The Historic Heart of England
A mix of historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences set firmly in the centre of the country - often considered "The Real England".
A mix of historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences set firmly in the centre of the country - often considered "The Real England".
They call it “The Heart of England” for good reason. Occupying a broad swathe of central England just east of the Midlands and accounting for a good proportion of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Rutland – it sits firmly at the centre of the country. A treasure trove of attractions offering a mix of historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences – sometimes considered to represent “the real England”. Our extensive package includes one of the country’s most historic houses, a world class garden, impossibly beautiful villages and a delicious cream tea onboard a relaxing lake cruise.
ITINERARY
Sunday - Morning departure from Dorset we drive through Oxfordshire and Northants with stops as appropriate for refreshment, to arrive Grantham in Lincolnshire. A welcome drink on arrival while the bags are portered. Dinner is 3 courses with choices and tea/coffee after.
Monday - We spend the morning in Stamford, built in Georgian times, the pretty facades of the town are a favourite with film producers. Its narrow alleyways and courtyards are home to speciality shops, jewellers and boutiques - stay for lunch. This afternoon we are welcomed to the impressive Belton Estate, an exceptional example of Restoration architecture with a world renowned library and collections of silver, art and ceramics. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the house, discovering the Brownlow family story, then head outside to the fabulous Italian gardens, orangery and deer park. Preserving over 400 years of history, Belton has commissioned the finest designers and craftsmen of their age to shape a stunning estate.
Tuesday - We start today with a visit to Melton Mowbray, a charming market town famous for its pork pie and cheeses. There will be opportunity to be tempted by some tasty treats before we make our way to the historic city of Leicester with time to source lunch. This afternoon we visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre which charts the story of his life and death. Here we learn about one of the greatest archaeological detective stories - the lost remains of King Richard III were discovered under a car park, ending years of speculation. We finish the day with a visit to the Guildhall, the oldest building still in use in the city.
Wednesday - Welcome to Barnsdale gardens, created by Gardener's World tv presenter the late Geoff Hamilton. The largest collection of individually designed gardens and a place of unlimited gardening inspiration. Lunch is taken in the traditional market town of Oakham with its pretty olde-world preserved buildings and the great hall of Oakham Castle. We end our day with a relaxing cruise on Rutland Water aboard the Rutland Belle and are treated to a cream tea onboard.
Thursday - Homewards bound with a stop in Oxford, the city of dreaming spires. Return to dorset late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
The Barn Hotel, Grantham
Set in idyllic countryside and based on a converted farmstead, the hotel retains much of its original charm and character whilst providing the modern conveniences and facilities expected, including leisure facilities with indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Bedrooms provide private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, television, phone, tea tray, desk/seating and free wifi. The Restaurant serves freshly prepared dishes using Lincolnshire produce where possible. There is a lounge and traditional bar with rustic charm in which to socialise or you can relax outdoors in the garden. A lift serves some bedrooms and there are plenty on the ground floor.
5 days / £675.00 Per Person. SRS £155.00
Holiday Highlights : All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Porterage, Entry to Belton Estate, Entry to Richard III centre, Entry to Leicester Guildhall, Entry to Barnsdale Gardens, Boat cruise with cream tea.
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 |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| 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 |
| 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 | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| 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 |
