COACH TASTER BREAKS 2019

Transcription

1 BRITISH QUALITY COACH TASTER BREAKS Station Road, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 1TA Tel: Website:

2 43 2 Day Taster Breaks This year s programme of Taster Breaks in the following pages includes popular favourites, as well as a number of interesting new tours. These two-day breaks are a great opportunity to try somewhere new for the first time or enjoy a refreshing change of scene. If you re new to PS Travel, or coach travel in general, then perhaps try a Taster Break to sample a taste of the professional and personal service we provide on all our tours! February Sun 24th March Sun 10th Sat 23rd Sun 31st Sun 21st April May Fri 03rd Thur 09th June Snowdrops Welsh Wonders. Royal Mint, St Fagans & Tenby Thriplow Daffodils Florimania at Hampton Court Palace - Mothering Sunday Country Manor Retreat Second City Renaissance The Cotswolds & Sezincote Fri 07th Duxford & Hatfield House Sun 16th Lights, Camera, Action - Fathers Day Special Sun 23rd Historic Homes of Kent Sat 29th Severn Valley Railway 1940s Weekend July Fri 19th Sun 28th Sailing in the West Midlands Queen of the Midlands August Sun 04th Fri 16th September Sun 8th Sat 14th Sun 15th October Fri 04th Sun 13th November Sun 10th Sat 23rd Sun 24th December Sun 01st Sat 07th Tues 10th Morwellham Quay Duxford & Hatfield House Tamar Valley Railway Ludlow Food Festival & The Black & White Villages Hidden Homes of Kent Bespoke Brews Welsh Wonders. Royal Mint, St Fagans & Tenby Oxford Taster London & Classical Spectacular Rockingham Castle at Christmas Chatsworth at Christmas time Christmas at Kew & Stonor Park Victorian Christmas & Birmingham Christmas market

3 42...a great opportunity to try somewhere new for the first time or enjoy a refreshing change of scene. Website: Tel:

4 41 Welsh Wonders. Royal Mint, St Fagans & Tenby Sunday 10th March We journey through Welsh history from Celtic days to the present time in Europe s largest open air museum. The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in We also gain unprecedented access to The Royal Mint to discover the people and events behind the coins in your pocket, and hear some surprising stories from history. Our Hotel will be in Tenby. The Park Hotel enjoys breathtaking views overlooking Tenby s North Bay and the harbour with it s backdrop of quaint multi-coloured houses of the old town. We have included dinner, bed and breakfast SUNDAY - We travel to St Fagans open air museum where we have included an introductory talk before free time to explore this attraction. We then continue to our hotel in Tenby. MONDAY - After some free time in Tenby we travel to The Royal Mint in Llantrisant. We have a guided tour and an introductory talk on arrival and then free time to self guide yourself around the interactive exhibition. We then continue our journey home per person single room supplement Snowdrops Sunday 24th February Brighten up the winter days and celebrate the first signs of Spring as we visit two gardens renowned for their seasonal displays of snowdrops. We visit two gardens on this tour East Lanbrook Manor and national Trusts Kingston Lacy Gardens. A walk through Kingston Lacy s gardens at this time of year you will find carpets of brilliant white. The snowdrop walk stretches through the 40 acre garden for one and a half miles. East Lambrook Manor Gardens is the iconic and quintessentially English cottage garden created by the celebrated 20th-century plantswoman and gardening writer Margery Fish. The English Heritage Grade 1 listed garden is characterised by many winding paths through abundant borders and is renowned as the premier example of the English cottage garden style. It has noted collections of snowdrops. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton. SUNDAY - We travel to East Lanbrook Manor Gardens where you have time to wander around the gardens before continuing to our hotel where we will be greeted with a cream tea on arrival. MONDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Kingston Lacy. We then continue our journey home. Thriplow Daffodils Saturday 23rd March Join us on our tour to Thriplow where each year the village celebrates Daffodil Weekend. Since the event began in 1969, thousands of visitors have been drawn from all over the UK to this much loved annual extravaganza. You are free to explore the village and enjoy the festival which is a Celebration of Spring. Step back in time walking the beautiful traffic-free lanes and footpaths with verges swathed in daffodils of differing varieties, visit residents open gardens, craft barns, marquees, stalls and demonstrations, and experience the warm and friendly atmosphere. Letchworth Hall Hotel. SATURDAY - We travel to St Albans Hertfordshire s oldest town. We have free time here to perhaps explore the Cathedral and wander through to the Roman Mosaic before continuing to our overnight hotel. SUNDAY - After breakfast we head to Thriplow where you have the full day to explore. Daffodil Weekend is a village community with around 450 residents working together. Virtually everyone in the village does something towards the event, be it baking cakes, helping serve teas, working in the car park or picking up the litter at the end of the day, to bring off one of the best loved charity events in Cambridgeshire.. We then depart for the journey home single room supplement 9.50 reduction for National Trust Members per person PS Travel Tasters - Tel:

5 40 Florimania at Hampton Court Palace Sunday 31st March We start our journey and head to Hampton Court Palace and their Mothering Sunday Florimania. MOTHER S DAY See the Palace through 500 years of rich royal history with a stunning mix of Baroque and Tudor architecture transformed this weekend with stunning displays of flower arrangements throughout the state apartments and also enjoy a leisurely stroll around the 60 acre gardens. Also shopping time or sightseeing as we take you to the area of Knightsbridge London where you have the day free to perhaps treat Mum that little bit more. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel Slough. SUNDAY - We travel to Hampton Court Palace where we have arranged a free flow visit of the Palace and grounds. We then continue to our overnight hotel in Slough. MONDAY - After breakfast we head to Knightsbridge London where you have the day free for shopping and sightseeing. This afternoon we then depart for the journey home. Country Manor Retreat Sunday 21st April Join us on a relaxing break to a stunning country retreat in the heart of South Devon. We will be staying at the Dartington Hall Hotel Estate on the outskirts of Totnes. Dartington Hall is a Grade I listed property and the largest medieval manor in the South West. It is set in amongst a 1200 acre estate full of stunning formal gardens and leafy woodland paths. The accommodation is located around a 14th century medieval courtyard with a variety of modern and ancient buildings. The estate also boasts an award winning pub The White Hart and a year round cinema in the 15th Century Barn as well as a unique shopping centre.. We also visit the town of Totnes and spend some time in Exeter. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Dartington Hall Hotel. SUNDAY - We journey straight to our hotel and estate where we are greeted on arrival with a guided tour of the stunning grade II listed gardens. It s the time for you to enjoy the rest of your day at leisure on this magnificent estate. MONDAY - After breakfast we head to the town of Totnes where you have some free time before heading to Exeter and our lunchtime stop. We then re board our coach for our journey home.

6 39 Second City Renaissance Join us on a tour to Birmingham. It is reinvented and refined in our cultural journey into the Barber Institute of Fine Arts (containing one of the finest small collections of European art in the UK)including works by Rembrandt, Monet an Van Gogh. We also gain firsthand experience of the legendary Jewellery Quarter, Home of the FA Cup and still producing 40% of the UK s jewellery. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Hallmark Hotel Birmingham Strathallan. FRIDAY - We travel to Birmingham and make our way to The Barber Institute of Fine Arts. We have included a guided tour of the institute followed by free time. We then continue to our hotel. SATURDAY - Today we return to Birmingham and start our guided tour at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. You then have free time before boarding our coach for the journey home. Friday 03rd May The Cotswolds & Sezincote Thursday 09th May Join us for a glimpse into a quintessentially English region where time seems to stand still, as we journey into Shakespeare Country to explore the wonders of Warwickshire and the Cotswolds. We uncover the charming Cotswold towns of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourtonon-the-Water and their timeless beauty. Nothing quite prepares you for the splendour of Sezincote. Set in 4500 acres of rolling countryside stands a 200 year old Mogul Indian Palace set in a romantic landscape of temples, grottoes, waterfalls and canals reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Warwickshire Walton Hall & Spa Hotel THURSDAY- We travel into the Cotswolds. Where we begin with a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds for its delightful bridges crossing the River Windrush, we then continue to Stow-onthe-Wold, renowned for its craft and antique shops, art galleries and historic market square. FRIDAY - We depart the hotel for our excursion to Sezincote. We have included an out of hours private guided tour of the house and then free time to explore the gardens. We then continue to Cheltenham for our lunchtime stop before our journey home per person single room supplement Duxford & Hatfield House Friday 07th June Discover Europe s premier aviation museum with us too, as we enjoy a visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford. A former Royal Air Force fighter base, Duxford is home to one of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits in the country, as well as over 200 rare and historic aircraft, the American Air Museum and special exhibitions including The Battle of Britain, Normandy Experience and Monty. We also visit one of the Treasure Houses of England, Hatfield House. It is an impressive Jacobean Mansion with a beautiful 42 acre garden and has featured in many films like Sherlock Holmes and The King s Speech. Letchworth Hall Hotel in Hertfordshire. Dating back to 1625 this quintessential Olde English Manor house is set within 8 acres of gardens and retains many of its Jacobean features which have been tastefully restored. FRIDAY - We travel to Cambridgeshire for our visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford. After time here to explore at your own pace and experience the museum and many exhibitions we continue to our hotel. SATURDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel for our journey home, with a visit en route to Hatfield House and gardens. You have free time here to explore the estate at your own pace. Light s, Camera, Action - Fathers Day Special Sunday 16th June A real movie fans treat is had in this new tour as we enjoy a behind the scenes visit to the famous Pinewood Studios which is rich in Hollywood heritage and host to many silver screens most famous moments. FATHER S DAY We have an exclusive presentation by Dee Anderson daughter of the famous Thunderbird creators Gerry & Sylvia Anderson. We also have included a James Bond walking tour of London uncovering some of the locations used in many of the films over the years. We find ourselves walking through Westminster, National gallery, Whitehall and Mi5 and Mi6 locations. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel Slough. SUNDAY- We travel to Pinewood studios for our private tour and presentation followed by a light buffet lunch. We then continue to our overnight hotel in Slough. MONDAY - After breakfast we head to Charing Cross to meet our guide for our 2.5 hours walking tour ( part of the tour will included a short bus journey ) After we have some free time before we then depart for the journey home per person PS Travel Tasters - Tel:

7 38 Historic Homes of Kent Sunday 23rd June With so many historical homes we have a picked a couple on this trip that are not only historic but some class as the loveliest in the World. Starting with the family home of Sir Winston Churchill some of Chartwells rooms remain as much as they were when he lived there, with pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and his interests of a great statesman, writer and family man. Your first breathtaking vision of The loveliest Castle in the World Leeds Castle you may never forget. Rising majestically from the moat as it has done for over 900 years. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast in Chatham at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel. The hotel has leisure facilities including a swimming pool. SUNDAY - We travel to National Trust Chartwell House where we enjoy our free flow visit before continuing to our overnight hotel. MONDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Leeds Castle Maidstone where we enjoy a free flow visit before we depart for the journey home. Severn Valley Railway 1940s Weekend Saturday 29th June On this particular weekend of the year we turn the clock s back to the 1940s with this light hearted journey back to wartime Britain. This is one of Severn Valley railways most popular events which include costumed re-enactors at the stations and on the trains, performers and entertainers to create the mood, replica 1940 s house complete with family, displays of historic civilian and military vehicles, air raid shelter and a fly past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We also visit Birmingham s Botanical Gardens with it s four stunning tropical greenhouses, large lawn area and coffee shop. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Hallmark Hotel Birmingham Strathallan. SATURDAY - We travel to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for our free flow visit before continuing to our overnight hotel. SUNDAY - After an early breakfast we head to the Severn Valley Railway 1940s event. You are free to travel the railway and visit the stations and events available throughout the day at your leisure. We then depart for the journey home reduction for National Trust Members Sailing in the West Midlands Queen of the Midlands Friday 19th July Join us on a tour to the West Midlands where we join two very different canal cruises. The Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust Cruise passes through impressive limestone caverns made by man to access the raw materials that changed our world forever and then to the Birmingham Canal Cruise that s crammed with Industrial heritage. The narrow boats cruises through some of the original James Brindley Canal and a section of Sir Thomas Telford s Main Line. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Hallmark Hotel Birmingham Strathallan. FRIDAY - We travel to the Dudley Canal Trust where we join our return cruise. After we then continue to our hotel. SATURDAY - Today we travel into central Birmingham where we join our Heritage Canal Cruise. You then have free time before boarding our coach for the journey home. Sunday 28th July We start our journey with a cruise on the beautiful River Trent. We board the Trent Lady River Boat and roll gently along the scenic waters as it flows through the Midlands and joins the River Ouse. We travel under The lady Bay Bridge, past Victoria War Memorial and marvel at the stunning Humber Estuary along Victoria Embankment. We also visit the stunning Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion Wollaton Hall which was built in Standing on a natural hill just 2 miles west of Nottingham City Centre and located within 500 acres of historic deer park. The Batman movie Dark Knight Rises was filmed here. Nottingham City Centre Hotel. SUNDAY - We travel to Nottingham for our lunch stop before boarding the Trent Lady River Boat for our 1.5 hour cruise. We then continue to our overnight hotel. MONDAY - After a leisurely breakfast we head to Wollaton Hall, gardens & Deer Park. On arrival we are greeted with refreshments before our 45 minute guided tour. The rest of the time is yours at leisure before we depart for the journey home per person per person

