Our suggested itinerary features four nights on half board basis at 3* Stoke by Nayland Hotel on the outskirts of Leavenheath, with all excursions and guided tours included, an executive coach throughout and the services of a Blue Badge guide for three days.
Tailor make this tour - call us on 020 7064 4970
Day 1 - Audley End House & Gardens
Board our private executive coach at your designated pick up points - visit a carefully selected National Trust or English Heritage property such as Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden, to discover the sumptuous splendour enjoyed by royalty and the aristocracy in one of England’s grandest stately homes - continue to the 3* Stoke by Nayland Hotel on the outskirts of Leavenheath.
Day 2 - Kentwell Hall & Melford Hall
Kentwell Hall, a very much lived in and loved family home for over five hundred years, represents an interesting mix of styles with the Great Hall and the Dining Room emphasising their Tudor origins while the Library and the Drawing Room are classical in style - continue to the National Trust’s Melford Hall, one of East Anglia’s most celebrated Elizabethan houses, and where little has changed externally since 1578.
Day 3 - Constable Country, Bridge Cottage & River Orwell cruise
Morning spent with our Blue Badge guide exploring Constable Country and at Dedham you may choose to visit the Sir Alfred Munnings Museum or the Arts and Crafts Centre - the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage at Flatford is located upstream from Flatford Mill and houses an exhibition on John Constable, several of whose paintings famously feature the mill - a scenic cruise taking in the most beautiful wooded stretches of the River Orwell.
Day 4 - Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh & Framlingham Castle
Built by Newson Garrett in the mid 19th century, the Maltings at Snape was one of the largest barley maltings in East Anglia, and today is home to a complex with shops, galleries and a reputable concert hall - travel the short distance to the picturesque 16th century fishing village of Aldeburgh with time at leisure for lunch and to take a stroll along the unspoilt promenade - Framlingham Castle, an enchanting 12th century castle that dominates the town, was where Mary Tudor waited to hear whether she or Lady Jane Grey had been declared queen after the death of Edward VI.
Day 5 - Gainsborough’s House
Gainsborough’s House at Sudbury, the birthplace of the famous painter, dates back to the 16th century and its outstanding art collection of more of Gainsborough’s work than any other gallery is shown together with 18th century furniture - return to the original departure points with comfort stops en route.
All excursions & guided tours included
Half board accommodation
Blue Badge guide in Suffolk
Executive coach throughout
One free place per 10 paying passengers
Audley End House & Gardens
Kentwell Hall
Melford Hall
Constable Country
Bridge Cottage at Flatford
Scenic cruise on the River Orwell
Snape Maltings
Fishing village of Aldeburgh
Framlingham Castle
Gainsborough’s House
Four nights on half board basis at the 3* Stoke by Nayland Hotel on the outskirts of Leavenheath. Located in a countryside setting and 10 miles from the centre of Colchester, facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and sauna and all rooms are en suite.
Single room supplement £59
Insurance
Entrance fees to places of interest (NT properties free to NT members)
Gratuities
Remember this itinerary is just our suggestion. Tailor make this tour exclusively for your group to suit your members’ budget or preferences. You could:
- incorporate visits to Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, the Elizabethan mansion of Glemham Hall or the ship burial site of an Anglo Saxon king at Sutton Hoo
- stay at a 4* hotel
- with fewer or different excursions
- for more (or fewer) days
- bring your own specialist lecturer
- include all entrance fees & gratuities
