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Tour Programme 2010
Dates & Themes |
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Throughout 2010 there will be a range of historical short breaks on offer including some new themes and others that are back by popular demand. Additional tours are added throughout the year so keep checking this page and the News & Publications page and add this site to your “favourites”. This is a brief summary of tours and further information and costs are available on application, please see contact us page.
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Three And Four Night Fully Guided Historical Tours
2/5 April 2010 – Castle Tours And Palaces Of Middle England
From The Wroxton House Hotel, Nr Banbury ***
A perfect Easter Break based in a charming English village hotel. See the new Elizabethan Garden and the magnificent ruined castle at Kenilworth, the most complete medieval castle and the Lord Leycester Hospital at Warwick. An exclusive “early entry” tour at Blenheim Palace and some scenic Cotswold countryside are just some of the highlights. |
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12/15 June 2010 – Tour The Great Castles Of North Wales
From The Castle Hotel, Conwy *** (Includes transfers from Chester on Day 1 and Day 4)
The walled city of Conwy, dominated by its mighty castle and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is the perfect location for exploring historic North Wales. Might Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Welsh castles - its sheer scale and commanding presence set it apart from the rest. Beaumaris Castle, on the Island of Anglesey, is endlessly fascinating with no less than four successive lines of fortifications. We also visit St Seiriol Church at Penmon and Penrhyn Castle (neo Norman fantasy castle with fascinating interiors). |
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21/25 June 2010 –Discover The Borders
From The Otterburn Tower Hotel, Northumbria *** (Includes transfers from Newcastle on Day 1 and Day 5 or join at the hotel)
From The Otterburn Tower Hotel we travel north through the Northumbria National Park and explore the impressive ruins of four 12th Century Abbeys at Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso. They suffered irreversible damage at the hands of Henry Vlll in the 1540’s. Turbulent times have left a legacy of castles and fortified towers in this border countryside and included in this programme are visits to Thirlestane Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest, and Neidpath Castle where the English were defeated three times in one day. The 14th century Etal Castle and the historic border market town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, with the most complete set of Tudor town walls in Europe, also feature. |
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2/5 July 2010 - Jurassic Coastal Castle Tours
From The Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester ***
Based in the heart of Thomas Hardy Country, this three night break explores some of Dorset’s finest castles and historic properties along the Jurassic coastline, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Corfe Castle, now reduced to a majestic ruin above a pretty village, Lulworth Castle, Portland Castle and Kingston Lacy House are just some of the highlights of this programme. |
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9/12 July 2010 – Historic Worcester City Break
From The Worcester Whitehouse Hotel ****
Worcester is a vibrant city with an interesting blend of old and new. The city’s historic buildings include the 15th century Greyfriars, the 18th century Guildhall and the Victorian façade of Royal Worcester Porcelain. Out of the city we visit Great Malvern and its magnificent priory, historic Harvington Hall and Great Whitley Court. We are delighted to include a guided tour of the privately owned Madresfield Court, a property of medieval origins with Elizabethan and Victorian extensions and an exceptional Arts and Crafts decorated chapel. |
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3/6 September 2010 – Welsh Border Castle Tours
From The Feathers Hotel, Ludlow ***
A repeat of this popular short break based in the market town of Ludlow at the historic Feathers Hotel. Explore Ludlow and its castle, one of the strongest of the Welsh Border Castles. Discover the finest example of a thirteenth century fortified Manor house in England at Stokesay Castle and tour Hereford Cathedral, Croft Castle and Goodrich Castle. |
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13/17 September 2010 – Castle Tours Of Northumbria
From The Otterburn Tower Hotel *** (Including transfers to and from Newcastle on Day 1 and Day 5 or join at the hotel)
Immerse yourself in Northumbria’s turbulent past and discover some of the county’s most imposing fortifications as well as Alnwick Castle (and The Alnwick Garden) and The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Discover a formidable border castle at Carlisle and an Augustinian Priory. Marvel at the magnificence of Bamburgh Castle, perched on the edge of the North Sea, walk on a section of Hadrian’s Wall and explore the most complete Roman Fort in the country. |
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20/23 September 2010 – A Private Tour Of Osborne House And The Isle Of Wight
From The Royal Hotel At Ventnor **** (Including transfers to and from central London on Day 1 and Day 4 or join at Portsmouth)
A private guided tour of Osborne House is the highlight of this three-night short break which is based at the island’s leading AA four star hotel, renowned for its service and comfort and within a short walk of the famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens. The Isle of Wight has been a favourite destination with several prominent historical figures including Queen Victoria who referred to Osborne House “A Place of One’s Own”. We’ll explore Carisbrooke Castle, once the home of Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter and we will visit St Mildred’s Church where the Royal Family worshipped. Other visits will include Yarmouth Castle, Moreton Manor and Farringford, the former home of Tennyson. |
