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.

17 Days on a small intimate tour of the English countryside and lovely villages, towns and cities of the Oxford, Cheshire, Peak District, Lake District and Yorkshire with the homes of Beatrice Potter, William Wordsworth, Lewis Carroll, James Herriot, the Bronte Sisters and C.S. Lewis. 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. This includes afternoon tea on a train, afternoon tea on a boat and afternoon tea here, there and everywhere. There is much more to 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 - May 6th - We meet at our London Heathrow Hotel and then start our journey north to Oxford and to Blenheim palace. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history.Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704.We will wander through the palace at our leisure and then take in the gardens before we stop for Afternoon Tea. We then get settled into our accommodation in Oxford before meeting up for dinner. Oxford is a historic cathedral city in south-east England known globally as the 'City of Dreaming Spires' and home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It features historic stone buildings and spires representing every style of English architecture since the late Anglo-Saxon period and is a delight to explore. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Oxford. (B,L,D)

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Day 2 - May 7th - This morning we make our way to my favorite building in Oxford, the Bodleian Library for an in-depth look inside.Our tour begins in the medieval Divinity School, the University of Oxford’s oldest teaching room and first examination school. We’ll go inside Convocation House, which was built in the 17th century for meetings of the University’s supreme legislative body, and housed Charles I’s parliament while he resided in Oxford during the English Civil War. We will also visit Chancellor’s Court, the University’s imposing former courtroom, where students were put on trial by the University for their misdemeanours. The tour ends in the exquisite Duke Humfrey’s Library, the atmospheric heart and the Bodleian Library's oldest reading room. And finally we will tour Radcliffe Camera, a beautiful domed building that has become Oxford’s icon, and this guided tour is the only way to go inside this exclusive reading room. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will recognize filming locations within the library as we go along. After our tour we will settle in the atrium of the Weston Library for a Traditional Afternoon Tea. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore at your leisure. Overnight Oxford. (B,L)

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Day 3 - May 8th - This morning we make our way just a short distance from Oxford to Headington and the home where C.S. Lewis lived. As a big fan of C.S. Lewis, his former home, the Kilns, is one of my most favorite places to visit. On a tour of the house we will have the opportunity to see where he penned some of his most renowned novels, including The Chronicles of Narnia. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is recognized as one of the top 100 English language novels of the 20th century, and The Kilns itself is featured within the Narnia books. During this private tour our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and anecdotes that breathe life into each unique space. We will be treated to tales about C.S. Lewis’ life and experiences in his home, which is not only steeped in history but also filled with personal narratives of this unforgettable author whose books continue to be cherished by readers of all ages. We then return to Oxford where we drift along the River Thames on an Indulgent Afternoon Tea River Cruise. Traveling down the university regatta course we pass Christ Church meadows, and the university college boathouses on our way to Iffley Lock. On this vibrant section of the river you will see rowing crews, punts and pleasure boats. Passing through the lock at Iffley the river scenery and fascinating buildings combine to form a picture perfect location. Beyond Iffley we travel into the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford. There are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife and absorb the peace of the river as you enjoy our afternoon tea. We then turn for home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys. Overnight Oxford (B,L)

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Day 4 - May 9th - This morning we make our way north toward Stoke-on-Trent with a 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 after touring the house. Then we make our way further north to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Stoke-on-Trent. (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 -  May 10th - Today 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 Stoke-on-Trent. (B,L)

 

Day 6 - May 11th - This morning we leave Stoke 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. The Church has fine examples of Jacobean carving, a Green Man, Victorian stained glass, and a memorial window to Lewis Carroll.Display panels in the Centre tell the story of his life, from Cheshire parsons son, to Oxford mathematician, photographer and author. 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 7 - May 12th - 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 their period costumes. After indulging in their famous Afternoon Tea we make our way to Haddon Hall, with over 900 years of history, Haddon Hall is one of the country’s most elegant, historically important and timeless stately homes. Home to Lord and Lady Edward Manners, Haddon is a magnificent example of a fortified manor house, enjoying fine Tudor and Elizabethan architecture, alongside beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens and extensive unspoilt medieval parkland. We then return to our accommodation where you will have the evening free. Overnight Peak District. (B,L)

