The Riverbanks of Suffolk & Essex
The sheltered waters of the river estuaries give access to ancient villages, waterside hamlets, wildlife and historic sites - best viewed from the deck of a boat.
The sheltered waters of the river estuaries give access to ancient villages, waterside hamlets, wildlife and historic sites - best viewed from the deck of a boat.
The river banks and villages of Suffolk & Essex 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 coastline of this region is probably best viewed from the deck of a boat as the mosaic of reed beds and marshes makes the approach from land difficult. Fortunately there are plenty of boat trips cruising the sheltered waters of the river estuaries and giving access to ancient fishing villages, waterside hamlets, wildlife-rich wetlands and historic sites dating back before the Romans.
ITINERARY
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset to Sevenoaks, the quintessential English market town with a great variety of charming shops and cafes for lunch. Continue to Colchester this afternoon.
Tuesday - Morning to Mangapps railway museum, a private collection of memorabilia dating back to the 19th century with many rescued railway buildings, locomotives and rolling stock. We hope to take a trip on the line. Lunch is taken in Burnham on Crouch an historic and attractive yachting town of olde world charm. This afternoon board a 2 hour boat cruise on a traditional Thames Barge from Maldon on the River Blackwater - an area with rich wildlife and fascinating history.
Wednesday - Enjoy the sights and scenes along the River Orwell as we join a 2½ hour boat cruise from Ipswich Quayside to Pin Mill, taking in the most beautiful wooded stretches of the river - regaled with tales of smugglers and the waterside scenes by the crew. This afternoon tour through Constable's unchanging countryside visiting East Bergholt, his birthplace. Later to Flatford Mill on the River Stour - the subject of his most famous painting.
Thursday - This morning sees us aboard the boat Jahan which cruises from Waldringfield on the River Deben for 2 hours - tea & biscuits included. An area of outstanding natural beauty which is brought to life with a skippers commentary. Time for lunch in Woodbridge, the gem in Suffolk's crown is a beautiful riverside spot. This afternoon we visit the inspirational Beth Chatto Gardens, built from scratch in 1960 from bogland and brambles, it features ecological planting working with nature to find the right spot for the right plant.
Friday - Homeward bound with a stop in Reigate for lunch. Return to Dorset late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
FIVE LAKES HOTEL & SPA, COLCHESTER
A superb 4 star resort hotel set in 320 acres of countryside and boasting its own golf course and ornamental lakes. Each of the 114 bedrooms comes equipped with private bathroom with free toiletries and hairdryer, satellite TV, air-conditioning, tea tray, iron/board, fridge and free Wifi. Meals are served in the Brasserie 1 restaurant which offers a wide selection of choices. You can socialise in Bar Lacu offering beers, wines and fabulous cocktails. There is also a Starbucks coffee shop on-site. Guests can exploit the leisure facilities which includes an indoor pool, gym and sauna. You can also book a massage, facial, manicure or any other number of treatments in the luxurious Spa. Lifts serve all floors.
NB: Change of Hotel Venue - The Five Lakes Hotel has been aquired by new owners who are unable to provide our pre-existing booking on the same terms. This holiday base has now been relocated to the 4 Star Holiday Inn in the village of Ash Green near Colchester, situated just 15 minutes drive from the Five Lakes and perfectly positioned not to affect the planned itinerary. Bedrooms are equally well equipped with all expected facilites typical of the respected Holiday Inn brand. No lift but only ground and first floor rooms. Traders Restaurant is spacious and bright and offers a varied menu in relaxed and informal surroundings. The adjacent bar is a great place to socialise - or in fine weather you can choose to eat or drink on the outdoor terrace. There is a large indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, a well equipped gym, sauna and steam room.
TOUR PRICE: £539.00 Per Person
Single room supplement : £150.00
Price includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, 3 x River Cruises, Entry to Mangapps Rail Museum, Entry to Beth Chatto 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 | 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 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 | |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised | |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) | |
| Queens Avenue | Dorchester, Bus stop end of Queens Avenue | |
| 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 | |
| Value House | Value House Car Park | |
| 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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