HISTORIC HOUSES, GLORIOUS GARDENS & LIGHT RAILWAYS

          • Rudyard Lake Railway• Little Moreton Hall

• Foxfields Light Railway• Trentham Gardens

• Cathedral City of Lichfield• National Memorial Arboretum.

YOUR HOTEL- The Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent Hotel is located on the Smithfield development in Hanley, near Stoke-on-Trent. All bedrooms are ensuite and have all the modern-day facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard, including step-in shower in every room. The hotel has a lift.

• DAY ONE - Depart from your home area in the morning travelling to Staffordshire, arriving in the afternoon at

Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent Hotel.

Tea/Coffee & biscuits on arrival.

• DAY TWO - We start the day with a drive to the city of Lichfield. Here there is much to see and do, particularly the stunning Lichfield Cathedral, set in a remarkable and serene close. Over 800 years old the building is the third on the site and is well worth a visit. Enjoy lunch at leisure and a chance to explore the city before our afternoon visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.

• DAY THREE - Our first visit today takes us to the National Trust owned Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton. The hall, surrounded by a moat and set in a small pretty garden, has had a chequered history. In danger of falling over, it is as intriguing as it is wonky! A rare chapel and topsy-turvy long gallery with early wallpaper ensure the ‘wow’ factor at this iconic Tudor treasure. This afternoon we have a visit to Rudyard Lake where we enjoy a 3-mile return ride on the miniature railway alongside the lake

• DAY FOUR - This morning we begin with a visit to the award-winning Trentham Gardens. Enjoy a visit to the shopping village, with shops cafes, restaurants and the vast Trentham Garden Centre. Free time to explore and obtain lunch before we head for Blyth Bridge and the Foxfield Light Railway. Originally used to carry coal from Foxfield Colliery before it closed in 1965, the line is now very popular for steam trips into the countryside to Dilhorn Park.

• DAY FIVE - After breakfast, we leave and head for home.