A Spring Time Adventure in Ireland with St. Patrick's in Killarney.
With Fishing Villages, Seaside Drives, Afternoon Tea, Cosy Pubs, Gardens, Castles, Abbeys, Cathedrals, Stone Circles, Portal Tombs and Dolmens and Megalithic Cemeteries.

19 Days on a small intimate tour of the English countryside and lovely villages, towns and cities of the Cotswolds, Cheshire, Peak District, Lake District and Yorkshire. Taking time out for tea is a way of life in Great Britain and we have attempted to include every type of tearoom and teatime opportunity to give a full experience of this wonderful and fascinating ritual. There is much more about Britain than just tea so as well as including tearooms as you have to eat somewhere, we have also included some of our favorite stops! This tour is limited to just 14 people. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group.

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$11,495 per person. 

$1795 single supplement.

$1000 to make your deposit.

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Please do not sign up for a tour until you have read through our

Terms and Conditions. Especially in regards to mobility, luggage

limits etc. 

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Day 1 - You will be met this morning at London Heathrow Airport, but our adventure begins in the West of England. We will make a stop along the way at Winchester to visit Winchester Cathedral, where we discover one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe. With a captivating history and magnificent architecture, Winchester Cathedral has been a living place of worship and welcome for over 900 years. Winchester Cathedral dates from 1079 with a church on this site since 648. Jane Austen is buried here and the cathedral possesses the only diatonic ring of 14 church bells in the world, with a tenor (heaviest bell) weighing almost 2 tons. We will have a guided tour of the cathedral followed by Afternoon Tea before we make our way to Lacock. Often in listings for Britain's loveliest villages, the village dates from the 13th century and has many limewashed half-timbered and stone houses and was used as a location in the TV and film productions of Pride and Prejudice, Moll Flanders and Emma. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Bath (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - This morning we take the train to Bradford-on-Avon for Afternoon Tea at the Bridge Tearooms. Before tea you will have some time to wander around this lovely town. Its magical position on the banks of the River Avon gives visitors a wonderful setting for leisure, cultural and tourist activities. Bradford-on-Avon has delightful shops, restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfasts lining the narrow streets of the town centre. The surrounding hillside is covered with Cotswold Stone Houses and Cottages of every shape and size. After tea we return to Bath where you can explore all the wonders of this delightful spa town. Nourished by natural hot springs, Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture. While here, you you may want to visit the Roman Baths, a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. You may also want to visit the Jane Austen Centre. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight Bath. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - This morning we make our way further north into the Cotswolds with a stop at Chavenage House where will have a tour of the house before settling in for Afternoon Tea. Originally built in 1383, there have been additions and renovations to the property over the centuries. Since Tudor times, only two families have owned Chavenage. The house has been used for filming on many projects including BBC's 'Lark Rise to Candleford' and 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles', and more recently 'Poldark'. This lovely house will enchant you and leave you with wonderful memories of a much loved home. Working our way further into the Cotswolds we will make a detour to visit Gloucester and Gloucester Cathedral for a tour. Gloucester Cathedral is one of Britain’s greatest buildings, representing over 1,300 years of Christian faith and heritage. The monks who first lived and worshiped here followed The Rule of St Benedict which teaches that all should be welcomed as Christ himself.  The Cathedral’s stories are intertwined with Britain’s history.  From its origins in around 679, the Cathedral holiness and beauty has drawn generations of people to it although some come just to see the Harry Potter filming locations. Today you are following in their footsteps. Dinner and Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L,D)

 

Day 4 - This morning we visit the lovely market towns of Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden, perhaps some of the better known of the small Cotswolds towns. Stow is an important shopping centre and has many fine Antique shops, Art galleries and Gifts and Crafts Shops and is always a delight to explore. Moreton is a thriving market town at the northern gateway to the Cotswolds. Its broad High Street, lined with elegant 17th and 18th-century Cotswold stone buildings, reflects the town’s long history as a centre for trade and commerce. With a lively market, specialist shops, cafés, and a welcoming atmosphere, Moreton-in-Marsh has something for everyone. Next, we spend some time in the beautiful Old Cotswolds Market Town of Chipping Campden. was the centre for wool trade during the 14th and 15th centuries and has retained its feel of a place stepped back in time and is quite a lovely town to explore. Before exploring, first things first, so we stop in at Badger's Tearoom for Afternoon Tea. Dinner on your own and Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L)

