to assist you. Their role is to make sure your visits run smoothly and that you enjoy your break.
All the hotels that we use have been carefully chosen. They are centrally located for our itinerary and we are confident that they deliver a good level of service and comfort.
So often hotels receive different ratings from different authorities. To avoid any surprises and give you added peace of mind, we have created JG hotel ratings based upon our knowledge of hotels and customer feedback, so you know what to expect and are sure you’re choosing the right hotel for you.
JG3
Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming familyowned properties. Generally, they offer a great range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be spacious with additional features. Public areas 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 wide 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.
6 Devon’s Past Mysteries Revealed
8 The Rich Heritage & Beautiful Gardens of the Brecon Beacons
9 Northumbria – a Kingdom of Magnificent Castles
10 NEW The Three Choirs Festival in Elgar’s Worcestershire
11 NEW Gilbert & Sullivan in the Peak District
12 NEW Stately Suffolk & Constable Country
13 Heroes, Spies & GIs – Stories from a Country at War
14 Christmastime at the Castles of Kent
15 Frequently Asked Questions
£20 PER PERSON FOR 3 YEARS
Have you heard the latest news from the JG Travel Group? We have launched the JG Travel Club for those who love to get out more in life! Being a member of this exclusive club means you’ll have access to a whole host of special offers, inspiration, benefits and more, making your next holiday even more affordable.
6 Days from £1,195
Friday 16 June
With its mysterious isles along the coast, bewitching landscapes and houses full of secrets, it’s no wonder that beautiful Devon has inspired writers for hundreds of years. Coleton Fishacre’s 30s opulence (and bottle of suspicious poison in the Butler’s pantry!) instantly transports us to the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, and our celebration of the Queen of Crime continues throughout this special break. We discover her beloved holiday retreat of Greenway, indulge in afternoon tea at the beautiful Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, where she penned two of her most famous novels, and enjoy a Head Gardener-led tour of Torre Abbey’s award-winning gardens, home to a number of poisonous plants connected to Christie and her stories. During our enthralling exploration of Devon’s past, we also discover nautical Plymouth and atmospheric Drake’s Island, learning all about its curious history of smuggling, mutinies and more.
ITINERARY
Excursion One – Greenway & Coleton Fishacre
After a journey on the foot ferry we arrive at Greenway, the much-loved holiday home of Agatha Christie and her family. Nestled on the side of the River Dart and surrounded by a picturesque woodland garden, this atmospheric house is set in the 1950s and contains many of the family’s collections. As we wander through the atmospheric rooms after our fascinating talk, imagine Christie reading her latest mystery novel to her guests.
Next up is an introductory talk at Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s Arts and Crafts-style house built for the D’Oyly Carte family. The property instantly transports its visitors to the Jazz Age, almost Christie-like in its setting, and there are plenty of rooms to discover, from the opulent Saloon to the servant’s rooms. Look out for the bottle of poison in the Butler’s pantry too, brought here to dissolve rust stains from laundry linen (or so we’re told)! The sophistication of the house’s surviving Art Deco interior beautifully contrasts with the tropical 30-acre garden, complete with views out to sea.
This morning we head to Torre Abbey, an atmospheric history and art museum housed in Torbay’s most historic buildings. After time to look around, the award-winning garden awaits, where we’re treated to an intriguing Potent Plant tour with the Head Gardener. Given that over half of Agatha Christie’s characters were poisoned, we discover a range of sinister shrubs, including the sources for cyanide, morphine and ricin. For the detectives among us, there are clues in the plant beds around the garden to help decipher missing story titles, and every plant in this mystery is tied to the Queen of Crime in some way; whether they appear in her stories or are connected to her personal life.
We continue to the Britannia Royal Naval College* in pretty Dartmouth. We take a captivating guided tour of the UK’s naval academy, learning about its past glories as we weave through the Chapel, Quarterdeck, Parade Ground, Senior Gun Room and Britannia Heritage Museum. Our tour also treads the path of royalty; this is where George V, George VI and His Majesty The King were naval cadets, and where Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth had their first significant encounter.
*Please note that visitors need to present photographic ID.
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“Discover bewitching landscapes and houses full of secrets.
Excursion Three – Drake’s Island & Plymouth
We catch the boat to Drake’s Island, a tiny isle with an incredibly rich history in the Plymouth Sound. Around 300 million years ago, volcanic lava and ash fused with Devonian limestone to create the island, and it later gained importance in the Tudor period as a strategic defence spot. After the Restoration, Charles II used the island as a state prison, while in 1772 it was used as an observatory before Captain Cook’s second circumnavigation of the world. An attempt at brandy smuggling, a Garrison mutiny and so much more has happened on the island’s mere 6.5 acres! We delve deeper into its history on our guided tour, taking in the picturesque views of Plymouth and looking out for local wildlife along the way, including napping seals on the rocks.
This morning we head to sunny Torquay, not only famous for its continental harbour and palm-tree lined promenade, but also as the birthplace of The Queen of Crime. Did you know that this is where Agatha Christie learned about poisons while working as a pharmacist? We take a guided walking tour of the Agatha Christie Mile and tick off the 11 seafront locations connected to her life and works.
y 5 nights at the Grand Hotel, Torquay (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to Greenway, Coleton Fishacre, Torre Abbey, Britannia Royal Naval College, Drake’s Island, Plymouth & Burgh Island
y Introductory talks at Greenway & Coleton Fishacre
y Guided garden tour with the Head Gardener at Torre Abbey
y Guided tour of Britannia Royal Naval College
y Guided tour of Drake’s Island
y Guided walking tour of the Agatha Christie Mile
y Afternoon tea at the Burgh Island Hotel
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Grand Hotel, Torquay JG4
Boasting an air of tranquility and stunning views over Corbyn Beach, the Grand Hotel is one of Torquay’s historic treasures and is where Christie spent her honeymoon night with her first husband on Christmas Eve 1914! It offers elegant en-suite bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant, a stylish lounge and a cosy library as well as a spa, gym and indoor pool (spa treatments are available at an extra cost).
Please note: parking for the Grand Hotel is £10 per night and should be prebooked.
Hotel accessibility information
Lifts to all floors. Steps and ramp to entrance. Limitied ground floor rooms.
Single supplement £160
Upon our return to the mainland we head to Plymouth Hoe, with its wonderful waterfront, rich maritime heritage, lovely views over Plymouth Sound and famous promenade, which features a memorial to Sir Francis Drake (who was playing bowls on the Hoe when he saw the Spanish Armada begin to invade)! Don’t miss the historic Barbican too, a vibrant labyrinth of cobbled streets and smuggler’s alleyways, as well as Sutton Harbour.
At low tide we make the short walk over to Burgh Island, where we enjoy afternoon tea at the beautiful Art Deco hotel. Built in 1929 and extended in 1932, the hotel has been restored to its 30s glamour and offers an opulent glimpse into the past. Previous guests include Winston Churchill, Josephine Baker, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, and you can just visualise Agatha Christie writing two novels here (Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None), with the glitz of the hotel appealing to her as a literary setting. Afterwards we return to Torquay for some free time.
5 Days from £895
Sunday 23 June
Officially known as Bannau Brycheiniog, the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons and beyond awaits on this special break, a land shaped by the Ice Age and filled with a mosaic of intriguing properties and fragrant gardens. We delve into its beauty with a journey on the heritage Brecon Mountain Railway and take a peek into a host of spectacular estates, including Craig Y Nos Castle, the former home of Italian opera singer Adelina Patti. A male Welsh choir performance plus a cornucopia of horticultural excellence completes our celebration of Cymru, from the global plant varieties at the National Botanic Garden of Wales to the idyllic flowery meadows of Newton House.
Excursion One – Brecon Mountain Railway & Craig Y Nos Castle
We take the Heads of the Valley road to Pant, a small village near the Welsh border, where we board our vintage train and take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway, which follows part of the original route of the 1859-built Brecon & Merthyr Railway. Sit back and relax as we meander through beautiful Brecon scenery and along the full length of the sparkling Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau, the summit of the original line.
We continue to Craig Y Nos Castle on the southeastern edge of the Black Mountain, the former home of the famous Italian 19th-century opera singer, Adelina Patti. We are treated to lunch and a guided tour, learning all about the history of the property, Patti’s time here and the Grade I listed opera house, built to be her private auditorium, as well as the castle’s transformation into a tuberculosis hospital. Outside, the beautiful, landscaped grounds are managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Today begins with a visit to Newton House, the heart of the Dinefwr estate and a beautiful Grade II listed mansion with a fairytale castellated structure. Built in 1660, it was home to the Rhys family for over 300 years, descendants of Lord Rhys, the Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth. Although a Gothic facade was added in 1850, many original 17th-century features remain inside, from the elegant ceilings to the grand staircase. There are many objects to discover too, including a charred book page dating 1689, an 18th-century silver thimble and intriguing items uncovered during the restoration from 1999-2000, believed to ward off evil spirits. We can find out more on the first-floor exhibition rooms, a fascinating
glimpse into life at Newton over the centuries, before exploring the grounds. A beautiful landscape of flowery meadows, reflective lakes and ancient woodland, Dinefwr is also hoping to restore the Fountain Garden. We continue on to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, home to a spectacular collection of over 8,000 different plant varieties from around the globe, spread across over 400 acres of beautiful countryside, wildflower meadows and atmospheric woodlands. Set in historic parkland dating back some 400 years, the garden boasts a range of themed gardens as well as a nature reserve. Highlights include the Great Glasshouse, the largest structure of its kind in the world, and the Double Walled Garden, home to a modern interpretation of a kitchen garden and much more.
