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Updated: 30 November 2009
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Avebury and Prehistoric Landscapes
Full day tour
Travel over the wide open spaces of Salisbury plain dotted with burial mounds and earthworks from the mists of time to the huge Neolithic temple at Avebury. Walk around the huge circle of stones feeling their earth magic as you touch them! A short journey from Avebury takes you to Silbury Hill, an ancient “English Pyramid”, and West Kennett longbarrow where you can enter the prehistoric burial chamber and step back 5000 years.
Bath and Southern Cotswolds
Full day tour
Arriving mid-morning in the Regency City of Bath there is plenty of time to explore
the gracious streets, shops and historic buildings including the Roman Baths and
the Abbey. After lunch in the Pump Room, Sally Lunn’s, or one of the many good places
to eat, we take you to explore the Southern Cotswolds, an area of quaint villages
and hamlets. We visit Castle Combe, “England’s prettiest village” and then onto Lacock
for a stroll around this perfectly preserved village in the care of the National
Trust and a visit to the stately home of Lacock Abbey.
Corfe Castle and Smugglers Haunts
Half day tour
We head south to the Saxon town of Wareham with one of the few remaining Saxon churches in England. Then onto the romantic ruined Corfe Castle, towering over the picturesque stone village. Lunch at a local pub overlooking the village and then over the Purbeck Hills with spectacular views of the coastline and down to the abandoned ruins of Tyneham village (when open). We complete the day by a visit to the smugglers cove at Lulworth, enclosed by rugged cliffs and caves. There will be time to walk along the cliffs or beach to collect shells and pebbles along the shore. The local coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique and diverse geology and scenery.
Historic Houses and Gardens
Full day tour
Through pretty countryside to the enchanting medieval house of Lytes Carey, an amazing survival from the middle ages. A stroll around a romantic garden at Tintinhull House created by Penelope Hobhouse is followed by a short drive to the perfectly preserved Elizabethan mansion of Montacute. With its collection of portraits loaned from the National Portrait gallery in London, collections of superb furniture and wonderful gardens, Montacute is very special. Not far from Montacute is 16th century Barrington Court where you can explore the beautiful old house and lovely Gertrude Jekyll gardens.
The Land of King Arthur
Full day tour
Across the Blackmore Vale and through the medieval abbey town of Sherborne. Into the county of Somerset to the hill top Cadbury Castle, believed to be King Arthur’s Camelot. On to mystic Glastonbury to visit the magical Tor, the Chalice Well (where the Holy Grail is hidden!) and the huge ruined medieval abbey with the Holy Thorn planted by Joseph of Arimathea. The tombs of Arthur and Guinevere are also to be found at Glastonbury abbey. We then travel a few miles North to the beautiful old town of Wells with its magnificent Cathedral, moated Bishops Palace and lovely natural springs from which the town takes its name.
British Naval History
Full day tour
A day spent at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers so much to see and do! A fascinating tour of Nelson’s warship H.M.S. Victory is like stepping back into the lives of sailors in the 1700’s. Examine the amazingly well preserved remains of the Mary Rose one of Henry VIII’s warships that was raised after 400 years on the seabed. The dockyard also contains the earliest iron warship, the H.M.S. Warrior, extensive museums, exhibitions, shops and eating places. Boat cruises around Portsmouth harbor, home to the Royal Navy, are also available. Whilst on the seafront you can visit the soaring Spinnaker Tower. Ride to the top of the 170m tower for spectacular views of Hampshire, the Channel and Isle if Wight. Dare to walk across the glass floor!
The Isle of Wight & Osborne House
Full Day Tour
This is a tour full of variety in landscape, seascape and modes of transport. First you travel across the beautiful New Forest National Park to the ferry at Lymington. We put the car on the ferry which then takes about 30 minutes to cross the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Great views up and down the coast include old forts such as Hurst Castle, built by Henry VIII. Once on the island we have a 30 minute drive before arriving at Osbourne House, the summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Travel to the front door by horse and carriage to get and idea of how the Royal Family lived in this extraordinary house surrounded by beautiful grounds. Opulent interiors, personal family photos, the Swiss cottage where the Royal children would learn domestic skills all add up to a fascinating day out.
N.B There is an extra charge for this tour to cover the cost of the ferry crossing.
Secret Gardens
Full day tour
We can take you to exquisite private gardens, some rarely open to the public. The lovely gardens surrounding the 400 year old Cranborne Manor, designed by Tradescant and those of Heale Manor, where King Charles hid in 1651, are only two of the many gardens we have within easy reach. Others include Forde Abbey “One of the greatest gardens in the West Country”; the 5 acres of old fashioned gardens at Chettle House; Mapperton, hidden in a remote valley; Minterne, where magnolias and rhododendrons tower over lakes. When ever possible we also try to visit smaller private gardens as part of the National Gardens Scheme open days (Yellow Book) organised for charity.
