Episcopal
EPISCOPAL: Cathedrals & Ancient Country Churches
Duration 9 nights/10 days
Based Sevenoaks (3n), Brighton (2n), Folkestone (2n), Canterbury (2n)
Saturday
Arrive LHR/LGW, where we will meet and escort you to the historic town of Sevenoaks. On the way, especially from Gatwick, a leg stretch around the lovely walled garden of Groombridge Place. If coming from Heathrow, after checking in, the glorious Emmett’s Garden will do the trick. Rest and relax. Plan an early dinner. Overnight Sevenoaks (3 nights).
Sunday
Morning worship at the Parish Church of St Peter, Hever, before 
heading into the 13th century, moated castle for a stroll around its award-winning gardens and lunch (independently). Afternoon visits to one or two privately owned gardens, with tea and cakes in one of them and a visit to another ancient church near to one of them.
heading into the 13th century, moated castle for a stroll around its award-winning gardens and lunch (independently). Afternoon visits to one or two privately owned gardens, with tea and cakes in one of them and a visit to another ancient church near to one of them.
Monday
With a visit to the ancient church of St John The Baptist in Penshurst, then to the nearby Penshurst Place, one of England’s greatest family owned stately homes. Lunch here prior to an afternoon of antique hunting in Brasted and back in Sevenoaks.
Tuesday
Driving towards Brighton (2 nights), let’s take a leisurely look at the spectacular garden at Wakehurst Place, affectionately known as “Kew in the Country”. Into colorful, cosmopolitan Brighton, where a special tour of the exotic and lavishly decorated (both inside and out) Royal Pavilion awaits you.
Wednesday
Morning free for shopping and antique hunting in Brighton, before a short coach ride to imposing Arundel Castle, the ancestral home to the Dukes of Norfolk. On then to Chichester where the sightseeing tour includes a special tour of the cathedral. Depart Chichester for Brighton, but with a pub supper in the Arundel area on the way.
Thursday
Depart Brighton for 13th century Michelham Priory for a tour of their physic garden and a talk on the role of herbs in mediaeval medieval medicine, and in modern day cooking. Pausing in Battle to see the Abbey that marked William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066, to the lovely garden at Great Dixter. Via Ashford to Folkestone, your home base for the next 2 nights.
Friday
Today you’ll probably lose touch with the 20th century, as we step back in time to see the mediaeval churches and hear about smugglers and other goings on in mysterious Romney Marsh. A visit to Rye will also be included.
Saturday
Depart Folkestone for Canterbury (2 nights), where the city sightseeing tour can be timed to include Choral Evensong at 3.15 PM and free time for shopping.
Sunday
With a relaxed start to the day, make for the Cathedral for Sung Eucharist at 11.15 AM. Afternoon reliving eight centuries of history as you clamber over, and delve deep into the famous White Cliffs at Dover Castle. Return to Canterbury for a farewell dinner.
Monday
To the airport for the flight back home or into London for a 2 night extension.
EPISCOPAL: Adventurous Pilgrims
Duration 8 nights/9 days
Based London (1n), Bury St Edmunds (2n), Lincoln (2n), Peterborough (1n), London (2n)
Day 1
Arrive London where arrangements can be made to meet and escort you into the capital. Rest and relax. Feast at one of London’s fabulous restaurants. (1 night).
Day 2
Depart London for the Suffolk countryside and the cathedral city of Bury St. Edmunds. On the way, a visit and a cup of coffee at a privately owned stately home. Walking tour of this attractive market town and a Brother Jocelin led view of the ruined Abbey of St Edmund. With some free time on your own, choral evensong in St. Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Day 3
Full day excursion to Norwich for a Hugenot themed walking tour and a visit to one of England’s greatest Norman cathedrals.
Day 4
Traveling through Newmarket, a must for any Dick Francis fans, to beautiful Ely Cathedral, home to a remarkable museum of stained glass. Continuing through the fens, pause at Boston to visit the Guildhall, a place of imprisonment for a number of the Pilgrim Fathers. On then to Lincoln (2 nights).