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Day 8 - May 13th - As we are just about half way through the tour, the entire day will be spent at your leisure in Bakwell, a historic market town famous as the home of the traditional Bakewell Pudding and as the only town located entirely within the Peak District National Park. Situated on the banks of the River Wye in the Derbyshire White Peaks, Bakewell offers a charming day full of rich heritage and tradition. There is so much to see and do it is little wonder that visitors flock to it in great numbers year after year. Surrounded by glorious countryside, the town offers charming tea rooms set in cosy courtyards, impressive stone buildings, a traditional weekly market, a quaint five-arched bridge that goes back to Roman times, a Grade I listed church, a museum, historic almshouses, and various riverside attractions. For the more energetic, there are many beautiful walks and hikes to be had in the surrounding countryside. Get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Peak District. (B)

 

Day 9 - May 14th - 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 10 - May 15th - 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 11 - May 16th - 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 12 - May 17th - This morning we make our way east to North Yorkshire with a 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. Claymation characters Wallace and Gromit have made the creamery famous would wide. We will have lunch here at the creamery before making our way further east to the market town of Richmond, one of the North Yorkshire market towns that helped inspire Darrowby, the fictional setting for James Herriot’s beloved stories. Nestled in the picturesque valley of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is one of the most attractive towns in the UK thanks to its riverside location and Georgian architecture. The town features a charming, cobbled marketplace, said to be one of the largest in England, which is surrounded by elegant 18th century streets and buildings, overlooked by an impressive Castle and with a beautiful Gothic medieval church at its heart. Then it is just short journey further east to the lovely village of Helmsley where we stop for a wee wander before making our way to our accommodation to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight North Yorkshire. (B,L,D)

 

Day 13 - May 18th - This morning we make our way to Thirsk, another 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 exploring this elegant spa town known for its mineral hot springs, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture. Possibly the most distinctive feature of the town is its vast open space that surrounds the town centre, known locally as the Stray, at 200 acres this gives a green and spacious feel unique to the town. We will make one more stop at Knaresborough before returning home. Knaresborough is full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases that weave their way up and down. The town centre is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd and the imposing railway viaduct across the Nidd Gorge offers an amazing view to visitors as they arrive by train. Overnight North Yorkshire. (B,L)

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Day 14 - May 19th - This morning we make our way to the seaside town of Whitby. With its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and captivating atmosphere, Whitby is a must-visit destination for the perfect blend of heritage, natural beauty, and maritime allure. Here you can immerse yourself in the town’s fascinating maritime past as you explore its historic harbour and discover the unique connection to the renowned Whitby Jet, a gemstone known for its exquisite beauty and deep black colour. After exploring thoroughly we make our just a short way to Robin Hood's Bay, a historic and picturesque fishing village located on the coast and sitting within the North York Moors National Park. Wandering through its narrow, twisting cobbled streets and alleyways, you can easily imagine the sailors and fishermen, smugglers and press gangs that walked these streets hundreds of years ago. Today it is a vibrant village, with a wide range of cafes, pubs, restaurants, small shops and places to explore, as well as many stunning coastal and country walks. It is the perfect place for you to find a Fish and Chips lunch on your own. We will round off our afternoon with a stop at Scarborough, a historic seaside resort town known as Britain's very first seaside destination. Scarborough really does have it all; dramatic cliffs and castle headland, award-winning beaches, historic harbour, booming town centre, huge choice of accommodation and a warm Yorkshire welcome. Then we return home before a dinner outing. (B,D)

 

Day 15 - May 20th - 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 the Yorkshire Train Museum 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 North Yorkshire. (B,L)

 

Day 16 - May 21st - 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. We will have our final Afternoon Tea here in the Billiard Room before making our way to Ripley to 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,L,D)

 

Day 17 - May 22nd - This morning we are off to the Manchester International Airport.