For a complete list of gardens we can take you to see
click here.
The Ocean and the English Seaside
Full day tour
We drive you through unspoiled countryside to the charming seaside resort of Lyme
Regis made famous by Jane Austen and the setting for the film version of The French
Lieutenant’s Woman. For those interested in fossil hunting, Lyme Regis is the place
to visit. If a hunt along the beach is not successful, there are plenty of fossils
shops to entice you. Returning, we travel to the lovely village of Abbotsbury and
a visit to the extensive Sub-Tropical garden and the medieval Swannery with it’s
600 swans. Then onto the Isle of Portland and finally to Weymouth with its many
seaside attractions, fine beach and old harbour.
Southampton and the Pilgrim Fathers
Southampton has very important historical and modern connections with the United
States. In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from here, RMS Titanic began her maiden
voyage in 1912 and Southampton played a major part in the USA army D-
The New Forest
Full day tour
The New Forest was once the hunting ground of the Norman Kings. Indeed, William (“Rufus”) II was killed here in 1100. There are many beautiful little villages and hidden woodland glades where wild ponies, cattle, pigs and deer graze. Well worth a visit is Bucklers Hard, a picturesque waterside village where warships were built in the 1700’s. Only a short distance from Bucklers Hard is the world famous Beaulieu Motor Museum housing many famous and rare cars from all eras of motoring. The collection is owned by Lord Montagu and there is also the opportunity to visit the Montagu's Palace House.
Winchester and Romsey
Full day tour
Across Cranbourne Chase to pretty Fordingbridge set on the river Avon, then through the picturesque New Forest to the Saxon city of Winchester. Here you will find England’s largest cathedral containing the tombs of Saxon Kings and Jane Austen. There is excellent shopping in the city. We then travel a little further to Mottisfont Abbey to wander around the glorious walled rose garden. Then on to Romsey to visit the huge Norman Abbey and Broadlands, the home of the late Lord Mountbatten. We then return along country lanes through beautiful countryside.
“Big Boys Toys”
Full and half day tours
Nearby we have plenty of attractions for “BOYS” of all ages, including:
Royal Navy Aircraft Museum with a life like reconstruction of a Naval aircraft carrier
Bovington Tank Museum containing the largest collection of tanks in the world (more than 300).
Haynes Motor Museum.
Beaulieu Motor Museum.
Steam railways both large and small scale.
While the men are left to enjoy themselves, the ladies can be taken on a visit to houses or gardens or perhaps a little shopping
Thomas Hardy’s Wessex
Full day tour
Along the Winterbourne valley, passing through typical Dorset villages of thatched cottages to the tiny church of Winterbourne Thompson, preserved as a memorial to Thomas Hardy. On to Bere Regis, with the D’Urberville tombs, then to “Wetherbury” of Far from the Madding Crowd. Across Egdon Heath the location of Return of the Native, followed by a visit to Hardy’s cottage and birthplace. Then to Stinsford (Under the Greenwood Tree) and the tomb of Hardy’s heart. On to Dorchester the setting for The Major of Casterbridge where we visit Max Gate, Hardy’s last home. We return along the beautiful valley of the river Cerne and stop to view the prehistoric Cerne Abbas Giant and visit the pretty village at its feet.
Longleat
Hal f day tour
Over the rolling downs to Longleat House, the magnificent historic home of the 7th Marquess of Bath, one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Largely completed in 1580 and set in 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland the house is crammed with art treasures including English and Italian masterpieces. Also of note are the ornate ceilings decorated with fine paintings and an abundance of gilt. This is truly a beautiful house and shows our English heritage at its best.
Spa Treats and Experiences
Part of full day tours
The recently opened Thermae Bath Spa is a wonderful place to visit for your spa experience.
The beautiful building combines contemporary with traditional Georgian architecture
and is located just a stones throw from the site of the original Roman Baths in the
centre of the city. You will have the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot spring
waters - the same source that has attracted visitors to Bath for more than 2000 years.
Enjoy the views of Bath from the rooftop pool or float gently in the Minerva Bath,
then enjoy the aromatherapy steam rooms. You can take a 2 hours session to enjoy
the baths or extend your visit and choose from a huge range of luxurious spa treatments.
Stourhead
Half day tour
These world renowned gardens at Stourhead owned by the National Trust, are just 30 minutes drive away from Church House. The gardens were laid out by Henry Hoare II between 1741 and 1780 and present a breathtaking landscape of lakes, classical temples, follies, grottoes and an abundance of rare and beautiful trees. The historic home on the estate is also open to the public.
Wimborne and Kingston Lacy
Half day tour
From Church House we have only a short drive through lovely countryside to the old market town of Wimborne with its medieval Minster. We return via the magnificent 17th century National Trust property of Kingston Lacy, a historic home containing wonderful furnishings, wood carvings and a priceless collection of paintings by Titian, Rubens and Van Dyke. The house is surrounded by beautiful parkland where you can wander at your leisure.
Milton Abbas
Half day tour
Milton Abbas stands as one of the prettiest thatched villages in England. The village was built in 1787 when the original village was “moved” by the land owner in order to “improve the view”! Time to stroll and photograph these historic homes, followed by a visit to the 14th century abbey. We then take you on a journey along country lanes to visit sleepy villages and country churches.
Historic Homes
Half day tour
Along tangled country lanes to the hidden Tudor manor house of Sandford Orcas, where the owner Sir Mervyn Medlycott will show you around his historic home. We return via the interesting old town of Sherborne (see below).
Sherborne
Half day tour
One of the most interesting and prettiest historic towns in England -English heritage
at its finest!. Visit the medieval abbey with its wonderful stone vaulted roof and
wood carvings. The town is also well known for its many antique and gift shops to
be found among the quaint streets. We return via Sherborne Castle, the splendid house
built by Sir Walter Raleigh.
Athlehampton and the Piddle Valley
Half day tour
A visit to the historic Athelhampton house dating to 1480. Explore the beautiful walled and topiary gardens. Then a journey along the valley of the river Piddle with its picturesque little villages such as Piddletrenthide and Piddle Hinton.
Poole and Compton Acres
Full day tour
This historic port has lots to interest visitors. The picturesque waterfront, famous Poole pottery and the nearby Compton Acres gardens, colourful all year, with sweeping views across Poole Harbour. There are also regular boat cruises to Brownsea Island, Swanage and around the second largest natural harbour in the world.
Shaftesbury and Wardour Castle
Half day tour
Explore the Saxon hill top town of Shaftesbury. Visit the abbey ruins and the famous Gold Hill, the quintessential English scene. We then travel to the fine English Heritage site of Old Wardour castle in its enchanting lakeside setting. We return across Cranborne Chase, once the private hunting ground of King John.
COTSWOLDS
Day 1 (To keep driving times reasonable this tour requires an overnight stay)
Starting at the Southern edge of the Cotswolds we take you to Cirencester, the site of the Roman town of Corinium, which was second only to London in size. The Corinium museum contains a wealth of Roman artefacts and several outstanding mosaic floors. Your next stop is Painswick, one of the Cotswolds loveliest small towns. Next stop is Crickley Hill to take in the wonderful views across the Vale of Gloucester to the River Severn. On the way back to Cirencester we take you via Chedworth Roman Villa and the town of Northleach with it’s long High Street threading between rows of ancient stone cottages. Then if there is time, we would like to take you to Bibury to see the ancient cottages of Arlington Row, originally a monastic wool store, converted into dwellings in the 17th century. Linger a while and count how many trout you can see in the River Coln as it flows through the village. You stay overnight in or around Cirencester in a comfortable bed and breakfast or small hotel depending on your choice.
Day 2
From your overnight stay near Cirencester you travel along the Fosseway, originally
built by the Romans, to the village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The river Windrush cuts
the village in two and is crossed by five stone bridges. From here we take you through
beautiful Cotswold countryside and small roads to Temple Guiting, Snowshill and Broadway,
wonderful villages where everything is built from golden stone from the garden walls
to the roof tiles. From here we start to head home calling in at Chipping Camden,
a beautiful town built on the wealth of the wool industry. One of the finest buildings
is St James’s church, originally built by the Normans but transformed in 1450-1500.
If you would like to take the opportunity of visiting the Cotswolds while you are with us please let us know when you make your booking. There is a small added charge for this tour to cover the overnight stay away from Church House. The tour is subject to availability of suitable accommodation in the Cotswolds.
Tours
Here is a selection of some of our many suggested tours -
Stonehenge and Salisbury
Full day tour
We drive you across the prehistoric landscape of Cranborne Chase, through the old Saxon town of Wilton and onto Salisbury Plain to visit the mysterious Neolithic temple of Stonehenge. Then along the lush valley of the river Avon to Old Sarum, the original site of Salisbury. Onto Salisbury to visit the magnificent cathedral which has the tallest spire in England at 404ft!. Go behind the scenes on the spectacular Tower Tour and take in the breathtaking views. Then a short drive to stately Wilton House, the home of the Earl of Pembroke, to view priceless painting and furnishings. Return home via the beautiful Chalke Valley.