y 4 nights at the Parkway Hotel & Spa, Cwmbran (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to Craig Y Nos Castle, Newton House at Dinefwr, National Botanic Garden of Wales, The Royal Mint Experience & Rhondda Heritage Park
y Heritage journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway
y Guided tour & lunch at Craig Y Nos Castle
y Guided tour & lunch at The Royal Mint
y Guided tour, male Welsh choir performance & refreshments at Rhondda Heritage Park
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Parkway Hotel & Spa, Cwmbran JG4 Nestled in over seven acres of Welsh countryside in Cwmbran, the recently refurbished Parkway Hotel & Spa offers stylish en-suite bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a restaurant, coffee shop, comfortable lounge, garden patio area with outside games such as boules, croquet and table tennis, as well as a luxurious spa with a pool, fully-equipped gym, sauna and steam room (spa treatments are available at an extra cost).
Hotel accessibility information
No lift, hotel all on one floor. No steps to entrance. Ground floor rooms.
Single supplement £180
We visit The Royal Mint Experience on the outskirts of Cardiff, an interactive exhibition about how coin production works. During our guided tour, we watch as workers mint coins and discover fascinating facts about British coins, giving us a wonderful insight into one of the UK’s oldest institutions. We also enjoy lunch here. A memorable experience awaits at the Rhondda Heritage Park, where we follow in the footsteps of the coal miners who once worked in the valley and learn about the area’s mining heritage. After our guided tour, we are treated to a traditional male Welsh choir performance, complete with refreshments.
5 Days from £745 Sunday 7 July
An ancient and fascinating kingdom, Northumbria’s spectacular dramatic coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this ruggedly striking county is home to more castles than any other in England, reflecting its turbulent past and conflicts during the Border Wars. We tread the path of ghosts, witches and wizards, discovering many of the castles that call this bold region home on this adventure to the North East, including mighty Bamburgh, haunted Chillingham and iconic Alnwick. We also delve deeper into the past with a visit to the atmospheric Holy Island of Lindisfarne, shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
y 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Jesmond, Newcastle (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to Chillingham Castle, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Lindisfarne Castle, Lindisfarne Priory, Bamburgh Castle, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens & Warkworth Castle
y Out-of-hours private tour of Chillingham Castle
y Guided tour of Bamburgh Castle
y Audio-guided tour of Warkworth Castle
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Excursion
We travel to the 13th-century Chillingham Castle, known as the ‘most haunted historic castle in Britain,’ for a private out-of-hours tour. From the ancient Edward I Room to the medieval Minstrel’s Hall, down to the grisly depths of the castle dungeon, there are a wealth of fascinating tales to be heard.
Still home to the Duke of Northumberland and his family, our next stop of Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England and featured in the hugely popular Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. Take the chance to explore the history of the Percy family through the eclectic array of furniture and art they collected and displayed in the impressive State Rooms before discovering the stunning Alnwick Garden.
We head across to the beautifully unspoilt Holy Island of Lindisfarne, lying just a few miles off the Northumberland coast, where we explore Lindisfarne Castle, built on a rocky crag high above the sea. This former fort was converted into an Edwardian holiday home by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and both the military and domestic aspects of the castle are in evidence today.
Next, follow in the footsteps of the monks who built Lindisfarne Priory nearly 1,400 years ago, and marvel at the remarkable Rainbow Arch, a feature which has survived despite the central tower above collapsing over 200 years ago. The museum provides intriguing insight into the Viking raid and the cult of St Cuthbert, and here we can see the medieval manuscript, the Lindisfarne Gospels.
On our return to the mainland, we enjoy a scenic drive along the unspoilt Northumberland Heritage Coast to Bamburgh Castle. There is so much to discover during our guided tour, including the fascinating state rooms, the Battery gate, the medieval kitchen and the stables. The treasure trove of unique paintings, furniture, weapons, and china tell the story of Bamburgh’s history, from Anglo Saxon Royal Palace to the family home of Victorian inventor, industrialist and philanthropist, William George Armstrong.
Please note: access to Holy Island is reliant on tide times therefore the order of excursions may be subject to change.
This morning we head to Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, where we take in the Grecian architecture, admire the medieval castle and explore the extensive and beautiful Grade I listed gardens. Belsay’s Greek revival mansion was inspired by a honeymoon trip to Athens, with the Pillar Hall at the centre of the house built from rock carved from Belsay’s own quarry. After time exploring the sumptuous interiors, we are treated to a guided tour of the gardens, bursting with beautiful colours and aromas.
