ISLE OF WIGHT
24th June 8 days 7 nights
Your Hotel
CHANNEL VIEW HOTEL SHANKLIN
£925pp (NIL SRS* 4 ROOMS ONLY*)
Our hotel boasts picturesque views of The English Channel in an idyllic location, set atop the cliffs of Shanklin Bay. Our Luxury, Indoor Heated Swimming Pool is ideal for a leisurely swim or to enjoy the bubbles in the Jet Spa,
why not treat yourself and escape in our Sauna before, or after, your swim.
We travel to our ferry - Lymington -Yarm and on to our hotel.
With a Free day in resort
A visit - Ventnor Botanic Garden,
With an average rainfall of 28 inches, its climate is more akin to the Mediterranean. This enables a wide variety of plants considered too tender for much of mainland Britain to be grown. The Garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors.
Visits to St. Mildred’s church and Osborne house.
St Mildred's Church as its parish church, are best known for their connections with Queen Victoria. Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. Albert designed the house himself,
We visit Ryde, busy bees garden centre
With long, spacious stretches of sandy beach, a thriving independent shopping scene and fabulous eating out, Ryde is a quirky mix of a traditional seaside fun, Victorian architecture and unexpected hidden gems!
A journey on the Isle of wight steam railway
And a 2 ½ hours cruse on the Solent
With a visit to Cowes and St Marys vineyard
Cowes is the maritime gateway to the Isle of Wight, and is known for both its rich Royal heritage and it's sailing and ship building.
1/2-day Godshill
Godshill is the quintessential English Village, and boasts some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight. With its delightful medieval church, charming thatched-roofed cottages and a winding main-street lined with traditional tearooms, Godshill is as picturesque as it is popular.
A TASTE OF SCOTLAND
3RD JULY 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS DBB £449PP (+£80SRS)
WOODLANDS HOTEL DUNDEE
Best Western Woodlands Dundee has a gym, heated indoor pool, sauna-steam and jacuzzi, and a resident holistic masseuse. Situated on the East Coast of Scotland, surrounded by mature wooded gardens
The tour is packed full of culinary experiences whilst taking in the beautiful Scottish landscapes surrounding Angus & Perthshire.
A tour which will be sure to tickle taste buds with whisky, gin, chocolate, smokies and a traditional Scottish afternoon tea.
*Arbroath Smokies, City of Discovery with Afternoon Tea
On the trail of the famous "Smokie" starts with a coastal drive visiting the famous golf town of Carnoustie, then onwards to Arbroath – steeped in maritime history and famed for the "Smokie". Back to discover Dundee finishing with afternoon tea in a local hotel.
* St Andrews and Distillery Visit
Not only is St Andrews famous for golf but also for its whisky. Kingsbarns distillery offers the perfect introduction to Scotland's amber nectar with a tour and tasting. Afterwards enjoy free time in beautiful St Andrews finishing with a fish and chip dinner at a local "chippie".
*Gin and Chocolate
Follow the River Tay to Glamis, not only home of the castle but also to the Gin Bothy. Sample the seasonal flavours and hear the story behind this quirky building. Afterwards free time in Pitlochry before touring deep into Perthshire for a visit to the Highland chocolatier. Known as the Chocolatier of the Highland's lain Burnett's chocolates are hailed by Michelin star chefs worldwide
OUTSTANDING VALUE !
MAGICAL ISLE OF MAN
11TH JULY 5 DAY 4 NIGHT DBB
£655 (+£74SRS)
The Rutland Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man
This traditional hotel overlooks Douglas seafront with lovely sea views.
There is also a separate bar where guests can enjoy drinks.
This traditional hotel overlooks Douglas seafront with lovely sea views. There is also a separate bar where guests can enjoy drinks.
• Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room
Small but perfectly formed, the Isle of Man offers heritage railways, coastal drives, museums, historic houses and its very own parliament. Steeped in fairy-tale and folklore, it has a delightful collection of tourist attractions, offering a variety of touring themes, and with the island being only 30 miles long, all are within easy reach of the fascinating capital, Douglas.
ITINERARY
We take the ferry from Heysham and travel onwards to our hotel.