Day 5
Morning tour of Lincoln Castle, whose origins date back to the time of William the Conqueror. Close by the glorious Lincoln Cathedral, a visit that no-one should miss. With some free time for shopping, head back to the cathedral for Choral Evensong.
Day 6
With a special tour of Pilgrim Fathers country, southwards to visit treasure-filled Burghley House, arguably the finest house of the Elizabethan age. Into Peterborough for a special tour of the 12th century cathedral, including choral evensong. Overnight Peterborough.
Day 7
To Cambridge for a walking tour of the university colleges, and some free time before heading for London.
Day 8
City sightseeing tour to include St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey. Final evening perhaps at the theatre?
Day 9
Airport transfers and independent extensions.
EPISCOPAL: Soaring Spires
Duration 8 nights/9 days
Based London (1n), Chipping Campden (2n) St Albans (1n), Rochester (3n), London (1n)
Day 1
Arrive London, where arrangements can be made to meet and escort you to your centrally located hotel. Rest, relax, independent sightseeing. Dinner and overnight London.
Day 2
Depart London for a walking tour of the Oxford Colleges and a visit to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and home to the Dukes of Marlborough. Touring through some of the Cotswold
villages, overnight Chipping Campden (2 nights). We will also pause in the churchyard in Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried.
villages, overnight Chipping Campden (2 nights). We will also pause in the churchyard in Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried.
Day 3
Making tour of the Shakespeare Houses in Stratford upon Avon, before a stroll around Coventry, which follows in the footsteps of Lady Godiva. A special visit to the cathedral will be timed to include choral evensong.
Day 4
Depart Mickleton for a three hour visit to spectacular Warwick Castle before heading south to St. Albans where a behind the scenes tour of its glorious cathedral will also coincide with choral evensong. Tonight, an optional Elizabethan banquet at the Old Palace, Hatfield.
Day 5
Step back in time to a day in the life of the Roman city of Verulamium, followed by a walking tour of modern St. Albans. While here, consider a visit to Gothic style Knebworth House, or the great Jacobean house at Hatfield. Taking the M25 motorway to Rochester in time for choral evensong. Overnight Rochester (3 nights).
Day 6
Changing the theme a little, this morning take a closer look at Rochester, for many years the home of its most famous son, Charles Dickens. During the afternoon, an hour or two at 13th century medieval moated Hever Castle, and a cup of tea at a rarely opened, privately owned garden.
Day 7
Visiting Leeds Castle, arguably “the loveliest castle in the world”, the afternoon is in Canterbury, where a visit to the Cathedral and choral evensong top the agenda. Pub supper in a traditional coaching inn on the way back to Rochester.
Day 8
To Greenwich and a boat ride into London. At Westminster, arrangements can be made to meet and take you to your hotel. The route will include many of the capital’s most famous landmarks. Evening at the theatre optional.
Day 9
Airport transfers and independent extensions.
EPISCOPAL: Poetry in Stone
Duration 9 nights/10 days
Based Winchester (2n), Bath (2n), Pershore (2n), London (2n), Canterbury (1n)
Day 1
Arrive London and transfer to Winchester, the former Saxon capital of England. Rest, relax, independent sightseeing. Arrive at the Cathedral for a special tour, concluding with choral evensong. Plan an early dinner, overnight Winchester (2 nights).
Day 2
Walking tour of Winchester, including King Arthur’s Round Table in the Great Hall before a tour of Winchester College, one of England’s oldest public schools, with a visit to one of the country’s oldest charitable institutions at the Hospital of St Cross. Some free time for shopping.
Day 3
To Bath, pausing en route for a walking tour of Salisbury, including a visit to its spectacular cathedral. With a photo op at Stonehenge and a walk around the even older stone circle at Avebury, into Bath (2 nights).
Day 4
City sightseeing tour with a Jane Austen theme. Then, either a free afternoon in the city, or to Glastonbury Abbey, the alleged burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, with a visit to Wells Cathedral on return to Bath.
Day 5
Morning coffee at a privately owned garden en route for a stroll round the churchyard in Painswick, and a tour of magnificent Gloucester Cathedral. Overnight Pershore (2 nights).
