Our super tour, combines potteries, grand houses and glorious gardens. We have included 2 must-visit potteries, the World of Wedgwood and Gladstone Pottery, along with the fabulous Shugborough Estate and beautiful Trentham Gardens. We also pay our respects to our fallen heroes at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Fiskars World of Wedgwood
Gladstone Pottery Yard
Calke Abbey ©National Trust Images John-Miller www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Shugborough Estate ©National Trust Images David Goacher www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 National Memorial Arboretum & Calke Abbey
This morning, we start at the National Memorial Arboretum the UK’s year-round centre of remembrance and home to the Armed Forces Memorial and Millennium Chapel. The land train tour gives us a feel for the layout with the Arboretum featuring over 350 thought-provoking memorials set within 150 acres of maturing woodland and gardens and we also have plenty of time to reflect and explore at our own pace. This afternoon, we visit the unique and ‘unstately’ Calke Abbey. Home to the Harpur-Crewe family for 12 generations, the house is preserved in the state of decline it was in from 1985 when it was handed over to the National Trust. Known as hoarders, the family amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures. See the walled gardens and stately orangery, baroque style mansion with abandoned rooms and the historic parkland.
Day 3 Shugborough Estate
Today we enjoy a full day at the National Trust’s lovely Shugborough Estate. Once described as the perfect paradise, this Georgian mansion house and walled garden dates back to the 1600’s and was once home to the Earl of Lichfield. We enjoy a self-guided tour of the hall, experiencing both upstairs and downstairs for the full effect of life ‘back in the day’! We have time to marvel at the glorious gardens and perhaps the farm with its animals as well as get a quick bite to eat
Please note Shugborough Estate gardens open at 09h00 and the house at 11h00.
Day 4 Trentham Gardens & either World of Wedgwood or Gladstone Pottery
This morning, we visit Trentham Gardens & Visitor Centre – winner of Visit England Visitor Attraction Gold Accolades for 2022-2023 – and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the award-winning Italian Garden – keep an eye out for fairies, they’re not only at the bottom of the garden! We spend the afternoon discovering the fascinating history and heritage of the World of Wedgwood, which showcases the very best of British craftsmanship from expertise honed over 260 years. Our guided factory tour opens our eyes to the skills involved.
OR
We visit the award-winning Gladstone Pottery. This iconic site is now instantly recognisable from Channel 4’s TV series, The Great Pottery Throwdown and is the only complete coal burning Victorian pottery factory in existence today. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Stoke-on-Trent, famously known around the world as The Potteries.
Please note, time for lunch can be scheduled at either attraction as both have cafés and cater for groups.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Derby Mickleover, BW Signature Collection
Mickleover, Derby
Located at Mickleover on the outskirts of Derby, the Derby Mickleover Hotel offers a warm welcome to groups. There is lift access to all 99 bedrooms which are of a good size and all contain a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a large restaurant with plenty of natural daylight and also a bar leading to the open plan reception. A lounge can be found on the first floor and is an ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle below. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and solarium.
BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Holiday Inn South Normanton M1 Jct 28
Alfreton, Derbyshire
Offering convenient M1 motorway access, this modern, welcoming hotel is ideally located within a short drive of the beautiful Peak District and a mile from the East Midlands Designer Outlet. The 157 bedrooms are stylish and well equipped with a TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, iron & board and free Wi-Fi and a good number are located on the ground floor. Food and drink wise, there’s a contemporary restaurant, bar and lounge.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- National Memorial Arboretum land train tour
- World of Wedgwood entrance & guided factory tour
- Entrance to Shugborough Estate
- Entrance to Trentham Gardens OR Gladstone Pottery
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Based on Thursday arrivals
Ask your Account Manager for Prices