Isle of Man Steam Railway & Cregneash
We discover the south coast today, beginning with a trip aboard the Isle of Man Steam Railway, a perfectly maintained, original Victorian train system and the longest narrow gauge
steam line in Britain. We board the train in Douglas for a one-way journey through the countryside to the resort of Port Erin where we enjoy a visit to the local railway museum before continuing our journey by coach down to The Sound, a protected nature reserve with seabird and seal colonies as well as an excellent café with fabulous views across to the Calf of Man. From here it’s a short journey to Cregneash Folk Park, a peaceful, restored 19th century crofting village where traditional costumed guides show us around their delightful cottages. Returning to Douglas by road, as we cross Fairy Bridge give a quick wave to the fairies which may bring you good luck!
* Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Douglas
After a leisurely breakfast we take a journey on the Manx Electric Railway, a classic electric inter-urban tramway, running along the island’s eastern coast, to Laxey. Here we switch to the larger Snaefell Mountain Railway which winds its way to Snaefell Mountain’s summit where we take in the stunning views of the Island. The Victorian railway has been in operation since 1895 taking passengers on a five mile long journey on the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.
When there we have time to have a spot of lunch (not included) before taking the return railway down and head back to Douglas to spend the rest of the day at our leisure. Attractions include the Manx Museum which charts the island’s
fascinating 10,000 year old history and the iconic horse-drawn trams that run along the promenade.
*TT course: Milntown Estate & Knockaloe Visitor Centre. Today we are met by our local guide as we follow the famous TT course, we enjoy a guided 16th century Milntown House, with time to explore the gardens tour of beautiful.
The conservatory restaurant has beautiful views of the Walled Garden.
In the afternoon we head to Knockaloe Visitor Centre, the site of a WW1 internment camp. We learn about the many thousands of people who were interned here between 1914 and 1919, where they lived and what life was like for them in what was once a village and a working farm. For descendants of internees, it is a truly moving experience and a tribute to those difficult times.
Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we head home on the morning ferry.
Great value!
ALES & HAUNTED TALES
24TH JULY , 5 DAY 4 NIGHT DBB £455 (+£100 SRS)
SAMLESBURY HOTEL, PRESTON.
Guided Ghost tour of Ribble Valley Soup and sandwich lunch with a glass of local ale.
Cruise on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Guided tour of 'Pendle Witches' Country Admission to Samlebury Hall.
The stunning countryside and picturesque villages of the Ribble Valley are home to some a mysterious residents and this tour explores the haunting and ghostly goings on in this area of Lancashire.
Day 1 Travel to the hotel in Lancashire.
Day 2 Depart hotel for a full day guided tour of the Ribble Valley to include, time allowing, stops at up to 5 Inns!
Hear stories of textile rioting and ghostly sightings in Clitheroe.
See the law courts upstairs in the famous 1693 Hark to Bounty Inn before an included lunch at the Calf's Head, Worston – On then to visit the Sun Inn at Chipping; Lancashire's most haunted public house, before stopping in Whalley en-route back to the hotel.
Day 3 Travel north for a visit to Skipton and a cruise on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. With a humorous and interesting commentary, the history of this important thoroughfare is brought to life. After free time in the town, continue into the Yorkshire Dales for a stop in Grassington, one of Yorkshire's prettiest villages with numerous tea rooms, hostelries and quaint shops.
Day 4 Today's excursion explores 'Pendle Witches' country with a guide. Learn about the local women who were branded as witches and put on trial in the 15th century. Afterwards, visit Samlesbury Hall, a beautiful half-timbered medieval house with a turbulent and dramatic history and now one of the most haunted locations in Britain.
Day 5 Homeward journey.
UNCOVER ORKNEYS ANCIENT SECRETS ISLAND ESCAPES
5TH AUGUST 2023 6 DAYS-5 NIGHT DBB £699pp (+£125 SRS0
Arrive Saturdays - Depart Thursdays - 1 night Loch Lomond area, 1 night Thurso, 2 nights Orkneys, 1 night Perthshire.
First inhabited some 6000 years ago. The Orkneys offers an unspoilt experience blending history old and new with 570 miles of dramatic coastline. Located off Scotland’s North coast lies the ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history, with raw and dramatic coastlines. With the services of a local guide discover ancient civilisations, world famous archaeology and bountiful wildlife from our base in the Island capital Kirkwall. Only a one hour ferry crossing lies between the mainland and a hub of historic delight.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided Tour of the Orkneys, Castle of Mey, Loch Ness, Great Glen, Spey Valley, Northern Highlands.
