HOLME LACY, LEICESTERSHIRE

WHAT'S INCLUDED

From 4 days 3 nights duration
Departure dates throughout 2008 & 2009
Return Executive Coach Travel
Local pick up points of your choice
From 3 nights half board accommodation at the Warner property in Holme Lacy, near Ross on Wye
Included excursion package - see below for suggested itinerary and inclusions
FREE Comprehensive Travel Insurance for selected departure dates

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Departing your area this morning we start our journey towards Ross on Wye stopping en route at a place of interest for lunch (not included) which will be determined by your date & location of departure and the interests of your group. We arrive at Holme Lacy later this afternoon in time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 2 - Today is a leisurely day as you take the morning to enjoy your surroundings and take advantage of the facilities available to you at Warner's Holme Lacy. This afternoon we include a visit to the historic city of Hereford, the history of which can be traced to the early 7th century AD when Saxon settlers fortified the site against the marauding Welsh. Situated adjacent to a ford over the River Wye, the name is said to derive from the Old English ,"ford used by the army". In spite of the ravages of time, fire and war, many interesting buildings have survived to delight us today. The city posesses one of the highest concentrations of almshouses in the country, many dating from the medieval period. Buildings displaying the rich tradition of wood-carving of the region can be found in examples such as the Old House c.1621, All Saints Church and the Booth Hall, with its late medieval alternate tie and hammer beam roof, c.1392.

Day 3 - This morning we include a visit to Ledbury this attractive town has much for the visitor to see , with its black and white timber framed buildings it has a charm that has attracted tourists from the world over, with its many small individual shops shopping can be done at a leisurely pace. Ledbury is steeped in history ,in 1645 the Royalists fought with Oliver Cromwell's troops in the main street a battle which was won by the Royalists. A much photographed landmark in the town is the Market House, this dates back to 1653 and was erected by John Abel who was known as the ‘Kings Carpenter', this impressive structure is built in brick and timber and stands on sixteen massive wooden posts, originally built as a grain store the building is now used as the Town Council chamber. Elizabeth Barrett-Browning came to live in the area as a child and it was at Ledbury that she started to write her poetry, the town Library is a memorial to her and is known as the Barrett-Browning Institute, it is the home of a collection of books associated with John Masefield and the Dymock Poets. Amongst the places of interest is the Ledbury Heritage Centre here visitors can discover more about the historic town. Butcher Row House is a Folk Museum and has many objects of local history on view. Ledbury has attracted film makers for period dramas amongst these the BBC filmed scenes for the TV film "By the Sword Divided". From here we continue onto the village of Much Marcle, which has much to offer the visitor young and old. We include a visit with guided tour of Westons Cider with free tastings. You will also take an included 15 minute ride in the Brewers Dray which will transport you through the village. We then return to Warners later in the day where dinner is included tonight.

Day 4 - Today we travel the short distance to Ross-on Wye the gateway to the Wye Valley which is officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and combines a unique blend of Welsh and English influences. A place of breathtaking natural scenery and the birthplace of British tourism, the Wye Tour has enthralled discerning visitors since the 18th Century. Ross on Wye has an impressive 17th century Market Hall and Tudor timbered houses its picture postcard material. The dramatic setting of Ross-on-Wye belies the friendliness of a town that has restored the spirits of world-weary travelers for centuries The town has a mock gothic style to its architecture. The surrounding area is steeped in history with prehistoric caves, Neolithic settlements, Roman forts, Medieval Castles and the soaring spire of St Mary the Virgin, Ross-on-Wye's parish church, dominates the skyline for miles around. Nearby is the world-famous beauty spot of Symonds Yat. Here the river has carved a dramatic gorge through towering limestone cliffs that are home to a myriad of birds including the rare peregrine falcon. The natural beauty of the Wye has attracted artists, poets, writers and those seeking the picturesque views. We return to the hotel later this afternoon so that you can relax in the surroundings ofthis Warners property.

Day 5 - Sadly it is time to leave Herefordshire as we retrace our steps homewards. We stop in the city of Gloucester for a couple of hours of leisure time where you may choose to visit the Antiques Centre which is located in a Victorian grain warehouse in the historic Gloucester Docks. This Centre boasts 140 antiques dealers buying and selling a huge variety of antiques, collectables and curios . Or you may prefer to visit the Cathedral, a former Abbey Church founded 1300 years ago and which contains many architectural features, a Norman nave with massive columns and the world famous early fan vaulting in the complete glazed cloisters, with its monks lavatorium. Alternatively you might like to do some last minute shopping & purchase lunch locally before your onward journey, arriving home later in the day.

The Holme Lacy House Hotel is an elegant Georgian Grade I listed house. You can wander around the delightful tiered landscaped gardens into the parklands, which nestle in the Wye Valley. Many of the bedrooms are newly built and are linked to the main house. After dinner enjoy the excellent entertainment provided by the resident band in the specially built cabaret venue. You will be able to listen to everything from jazz, rock, soul, and popular music to comedy.

PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Price on application
Single supplements and minimum numbers apply.

HOW TO BOOK

Choose your departure date
For your instant quote / more information:
Call Simply Groups on 01943 605999 or
click here to use our online enquiry form.

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