8 37 Morwellham Quay Duxford & Hatfield House Sunday 04th August Leave the 21st century behind on this laid back break to Devon, where life slows right down and you are transported back to a time of seafarers and smugglers, copper mines and Victorian times. We visit Plymouth with it s vast amount of places to explore including The Hoe and it s imposing lighthouse, the Barbican or take the scenic walk to Royal Williams Dock Yard. Our journey back in time also includes a visit to Morwellham Quay on the beautiful River Tamar in Devon, where the BBC series The Edwardian Farm was filmed. The Victorian age is brought back to life at this award-winning World Heritage site, which is set in 200 acres of outstanding natural beauty and features a historic port, copper mine, working Victorian farm, restored village, costumed characters, narrow-gauge railway, heavy horses and museums of costume and mining. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel Plymouth, right in the heart of this vibrant city. SUNDAY - We travel to Devon to reach Morwellham Quay, where you will have time to explore at leisure before we continue to our hotel in Plymouth. MONDAY - You have a free day today to explore the many sights of Plymouth before the journey home. Friday 16th August Discover Europe s premier aviation museum with us too, as we enjoy a visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford. Royal Air Force fighter base, Duxford is home to one of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits in the country, as well as over 200 rare and historic aircraft, the American Air Museum and special exhibitions including The Battle of Britain, Normandy Experience and Monty. We also visit one of the Treasure Houses of England, Hatfield House. It is an impressive Jacobean Mansion with a beautiful 42 acre garden and has featured in many films like Sherlock Holmes and The King s Speech. Letchworth Hall Hotel in Hertfordshire. Dating back to 1625 this quintessential Olde English Manor house is set within 8 acres of gardens and retains many of its Jacobean features which have been tastefully restored. FRIDAY - We travel to Cambridgeshire for our visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford. After time here to explore at your own pace and experience the museum and many exhibitions we continue to our hotel. SATURDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel for our journey home, with a visit en route to Hatfield House and gardens. You have free time here to explore the estate at your own pace per person PS Travel Tasters - Tel:

9 36 Tamar Valley Railway Sunday 08th September Experience at first hand the beauty of Devon s Tamar Valley as we enjoy a memorable train journey on the Tamar Valley Railway, taking you through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Uncover the region s rich industrial past as the train takes you under Brunel s famous Royal Albert Bridge, past Plymouth s Royal Navy Dockyards, through the quiet countryside of the Bere Peninsular and alongside the magnificent River Tamar before crossing the Calstock viaduct which joins Devon and Cornwall. We also visit Plymouth with it s vast amount of places to explore including The Hoe and it s imposing lighthouse, the Barbican or take the scenic walk to Royal Williams Dock Yard. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel Plymouth, right in the heart of this vibrant city. SUNDAY - We travel to he pretty riverside market town of Tavistock before continuing to Gunnislake where we board the train for our journey on the Tamar Valley Line to Plymouth. MONDAY - You have a free day today to explore the many sights of Plymouth before the journey home. Ludlow Food Festival & The Black & white Villages Saturday 14th September A new tour for this year as we visit the stunning surrounds of Ludlow Castle for their annual Food Festival. Over 180 local food and drink producers from Ludlow and the surrounding Marches area exhibit their products over three days. You can taste and purchase various foods, ciders, beers and other local products as well as enjoy live entertainment, chef demonstrations and talks on the stages around the festival grounds. We also enjoy a scenic drive through the Black & White Villages including mediaeval Pembridge, Kington on the River Arrow and Weobley, the jewel in the Crown of the trail. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Buckatree Hall Hotel near Wellington. SATURDAY - We travel through the famous Black & White Villages before continuing to our hotel SUNDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Ludlow Castle and the Ludlow Food Festival. We then depart for the journey home per person Hidden Homes of Kent Bespoke Brews Sunday 15th September We head to Kent to visit just two of so many of it s historical homes. Starting with Penshurst Place and Gardens one of England s oldest family homes. The state has passed through the hands of royalty and nobles for more that 6 centuries including Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves. The historic formal gardens are the jewel in the crown here with records dating back to We also visit the 14th century moated Ightham Mote manor house. Lose yourself in this romantic house described by historian David Starkey as one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast in Chatham at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel. The hotel has leisure facilities including a swimming pool. SUNDAY - We travel to Penhurst Place where we enjoy our free flow visit before continuing to our overnight hotel. MONDAY - After breakfast we depart to National Trust Ightham Mote where we enjoy a free flow visit before we depart for the journey home. Friday 04th October Join us on a new and exciting tour where we immerse our senses on an interactive tour of the new home of the worldfamous Bombay Sapphire gin. Behind the doors of this historic distillery, unveil the craftsmanship, heritage and beauty infused into every drop of Bombay Sapphire gin. Included is a guided tour, a cocktail master class and of course a complimentary drink. Also we combine the old and the new, the exotic and the home-grown as we take a hoppy journey through the truly unique Hop Kettle Brewery, where bespoke blending takes on a whole new meaning. We have included a guided tour and then complementary beer tasting in the tap room followed by pulled pork rolls lunch. Newbury Elcot Park Hotel. FRIDAY - We start with our visit to Marlborough for our lunch stop before heading to our visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery for our guided tour and cocktail making session. We the re board the coach and continue to our overnight hotel. SATURDAY - Today we travel to the Hop Kettle Brewery for our visit and our included light lunch. We then start our journey home with a stop refreshment stop in Tetbury reduction for National Trust Members per person single room supplement

