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Magnificent houses rich with royal history - many of which were built to impress the kings and queens of the times - dot the Midlands. William Cecil spent a fortune on the architectural treasure that is Burghley House in an effort to catch the eye of Elizabeth I, while Grimsthorpe Castle was once owned by Charles Brandon, Henry VIII's brother-in-law.
On this superb four-day tour, you'll visit some of the finest buildings in the region, including Lamport Hall and Kelmarsh Hall, and get fascinating historic insight from author and TV historian Dr Lucy Worsley. At Deene Park you will enjoy a private guided tour. Dr Lucy will then give a lecture, with time for her to answer your questions in a Q&A session afterwards, and you will then be joined by the current owners of the house, Mr and Mrs Brudenell, for dinner.
You'll be based at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, on the north shore of Rutland Water. The hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing break in the heart of the rolling English countryside, with the charming market towns of Oakham and Uppingham nearby.
Dr Lucy will join you to give a lecture on the history of the stately homes you'll see on your visit and will answer your questions in a Q&A session.
A highlight will be a meal in the elegant dining room at Deene Park, a Grade I-listed building that dates back to the 14th century.
Converted from a farmhouse that has been in the owner's family since 1760, the three-star Barnsdale Lodge Hotel offers comfortable accommodation, excellent food and a warm welcome.
* Price is per person, based on two people sharing. Single supplement applies. Deposit: £75. Subject to availability. Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and at the tour manager's discretion. Travel insurance is not included.
You'll arrive at Barnsdale Lodge, on the shore of Rutland Water, near the English market town of Oakham, in Rutland, where you'll be staying for the next three nights. On arrival you will have time to settle in before enjoying a cream tea and a talk from our country house and antiques expert, Nicholas Merchant, followed by a delicious welcome drink and dinner with wine.
After breakfast, you will visit to magnificent Burghley House in Cambridgeshire, a contemporary rival to Holdenby House, that is now even more extensively preserved, with rich state apartments and an art collection that includes famous portraits of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Oliver Cromwell. On arrival, there will be lunch and a welcome talk from knowledgeable curator Jon Culverhouse. Afterwards, there will be time to explore the house, which was originally built in the shape of a letter E to represent Queen Elizabeth, including the wonderful chapel with its altarpiece painted by Veronese and the beautiful grounds.
After a light lunch, we return to the hotel to freshen up before departing to Deene Park. An interesting house occupied by the Brudenell family since 1514, the family developed Deene Park from a medieval manor house into the Tudor and Georgian mansion you see today, and it very much remains a family home. You will enjoy a private tour with a guide, followed by a lecture with time for a Q&A from historian Lucy Worsley. After the talk you will enjoy a drink, and then have dinner with the home's owners Mr and Mrs Brudenell.
After breakfast this morning, you will go on a private guided tour of Grimsthorpe Castle, which retains elements of a 12th-century castle, that once belonged to a prominent supporter of Richard III during the Wars of the Roses. This afternoon we will have a guided walking tour of the lovely town of Stamford. Learn about its history and architecture, discover the secrets of some of its people and what makes Stamford so special.
This morning we will have a guided tour of Lamport Hall & Gardens. Lamport Hall is a fine example of a Grade I Listed House. It was developed from a Tudor Manor but is now notable for its classical frontage. The Hall contains an outstanding collection of books paintings and furniture. You will also have the opportunity to explore the gardens at your own leisure.
This afternoon, we visit Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens. Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens is an elegant Palladian style country house with a prevailing history of the 20th century. Built in the 1730s, Kelmarsh hall was the beloved home to three families across two hundred and fifty years. Surrounding the hall are historic gardens, restored to evoke their early 20th century designs, with a unique walled garden at the heart. An intro talk is followed by free time to explore at your own pace, before returning to the hotel where your tour will end.
Steeped in over 250 years of history, Barnsdale Lodge Hotel offers a taste of country living in the heart of beautiful Rutland
Barnsdale Lodge's charming, individually-furnished rooms, suites and retreats overlook the beautiful Rutland landscape or the picturesque hotel courtyard, and the kitchen uses ingredients sourced from the wealth of fine produce found in the area, and from their own vegetable and herb gardens.
Encircled by idyllic surroundings on the north shore of Rutland Water, the hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing break in the heart of the rolling English countryside. The charming market towns of Oakham and Uppingham are also nearby.
For general information, click here.
To view TS Tours as agent for Travel Editions’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* Price is per person, based on two people sharing. Single supplement applies. Deposit: £75. Subject to availability. Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and at the tour manager's discretion. Travel insurance is not included.