Afterwards, we take an audio-guided tour of the medieval ruins of Warkworth Castle, renowned for its distinctive cross-shaped keep, which has been in the Percy family since the 14th century. Featured in Shakespeare’s Henry the IV and the subject of a Turner painting, the castle has been a place of inspiration and renown for generations due to its storied past and striking hilltop location.
Holiday Inn Jesmond, Newcastle JG4
Located near Newcastle’s vibrant city centre, this Holiday Inn offers stylish surroundings to relax in. You can expect retro games, free Wi-Fi and a café in the open lobby plus a terrace bar, two restaurants and comfortable en-suite rooms with flat-screen TV, power shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini fridge and complimentary toiletries.
Hotel accessibility information
Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. No ground floor rooms.
Single supplement £230
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“We tread the path of ghosts, witches and wizards.
4 Days from £845 Thursday 1 August
The glorious county of Worcestershire, Edward Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory, plays host to the Three Choirs Festival in 2024, a programme of choral and orchestral concerts, cathedral services and chamber music recitals. It is the oldest non-competitive classical music festival in the world, having celebrated its 300th anniversary back in 2015. A handpicked selection of concerts offers an entertaining addition to our weekend itinerary which also features visits to some fascinating locations, including Elgar’s Birthplace Museum.
Excursion One – Elgar’s Malvern, Elgar’s Birthplace Museum & Evening Concert at Worcester Cathedral
We begin with a guided coach tour of Malvern, a spa town nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the foot of the stunning Malvern Hills. This is the birthplace of one of the country’s greatest composers, Edward Elgar, and it’s easy to see why walking and cycling through the beautiful surroundings inspired his music. We enjoy the splendour of this landscape on our coach tour, with its sweeping views, pretty villages and locations connected to Elgar, including beloved former homes and St Wulstan’s Church, where he is buried alongside his wife Alice.
Our next stop is the delightful little cottage entirely dedicated to Elgar’s fascinating life, musical career and iconic works, which continue to dazzle audiences worldwide and include Land of Hope and Glory, Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance. From an early age, Elgar was fascinated with making music and taught himself composition (with a little help from his father who was the organist at Worcester Cathedral). He also led piano and violin lessons from Great Malvern’s piano shop, now home to the town’s Post Office.
We head back to our hotel to change for our evening concert – time to sit back and savour some fine choral music in the beautiful cathedral. We can expect Cecilia McDowall’s Shipping Forecast, the premiere of Stanford/Jeremy Dibble’s Sonata for String Orchestra and Ian Venables’s Requiem performed by the Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir. Excursion Two – Severn Valley Railway, Bishop Percy’s House & Evening Concert at Worcester Cathedral
This morning we take a charming trip on the heritage Severn Valley Railway from Kidderminster to the ancient riverside town of Bridgnorth. The train meanders its way along the picturesque Severn Valley, passing sleepy towns and villages along the way. Upon arrival we take a leisurely stroll through Bridgnorth to the Grade I listed Bishop Percy’s House for afternoon tea. Using oak posts and beams from old vessels, it was built in 1580 by a wealthy shipping merchant and was one of the few properties which survived the extensive fire in 1646 during the Civil War. This charming black and white timber-framed house was also the birthplace of Thomas Percy, the Bishop of Dromore and Royal Chaplain to George III.
Later we take the return steam train trip and head to the hotel to change for the evening’s concert. We look forward to an inspiring choral concert in the cathedral, featuring Elgar’s The Kingdom performed by the Three Choirs Festival Chorus, a fitting finale to our weekend.
y 3 nights at the Worcester Bank House Hotel & Spa, Worcester (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to Malvern, Elgar’s Birthplace Museum & Bishop Percy’s House
y Guided coach tour of Elgar’s Malvern
y Heritage train journey on the Severn Valley Railway
y Afternoon tea at Bishop Percy’s House
y Selected tickets to two concerts at the Three Choirs Festival
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Worcester Bank House Hotel & Spa, Worcester JG4
Close to charming Worcester and with lovely views of the Malvern Hills, the Worcester Bank House Hotel & Spa is perfectly located for our break. The hotel features stylish individually-designed rooms with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries plus a restaurant, bar, luxurious spa and 18-hole golf course.
Hotel accessibility information
Please visit justgoholidays.com/accessibility or call our friendly reservations team for further details.
Single supplement £120
4 Days from £845 Friday 2 August
You’re invited to celebrate one of the most renowned librettists and composer duos in musical history at the annual Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. We learn about the Victorian-era partnership with fascinating talks and experience two nights of classic musical wonder at the beautiful Buxton Opera House, where we’re treated to two performances presented by the festival’s resident opera company. We also discover the highlights of the stunning Peak District National Park and take a guided tour of spectacular Chatsworth House, where generations of history await around every corner.
