What do we offer?
Residential Trips
Residential Trips
Residential Trips
One of our recent trips to Northumberland, which included guided tours of local sights.
Exhibitions
Residential Trips
Residential Trips
Recent exhibition outings include Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharoah, at the Saatchi Gallery.
Theatre Outings
Residential Trips
Theatre Outings
We recently went to see a production of 'Top Hat' at The Mill on Sonning.
Visit to Kelmscott Manor in Lechlade
WEDNESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
With a Guided Tour at 2pm
Cost: £46 (including timed tour, coach & refreshments)
This Tudor farmhouse located adjacent to the River Thames was built of local limestone in 1570. William Morris called it 'heaven on earth' in 1871 and rented it until his death in 1896. Although he never lived there, he spent as much time as possible enjoying the peace of the Cotswolds.
Many friends and colleagues also spent time there with him and his family. This was where he was inspired in both writing and design. It also helped inform his thinking about society, ecology and building conservation. On his death the trustees of the Morris bequest bought the manor so that his wife and family could continue living there. William, his wife and both daughters, are buried in St George’s Church in Kelmscott.
The fascinating and important collections at the Manor span 300 years and reflect the history, ideas and creative legacy of those who lived there. There are:
- items from William Morris’s various London homes
- furnishings designed by his friend Philip Webb
- a number of black and gold pieces from Rosetti
- a fine art collection with important works by Rosetti, Sir Edward Burne Jones, Albrecht Dürer and Bruegel
We will have time before our tour to enjoy the beautiful gardens and visit the café for refreshments. Please book early for what should be a very full and interesting day.
Visit to Glyndebourne - SOLD OUT!!!
Join us for our annual trip to Glyndebourne for ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ & the Heritage of Sussex
Three days departing 27th October 2022 for only £499
Features: Glyndebourne Opera tickets, Two Dinners included, Blue Badge guide on Day 2. All excursion travel & guided tours included. Executive coach throughout.
Day 1: We board our private executive coach at our designated pick up points. En route to Eastbourne we visit Farley Farm House, formerly occupied by the photographer Lee Miller, and the painter and biographer of Picasso, Roland Penrose. The house became a meeting place for leading figures in the world of Modern Art, including Picasso, Max Ernst and Joan Miro, with works by many of these artists on display. We then visit Berwick Church, built on a pre Christian sacred site from where there are magnificent views of the South Downs. The church is well known for the extensive 20th century murals which cover the nave walls, chancel arch, screen and pulpit. These were painted during the Second World War by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and another Bloomsbury artist, Quentin Bell. We continue to the 3* Best Western York House Hotel in Eastbourne for a two night stay. Dinner is included in our hotel this evening.
Day 2: Our Blue Badge guide meets us at our hotel this morning and accompanies us throughout the day. This morning we visit Michelham Priory for a guided tour. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229, at the dissolution of the monasteries the church was demolished and transformed into a Tudor gentleman's residence and later a farmhouse. The building was restored in the early part of the 20th century. Set on a moated island, entrance to the property is gained through the imposing 14th century gatehouse. We continue to Glyndebourne where we take our seats for the 4pm performance of Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’. After the performance, we enjoy an included dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in the opera complex.
Day 3: After checking out of our hotel and en route home we visit the National Trust’s Standen House and Gardens. Designed by Philip Webb, the house is one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts workmanship, with Morris & Co. interiors creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This hillside garden is made up of delightful woodland and a succession of small very English gardens overlooking the Medway Valley and Weir Wood Reservoir. We return back to our original pick up points.
Please note we reserve the right to alter the above itinerary if required for operational reasons. Given the historic nature of the places visited, a certain degree of walking will be involved, and this holiday may not be suitable for those with mobility problems.
For full details please contact the office or download the brochure below.