The Historic Houses & Heritage of
Roman Bath, Bristol & Wells

Day 1 

We meet our private executive coach at our designated pick up points, and en route to our hotel we visit the American Museum at Claverton Manor for a guided tour. Built as a means of fostering a greater Anglo American understanding, the Museum is home to a fine collection of American furniture and decorative arts. We continue to the 3* Limpley Stoke Hotel near Bath for a four night stay on a half board basis.

Day 2

We enjoy a guided walking tour of Bath with our Blue Badge guide this morning, taking in sights such as the Assembly Rooms and the Roman Baths. After some free time at leisure in Bath, we visit the Holburne Museum of Art, where we have a guided tour on arrival. The Grade I listed villa is home to an intimate collection of 17th and 18th century paintings and decorative art and now boasts a spectacular Eric Parry designed ceramic and glass extension into the beautiful gardens behind the original building, where Jane Austen once walked.

Day 3

Our Blue Badge guide meets us at our hotel and accompanies us throughout the day. Our morning guided tour of Bristol takes in sights such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge and the symbol of the city of Bristol. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the foundation stone of this Grade I listed bridge was laid in 1831 and was not opened until 1864, five years after he died. We then visit the Clifton Observatory. Situated above the Avon Gorge, and offering superb views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the city of Bristol, the Observatory houses one of the only camera obscuras still open to the public in the UK. We then enjoy some time at leisure in Bristol, and on an individual basis you may choose to visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. Our day concludes with an included short cruise of Bristol Harbour.

Day 4

At Wells, the smallest city in England, we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Gothic cathedral with its fine medieval statuary, stained glass, chapter house and astronomical clock, the 13th century Bishop's Palace and the Vicar's Close, a complete medieval street. We continue with our Blue Badge guide to the National Trust’s Stourhead property, one of the first in the country to showcase Palladian architecture. With a unique Regency library, Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings, this was a grand family home, shaped by generations of the Hoare family. The world famous landscape garden surrounds a glistening lake, and was described as ‘a living work of art’ when it opened over 250 years ago.

Day 5

On arrival in Bath this morning we enjoy a guided tour at The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians. It was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. We continue to the National Trust’s Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village in Wiltshire. Founded in 1232, many parts of this fine abbey have survived largely intact and the Victorian woodland garden includes an 18th century summer house and rose garden. Taking carefully selected comfort stops en route, we return back to our original pick up points.   

We stay four nights on a half board basis at the 3* Limpley Stoke Hotel (www.bestwestern.co.uk). This Georgian country hotel is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Bath in a delightful village setting. All 60 bedrooms have full en suite facilities and colour television.

Single room supplement £129

Insurance (including Covid cover) £28

Entrance fees to National Trust properties (free to NT members)

Gratuities

All excursion travel & guided tours included