Excursion One – The Peak District, Buxton & Gilbert & Sullivan Show
This morning we take a guided coach tour of the Peak District, an area of extraordinary natural beauty and home to Britain’s first National Park. We travel through the spectacular landscapes of moorland, rivers and dales, past ancient farms and picturesque towns. While taking in iconic sights, we hear about the storied churches that have served communities of the Peak District for centuries and stroll through pretty villages which have existed since the Saxon times.
Next, we head to the elegant spa town of Buxton, known as the gateway town to the Peak District, famed for its natural spring water and many beautiful buildings, including the Georgian crescent. We embark on our guided walking tour along the Buxton Heritage Trail, taking in the Old Hall Hotel and sampling the thermal fresh water at St Ann’s Well before continuing to the historic Hot Baths, the Old Courthouse and more. After all that exploring, we are treated to a delicious afternoon tea at the Buxton Pavilion, a Grade II listed gem which encapsulates the Victorian splendour of this little town.
Later we are treated to an insightful pre-show talk before the first of our two Gilbert & Sullivan performances at the beautiful Buxton Opera House. The festival itself was founded in Buxton in 1994, with the aim of preserving and enhancing the appreciation of Gilbert & Sullivan’s works in the UK and it has grown substantially throughout the years, where it has even seen additional festivals take place in the United States.
y 3 nights at the New Bath Hotel, Matlock Bath (JG4 rating) with breakfast plus one dinner
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y 1 dinner at a local restaurant in Bakewell
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to the Peak District, Buxton & Chatsworth House
y Selected tickets to two performances at the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival with exclusive pre-show talks
y Guided coach tour of the Peak District
y Guided heritage walking tour of Buxton
y Afternoon tea at Buxton Pavilion
y Guided tour of Chatsworth House
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
New Bath Hotel, Matlock Bath JG4
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. Hotel accessibility information
No lift. 3 steps to entrance. Ground floor rooms. Single supplement £270
Excursion Two – Chatsworth House & Gilbert & Sullivan Show
We head to Chatsworth House for a guided tour. This magnificent gem is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has witnessed 16 generations of the powerful Cavendish family who acquired the estate in 1549. The house has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations and boasts grandiose interiors and a superlative art collection while outside, the 1,000-acre park was chiefly designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Later we are treated to a traditional pie dinner and a Bakewell tart in charming Bakewell before another informative pre-show talk. Tonight we enjoy the second of our included performances back at the Buxton Opera House.
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“Celebrate one of the most renowned librettists and composer duos in musical history.Chatsworth House Chatsworth House Gilbert & Sullivan Festival © Jane Stokes
5 Days from £795
Sunday 11 August
Suffolk is a county filled with picturesque countryside vistas, charming villages and historic wool towns that have changed little since the Tudor period, with their timber-framed buildings and crooked streets. We step back in time in lovely Lavenham, one of the best preserved and wealthiest towns in Tudor England, and explore Constable Country, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where we walk in the footsteps of painter John Constable, discovering the stunning rural landscapes that inspired his greatest work.
y 4 nights at the Holiday Inn, Ipswich (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to Kentwell, West Stow Hall, Flatford, Dedham, East Bergholt, Lavenham, Lavenham Guildhall & Melford Hall
y Guided tours of Kentwell & Melford Hall
y Guided tours & refreshments at West Stow Hall
y Blue Badge guided tour of Constable Country
y Guided walking tour of Lavenham
y Introductory talk & refreshments at Lavenham Guildhall
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Excursion One –
This morning we head to one of England’s finest Tudor Houses, Kentwell. There’s plenty to admire, including portraits, tapestries and artefacts, as well as the tranquil walled gardens, moats and giant cedars. Don’t miss the Moat House too, which dates back to the 15th century and now has a working dairy, bakery and brewhouse!
In the afternoon, we visit West Stow Hall for a fascinating guided tour with refreshments. This picturesque house is said to have been built by Sir John Croftes, Master of the Horse to Henry VIII’s sister, Mary Tudor. Originally, the house was surrounded by a moat until it was filled in in 1840. Take the time to marvel at the Hall’s dignified architecture, with its decorative brick gatehouse, and explore the six acres of gardens, woods and paddocks here.
Excursion Two – Constable Country: Flatford, Dedham & East Bergholt
We take a Blue Badge guided tour of Constable Country, travelling first to the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty made famous by the paintings of John Constable. We stop first in the picturesque hamlet of Flatford where we admire some of the key views and locations which inspired many of Constable’s iconic paintings, including Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s House, immortalised in The Haywain
After our walk, we rejoin the coach and travel to the idyllic village of Dedham, where Constable went to school. Set on the River Stour with scenic water meadows, the village is the epitome of rural England with an attractive main street lined with Georgian-fronted houses, old inns and a large arts and crafts centre. Finally, we visit East Bergholt, located on the north bank of the River Stour, where Constable was born in 1776.
