Leighton Hall
Barton Grange
RHS Bridgewater © RHS Richard Bloom
UPDATED TOUR
Lancashire is a county of contrasting landscapes, captivating history and fascinating folklore and on our exciting tour we visit some of this region’s absolute gems. A guided tour of untamed countryside reveals the chilling story of the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, and we enjoy spectacular visits to Leighton Hall and the stunning RHS Garden Bridgewater.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Pendle Witch Experience & Heritage Centre
This morning we embark on a spellbinding guided tour to discover the chilling
story of the Pendle Witches, the most famous witch trials in English history.
The Pendle Witch Experience brings their history to life as we retrace their steps
throughout this wild and unspoilt area which has changed little in 400 years.
We finish our tour at the Pendle Heritage Centre which houses exhibitions on
the story of the notorious Pendle Witches as well as Park Hill & the history of
the Bannister family. There will be free time to explore exhibitions as well as the
18th Century Walled Garden and of course time for refreshments in the tearoom
overlooking the garden.
Day 3 Leighton Hall & Barton Grange
We spend this morning at Leighton Hall, a romantic Gothic stately house
surrounded by magnificent rolling parkland, and ancestral home of the furniture
making Gillow family. We will be made to feel part of the family as we explore the
splendid rooms and collections of furniture and artefacts during the relaxed and
interesting guided tour of the house. Before our departure from Leighton Hall
we enjoy an afternoon tea in style. As we make our way back to the hotel, we
have time to stop at Barton Grange, a garden centre with a wow factor. It won the
Destination Garden Centre of 2022, and we have free time for a wander.
Day 4 RHS Garden Bridgewater & Southport
This morning we enjoy a colourful visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford. This beautiful garden opened in 2020 and was designed by world famous landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith. Amongst the highlights we can enjoy are an oasis of calm in the Paradise Garden, the Chinese inspired four season themed Streamside Garden and the fabulous Orchard Garden. This afternoon we spend free time in the classic Victorian seaside resort of Southport. Enjoy the fabulous sandy beaches and take a leisurely stroll down the UK’s oldest iron pier to the Pavilion for breathtaking views.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Note: If staying at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston, days 2 & 3 are swapped due to arrival date.
Originally a Victorian manor house, the 4-star hotel is set in beautiful, landscaped grounds yet provides easy access to greater Lancashire, being located just minutes from the M6. All bedrooms are to the Marriott standard with each containing a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel’s restaurant offers traditional English dishes whilst its coffee house and bar offer a friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy light snacks and drinks, including cocktails and craft beers. Leisure facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna and gym and spa treatments are also available (extra charges apply).
Originally a 700-year-old country manor house, the Mercure Dunkenhalgh has been sensitively converted into a 4-star hotel, retaining many original features in the public areas, including an impressive gothic staircase in the entrance hall. All 175 bedrooms are of a good size, decorated in neutral tones and is equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Meals are served in the contemporary restaurant and there is also an atmospheric bar area where customers can relax. For ultimate relaxation, the hotel has extensive landscaped grounds to explore, an indoor heated pool, sauna, Jacuzzi as well as treatment rooms. Please note due to the historic nature of the building, rooms are split across several wings which can have external access, steps to the rooms and can also be a fair distance from the public areas.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £422pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• 2-hour step-on guided Pendle Witch Experience
• Admission to Pendle Heritage Centre
• Guided tour of Leighton Hall & afternoon tea
• Entrance to RHS Garden Bridgewater
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £459pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £166
Based on Thursday arrivals
Inclusions
• 2-hour step-on guided Pendle Witch Experience
• Admission to Pendle Heritage Centre
• Guided tour of Leighton Hall & afternoon tea
• Entrance to RHS Garden Bridgewater
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