10 35 Welsh Wonders. Royal Mint,St Fagans & Tenby Sunday 13th October We journey through Welsh history from Celtic days to the present time in Europe s largest open air museum. The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in We also gain unprecedented access to The Royal Mint to discover the people and events behind the coins in your pocket, and hear some surprising stories from history. Our Hotel will be in Tenby. The Park Hotel enjoys breathtaking views overlooking Tenby s North Bay and the harbour with it s backdrop of quaint multi-coloured houses of the old town. We have included dinner, bed and breakfast SUNDAY - We travel to St Fagans open air museum where we have included an introductory talk before free time to explore this attraction. We then continue to our hotel in Tenby. MONDAY - After some free time in Tenby we travel to The Royal Mint in Llantrisant. We have a guided tour and an introductory talk on arrival and then free time to self guide yourself around the interactive exhibition. We then continue our journey home. Oxford Taster Sunday 10th November Come and take in the sights of Oxfordshire with us on this great new break to uncover the City of Dreaming Spires Step back in time as we visit riverside Oxford, home to royalty and scholars for over 800 years. Here you will find a delightful blend of historic buildings, splendid architecture, museums and great shopping, plus of course the world-famous university. We visit the famous Bodleian Library which is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and was first opened in 1602 by scholars.known to many Oxford Scholars as The Bod these buildings are still used by students from all over the world. You will have plenty of free time to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. We will be staying overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel. The hotel is set in a 17th century building right in the centre of this beautiful city and an ideal location for exploring the area and has a great choice of many restaurants nearby. SUNDAY - We travel to Oxford, with plenty of time to explore this fascinating city at leisure from our hotel. MONDAY - After breakfast we take a short walk to the Bodleian Library for our hour guided tour. You then have the rest of the day in the city before our journey home per person single room supplement London & Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall Saturday 23rd November A great weekend trip to London which includes an evening at the Royal Albert Hall, one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world, to see the sensational Classical Spectacular, the UK s most popular classical music show! The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra return to play all the classics at this magnificent and unique event, which combines the best in classical music and state of the art technology, with multi-coloured laser displays, can-can dancers and dazzling special effects, bringing to life the scenes and moods evoked by each piece. A cast of over 200 musicians perform a superb programme, featuring some of the world s best loved classical music, including Rule Britannia, Zadok the Priest, the Grand March from Aida, Land of Hope and Glory, Ride of the Valkyries and the famous 1812 Overture with thundering cannons, muskets and indoor fireworks. Seats at The Royal Albert Hall are in the Grand Tier Boxes. We will be staying overnight with bed and breakfast at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in fashionable Kensington, ideally situated near Hyde Park, The Natural History Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum and The Science Museum. It is also on a main bus route and just a short walk from the underground tube station. SATURDAY - We travel to London, arriving early afternoon. You cannot check into your room until 3pm, but you may leave your luggage with concierge whilst you relax at the hotel or do some sightseeing. In the evening we depart by coach from the hotel and travel the short distance to the Royal Albert Hall, for the evening performance of the Classical Spectacular. SUNDAY - After breakfast at the hotel the day is yours to explore London at your own pace, before we depart at 4pm for the journey home per person single room supplement PS Travel Tasters - Tel:

11 34 Rockingham Castle at Christmas Chatsworth at Christmastime Sunday 24th November Get into the festive mood with this new break to visit Rockingham Castle. It is Christmas Eve, The staff are preparing the Castle for the family s celebrations. Under the butler s direction, the Great Hall table is laid, the silver is polished, the candles and fires are lit, the decorations are in place and the kitchen is a hive of activity. You can enjoy the tales of the staff and see the castle decorated in grand Victorian style. We also visit Warwick famous for it s magnificent castle and it s historic charm. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast near the town of Corby at the Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel. SUNDAY - We travel today to Warwick where you have free time to explore this historic town. Streets full of Antique shops and Christmas gifts and decorations or perhaps a visit to the magnificent Warwick Castle. We then continue to our hotel near Corby. MONDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Rockingham Castle where you will be greeted with coffee and mince pies. We then have included a costumed guided tour of the castle followed by a 2 course lunch, before we depart for the journey home. Sunday 01st December Get into the festive mood with this popular break to visit grand Chatsworth House in the Peak District, home to the Dukes of Devonshire. Experience The Palace of the Peaks at its most magical time as the house is dressed for the festive season with stunning displays, sparkling lights and glittering decorations - a truly unique and memorable festive experience. As a special treat we have included a Christmas lunch in Chatsworth s converted 18th century stables, one of the oldest buildings on the estate. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast in the vibrant Yorkshire city of Sheffield, at the 4* Copthorne Sheffield Hotel. SUNDAY - We begin today with a short visit to Evesham Country Park in the picturesque Vale of Evesham, with time at leisure to explore the garden centre and browse for gifts in the courtyard shops. We then continue to Stratfordupon-Avon beside the River Severn, birthplace of William Shakespeare and renowned for its beautiful black and white buildings, where we enjoy a lunchtime visit before continuing to South Yorkshire and our hotel in Sheffield. MONDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel into Derbyshire to reach Chatsworth House. You will have free time here to explore the beautifully decorated house, take a stroll around the gardens and browse the elegant gift shops for Christmas gifts. You are then treated to a buffet lunch in the main restaurant in the former stables, before we depart for the journey home single room supplement Christmas at Kew & Stonor Park Saturday 07th December Discover the world s most famous garden as twilight falls the magic begins as a seasonal illuminated extravaganza lights up the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wander between glowing waterside reflections, illuminated fountains and grand glasshouses as Kew s iconic architecture and unique tree canopies are brought to life drenched in Christmas colour. Welcome also to Stonor Park home to the Stonor family for over 850 years. The house will be beautifully decorated for Christmas just as it is for the family each year. It will reveal all it s grand and sparkiling glory at this festive time of year. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4 star Copthorne Slough Hotel. The hotel has leisure facilities including a swimming pool SATURDAY - We travel to Windsor before we continue to our hotel to check in and for an early arranged dinner at the hotel. We then make our visit to Kew Gardens at twilight. This is an outdoor event with no covered areas and in some areas low level lighting. SUNDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Stonor Park where you have free time before we depart for the journey home. Victorian Christmas & Birmingham s Xmas Market Tuesday 10th December Step back in time and into the festive mood with this new break to visit Blists Hill Victorian Town decked in all of it s seasonal glory. Travel back over 100 years to experience the festive sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian Christmas. Experience the atmosphere of a bygone era as you explore the town; listen to stories of life more than 100 years ago in the cosy cottages with traditional seasonal decorations. We also visit Birmingham s Frankfurt s Christmas Market based in Victoria Square. The largest authentic market held outside Germany and Austria and consisting of over a 120 stalls with novel Christmas gifts and decorations as well as a host of food stalls serving traditional Christmas market food. We will be staying overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Buckatree Hall Hotel near Wellington TUESDAY - We travel today to Birmingham s Frankfurt Christmas Market. We have a free time before continuing to our hotel. WEDNESDAY - After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Blists Hill where we are greeted with refreshments and an introduction with a guide. We have free time before a light Christmas lunch. We then depart for the journey home per person single room supplement per person single room supplement