Excursion Three – Lavenham, Lavenham
Guildhall & Melford Hall
Picturesque Lavenham is a remarkably well-preserved Tudor village which was one of the richest towns in England during the 15th century thanks to the woollen-cloth industry. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour learning more about the village’s fascinating history. We also visit Lavenham Guildhall, a fine timber-framed building that is a potent reminder of Lavenham’s former prosperity. During our introductory talk with refreshments, we discover the stories of the people who have used the Guildhall through its almost 500 years at the heart of the community.
In the afternoon we make our way to Melford Hall for a guided tour. During its history, this red-brick Tudor mansion with picturesque turrets has played host to Queen Elizabeth I, seen Civil War unrest and survived a disastrous fire in 1942. Home to the Hyde Parker family for more than two centuries, it remains their beloved family home to this day and contains fine collections of art, porcelain and furniture.
Holiday Inn, Ipswich JG3
The Holiday Inn Ipswich is situated on the outskirts of the town. The modern rooms offer air-conditioning, Freeview TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also features a lounge bar, restaurant, indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room and gym.
Hotel accessibility information
No lift. 4 steps to entrance. Some ground floor rooms.
Single supplement £210
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“Explore a county filled with picturesque countryside vistas and charming villages.©NTPL/John Millar West Stow Hall Flatford
5 Days from £845 Friday 6 September
From Bentley Priory to Bletchley Park, a number of quiet manor houses are unassumingly nestled in the sleepy countryside of the Home Counties, all with wartime secrets enclosed within their historic walls. On this break we discover heroic tales of resilience and bravery during Britain’s ‘Darkest Hour’; stories of pioneering codebreakers, fearless pilots and tireless plotters at the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command. We also stand in the very bunker where key Battle of Britain decisions were made, while our tour of the Imperial War Museum Duxford illuminates a century of aviation history.
y 4 nights at the Holiday Inn, Hemel Hempstead (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to the RAF Upper Heyford, Bletchley Park, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Battle of Britain Bunker & Bentley Priory Museum
y Guided coach tour of RAF Upper Heyford
y Audio-guided tour of Bletchley Park
y Guided history tour at Imperial War Museum Duxford
y Guided tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge
y Guided tour & cream tea at Bentley Priory
Excursion
Beginning the day in Oxfordshire, we visit RAF Upper Heyford, used by Bomber Command during the Second World War and as an American GI airbase during the Cold War. We find out more during our guided coach tour, which stops in several places on the site, all while looking out for the local wildlife such as peregrine falcons, skylarks and buzzards. Next, we discover one of the most remarkable stories of the Second World War with an audio-guided tour of Bletchley Park, where the pioneering achievements of codebreakers provided crucial assistance to the Allied war effort. Our visit gives us an insight into the clandestine operations here, as well as free time to explore the fascinating galleries and exhibits inside the original codebreaking huts, which feature the world’s largest and most comprehensive display of Enigma machines.
Duxford
We make our way to Imperial War Museum Duxford for a history of Duxford tour before time to explore at our leisure. This historic airfield is home to Britain’s largest aviation museum, but it first saw service in the First World War. During the Second World War, it was a base for RAF planes and pilots, including the fighter ‘ace’ Douglas Bader. The US Air Force also used it in the later years of the war, and the stories of the heroic GIs chronicled here are ones of immense bravery and sacrifice. Today, the hangars and buildings of Duxford contain some of the largest objects from the world-class collections of the Imperial War Museum, including hundreds of aircraft such as a Lancaster, Spitfire and Concorde, military vehicles and artillery pieces. There are also displays of other artefacts, films, photographs, documents, books and more.
Our first excursion takes us to RAF Uxbridge, where we head below ground to the atmospheric Battle of Britain Bunker*. This is where RAF Fighter Command’s No. 11 Group was housed throughout the Second World War and where fighter aircraft operations were controlled, most notably during the Battle of Britain. As we take in the large map table, squadron boards and more on our captivating, guided tour, just imagine the plotters making key decisions that would decide the fate of the nation. There’s also time to discover the visitor centre, which features state-of-the-art displays and an auditorium giving virtual access to the bunker. *Please note that access to the bunker is via 76 steps, but there is the option of seeing this virtually if preferred.
We learn more about the Battle of Britain at our next stop, Bentley Priory Museum, located within a Grade II listed mansion house. Our private guided tour entitled Bentley Priory: The Evolution of a Historic House delves into the property’s rich past, including its role as the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command during the Second World War. The museum tells the story of how the Battle of Britain was won, highlighting the contribution of ‘The One, The Few and The Many’; Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, the pilots who took to the skies and those who worked tirelessly on the ground to ensure victory. Our day is complete with a cream tea here.
