ENGLAND
East Lancashire Railway Credit Brian Dobbs
RHS Garden Bridgewater © RHS Richard Bloom
Traditional Lancashire by Sail & Rail Enjoy discovering lovely Lancashire by steam train and narrow boat on our most popular North West packaged tour. With visits to Samlesbury Hall and Gawthorpe Hall also included, we find heritage and history around every corner. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival 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. 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. Day 4 Guided Tour of Ribble Valley & Oswaldtwistle Mills We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Samlesbury Hall & Canal Cruise This morning, we join a step on guided tour from Oswaldtwistle to enjoy a scenic 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.
Bewitched by Lancashire’s Enchanting Houses & Gardens 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 vistas on our tours of Browsholme Hall and Leighton Hall. Our excursions also include a scenic cruise on the Lancaster canal plus a relaxing stroll through the stunning RHS Garden Bridgewater. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Pendle Witch Experience & Browsholme Hall & Gardens 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. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of Browsholme Hall & Gardens in the Forest of Bowland. We explore the fabulous interiors of this charming Elizabethan house and stroll through the beautiful landscaped garden, while learning about its fascinating history. Day 3 Leighton Hall & Kingfisher Cruise 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. We enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee in style before heading to Barton Grange, a garden centre with a wow factor! - it won the destination Garden Centre of 2022 - where we have free time for lunch and a wander. In the afternoon we board our Lancaster Canal cruise with Kingfisher Cruises along the Lune Aqueduct, with its 5 majestic stone arches spanning the river Lune. As we sail, we tuck into a tasty cream tea. (Please note, Aqueduct cruises run from May onwards; alternative cruise options operate depending on the time of year). 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.
Mix ‘n’ Match Choose either itinerary from your hotel, the choice is yours!
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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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