 

Day 5 - The best part of being in the Cotswolds is the lovely villages and spectacular country drives you find at every turn. Our first stop today is the wee village of Blockley. There is not a lot here, but it never fails to charm both myself and everyone that we bring here. Next we visit Broadway and Broadway Tower, built in 1799, it is a perfect example of an 18th Century Gothic Folly and at 1024 feet above sea level you can see 13 counties! It is always worth a climb to the top! Then we make our way into Broadway for some exploration and for Afternoon Tea. The pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and includes a mixture of period houses and picturesque honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages which have lured visitors for centuries. Our final stop of the day is Winchcombe which  has a wonderfully timeless quality about it, Cotswold Stone Cottages enhanced by black and white half-timbered buildings, narrow side streets and charming houses make up the centre of this fabulous town. Then we make our way to Lower Slaughter for Afternoon Tea before exploring this lovely town with its honey-coloured stone architecture, quaint little cottages and the most romantic street in Britain, Copse Hill Road. Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L)

 

Day 6 - This morning before we leave the Cotswolds behind you will have some free time in Bourton-on-the-Water, described as the 'Little Venice' of the Cotswolds. This morning we make our way north toward Chester with a first stop at Stoneleigh Abbey. Stoneleigh Abbey was founded by the Cistercians in 1154, but very little trace remains of the original Abbey buildings except for the 14th-century Gatehouse. One of the seats of the Leigh family, Stoneleigh Abbey has played house to several people of note, including King Charles I, Queen Victoria, and novelist Jane Austen. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the estate was acquired by Sir Thomas Leigh, Lord Mayor of London in 1558, and a house was built on the site of the monastic buildings. It was the home of the Leigh family from 1561 to 1990. Our guided tour will take us on a journey through the West Wing of the house and gives a real insight into how the house was used and how it looked at its peak. We will have Afternoon Tea in the Vaulted Hall Tea Room before touring the house. Then we make our way further north to Chester to get settle into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Chester. (B,L,D)

 

Day 7 -  Our day will be spent entirely in the fabulous city of Chester. Chester is lovely in many ways, but especially for the Chester Rows. The Rows are continuous half-timbered galleries, reached by steps, which form a second row of shops above those at street level along Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Bridge Street. The Rows are unique in the world and some are the original 13th century buildings, including the Three Old Arches in Bridge Street which have survived the ravages of time and are still magnificent and greatly contribute to the beauty and character of Chester. After some time for  exploring we will take Afternoon Tea at the Mad Hatter Tearoom before we take in Chester Cathedral. There has been a church on this site for over 1,000 years. Originally a Saxon Minster, then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey, this magnificent building is a national treasure in the heart of the city and has been the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Chester since 1541. From Norman arches to Gothic columns, spectacular fourteenth century woodcarvings, the medieval shrine of St. Werburgh and spectacular stained glass. The Cloisters and Church form one of the most complete monastic complexes in the country. Overnight Chester. (B,L)

 

Day 8 - This morning we leave Chester behind as we head toward the Peak District. We will stop at the Lewis Carroll Centre at All Saints Church in Daresbury. The author of Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass spent the first 11 years of his life in Daresbury growing up in the Parsonage with has father as the Vicar. After our visit we head to Northwich and Davenport Farm Shop and Tearooms for their special Mad Hatters Tea Party! The tearoom is themed around Alice in Wonderland with murals on the walls, Alice in Wonderland Collectables, Alice Chess Sets and Playing Cards. We then make our way to Congleton to visit Little Moreton Hall, an iconic Tudor Manor House that logically should not still be standing up! Fortunately this timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years and remains standing! Then we get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight in the Peak District. (B,L,D)

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Day 9 - As we are just about half way through the tour, the entire day will be spent at your leisure. We are staying in an absolutely delightful village and one of our favourites! With rich historical, industrial and literary associations, the picturesque village of Hathersage in the Hope Valley is brimming with character and has a great selection of shops, pubs, restaurants and places to stay. Hathersage is famous for local literary links and legends; it inspired author Charlotte Bronte when writing ‘Jane Eyre’, and nearby North Lees Hall was visited several times by the author in 1845, becoming the main inspiration for Thornfield Hall. In and around the village are also sites associated with the legend of Robin Hood – his lieutenant, Little John is buried in the churchyard of St Michael’s. It is also home of the David Mellor Design Museum, which includes a café and museum dedicated to the renowned cutlery designer (who also designed the modern traffic light!). Situated north, Stanage Edge is a popular place for walkers and for rock climbing with stunning views of the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. The gritstone edge stretches for approximately 4 miles and was made famous in the iconic windswept scene in the classic film ‘Pride & Prejudice’ starring Keira Knightley. Get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Peak District. (B)