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Holiday Inn, Hemel Hempsted JG4
Ideally located for our break, the Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead has everything we need for a relaxing and memorable stay. The en-suite bedrooms offer smart TVs, pillow menus and free Wi-Fi, while the lobby bar, restaurant, lounge, well-equipped gym and indoor swimming pool offer the perfect chance to unwind.
Hotel accessibility information
Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance.
Ground floor rooms.
Single supplement £130
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“Discover heroic tales of bravery during Britain’s ‘Darkest Hour’; stories of pioneering codebreakers, fearless pilots and tireless plotters.
5 Days from £875 Friday 6 December 2024
From romantic castles to medieval manors, you are warmly invited into a host of treasures in Britain’s oldest county, Kent, during this festive break. Warm up by the crackling fire in the delightful Edwardian interiors of Bateman’s, admire the sparkling decorations of the 14th-century moated Bodiam Castle, enjoy a lovely lunch at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and delve into traditions of Christmas past at Penshurst Place, beautifully dressed with twinkling trees and foliage gathered from the estate. With these architectural splendours all evoking a magical festive ambience, this is an enchanting way to countdown to Christmas.
Excursion One – Bateman’s & Bodiam Castle
We visit Bateman’s, a 17th-century house which so enchanted Rudyard Kipling when he discovered it, that he made it his home in 1902. With its stone-mullioned windows and Sussex oak beams, it’s a lovely retreat that has been left virtually untouched since Kipling’s tenure here. During our visit, the ground floor is decorated for a Kipling family Christmas with a roaring fire, traditionally decorated tree and a table set for dinner, all adding to the cosy, festive feel of an Edwardian home at Christmas.
We continue on to Bodiam Castle, an archetypal 14th-century moated castle which gives us a glimpse of medieval splendour with its original wooden portcullis, spiral staircases, tower rooms and battlements. As we take in the enchanting decorations, just imagine medieval revellers enjoying a cup of Wassail, a festive delight made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs and spices.
Excursion Two – Leeds Castle & Canterbury
Cathedral
We pay a visit to the magnificent Leeds Castle, a quintessential moated castle set in 500 acres of glorious parkland. Dating back to the 12th century, it has been a Norman stronghold, the royal residence of six medieval queens and was once home to Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Our out-of-hours, private guided tour delves into the castle’s impressive state rooms, lavishly decorated for Christmas.
Afterwards, we enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at the stunning Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel before taking a guided tour of the cathedral itself. The cathedral contains one of England’s largest collections of early medieval stained glass while its awe-inspiring architecture includes a sweeping Gothic nave and cavernous crypt. With twinkling Christmas trees and a life-size nativity scene, the cathedral has a magical atmosphere during the festive season.
y 4 nights at the Tudor Park Hotel, Maidstone (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
y Porterage where available
y Welcome drink
y After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
y Coach transfers to & from excursions
y Visits to Bateman’s, Bodiam Castle, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle & Penshurst Place
y Out-of-hours private guided tour of Leeds Castle
y Afternoon tea at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel
y Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral
y Private guided tour & lunch at Hever Castle
y ‘Old Christmas Traditions’ guided tour at Penshurst Place
y Accompanied by a friendly tour manager throughout
Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Tudor Park Hotel, Maidstone JG4
The comfortable 4-star Tudor Park Marriott Hotel is nestled within hundreds of acres of parkland just east of Maidstone, the perfect location to explore the scenic surroundings. The luxurious rooms offer tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a restaurant, lounge bar, 18-hole golf course, spa, gym and swimming pool (spa treatments are available at an extra cost).
Excursion Three – Hever Castle & Penshurst Place
We head to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Dating back to the late 13th century, this double-moated castle originated as a gatehouse and walled bailey and is home to various historic artefacts, including two prayer books signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. We enjoy a private tour of the castle’s interior, beautifully decorated for the festive season with fairy lights, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees before enjoying an included lunch. Our last excursion is to idyllic Penshurst Place, birthplace of the great Elizabethan poet, Sir Philip Sidney and previously used as a hunting lodge by Henry VIII. All dressed up for the festivities with mistletoe and foliage gathered from the estate, this medieval manor house looks magical during the lead-up to Christmas, and we enjoy a special ‘Old Christmas Traditions’ tour and learn all about how the Baron’s Hall and State Rooms are looked after and conserved during the winter months.
Hotel accessibility information
Lift to all floors. 4 steps to entrance. Limited ground floor rooms.
Single supplement £180
How much is my deposit and when is my final balance due?
The deposit payable at the time of booking is £150 per person. If you don’t wish to pay the full balance in one go; the remaining payment is due 10 weeks before departure. For bookings made after the balance due date; full payment is due at the time of booking. You can also make interim payments anytime between paying the deposit and the balance due date.
Why do I have to pay a single supplement?
