The Suffolk Villages & Coast

The river banks, coastline and sweet villages made famous by two great artists....surprisingly uchanged.

The river banks, coastline and villages of Suffolk have been made famous by two great artists - John Constable (born 1776) and Thomas Gainsborough (born 1726). Here time has stood still despite modern farming practices and urban development. The sweet villages, quietness and ease that nurtured their artistic genius and inspired so many powerful works are still there, surprisingly unchanged. Prosperity came to the region through the wool trade in the 14^th century, which left a legacy of sumptuous architecture, with splendid churches in towns and villages that seem too small and remote to support such magnificence.

ITINERARY

Monday - Morning departure from Dorset with stops as appropriate for refreshment, to arrive at Stoke by Nayland that afternoon. After the bags have been portered and you have settled in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.

Tuesday - We are joined by a local guide who will escort the coach on a panoramic tour of Suffolk's pastel coloured towns and villages. Hear the facts, history and tales as we tour through Sudbury, a thriving market, town - then Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk's foodie capital and site of St Edmunds Abbey - historic Stradishall - colourful Clare - the thatched village of Cavendish - the cloth town of Long Melford - and beautifully preserved medieval Lavenham. A showcase of Suffolk's rich history and natural beauty that will have you reaching for your camera.

Wednesday - Be inspired and enjoy a slower pace of life, with visits to nearby Dedham, home to Munnings art museum and craft centre, then East Bergholt, associated with artist John Constable.
This afternoon we shall visit the famous Beth Chatto Gardens - five distinct gardens adapted to different conditions: dry, damp, shade, reservoir and woodland - the result of over 60 years of hard work.

Thursday - Excursion to Suffolk's Heritage Coast and the pretty town of Aldeburgh where pastel coloured 19th century villas line the promenade and on the pebble beach fishermen still sell their catch from huts. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing 2 hour boat cruise on the River Deben from Waldringfield enjoying a skippers commentary of the history, wildlife and riverside sights.

Friday - Homewards bound with a stop in "Royal" Windsor for some sights and lunch. Return to Dorset late afternoon.

B, D

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

STOKE BY NAYLAND HOTEL, COLCHESTER

A 4 star family run country resort nestled in the Debham Vale – the ultimate rural escape in Suffolk. The contemporary style bedrooms have uninterrupted rural views and provide private bathroom, hairdryer, tv, phone, iron, safe, air-con, tea tray and free wifi. The restaurant maintains a reputation for high quality meals – dinner is 3 courses with a choice and breakfast is a generous buffet. There is a bar where you can enjoy a drink or socialise on the outdoor terrace/gardens. Guests enjoy extensive leisure facilities including an indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna and massage*/beauty treatments* (*extra). There is a lift to all floors and room service is available.

5 Days // £719.00 Per Person SRS £190.00

Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Local Suffolk Guide, Entry to Beth Chatto Gardens, Deben River Cruise.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
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