Christmas in England
Guided tour staying at a Cotswolds country house hotel
Celebrate an old English Christmas in a quaint manor house. Spend holiday time with like-minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment. Enjoy excellent food, great company, plus daily excursions that explore the delights of the Cotswolds on our  Discovery tour. 

• Admiring the festive lights of Blenheim Palace
• Taking a wander through Shakespeare's life in Stratford-upon-Avon
• Exploring the historic city of Oxford

Dating from the Tudor period and of, considerable historic interest, Harrington House mirrors the mellow architectural style of the Cotswolds. Its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the charming centre of Bourton-on-the-Water make it ideal for those who prefer a less active holiday.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY Enjoy a warm welcome over afternoon tea from 4pm.

DAY 2: BLENHEIM PALACE & OXFORD We visit impressive Blenheim Palace, where there are themed displays and decorations throughout the rooms to get us into the Christmas spirit! Enjoy some of the extensive grounds before lunch on-site. We then head to Oxford for an optional walking tour of the city or take free time to just wander around this architectural and historical delight.

DAY 3: CHRISTMAS DAY In the morning why not join us for a gentle countryside walk to local villages. Alternatively, you may wish to walk to a service at one of several churches in Bourton-on-the-Water. For those who prefer a more relaxed start to the day, there will be games and puzzles for you to enjoy with your fellow guests. After a light lunch in the house you will have the option of watching a Christmas film or taking a stroll around the village - or just relaxing and chatting! In the evening, be ready for a tasty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings!

DAY 4: STRATFORD UPON AVON At Stratford-upon-Avon, we can visit the houses associated with William Shakespeare and his family. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the river or enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in this picturesque town. You can also join our optional walking tour around the town.

DAY 5: DEPARTURE DAY Depart after a leisurely breakfast and a fabulous holiday.

Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.

All admission and lunch costs are included in the cost of this holiday.

YOUR ENGLISH CHRISTMAS TOUR PRICE INCLUDES
*  Deluxe minicoach/motorcoach transportation for day tours where needed.   
*  Services of a driver/guide (1 person).
*  Hotel accommodation with private bath.
*  Full breakfast daily,  afternoon tea, light lunch  and dinners during our Christmas program.
*  All admission costs on this Christmas holiday are included, as is a light lunch every day while out touring.
* All service charges and taxes

Airfare is available at added costAsk for 2024 rates

 

Christmas at Church Stretton
Enjoy our special festive Discovery Tour at The Longmynd, Church Stretton. Enjoy excellent food, great company, and excursions that explore Shrewsbury, the historic and county town of Shropshire.
Holiday highlights

• Visit the stunning Ironbridge Gorge
• Enjoy historic Shrewsbury, with its black & white buildings

Price includes

• High quality 3 meals a day en-suite accommodation and excellent food in our Country House
• The services of our knowledgeable leader, ensuring you get the most from your holiday
• Full-day excursions with all transport on touring days in a good-quality, comfortable mini-coach
• Hot lunches in local pubs or cafes on each touring day
• All admissions costs

• Arrival day

  Your room will be available from 2.30pm. Enjoy a festive start to your holiday.

  Christmas Eve: Historic Shrewsbury 

  Enjoy a gentle walking tour of pictureque Shrewsbury with its black and white Tudor houses, town walls, castle and historic churches. We'll discover historic villages on the scenic tour back to the house.

  Christmas Day: Picturesque Church Stretton

  A gentle town trail around Church Stretton will work up an appetite for our Christmas lunch. Enjoy its ancient buildings and church.

  Boxing Day: Iron Bridge and Coalbrookdale

  Ironbridge is the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and there’s plenty of indoor museums to explore. The Museum of the Gorge gives you the opportunity to visit the pioneering Iron Bridge itself. The on to the Museum of Iron at Coalbrookdale, with its fascinating exhibits near the original preserved furnaces. In the afternoon, explore the nostalgic Blists Hill Victorian Town with its restored Victorian buildings. If the weather’s fine we can take an easy stroll along the canal. You may also, time permitting, like to visit the Coalport Museum with its sumptuous display of china or the fascinating Jackfield Tile Museum before we set off back home.    

  Depart after a leisurely breakfast

  We wish we could, but we can’t manage the weather, traffic jams or other venue’s operations, so if this holiday needs to change for those, or any other reasons, your leader will help smooth the way.

  Christmas in Cornwall

  Plenty of exercise to walk off the festive excesses A choice of guided walks in spectacular winter scenery Just relax, soak up the party atmosphere, enjoy wonderful festive fare and leave all the organising to us Evening activities include dancing, quizzes, carol singing and New Year celebrations Cosy Country House and a special festive cheer

  Price includes Wonderful meals – full selection at breakfast, your choice of picnic lunch, an excellent evening meal, afternoon tea and cakes every day, and plenty of festive sweets and nuts A programme of organised walks and activities The services of experienced guides Any transport to and from the walks