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15/18 October 2010 – Cambridge, Cathedrals And The Monarchy
From The Royal Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge ***
Emmanuel College Cambridge was where our historian tour leader, Julian Humphrys, studied history and he’ll by dying to reveal more about his student days in this famous University City! On a serious note, during this three night break we’ll examine the links between education and the Church with the Monarchy by exploring Cambridge University and the ecclesiastical centre of Bury St Edmunds. In Cambridge a walking tour is the best way to see some of the colleges and the city’s history and we will attend Evensong at Kings College Chapel (subject to service times). We’ll discover “The Backs”, “The Mathematical Bridge”, and “The Bridge of Sighs” and maybe take a punt on the river! Ely Cathedral known as “The Ship of The Fens” and its famous stained glass museum are included in this programme. |
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21/24 October 2010 – Historic Durham City Break
From The Durham Marriott Royal County Hotel ****
The ancient city of Durham, encircled by The River Wear is full of architectural treasures such as the Norman cathedral and the castle, which have secured its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also tour the Town Hall, the Oriental Museum and we travel further afield to the market town of Barnard Castle with its impressive castle ruins, the fascinating Bowes Museum, Bishops Auckland and Escomb Church, one of the finest Saxon churches in England. |
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Other Special Interest Tours Led By Professional Guides
26/28 March 2010 – The Van Gogh Exhibition, Syon House And Kensington Palace
From The Thistle Hotle, Marble Arch, London ****
Led by popular guide and art historian, Caroline MacDonald –Haig, this London break includes an introduction to Van Gogh, timed tickets to the exhibition at The Royal Academy, a private tour of Syon House (The Duke of Northumberland’s London residence), lunch in the Orangery at Kensington Palace and an opportunity to see the brand new exhibition which opens in March 2010. “The Enchanted Palace” is inspired by changes taking place to the palace from 2010 which will open up the palace’s rich and varied stories to the widest possible audience by combining stunning installations of contemporary fashion, mysterious characters and strange and wonderful happenings. Some free time in the city is included within this break to afford you time to shop or sightsee at leisure. |
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14/16 May 2010 – The Windsor Castle Royal Military Tattoo 2010, The Cabinet War Rooms And The Royal Hospital Chelsea
From The Victoria Park Plaza Hotel, London ****
The 3rd Royal Military Tattoo at Windsor is held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle and promises a spectacular display of international military acts, as well as British military and ceremonial displays, massed bands and over 100 pipes and drums. Re-enactments of modern day soldiering through arena action displays also feature and the event will raise money to support servicemen and women through the work of The Royal British Legion. Second price covered tickets are included in the offer and a pre-tattoo supper is included. We continue the Military Theme with a visit to The Cabinet War Rooms and The Chelsea Hospital in London. |
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21/25 June And 10/14 September 2010 – The Isles Of Scilly (An Island Parish)
From The St Marys Hall Hotel, St Mary’s
Escape to the peace and tranquillity of The Isles of Scilly and discover the history, ecology, geography and archaeology of these islands, washed by the Gulf Stream and situated just 28 miles and a 20 minute helicopter journey from Penzance. A guided tour of Tresco Abbey Gardens is one of the highlights of this four night break staying at the comfortable and central St Mary’s Hall Hotel. This south western extremity of Britain is abundant with subtropical plants, lush vegetation and beautiful scenery. |
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5/9 July 2010 –Houses And Gardens Of Northumbria
From The De Vere Slaley Hall, Hexham **** (Including transfers to and from Newcastle on Day 1 and Day 5)
This is an area that boasts a variety of stunning houses and gardens from the grand scale of the inspirational Alnwick Garden and the opulent staterooms at Alnwick Castle to remarkable private gardens set in tranquil and beautiful countryside. Howick Hall, once the home of British Prime Minister, Earl Grey (rated one of the top 5 coastal gardens in the country) has extensive grounds offering a wide variety of plants that will appeal to garden lovers. Other highlights include visits to Wallington House and Gardens, Cragside, Belsay and Whalton Manor, a delightful private garden. |
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8/11 August 2010 – The Tall Ships Race 2010 And Captain Cook Country
From The Durham Royal County Marriott Hotel ****
The magnificent Tall Ships Parade of Sail can be viewed from a chartered pleasure boat on Tuesday 10th August with afternoon tea included and prior to this, there should be time to explore the historic maritime port of Hartlepool. On the 9th we explore Captain Cook Country and the cobbled streets of Whitby where the Captain Cook Memorial Museum can be discovered. We then take the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway to Pickering with time to explore Pickering Castle before returning to the hotel by coach. On our final day (11th) we explore further associations with Captain Cook. |
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For further details on any of these historical
short
breaks, castle tours or city breaks please mail tours@brooklandtravel.com quoting “Tours
Through
Time” or call 0845 1212863 or 01305 259467.
For Brookland’s Heritage and Garden Collection of tours or if you belong to a group or association and would like a tailor made tour please visit www.brooklandtravel.com. |
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