 

Day 10 - This morning we visit Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Chatsworth and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish Family. The house architecture and collection have been evolving for five centuries. The house has over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, newly restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. In the Guest Bedrooms, meet an Edwardian Lady's Maid who will be revealing the secrets of her mistress's suitcase of clothes, or dress up in one of our period costumes. We then make our way to Bakewell, the only market town in the Peak District National Park. Set in an enviable location on the banks of the Wye, with the river meandering gently through the centre, this beautiful old market town is in the heart of the Peak District, surrounded by stunning countryside views. Famous for its Puddings, Annual events and for receiving royal charter as a market town in 1330. Before exploring we will have Afternoon Tea at Lavender Tearooms before returning home. Overnight Peak District. (B,L)

 

Day 11 - We start our journey to the lake district today with an overnight at Hebden Bridge. On the way we will visit Wentworth Castle Gardens, Glorious gardens, woodland and parkland, created for the privileged few and preserved for everyone to enjoy. On our tour we will discover countryside views across 500 acres of South Yorkshire’s only Grade 1-listed landscape. Venture into the parkland with its herds of fallow and red deer. See three hundred years of changing garden design revealed as you stroll through different sections of the garden, including a hilltop folly and a re-imagined 18th century flag garden. We will stop for a Picnic Lunch before continuing on to Haworth, situated at the edge of the Pennine Moors in West Yorkshire. Haworth is most famous for the Bronte Sisters who wrote most of their famous works while living at the Haworth Parsonage which is now the Bronte Parsonage Museum, home from 1820-1861 to novelists Charlotte, Emily and Anne. This is a lovely town with many shops to take in and you can wander about getting acquainted with lovely spot in Yorkshire. After wandering up and down the streets of the village enjoying all the wee shoppes we make our way just up the road to our accommodation to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Hebden Bridge. (B,L,D)

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Day 12 - Today we make our way to the coast to have a wonderful adventure aboard the Ravenglass and Eskdake Railway. We will board the ‘Joan’ Pullman Observation Carriage as a private booking. We will travel in luxury, surrounded by panoramic coastal and mountain scenery while relaxing in plush bucket lounge-style seating for comfort and socialising. On our journey we will have uninterrupted views from the large observation windows as we travel behind a heritage steam locomotive. We will have Afternoon Tea aboard or at the Ravenglass Station. This afternoon we make our way Pooley Bridge to join the Ullswater Steamer for a scenic cruise on one of England’s most beautiful lakes, Ullswater. The company operates one of the largest heritage boat fleets in the world, offering an unforgettable experience. Their boats’ indoor saloons and covered outdoor seating make us an all-weather attraction, for a delighting journey no matter the weather. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District National Park, they offer those on board the chance to experience the stunning scenery of the Ullswater Valley from a truly unique perspective. We then make our way back home where you can find some dinner on your own. Overnight Lake District. (B,L)

 

Day 13 - This morning we visit Rydal Mount and Gardens, the famous home of William Wordsworth. With the breathtaking views of the lakes you can understand why he loved to write here. This was Wordsworth's best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80. We then take a lovely drive through the district on our way to have Lunch at the Minstrels Tearoom in Hawkshead before we visit Beatrix Potters most beloved home of Hill Top. It is kept exactly as she left and complete with treasured furniture and china. You will feel as if you stepped into her books! Full of her favourite things, the house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'. The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables. We then return by Ferry across Lake Windermere to have some time to enjoy Ambleside, a lovely village nestled alongside the shore of Lake Windermere. Dinner on your own and Overnight Lake District. (B,L)

 