Day 6
With an architectural tour of the town, and a visit to the historic Abbey, to Worcester for a visit to Royal Worcester Porcelain and, just opposite, the Cathedral, concluding with choral evensong.
Day 7
Head for London with a panoramic tour of Stratford upon Avon, and a walking tour of the Oxford colleges. Overnight London (2 nights).
Day 8
Free day in London. Plan an evening at the theatre.
Day 9
Depart London for a special walking tour of Canterbury, Leeds Castle, and then finishing with choral evensong in the Cathedral. Final evening in Canterbury.
Day 10
To the airport for the return flight home.
EPISCOPAL: Celebration of English Cathedrals
Duration 10 nights/11 days
Based: Derby (3n), Peterborough (2n), Bury St Edmunds (2n), London (1n), Canterbury (2n)
Day 1
Arrive Manchester International and pre-arranged transportation to travel into the Derbyshire Dales, visiting spectacular Chatsworth House, the Palace of the Peaks, on your way to your Derby hotel (3 nights). Rest and relax, independent sightseeing.
Day 2
A full day in and around Derby, including a visit to the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain factory, a lunchtime visit to neo-classical Kedleston hall and a special ‘behind the scenes’ visit to Derby Cathedral, concluding with choral evensong.
Day 3
Today’s journey to Lincoln will include a close encounter with the myths and legends of Robin Hood and visits to the villages and churches associated with the Pilgrim Fathers.
Day 4
With a “Middlemarch” tour of Stamford, later this morning you will see the outstanding treasures at Burghley House, the finest example of Elizabethan architecture in England. On then to Peterborough (2 nights).
Day 5
Step back in time to Bronze Age, Flag Fen, a place of sacrifice 3000 years ago, a private visit to 17th Century Elton Hall and a special tour of Peterborough Cathedral including choral evensong.
(July/August only – an evening of “Shakespeare Under The Stars” at Tolethorpe Hall comes highly recommended.)
(July/August only – an evening of “Shakespeare Under The Stars” at Tolethorpe Hall comes highly recommended.)
Day 6
To Ely Cathedral, a largely undiscovered gem, before a Dick Francis interlude in the horse racing capital, Newmarket. Overnight Bury St Edmunds (2 nights).
Day 7
Walking tour of this lovely market town, including a visit to at least one privately owned garden and a “Brother Jocelyn” led visit of the ruined Abbey of St. Edmund. With some free time, rendezvous for a special tour of St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, concluding with choral evensong.
Day 8
To London. City sightseeing tour (optional). Balance of the day at leisure. Evening at the theatre.
Day 9
By boat to Greenwich and then by motorcoach to Leeds Castle, or to Rochester for a Charles Dickens themed afternoon. Overnight Canterbury (2 nights).
Day 10
To Dover Castle for a VIP visit, returning to Canterbury for a St. Augustine themed afternoon which concludes with Choral Evensong in Canterbury Cathedral. Return to Canterbury.
Day 11
Airport transfers or independent extensions.
EPISCOPAL: Saints and Scholars
Duration 9 nights/10 days
Based: Liverpool (1n), Chester (1n), Hereford (2n), Salisbury (2n), Chichester (2n), London (1n)
Day 1
Arrive Manchester International Airport where arrangements can be made to meet and escort you to the cathedral city of Liverpool. Rest and relax before a special tour that will feature Liverpool’s two Cathedrals linked by a street named Hope, and a touch of the Beatles. Overnight Liverpool (1 night).
Day 2
Morning tour of the Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s choice of Liverpool churches before heading to Chester for a city sightseeing tour. Cathedral visit ‘behind the scenes’ and choral evensong. Overnight Chester.
Day 3
Depart Chester for a “Brother Cadfael Experience” in and around Shrewsbury Abbey before following the Welsh borders to the perfectly restored 13th century fortified manor house in Stokesay Castle. Overnight Hereford (2 nights).
Day 4
Morning tour of glorious Hereford Cathedral, with special tours of the mediaeval Chained Library and the Mappa Mundi Exhibition. Afternoon visit to fairytale Eastnor Castle, as dramatic inside as it appears from the outside.
Day 5
Taking the picturesque route down the Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey to be in Bath by lunchtime. Mid-afternoon depart for Avebury and Stonehenge before reaching Salisbury (2 nights).
