ENGLAND
5 DAYS from £412
5 DAYS from £422
Leighton Hall
East Lancashire Railway Credit Liam Barnes
Traditional Lancashire by Sail & Rail Enjoy discovering lovely Lancashire by steam train and narrow boat on our most popular Northwest packaged tour. With visits to Samlesbury Hall and Gawthorpe Hall also included, we find heritage and history around every corner.
Bewitched by Lancashire’s Enchanting Houses & Gardens
UPDATED TOUR
Lancashire is a county of contrasting landscapes, captivating history and fascinating folklore and on our exciting tour we visit some of this region’s absolute gems. A guided tour of untamed countryside reveals the chilling story of the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, and we enjoy spectacular visits to Leighton Hall and the stunning RHS Garden Bridgewater.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Samlesbury Hall & Canal Cruise
We begin our day with a guided tour of Samlesbury Hall . This fabulous half- timbered black and white medieval house, built in 1325 as a family home, is really brought to life by our guide. We then make our way to Riley Green Marina to embark upon a narrow boat cruise along the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Our 3 hour round trip passes through delightful countryside including Withnell Fold Nature Reserve, past the old Paper Mill and on to the lovely hamlet of Wheelton and Johnsons Hillock Locks before descending and ascending two locks and returning to Riley Green. During our cruise, we enjoy a two-course lunch on our spacious, accessible boat, with each table offering panoramic views of the canal. Please note there is a maximum of 37 passengers for the narrow boat cruise but we have a variety of options if your numbers exceed this. Please advise your Account Manager if you would like an alternative at the time of quotation. Day 3 Bury Market, East Lancashire Railway & Gawthorpe Hall This morning we head straight to Bury and its famous market – voted Britain’s best – where we can browse the extensive stalls in the large market hall and outside. After an early lunch it is time to board our train as we step back in time for a nostalgic trip on a steam train along the East Lancashire Railway. Our journey takes us through the beautiful Lancashire countryside to Rawtenstall where we disembark. Our final stop is Gawthorpe Hall , affectionately known as the “Downton of the North” and is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture. This morning, we join a step on guided tour from Oswaldtwistle to enjoy a s cenic drive through the picturesque Ribble Valley, travelling through some well-known places such as Ribchester, built on the site of a Roman fort, and Longridge whose town centre is mostly built from the locally quarried sandstone. Our journey ends at the Oswaldtwistle Mills shopping village and garden centre. This award winning former weaving mill has over 100 retailers under one roof, 5 restaurants, an ice cream parlour, garden centre, mill grounds, craft and sewing centre, Textile and Heritage Museum and even its own wildfowl reserve. After time browsing the shops, we take the weight off our feet and sit down for a traditional Lancashire lunch of pie, mushy peas, bread and a cup of tea (coffee is also available!) Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. INCLUSIONS • Guided tour of Samlesbury Hall • 3-hour circular canal cruise including 2 course lunch with tea & coffee • East Lancashire Railway single journey Bury - Rawtenstall • Entrance to Gawthorpe Hall Please note: East Lancashire Railway is subject to timetable. Day 4 Guided Tour of Ribble Valley & Oswaldtwistle Mills
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Pendle Witch Experience & Heritage Centre
This morning we embark on a spellbinding guided tour to discover the chilling story of the Pendle Witches , the most famous witch trials in English history. The Pendle Witch Experience brings their history to life as we retrace their steps throughout this wild and unspoilt area which has changed little in 400 years. We finish our tour at the Pendle Heritage Centre which houses exhibitions on the story of the notorious Pendle Witches as well as Park Hill & the history of the Bannister family. There will be free time to explore exhibitions as well as the 18th Century Walled Garden and of course time for refreshments in the tearoom overlooking the garden. Day 3 Leighton Hall & Barton Grange We spend this morning at Leighton Hall , a romantic Gothic stately house surrounded by magnificent rolling parkland, and ancestral home of the furniture making Gillow family. We will be made to feel part of the family as we explore the splendid rooms and collections of furniture and artefacts during the relaxed and interesting guided tour of the house. Before our departure from Leighton Hall we enjoy an afternoon tea in style. As we make our way back to the hotel, we have time to stop at Barton Grange, a garden centre with a wow factor. It won the Destination Garden Centre of 2022, and we have free time for a wander. Day 4 RHS Garden Bridgewater & Southport This morning we enjoy a colourful visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford. This beautiful garden opened in 2020 and was designed by world famous landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith. Amongst the highlights we can enjoy are an oasis of calm in the Paradise Garden, the Chinese inspired four season themed Streamside Garden and the fabulous Orchard Garden. This afternoon we spend free time in the classic Victorian seaside resort of Southport. Enjoy the fabulous sandy beaches and take a leisurely stroll down the UK’s oldest iron pier to the Pavilion for breathtaking views. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. Note: If staying at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston, days 2 & 3 are swapped due to arrival date.
INCLUSIONS • 2-hour step-on guided Pendle Witch Experience • Admission to Pendle Heritage Centre • Guided tour of Leighton Hall & afternoon tea • Entrance to RHS Garden Bridgewater
• Step on guided tour of Ribble Valley • Pie & peas lunch at Oswaldtwistle Mills
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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