Day 14 - This morning before we leave the area behind, we visit Dove Cottage, the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth from December 1799 to May 1808, the years of his supreme work as a poet. In this time of ‘plain living and high thinking’, the everyday mixed with the extraordinary. It was whilst living here, amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life, that Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating Grasmere journal. Then we stop for Afternoon Tea at Castle Green for a new twist on an old classic. Then we make our way to Sizergh Castle and Gardens, home of the Strickland family for over 800 years. Sizergh is a romantic fortified mansion that contains some of the finest Elizabethan Carved Overmantels in the country. This imposing house stands proudly at the gateway to the Lake District and is set in a 1,600-acre estate, including wetland, woodland and orchards with fritillary butterflies, deer and rare hawfinches. After our visit to the house you can relax in the gardens, wander through the orchards, rock garden or stumpery or stroll along the herbaceous border and fruit wall. Dinner and overnight Askrigg. (B,L,D

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Day 15 - Before leaving this area behind, we stop at Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The creamery incorporates a museum, viewing gallery, specialist cheese shop and fully licensed restaurant. We then make our way to York over the winding roads and hills that make up James Herriot's Yorkshire Dales.Along the way we will visit Bolton Castle, a spectacular mediaeval fortress, situated in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, on the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Built in 1399, the castle is famous for having been the prison of Mary Queen of Scots for 6 months. After our visit to the castle we will stop in Leyburn for you to find some lunch. Leyburn is a traditional market town in North Yorkshire, England, located on a ridge above the River Ure in Wensleydale. It serves as a major gateway to the eastern Yorkshire Dales National Park, famous for outdoor walks, local shops, and historic sights. We then make our way toward the spa town of Harrogate through Middleham, Masham and Ripon enjoying the areas that James Herriot so loved. Dinner and Overnight Yorkshire. (B,D)

 

Day 16 - This morning we visit Thirsk, one of the inspirations for James Herriot's Darrowby. We will explore Thirsk for a bit before a stop at Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, the actual residence and surgery in James Herriot's Darrowby which now houses The World of James Herriot Museum. The museum encompasses the very essence of the world renowned vet James Herriot. It offers visitors an unforgettable interactive experience of the life and times of a man, who became a national celebrity after the airing of the BBC drama "All Creatures Great and Small". We then make our way to Harrogate and to Mama Doreen's for an amazing Afternoon Tea before we make our way to Ripon to visit Ripon Cathedral. Ripon is a lovely Cathedral City with its 800 year old cathedral built over a 7th century Saxon crypt. The cathedral was founded by St Wilfrid (c. 634-709), who brought craftsmen from the continent to build a new stone church dedicated to St Peter, in 672. The only part of Wilfrid’s church to survive, however, is the ancient Saxon crypt. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L)

 

Day 17 - Today we will be spent in York, a walled city founded by the Ancient Romans. Its huge 13th-Century Gothic Cathedral, York Minster with its medieval stained glass and two functioning bell towers. We will have a tour of the Minster before stopping for one of York’s finest Afternoon Tea experiences aboard a beautifully restored rail carriage. We then visit York's Chocolate Story with a tour of the factory. We will learn how a simple cocoa bean is transformed into the finest chocolate and also discover the history of some of York’s most iconic chocolate brands. Then it’s time to master the Secrets of the Chocolatier, as we create hand-made chocolates before seeing how their very own experts do it. Watch the Chocolatiers as they showcase the art of chocolate-making and sample the fruits of their labour, fresh hand-made chocolates. You may then want to take in the City Walls that form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse. The Monk Bar Gate houses an exhibition tracing the life of 15th-Century Plantagenet King Richard III. You will be able to find some dinner in York and then we make our way back home. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L)

 

Day 18 - This morning we visit Harewood House. Harewood sits at the heart of Yorkshire, one of the treasure houses of England, the house was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in the land in the setting of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscape. The house is furnished by master cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale, with interiors by the much celebrated Robert Adam, all the in the setting of 'Capability' Brown's finest landscape. This afternoon we visit the Castle and Gardens of Ripley. In 2009 the Ingilby family celebrated 700 years at Ripley Castle. For any family to occupy the same house for 700 years is truly remarkable. All those letters, deeds and documents that tend to get lost, damaged or thrown away when you move from one house to another have survived, and give a unique record of the family's history, their births, marriages and deaths, their trials and their tribulations, during the course of the last seven centuries. Farewell Dinner and Overnight near Manchester. (B,D)

 

Day 19 - This morning we are off to the Manchester International Airport.

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