We sympathise with the frustration single supplements can cause and we acknowledge that it may be a barrier to booking for many. Unfortunately, many of our hotels charge by room, not by occupancy. However, we continuously work with our suppliers to keep our single supplements as low as possible.
Will I get a detailed itinerary to take with me?
Yes, your full itinerary will be posted approximately seven days prior to departure, along with your final confirmation documents.
How many travellers in our group?
In most cases there will be no more than 30 to 40 travellers in the group.
Check-in & car parking
For those making their own way to the hotel by car, the vast majority of hotels offer free parking. 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 mobility concerns – can I bring a walking aid?
You must advise us if anyone in your party has mobility concerns – the minimum requirements are 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. Due to weight and space limitations we can only accommodate a maximum of two walking aids on to each coach, either collapsible wheelchairs or collapsible walking frames or one of each; the maximum weight of any aid must not exceed 15kg. Therefore you must pre-book a space when you book your holiday and confirmation of this will be on our correspondence to you.
Due to weight and space restrictions we can only accommodate one mobility scooter on a coach. If you wish to bring a mobility scooter you must reserve a space at the time of booking, and this will be available on a first come first served basis. Once the space is taken we will be unable to accommodate any additional mobility scooters. When you book we will ask for the scooter’s dimensions and confirm in writing whether it can be carried. Acceptance is not guaranteed as this may depend on the size and weight of the scooter and the coach. If you do not receive confirmation that a mobility scooter space has been reserved you will not be able to bring one and if you try to do so we will not allow you to travel. In such circumstances your holiday will be deemed as cancelled by you and full cancellation charges will apply. We regret we cannot carry any motorised wheelchairs. Please also be aware that some of our hotels may charge you for charging your scooter battery; some hotels may not be able to accommodate mobility scooters due to their structural design, so while we may have room on the coach, if the hotel cannot support it, then we may have to decline your request to bring it along.
Will dinners be on a group basis?
Yes, we believe as you are travelling with like-minded people you will likely find them interesting and congenial company. Therefore dinners at the hotel will be at a specific time each evening with tables set out in 4s, 6s and 8s, so you may share the day’s experiences together. Menus will be set but with three choices for each of the three courses. Some restaurants may feature buffet-style service.
What do I do if I have special dietary needs?
Customers are requested to inform us of any food allergies/ requests at the time of booking and we will attempt to accommodate them, however special arrangements cannot be guaranteed. Customers who are coeliac or follow a gluten-free diet are advised to contact the hotel before arrival to check if the diet is catered for. Some customers take their own bread for breakfasts. Customers with severe food allergies or dietary requirements are advised to make appropriate arrangements with the hotel prior to commencing their tour and speak to the hotel staff on arrival. How long will we 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.
Railway excursions
Please note that journeys on certain railways may not always be steam hauled, even when pictured in this brochure as being so. Diesel locomotive trains are sometimes in use on certain journeys over which, regrettably, we have no control.
Are the excursions guaranteed to run on the day specified in the brochure?
Our brochures and itineraries are put together sometimes 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.
Why do I need insurance?
At Just Go! Holidays we are committed to ensuring you are taken care of every step of the way, from the day you book, through to the last day of your holiday. Occasionally customers fall ill or have an accident whilst on holiday preventing them from travelling home with the coach or on the return flight or requiring medical care when on tour in the UK, Channel Islands or Ireland. This may impact you financially.
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 (if applicable) or accommodation provider. If you do not tell us at the earliest opportunity about a problem giving rise to your complaint, we cannot take steps to investigate and rectify it at the timeIf the matter cannot be resolved immediately, you must write to/email the Customer Contact Department via the on-line form on our website, quoting your booking reference and the details of your complaint so that we may commence an investigation.
All prices are correct at the time of this brochure going to print (September 2023). We reserve the right to change our prices from time to time. This could mean that when you book your chosen holiday, the actual price quoted in the brochure may have gone up or down. The correct price will always be confirmed to you at the time of booking. Some of the details within this brochure may have changed since going to print. When you book your holiday we will inform you of any change to any of the relevant details which have occurred prior to you making your booking.
We 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: some of our tours or excursions may require some level of walking and/or mobility. As a general guideline, we recommend that you are comfortable to stroll for 20-30 minutes at a time. Please be aware that some clients may find tours visiting older properties challenging due to the nature of the building. If you are uncertain or would like more details, please call our friendly reservations team for more information on the specific tour you are interested in.
Self-drive packaged short breaks are sold on the basis you make your own way to the hotel usually either by driving yourself or rail and 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.
All prices shown are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. Prices are correct at the time of printing (September 2023) and will be honoured for bookings made on or before 30/11/23. Prices after this date are subject to fluctuation.
Full terms and conditions will be provided with your booking confirmation. Also available on request, please call 03332 341 843 or visit justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms.
