See the grand houses of the Midlands with Dr Lucy Worsley

Discover homes fit for royalty with the historian, author and TV presenter on this four-day tour of the Midlands

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 Worsley

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.

Dinner at Deene Park

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.

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel

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.

To read more about this trip:

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Reasons to book

Events with Dr Lucy Worlsey

Dr Lucy will join you to give a lecture on the history of the stately homes you’ll see on your visit and will take part in a Q&A.

Exclusive dinner at Deene Park

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.

Stay in comfortable accommodation

Converted from a farmhouse that has been in the owner’s family since 1760, three-star Barnsdale Lodge Hotel has excellent food.

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Tour brochure

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Price includes

Join an exclusive talk and Q&A session with Dr Lucy Worsley.
Private guided tour of Deene Park with a pre-dinner drink.
Dinner with the current owners of Deene Park.
Visit Burghley House, Grimsthorpe Castle, Lamport Hall and Gardens and Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens.
Stay for three nights at the three-star Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.
Enjoy breakfast every day and other meals, as detailed in the itinerary, including one dinner at Deene Park and two at the hotel, as well as two lunches.
Benefit from a dedicated Travel Editions tour manager throughout.

Availability

From

Sun, Sun, Sep 18, 2022

To

Wed, Wed, Sep 21, 2022

Duration

4 Days

Price per person

£1,349*

* 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.

Call now to book 02039932958

Quote ref: TSD WORSLEY MIDLANDS

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Itinerary

Day
1

Arrive at Barnsdale Lodge

Oakham, United Kingdom

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.

Meals - Dinner
Day
2

Burghley House and Deene Park

Deene, United Kingdom

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.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3

Grimsthorpe Castle

Stamford, United Kingdom

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.

Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day
4

Lamport Hall & Kelmarsh Hall

Kelmarsh , United Kingdom

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.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel

Oakham, United Kingdom

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.

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This tour is operated solely by TS Tours

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