Constable Country

For those who wish to sample one of the more genteel counties in rural England. Boasting miles of unspoilt coastline and enchanting towns, Constable Country and Suffolk make this tour an ideal choice.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner and tea/coffee served after dinner
• Included excursion to Bury St Edmunds & Lavenham
• Included excursion to Aldeburgh & Southwold
• Included excursion to East Bergholt, Flatford Mill & Dedham
• Included visit to Wilkin Jams of Tiptree & MaldonDAY 1 Departure: A morning departure, stopping for sightseeing and lunch in Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Great Britain, en route to our chosen hotel, with complimentary tea & coffee on arrival.

DAYS 2-4 At leisure: At leisure in Colchester with three included excursions.

Bury St Edmunds & Lavenham: Today we tour Constable Country passing through Long Melford with its mile long high street before continuing on to the market town of Bury St. Edmunds where time will be allowed for lunch and to explore this lovely town with its Abbey and gardens. Finally we visit the village of Lavenham with its many fine timbered buildings.

Aldeburgh & Southwold: Firstly we visit the charming seaside town of Aldeburgh. This quiet seaside town with its fine historic buildings is famous for its music festival.We then continue to the seaside resort of Southwold where time will be allowed for lunch.We return via the lovely town of Woodbridge.

Constable Country: Our Constable country tour takes us to East Bergholt in the beautiful Stour Valley, the birthplace of the artist John Constable. The Church bells are housed in a unique cage in the churchyard.We head to Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s Cottage, the scene of some of the artist’s most famous paintings. Finally we visit Dedham in the pretty Dedham Vale.

LAST DAY Travel home via Wilkin & Sons Jams of Tiptree & Maldon: After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to Wilkin & Sons Jams of Tiptree, famous for delicious natural preserves, jams, marmalades and curds, hand made from the finest ingredients.We have time here to explore the shop and tea room before continuing to Maldon for shopping & sightseeing. The town of Maldon is said to be among the oldest recorded towns in the county of Essex and records show that settlements in the area go back to Saxon times. Afterwards we head back home, arriving during the evening.Holiday Inn, Colchester

Situated near the historic Roman town of Colchester, the hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, spa, steam room, sauna and whirlpool (all free to use). All 109 bedrooms are en suite with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Although the hotel does not have a lift, half of the bedrooms are on the ground floor. Porterage, welcome drink and tea/coffee after dinner are included at this hotel.