Herefordshire and Worcestershire with Nicholas Merchant
Herefordshire and Worcestershire with Nicholas Merchant
4 Days Starting and ending in Worcester, England
Visiting: Worcester, Shropshire, Croft Castle
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Join Nicholas Merchant on an enchanting tour of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, exploring some of England's most historic and picturesque sites. Stay at the luxurious Bank House Hotel near Worcester, where you'll enjoy a welcome reception, cream tea, and delicious dinners. Discover the medieval charm of Stokesay Castle, the neoclassical beauty of Berrington Hall, and the historic Croft Castle. Delight in a tour and tasting at Newton Court Cider, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Worcester with visits to the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum and the magnificent Worcester Cathedral. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Location: Worcester
Accommodation Name: Bank House Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive independently at the Bank House Hotel in Worcester from 15.00. A cream tea on arrival will help you settle in after your journey. This evening there will be a talk from Nicholas Merchant on “The History of Berrington”, in preparation for your visit tomorrow, then dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 Stokesay Castle And Berrington Hall
Location: Shropshire
Accommodation Name: Bank House Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Our tour starts with Stokesay Castle, one of the earliest and finest fortified manor houses in the country that dates back to 1291, built to the sophisticated tastes of Laurence of Ludlow, the castle’s creator. Its impressive Great Hall remains largely unchanged and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life, and it also boasts two towers and a picturesque, bright yellow, 17th timber-framed gatehouse. There will be time for lunch here (not included) before heading to Berrington Hall. A neoclassical 18th-century mansion designed by Henry Holland, set in 'Capability' Brown's final landscape and gardens, it has been home to the Harley, Rodney and Cawley families for centuries and is now owned by the National Trust. It is one of the few masterpieces of the architect Henry Holland's to survive intact and boasts a grand ionic portico, stunning interior paintwork and Holland’s most sophisticated experiment in space, light and colour – the Staircase Hall. Dinner at the hotel (drinks not included).
Day 3 Croft Castle, Newton Court Cider Tour And Tasting.
Location: Croft Castle
Accommodation Name: Bank House Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Another “castle” to start today, though Croft Castle’s castellated features were designed more for decoration than defence. Dating back to the 17th century, it has been, and remains, home to the Croft family, set in 1500 acres of parkland, replete with impressive manor house, delightful gardens, a church and tea room. After lunch (not included) we will head to nearby Newton Court, whose ciders, perries and juices are renowned. Here we will enjoy a fascinating tour to see the production process and the orchards. The tour ends, of course, with a tasting of the wares. Back to the hotel late afternoon with a second talk from Nicholas, “An introduction to Worcester Porcelain,” one of his passions before dinner at the hotel (drinks not included).
Day 4 Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum And Worcester Cathedral.
Location: Worcester
Meals Included: Lunch
Birthplace of Edward Elgar, Worcester is a much under-rated city with an attractive city centre, dominated by its magnificent Cathedral. Our day here will concentrate on two principal attractions, starting with the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum, which explores 250 years of social, food and design history that connects Worcester porcelain with the rest of the world. It contains some of the earliest porcelain made in England as well as iconic objects, such as Lord Nelson’s breakfast teapot. We’ll have a light lunch here, served on Royal Worcester tableware, of course, before heading the short distance to Worcester’s Cathedral, one of the triumvirate – along with Hereford and Gloucester – that host the wonderful Three Choirs Festival each year, which has been a mainstay of the Travel Editions’ programme for many years. The cathedral was founded in 680, with the present building on the banks of the River Severn begun in 1084 and has been a continuous place of worship for 1400 years. After a self-guided tour, take the spiral staircase up 46 steps for a guided tour of the Library which contains a number of medieval manuscripts. Return to the hotel for approximately 16.15.Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
What's Included
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Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Bank House Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
Enjoy a comfortable stay with three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Bank House Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome reception and three-course dinner with wine
A welcome reception and a three-course dinner with wine are included to start your holiday on a delightful note.
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Second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant
Enjoy dinners on the second and third nights in the hotel restaurant.
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Welcome cream tea and one lunch
A welcome cream tea on arrival and one lunch are included in the package.
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All talks, guided tours and admissions as detailed
All talks, guided tours, and admissions as detailed in the itinerary are included.
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Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout
A coach touring itinerary and a tour manager will be with you throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel is not included
You will need to arrange your own transport to the hotel.
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Double for Sole Use supplement
A supplement is required for double rooms used for sole occupancy.
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis are not included and can be arranged at an additional cost.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those specifically stated in the inclusions are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the package.
Mode of Transport
Transport to the hotel is not included. The tour includes a coach touring itinerary and a tour manager throughout.
Accommodation
Located about 4 miles from the centre of Worcester, the four star BW Premier Bank House Hotel is the ideal base for this tour. Set in extensive grounds with a golf course, this attractive hotel offers a bar, restaurant, and spa with indoor pool. The comfortable bedrooms offer modern en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TV. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see at Stokesay Castle?
Stokesay Castle is one of the earliest and finest fortified manor houses in the country, dating back to 1291. It features an impressive Great Hall, two towers, and a picturesque 17th-century timber-framed gatehouse.
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What does the Newton Court Cider tour include?
The Newton Court Cider tour includes a visit to see the production process and the orchards, followed by a tasting of their renowned ciders, perries, and juices.
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What will I experience at Croft Castle?
Croft Castle features castellated architecture designed more for decoration than defense. It includes an impressive manor house, delightful gardens, a church, and a tea room. The castle has been home to the Croft family for centuries.
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive independently at the Bank House Hotel in Worcester from 15.00. A cream tea will be provided on arrival, followed by a talk from Nicholas Merchant on 'The History of Berrington' in preparation for the visit the next day. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes a welcome reception and three-course dinner with wine, second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant, a welcome cream tea, and one lunch.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Worcester?
In Worcester, the tour includes visits to the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum, which explores 250 years of porcelain history, and Worcester Cathedral, which has been a continuous place of worship for 1400 years. The cathedral visit includes a self-guided tour and a guided tour of the Library.
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What is special about Berrington Hall?
Berrington Hall is a neoclassical 18th-century mansion designed by Henry Holland, set in 'Capability' Brown's final landscape and gardens. It boasts a grand ionic portico, stunning interior paintwork, and Holland’s sophisticated experiment in space, light, and colour – the Staircase Hall.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour package are transport to the hotel, double for sole use supplement, extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc., and porterage and gratuities.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Bank House Hotel, located about 4 miles from the centre of Worcester. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, spa with indoor pool, and complimentary car parking.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.