Historic Berkshire & The English Countryside
Enjoy a fascinating five-day break exploring some of southern England’s finest heritage attractions, historic towns, and beautiful countryside.
Overview
Based in Newbury, this relaxing tour features a visit to the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the medieval city of Salisbury, scenic touring through the beautiful Cranborne Chase landscape, and a nostalgic journey into the past at the award-winning Milestones Museum. Combined with free time to enjoy Newbury’s bustling market, this holiday offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
Supplement for sole occupancy of a Twin/Double from £80.00
Highlights
- ✦Executive coach travel
- ✦4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast
- ✦Admission to Blenheim Palace and Gardens
- ✦Admission to the Milestones Museum
Day by day
- Day 1
Monday
Depart from your local pick-up point and travel to Berkshire, arriving at the Orida Hotel Newbury in the late afternoon. Settle into your room before enjoying dinner and the hotel’s facilities.
- Day 2
Tuesday
Today we visit the magnificent Blenheim Palace, one of Britain’s most impressive stately homes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill, the palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Explore the magnificent State Rooms, discover over 300 years of history, stroll through the formal gardens, or enjoy the beautiful parkland designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown.
- Day 3
Wednesday
This morning we travel to the historic cathedral city of Salisbury. Famous for its medieval streets and magnificent cathedral, Salisbury offers a wealth of attractions to explore. Highlights include the stunning Salisbury Cathedral, home to one of the best-preserved surviving copies of the Magna Carta. Later, we enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Cranborne Chase National Landscape, an area renowned for its rolling countryside, charming villages, and outstanding natural beauty. We continue to the historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury, where you’ll have time to explore its independent shops, museums, and cafés before we return through the Dorset countryside to Newbury.
- Day 4
Thursday
After a leisurely breakfast, we visit the market town of Newbury, where market day is in full swing. Browse the stalls offering local produce, crafts, and traditional goods, or enjoy a relaxing morning exploring the town at your own pace. This afternoon we travel to Basingstoke to visit the fascinating Milestones Museum. This award-winning living history museum recreates everyday life from the Victorian era through to the mid-20th century. Wander along cobbled streets, explore period shops and businesses, and discover how people lived and worked between 1810 and 1950.
- Day 5
Friday
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Berkshire and begin our journey home, taking with us wonderful memories of historic houses, fascinating museums, and beautiful countryside.
Where you'll stay
Orida Hote
The Orida Hotel Newbury offers a comfortable and welcoming base in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. Guests can make full use of the excellent leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. All bedrooms are en-suite and feature complimentary Wi-Fi, television, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel does not have a lift, however ground-floor rooms are available on request.
Travelling alone? A single-room supplement of £80.00 applies for the whole holiday.
Pickup points
Choose your preferred pickup at checkout. Specific times are confirmed after booking.
| Pickup point | Pickup time |
|---|---|
| Norwich, Harford P&R | After booking |
| Long Stratton, The Plain Bus Stop | After booking |
| Harleston, Broad Street Bus Shelter | After booking |
| Diss Depot, Simonds Depot, Oak Drive | After booking |
| Diss, Park Road, Bus Station | After booking |
| Botesdale, Simonds Court Bus Stop | After booking |
| Stanton, Shepherds Grove Park Main Gate | After booking |
| Stanton, The Memorial | After booking |
| Ixworth, Greyhound bus stop | After booking |
| Ixworth, Pykkerell | After booking |
| Bury St Edmunds, Bus Station Bay 9 | After booking |
| Newmarket, A14/A142 Fordham Road Tesco Bus Stop | After booking |
| Dereham - Boots, The Market Place | After booking |
| Watton - The Crown, High Street | After booking |
| Thetford - The Chase | After booking |
Alternative pick-ups may be available on request. Please call 01379 647 300.