We visit some beautiful areas of middle England including Warwick and Bedford. We also visit the newly restored Wrest Park, the splendid Elizabethan gardens at Kenilworth Castle, and Althorp House, the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales.

ITINERARY

Day 1 After your door-to-door transfer, we make suitable refreshment stops along the way, before reaching Northampton and our hotel. This evening there will be a welcome drink before dinner for a chance to meet your fellow guests.

Day 2 This morning we visit the beautiful Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth Castle, once home to Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, Robert Dudley. The garden was lost for centuries, but has been brought back to life by historians and gardeners with a unique re-creation of the splendid garden architecture, design, statuary and planting of this golden age. Before we return to the hotel we have free time in Warwick for sightseeing.

Day 3 A morning excursion to Althorp House and Gardens, the Spencer family home for nearly 500 years. There are 19 magnificent rooms to view including the Spencer family apartments, as well as themed exhibitions and the extensive grounds, including the Round Oval, just a stroll from the house. We then visit the Old Dairy Farm, a shopping and craft centre with a lovely café.

Day 4 Today we head for Wrest Park, one of the most magnificent gardens in England which remained unknown and unseen for 50 years before a dramatic restoration project began to restore it to its original ‘Capability Brown’ glory. We have included a guided tour of the gardens. We then visit Bedford, with its beautiful riverside setting on the Great Ouse.

Day 5 Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we travel south via Windsor and arrive in the local area late afternoon.