This package includes visits in Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire where we venture around the historic estate at Belton House and the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens. Discover the fascinating remains of King Richard III, relax with a cream tea cruise on the beautiful Rutland Water and why not top it off with a pie & cheese in Melton Mowbray!
Belton House © National Trust Images Chris Davies www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Barnsdale Gardens
King Richard III Visitor Centre Throne Room
Oakham
Rutland Water Cruise
Rutland Water
Stamford
Wymondham Windmill Tearoom
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Stamford & Belton Estate
We spend the morning in Stamford. Built in Georgian times, the pretty facades of the town are favourites with film and television producers – Stamford was used as Meryton in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film and has also appeared in Middlemarch and The Da Vinci Code. Its narrow alleyways and courtyards are home to speciality shops, fine jewellers and designer boutiques. We enjoy free time for lunch here before heading to the impressive Belton Estate where we spend the afternoon. We embark on a self-guided tour of the house, discovering the story of the Brownlow family as we explore their home, and can head outside and stroll the estate with its fabulous gardens which include an orangery and Italian garden. Watch out for the wild deer as there are over 300 fallow deer in residence.
Day 3 Melton Mowbray & King Richard III Visitor Centre
This morning we start our day with free time in the historic market town of Melton Mowbray. Famous for its pork pie and specialty cheeses, we have time to be tempted by some tasty treats before making our way to Leicester. After time for lunch we head straight to the King Richard III Visitor Centre which charts the story of the King’s life and death. Here we learn about one of the greatest archeological detective stories ever told, as we fast forward over 500 years to a car park in Leicester where the long-lost remains of King Richard III are discovered and verified, ending many years of speculation! We finish our day with a visit to the Guildhall, the oldest building still in use in the city.
HOW ABOUT?
Why not add a scrumptious afternoon tea visit to Wymondham Windmill in Melton Mowbray? Ask your Account Manager for details.
Day 4 Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham & Rutland Water
After breakfast, we visit beautiful Barnsdale Gardens, created by one of Britain’s best loved gardeners and star of Gardener’s World, the late Geoff Hamilton. We then travel on to the pretty, traditional market town of Oakham; look out for the unusual stocks that were used to detain criminals by the legs – the five-hole stocks are somewhat of a mystery! We end the day in style with a relaxing cruise on Rutland Water on the Rutland Belle and are treated to a cream tea!
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Hilton Leicester
Leicester
Ideally located just off the M1, the Hilton Leicester hotel is located less than a mile from Fosse Shopping Park and a short drive from the city centre. The bright, comfortable bedrooms are spacious and feature large windows. All are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The modern restaurant features stylish pops of colour and offers friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere, while the bar has views over the garden patio. Guests can also grab a coffee in the coffee lounge, which comes with comfy sofas.
Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym.
• Ground floor rooms • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
BarGround Floor RoomsParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
The Barn Hotel & Spa
Grantham, Lincolnshire
The 3-star Barn Hotel & Spa is an excellent group-friendly hotel set in the picturesque, tranquil Lincolnshire countryside, perfect for touring the area. Comfortably furnished public areas include the atmospheric Barn Restaurant and a traditional bar with rustic charm. All 102 bedrooms feature toiletries, hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Most are accessible by lift although ground floor rooms are also available. A contemporary lounge with original features including vaulted ceiling is a great place to relax after a busy day. The hotel’s health club features a heated 15-metre indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room and Jacuzzi.
BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
The Barn Hotel & Spa
Grantham, Lincolnshire
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £409pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £134
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to Belton Estate
• Entrance to King Richard III Visitor Centre & Guildhall
• Entrance to Barnsdale Gardens
• Rutland Water cream tea cruise
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Hilton Leicester
Leicester, Leicestershire
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £389pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £121
Based on Thursday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to Belton Estate
• Entrance to King Richard III Visitor Centre & Guildhall
• Entrance to Barnsdale Gardens
• Rutland Water cream tea cruise
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
