HISTORIC HOUSE AND CASTLES

5 Days of National History

Let us share with you this amazing opportunity to visit five of England’s unique historic houses and castles. It’s a chance to look around delightful architecture, beautiful gardens and grand interiors.DAY 1
A morning departure stopping at Rockingham Castle for the first of your included visits. Built by William the Conqueror Rockingham was a Royal fortress for 450 years and home to the Watson family for the last 450 years. The predominantly Tudor building, within Norman walls, has architecture, furniture and works of art from practically every century. 12 acres of formal and wild gardens command a splendid view of five counties. We continue to our hotel.

DAYS 2 - 4
At leisure in Grantham with two included excursions and one optional excursion.

An included excursion to Stamford and Burghley House. We first visit Stamford with its preserved array of architecture from the 17th - 19th centuries. We continue to Burghley House, which is the largest and grandest house of the first Elizabethan Age and was built by William Cecil. It is still a family home for his descendants to this day with 18 State Rooms containing unique and important collections of porcelain, art, furniture and textiles..

An included excursion to Grimsthorpe Castle and Belton House. Built for a visit by Henry VIII in 1541, the imposing Grimsthorpe Castle sits amongst rolling Lincolnshire countryside surrounded by formal gardens, extensive woodland and a 50 acre lake. The striking North Front of Grimsthorpe castle is the last works of the Baroque architect Sir John Vanbrugh. The castle itself contains fine furniture, paintings and tapestries and is surrounded by expansive grounds and ancient parkland.
We continue to Belton House, this is one of the finest Restoration houses in the country and has stunning interiors, fine silver and furniture collections. Belton’s garden covers 35 acres to the north side of the historic house, with both formal Italian, Dutch and English gardens as well as a vast informal area.

An optional excursion to Lincoln. The steep Hill, leading up to Lincoln Cathedral, is lined with a fascinating jumble of ancient shops and houses, including one from the 12th century, said to be England’s oldest inhabited dwelling. The Gothic triple-towered cathedral was begun in 1072.

LAST DAY
We visit Belvoir Castle home of the Duke & Duchess of Rutland. The castle enjoys breathtaking views over the Vale of Belvoir and houses an impressive collection of period art and furniture. The grounds around the castle are extensive and relaxing. (Entrance included). We then make our way home, arriving via the interchange early to mid evening.Where you'll stay
The Olde Barn Hotel, Marston For 2009 we have chosen this 3 star hotel in the village of Marston, not far from Grantham. The charming rustic hotel is set in beautiful countryside of Lincolnshire. Facilities include restaurant, traditional bar, luxury spa, all bedrooms are en suite with TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities