Our brilliant 5-day tour of the East of England includes the gleaming towers and historic architecture of university city, Cambridge and unique market town of Saffron Walden. Going back in time, we marvel at the region’s finest mansion, Audley End. We also delve into Britain’s incredible aviation history with a visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford to discover vintage aircraft and wartime flying aces.
Audley End House ©English-Heritage
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Cambridge
Trinity street, Cambridge
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Imperial War Museum Duxford
This morning, we visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Britain’s best-preserved World War II airfield. Designed to spotlight the landmarks of British aviation history, the museum incorporates numerous exhibitions, including the historic Operations Block, the nerve centre of Duxford’s Battle of Britain campaign; AirSpace, home to 30 iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and Concorde; the American Air Museum featuring Europe’s biggest collection of US military aircraft, and Historic Duxford, which recalls wartime flying aces such as Douglas Bader. We have ample time to explore, uncovering the airbase’s incredible history and admiring the legendary aircraft.
Day 3 Saffron Walden & Audley End House
This morning, we travel to the pretty medieval market town of Saffron Walden in Essex with free time to explore. Made prosperous in the 1500s for growing the prized spice of saffron, the town still retains beautiful historic buildings including St Mary’s Church and the Old Sun Inn. This afternoon we visit one of England’s most spectacular mansion houses and gardens, Audley End. Enjoy exploring its impressive great hall, state apartments, Gothic-style chapel and ‘below stairs’ service wing before strolling around the magnificent gardens designed by Capability Brown.
Day 4 Cambridge at Leisure
Today, we visit the world-famous university city of Cambridge with time to explore. You will be spoilt for choice of what to do and see in this compact city with the architectural splendour of its university colleges at the centre. Take a walking tour and see the instantly recognisable King’s College Chapel or relax with a guided punt on the River Cam. Many precious antiquities are on show at Cambridge University’s principal museum, the Fitzwilliam Museum or green-fingered visitors might like a trip to the Botanic Gardens.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
This modern 4-star hotel overlooks a lake just a short distance from Cambridge. All 120 stylish and spacious bedrooms are decorated in muted colours and there is a modern, informal restaurant which shows beautiful lake views. There is also a cosy bar, elegant lounge and an outside seating area. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room and gym.
Please note: Dining may not always be available in the main restaurant.
BarGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Entrance to Imperial War Museum Duxford
- Entrance to Audley End House, Stables, Wing & Gardens
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £381pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £157Based on Monday arrivals