*Loch Lomond Area Head north of Glasgow along the shore of Loch Lomond and the Lochside 3* Loch Long Hotel.
* Glencoe, Loch Ness & Northern Highlands From the comfort of your coach, this great Highland drive takes you through mountainous Glencoe, with time free in Fort William before continuing along the total length of Loch Ness (23 miles). The loch contains more freshwater than all lakes in England and Wales combined! Time free in Inverness, the Highland capital. Depart mid-afternoon along the coastline passing Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle, silver sands at Brora & Wick. Overnight in Thurso.
* Castle of Mey and the Orkneys Morning entry into the Queen Mothers homely castle with beautiful gardens. Since 1952 she spent many happy summers here and is still used annually by the Royal Family. Board the afternoon ferry with your coach across the Pentland Firth - a graveyard to sunken ships, arriving in St Margaret’s hope 1 hour later. The day concludes with a drive along the shoreline of Scapa Flow – famous as the naval refuge during both world wars.
Next 2 nights in the capital - Kirkwall, with its 12th century St Magnus Cathedral.
* Guided Tour of the Orkney Isles Your local guide joins your coach for a memorable day out. As the day unfolds, the islands Neolithic ancestry is evident as many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements and tombs are visited - a testament to its UNESCO World Heritage status. The tour includes a scenic circular tour of the island visiting most of the main sites including 5000 year old Scara Brae, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Stennes Standing Stones & Italian Chapel. Along the way, listen to the tales of Viking intruders, wartime exploits and immerse yourself in Orkney’s rich maritime heritage.
* Spey Valley & Perthshire Catch the morning ferry back to the mainland, southwards bound on the coastal drive to Inverness. Time free in Aviemore, arriving in Perthshire for your final night’s stay, suited for your onward journey home the next day.
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A SCENIC & STATELY TOUR OF THE PEAK DISTRICT HALLS AND GARDENS
13TH AUGUST 23 - 5 DAYS 4 NIGHT DBB
£505pp (+£115 SRS)
This fantastic, packaged tour takes us into the heart of the glorious Peak District where we travel through scenic countryside to Chatsworth House, as well as the famous “Dambuster” Ladybower Reservoir.
The Kenwood Hall Hotel dates back from the 1860s and is set in 12 acres of parkland with its own lake and attractive gardens. Leisure and spa facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities
WE VISIT-
Chatsworth House & Chesterfield Today we travel to Chatsworth House in the heart of the Peak District. There are many rooms to explore, including the magnificent Painted Hall, State Rooms, Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery as well as a diverse art collection to admire, in addition to the famous spectacular gardens. Following our visit, we call in at the Chatsworth Farm Shop, in the nearby village of Pilsley.
In the afternoon, we visit the popular market town of Chesterfield, dominated by its famous crooked spire. We are free to explore the shops, cafés and market.
Buxton, Castleton & Ladybower Reservoir & Scenic Peak District Drive
After breakfast, we travel to the thermal spa town of Buxton. Home of Buxton Water and located in the centre of the Peak District, famous Georgian and Victorian architecture as well as stunning ornamental gardens provide the perfect place for some time at leisure. We have free time for lunch here before visiting the charming village of Castleton, known as the “Gem of the Peaks”, after which we continue our scenic drive enjoying the wonderful view of the Ladybower Reservoir, which, along with the Derwent and Howden reservoirs, was made famous during World War II when it was used by the Dambusters RAF squadron to practice low level flying techniques. We have plenty of visual delights as we make our way back to our hotel, seeing much of the best scenery the Peaks has to offer.
Hardwick Hall & Renishaw Hall & Gardens We begin our morning at the Elizabethan country house of Hardwick Hall which, since its creation in the 1500s by ‘Bess of Hardwick’, has been contributed to by descendants, craftsmen, farmers, gardeners and more.
We discover the stories of Hardwick and enjoy the beautiful landscape it is set within. At lunchtime we head to local pub, Three Horseshoes in the area. We tuck into homemade pie, mash and peas with tea and coffee, before making our way to the Grade I listed building of Renishaw Hall & Gardens. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent building, which has been home to the Sitwell family for over 350 years, and entry to the on-site museum.
