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 Gawthorpe Hall as well a journey back in time with a journey on the East Lancashire Steam Railway.
East Lancs Railway Summer Credit Pat Kilner
Pendle Hill
Barton Grange
Gawthorpe Hall
Leighton Hall © Crosby Granger
Itinerary
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 Bury Market, East Lancashire Railway & Gawthorpe Hall
This morning, we head straight to Bury and its famous market – voted Britain’s best – where we can browse the extensive stalls in the large market hall and outside. After an early lunch it is time to board our train as we step back in time for a nostalgic trip on a steam train along the East Lancashire Railway. Our journey takes us through the beautiful Lancashire countryside to Rawtenstall where we disembark. Our final stop is Gawthorpe Hall, affectionately known as the “Downton of the North” and is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture.
Please note: East Lancashire Railway is subject to timetable.
Day 4 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 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Blackburn, Lancashire
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.
BarGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- 2-hour step-on guided Pendle Witch Experience
- Admission to Pendle Heritage Centre
- East Lancashire Railway single journey Bury – Rawtenstall
- Entrance to Gawthorpe Hall
- Guided tour of Leighton Hall & afternoon tea
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £440pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £120
Based on Monday arrivals
