ITINERARY

Day 1 We travel north via the Dartford Crossing to Colchester, where there will be time to have lunch and explore some of the 2000 years of history on show in the many museums, fascinating buildings and quiet narrow lanes. We arrive at our hotel late afternoon.

Day 2 An excursion into Norfolk takes us to Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum. Here you can explore the indoor attractions of the museum, have unlimited rides on the steam trains and enjoy the delightful gardens created by the Bloom Brothers. The afternoon is free to enjoy the wonderful pool and leisure facilities at the hotel.

Day 3 Today takes us to Sudbury, the birthplace of Gainsborough, in time for coffee and sightseeing. Our tour continues through Long Melford, the ‘antique capital of Suffolk’, to Cavendish and onto Clare. We then visit Ickworth House, which houses Old Masters, silver and regency furniture, and is surrounded by 1800 acres of ‘Capability Brown’ parkland.

Day 4 Today we take a guided tour of Constable Country with a visit to the National Trust Centre at Flatford before moving on to East Bergholt and Dedham Vale. This afternoon we have a scenic drive through beautiful Suffolk countryside taking in Nayland, where Constable’s religious paintings are held in the parish church. Next is Lavenham with its half-timbered buildings and famous crooked house before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Day 5 Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we travel back to the local area via Tunbridge Wells where we can take a break for lunch. We arrive home late afternoon.