THE LAND OF CONSTABLE & SUFFOLK’S SUNSHINE COAST 28TH AUGUST 20235 DAY 4 NIGHTS DBB £399pp (£80SRS)
HIGHLIGHTS
Constable Country, Lavenham, Clacton, Heritage Coastline, Sunshine Coast, River Deben Cruise
Suffolk is one of the oldest and most celebrated counties in England and blessed with some of the country’s prettiest towns.. On this well priced tour staying in a 3* hotel, see for yourself the historical importance of this formidable county – quintessentially preserved villages, ancient manor houses, lined with 50 miles of heritage coastline.
Set in 4 acres of grounds, you’ll be hidden away at Brome Grange Hotel, a country retreat with spa, individually styled accommodation and delicious food using fresh local products. Recently revamped to bring the character and charm of the ‘Grange’ back to the village
Tuesday- Constable Country & The Sunshine Coast Passing patchwork fi elds and woodlands arrive Dedham, where John Constable attended school. Nearby is 16th century Bridge Cottage, housing an exhibition of the life and work of this 17th century painter. The afternoon is spent on “The Sunshine Coast” with time in Clacton-on-Sea with its large sandy beach, pier and seafront walks and then to nearby Walton on the Naze, surrounded on 3 sides by the sea & is home to the 2nd longest pier in the country.
Wednesday -Bury St Edmonds Market, The Harry Potter Village & Gainsborough First stop is historic Bury St Edmunds, where on Wednesday there is an open air market in the town square. Visit the ancient Abbey dating back to the Magna Carta, or pop into the Angel Hotel of Dickens & Mrs Pickwick fame. Next stop is Lavenham – considered to be the UK’s best preserved medieval villages, dating back to Saxon Times. The main street was filmed in scenes of Harry Potter’s Deathly Hollows. Then on to the ancient market town of Sudbury, home to one of England’s best known artists Robert Gainsborough.
Thursday- Suffolk Heritage coastline & River Deben Cruise On the coast, 15 miles from Ipswich, is the time capsule of Aldeburgh, home to the well-known Composer Benjamin Britten. Little has changed here for generations with pastel coloured 19th century villas and a large pebble beach. Enjoy a tranquil river Deben Cruise where a sumptuous cream tea shall be served. The tidal Deben Estuary is a Special Protection Area and within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths are of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The on board commentary will tell of its rich wildlife and history.
8th SEPTEMBER 2023
3-NIGHT tour to the
5 - STAR POTTERS RESORT HOLIDAY VILLAGE, Norfolk
Britain’s only TOTALLY ALL- INCLUSIVE
RESORT.
£509 per person
No single supplement*
(*3 rooms only) Bungalows Plus £524pp
***PLEASE NOTE, BUNGALOWS ARE A SHORT WALK FROM THE MAIN COMPLEX.***
Unbelievable value! Not to be missedComfortable accommodation
Bungalows to suit a range of party sizes and both twin or double bed and 2-bedroom options are available.
Everything is included in your break price, so enjoying a short break has never been easier or better value...
Breakfast, 3-course Lunch, 3-course dinner with fantastic menu range.
Breakfast is available from 8.30am to 10.30am
Great variety of Drinks included all day throughout your stay (including brand name drinks).
Drinks are inclusive from 3pm on arrival day and from 8.30am every day to close of bars late at night, and up to 10.30am on your departure day.
Activities Including:
Sports, leisure & activities to everyone including, bowls, boules, pitch & putt, golf, archery, air rifle shooting and craft workshops. Laser Clays, Segway’s, Exciting Science 9 Hole Pitch 'n' Putt, Climbing Wall, Golf, Giant's Swing, Archery, Cardio Gym, Weights Gym***, Adventure Golf, Badminton, Volleyball, Goddess Workout**,Bowls Rinks, Football Pitch, Hot Shots, Squash, New Age Curling, Sports Hall, Short Tennis, Tennis, Table Tennis, Dance Classes, Jewellery Making, Aphrodite Beauty, Swimming Pools, Sauna & Steam, Darts, pool, Internet Access, WI-FI, Games, Game zone, Bowling Alley, Bingo, Card & Board Games, Daytime Quizzes, Gaming Machines, Snooker, Billiards, Pool Tables, Darts,
And not forgetting.
First-class entertainment.
UNBELIEVABLE VALUE!! AT FROM ONLY ££509pp