Day 6
Mid morning visit to fabulous Wilton House, the treasure house home of the Earls of Pembroke, before returning to Salisbury, where after a walk around the city, the highlight will be a special visit to the Cathedral including choral evensong.
Day 7
With a visit to the Grand Hall, Winchester to see King Arthur’s Round Table, and majestic Winchester Cathedral, to Portsmouth to clamber over HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and to see Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose. Overnight Chichester (2 nights).
Day 8
City sightseeing tour of Chichester, including the fine modern art collection at Pallant House. Afternoon among the art treasures at Goodwood House, ancestral home of the Dukes of Richmond, before returning to Chichester for a late afternoon VIP tour of the Cathedral.
Day 9
To London. Sightseeing tour. Evening at the theatre.
Day 10
Airport transfers or independent extensions.
EPISCOPAL: A Carillon of North Country Bells
Duration 9 nights/10 days
Based York (2n), Durham (2n), Carlisle (2n), Richmond (2n), London (2n)
Day 1
Arrive Manchester and by train or motorcoach to the Viking City of York. Rest and relax, independent sightseeing. Overnight York (2 nights).
Day 2
City sightseeing tour of York to include the Jorvik Viking Fairfax House. Afternoon independent. Rendezvous at York Minster for a special tour and stay on for choral evensong.
Day 3
Touring the moors and vales of Ryedale, visiting Castle Howard (Brideshead Revisited), Rievaulx Abbey (1131), the first Cistercian Abbey in the north, with a picnic at Rievaulx Terrace (optional). On then to imposing Whitby Abbey founded in 651, before reaching Durham (2 nights).
Day 4
Morning visit to 7th century Saxon Escomb Church before seeing the outstanding collection at the Bowes Museum. Back in Durham, a special tour of Durham Cathedral including the Treasury Museum which represents 900 years of history from the time of St Cuthbert to the present day. After choral evensong, overnight in Durham.
Day 5
Mid morning visit to Old Hall, home of the Washington family, before reaching Holy Island to see Lindisfarne Castle and Lindisfarne Priory, sacred soil since 634 when Bishop Aidan was sent from Iona to spread Christianity through northern England. Pausing to visit Hadrian’s Wall to Carlisle (2 nights).
Day 6
Morning tour of the mediaeval dungeons and chambers at Carlisle Castle followed by an hour or two at the award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. With time to pick up some bargains at the Linton Tweed Visitor Centre, to the 12th Century Carlisle Cathedral for a special tour which includes the surviving Abbey buildings. (Perhaps add a full day excursion to Whithorn, the cradle of Scottish Christianity and shrine of St. Ninian.)
Day 7
Touring through the Lake District to Ripon or the cross country route through James Herriot’s Yorkshire Dales (All Creatures Great and Small) and privately owned Newby Hall and garden. Overnight Richmond (2 nights).
Day 8
After an early morning tour of the lovely Ripon Cathedral, follow the new “Law and Order” Trail around the city. On then to Cistercian Fountains Abbey, the ornamental gardens at Studley Royal and finally the treasure filled Harewood House. After dinner, watch the city’s “Hornblower” put the city to bed.
Day 9
To York for the fast train to London (2 hours). Transfer and panoramic tour en route to your centrally located hotel. Evening at the theatre (optional).
Day 10
Airport transfers and independent extensions.
The Magnificent Seven
Duration 2-3 nights/3-4 days
Based Towns and cathedral cities like Winchester, Salisbury, Chichester, Folkestone, Rochester, Canterbury, and Bury St Edmunds.
Highlights include:
Old Sarum, Stonehenge, choral evensong in Salisbury Cathedral.
A viewing of the Winchester Bibles in the cathedral.
The contemporary art collection in Chichester Cathedral.
The medieval churches in Romney Marsh near Rye.
12th century Rochester Cathedral and a visit to Aylesford Priory.
St Augustine’s Abbey and a ‘Saints & Scholars’ tour of Canterbury.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral and a walk around the famous Abbey led by ‘Brother Jocelyn’.
Partner Site: Tasteful Journeys