The Forest of Dean - Tinsel & Turkey
Between the Rivers Severne and Wye lies the mysterious and isolated Forest of Dean. An area with a srtrong sense of local history and culture with some fascinating attractions.
Between the Rivers Severne and Wye lies the mysterious and isolated Forest of Dean. An area with a srtrong sense of local history and culture with some fascinating attractions.
Bordered to the South by mighty River Severn, and to the West by the stunning gorge of the River Wye, the Forest of Dean appears isolated from the surrounding countryside. This feeling is enhanced even more by its dense covering of woodland that has resulted in a strong sense of local history and culture. It was an area of industrial activity – now nature has reclaimed much of these workings and a thriving tourist industry has been established. For over 250 years artists, writers and poets have visited the area as part of the Wye Tour - both Dennis Potter and J K Rowling were brought up locally and inspired by the forest.
Stay at the elegant Bell's Hotel & Country Club in Coleford, located right at the heart of The Forest of Dean, which includes a programme of festively themed meals and an entertainment programme that will get you in the mood for the coming Christmas celebrations.
ITINERARY
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset, across the Severn into the Wye Valley to Tintern for lunch. Time to view the ruined abbey or visit the craft village. Continue to Coleford where "Christmas Eve" is planned: Mulled wine & mince pies on arrival - A delicious 3 course dinner - followed by time to socialise in the clubhouse bar.
Tuesday - Visit Monmouth, an ancient market town situated on the Wye which is crossed by the fortified Monnow Bridge. It has many narrow streets filled with unique shops and plenty of history. In the afternoon drive to nearby Ross-on-Wye, a town of Tudor buildings - a postcard waiting to be photographed. Back at the hotel we celebrate "Christmas Day": A 3 course Christmas dinner with all the trimmings - Santa will visit with a gift - followed by musical entertainment.
Wednesday - "The Royal Forest Route" - a drive through the mysterious Forest of Dean, a former royal hunting ground with a seductive charm and stunning landscapes. Visits include The Dean Heritage Centre (an introduction to the Forest) - passing The Speech House (built 1676) - to Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint (the internationally famous panorama of the River Wye). This evening sit down to our "Boxing Day": Another 3 course dinner - then entertainment of a musical or even magical quality.
Thursday - Morning visit to Chepstow with its imposing castle and preserved town walls. Later drive up the Severn Valley into Gloucester - the city is packed full of treasures: The Historic Docks, Waterways Museum, The Antiques Centre, not to mention the medieval Cathedral and fantastic Christmas shopping. Back at the hotel you will enjoy a Bucks Fizz before your "New Years Eve": A 3 course dinner with musical entertainment and ringing in the New Year (at 10pm!)
Friday - Homewards bound via Clarks shopping village at Street. Return to Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
BELLS HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB, COLEFORD
Traditional elegant style and modern conveniences ensure your stay at Bells is as relaxing and indulgent as possible. Situated overlooking the pretty town, it even offers its own golf course. All 50+ bedrooms provide private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, TV, phone, iron/board, tea tray and free wifi - no lift but only ground and first floor bedrooms. Potters Restaurant guards a local reputation for quality food and drink. The Clubhouse Bar is a great place to socialise and hosts an entertainment programme which is festively themed to get you in the mood for the approaching Christmas period.
TOUR PRICE: £429.00 Per Person.
Single room supplement: £40.00
Price includes: All coach travel, 4 nights accommodation, Half board meals, Turkey & Tinsel entertainment, Porterage, Entry to Puzzle Wood, Entry to Dean Heritage.
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 | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 | |
| 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 |
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