The smallest county in England, of which a large proportion is taken up by Rutland Water - the artifical lake created by Anglian Water in the 1970's and largest reservoir in Europe.
The smallest county in England, of which a large proportion is taken up by Rutland Water - the artifical lake created by Anglian Water in the 1970's and largest reservoir in Europe.
The county of Rutland is the smallest in England and won back its independence from Leicestershire in 1997. It covers an area of less than 150 sq. miles and a population of 39,000. (Dorset is over 1000 sq miles/425,000 pop). A large proportion of the county is taken up by Rutland Water an artificial lake created by Anglian Water in the 1970s and the largest reservoir in Europe. Rutlanders can be a strange lot, with a mischievous sense of fun and this is reflected in the quirky villages scattered around the county. Blessed with intriguing churches, inviting pubs and set within a patchwork quilt of pretty countryside it is inviting and eccentric! As they say Multum in Parvo Much in Little!
ITINERARY
Wednesday - Morning departure from Dorset to Oxford for lunch. Resume to Corby where the bags will be portered to the rooms. After settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Thursday - Absorb the beautiful scenery of Rutland Water on a cruise aboard The Rutland Belle - a commentary will highlight points of interest - coffee & biscuits included. The cruise will stop at Normanton Church for a guided tour of Rutland's most famous landmark which appears to float on the water. Continue to Barnsdale Gardens, home of the late Geoff Hamilton of BBC's Gardeners World fame. It has 38 individually designed gardens, each with something to delight.
Friday - Morning visit to Oakham, the country town of Rutland and a classic English market town. Historic streets are a joy to explore and contain such sights as the County Museum, Castle, Victoria Hall, preserved Signal Box and multitude of independent and quirky retailers. A town trail leads you to some unexpected discoveries. This afternoon we shall visit Uppingham and enjoy strolling around the honey-coloured buildings of this charming small town. Another excellent town trail can be followed for an insight into the history and heritage.
Saturday - Burghley House near Stamford is a magical Elizabethen home of magnificent state rooms, works of art and priceless treasures. One of the grandest houses of the 16th century with two spectacular gardens filled with seasonal colour, sculpture, astrology, ancient trees and sensory delights at every turn. Later this afternoon we drive to the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre on Rutland Water - you can immerse yourself in nature with panoramic views of the reserve from a series of accessible hides to spy wildfowl and wildlife. It is a stunning ecological place with a visitor centre, café and shop.
Sunday - Homeward bound we shall call into Millets Farm Shop near Abingdon, where lunch, garden centre, lakeside walk and animal park beckon. Return to Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Rockingham Forest Hotel, Corby
A member of the respected Best Western group, a luxury 3 star hotel picturesquely situated next to Rockingham Castle. Bedrooms are modern and bright and offer private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, phone, television, tea tray, iron/board, safe and free wifi. The stylish One Restaurant provides a substantial full English breakfast and dinner comprising 3 courses with choices. The bar and lounge are comfortable places to relax and socialise or take a stroll through the hotel gardens. There is no lift but only ground and first floor rooms at the hotel.
TOUR PRICE: £499.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £100.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Rutland Belle cruise, Guided tour of Normanton Church, Entry to Barnsdale Gardens, Entry to Burghley House & Gardens, Entry to Anglia Bird Centre.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Name | Address |
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Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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