The Home Counties
Largely centred on The Chilterne Hills and discovering surprises around Berks, Bucks & Oxon - far removed from the stereotypical image of the "Home Counties"
Largely centred on The Chilterne Hills and discovering surprises around Berks, Bucks & Oxon - far removed from the stereotypical image of the "Home Counties"
The broad brush image of The Home Counties is that they are comfortable, conformist, conservative and consumerist. Another way of describing them in a historical context would be the counties that surround London from which civil servants and politicians are still able to travel in and out of the city by carriage. Characterised as being inhabited on the whole by “nice middle class people” who own neatly mowed lawns – Margot Leadbetter of “The Good Life” fame springs to mind. This tour is largely centred around The Chiltern Hills and discovers surprises around Berks, Bucks and Oxon where modern day population mobility has created the most cosmopolitan and diverse area of England far removed from its stereotypical image.
ITINERARY
Sunday - Morning departure from Dorset to Newbury, a town steeped in history. The pedestrianised town centre is set around a broad Market Place with cafes, pubs and shops to source lunch. Continue to our hotel that afternoon.
Monday - We visit Thame for coffee, a town boasting a superb High Street, broad and attractive and split by an impressive Town Hall. On to Bletchley Park, the infamous home of Britain's codebreakers during World War 2. Visit the original mansion, explore the code breakers huts, garages displaying historic vehicles, the National Radio Centre, see the enigma machines, enjoy immersive films and interactive exhibitions. Brilliant minds and complex machines made a global impact here.
Tuesday - This morning we spend time in the pretty town of Marlow, one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames with historic streets and a graceful suspension bridge over the river. Later we visit Greys Court, originally a 14th century Country House that developed into a 16th century Mansion. It is surrounded by a beautiful series of gardens an arboretum and wider parkland with waymarked walks.
Wednesday - Waddesdon Manor is a French-Renaissence style chateau housing a world class collection of art and furniture surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. Built between 1874 and 1885 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to house his treasures which include such diverse items from a musical elephant to a George III dinner service - a fascinating place to spend a day.
Thursday - Morning visit to Waterperry Gardens, a magical place of beautiful trees, flowers, classical borders, secret corners and long vistas - made famous by Beatrix Havergal who established the school of horticulture for ladies here in 1932. Resume homewards after lunch to return to Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Mercure Thame Lambert Hotel
A superb 4 star hotel based around a picturesque traditional coaching inn situated at the foot of the Chiltern Hills near the tiny village of Lewknor. 49 stylish bedrooms provide stylish and well equipped accommodation with private bathroom, luxury toiletries, hairdryer, large television, phone, fridge, tea tray and free wifi. The Kite Restaurant is both stylish and informal and provides delicious meals based on local and seasonal produce with a range of imaginative and traditional menus. The Bar is a great place to socialise and the Reading Room a quieter place to relax. Outdoors the Courtyard Garden beckons or the energetic have use of a fitness centre. Only 2 floors with a lift operating between.
TOUR PRICE : £599.00 per person
Single Room Supplement: £130.00
Includes: All coach travel, 4 night hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to Bletchley Park, Entry to Greys Court, Entry to Waddesdon Manor, Entry to Waterperry Gardens.
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) |
| 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 |
|---|
