England

Enjoy stately homes and fine gardens

The Lakeland Explorer

Here we have put together a fabulous weekend break to the Lake District with some excellent attractions and stunning scenery. Starting with a visit to Holker Hall, where the earliest records of a house on the present site date back to the beginning of the sixteenth century. However, despite its grand scale the handsome rose coloured neo-Elizabethan mansion and Gardens provide a soft and gentle contrast to the ruggedness of the Lakeland countryside to the north. Quite simply, the Hall, Gardens and Lakeland Motor Museum comprise of three spectacular attractions in one perfect setting, add to this a ride on the Lakeside & Hatherwaite Railway, followed by a cruise on Lake Windermere to Bowness and you have all the ingredients for an interesting and relaxing weekend break.

Glorious Homes & Gardens

Harewood House is home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood. It provides a wonderful day out for all the family. The House has an outstanding art collection, splendid State Rooms and fascinating 'Below Stairs' exhibition. Harewood is set in spectacular grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks. There is also the chance to take a boat trip across the Lake.

Harlow Carr is the newest and most northerly of the four RHS gardens and is an ideal place to view what can be grown successfully in the region. The garden is seeing exciting new developments while retaining its uniquely tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Probably the most spectacular are the dramatic new Rose Revolution borders that edge the path to the 'Gardens through time'. The garden offers interest for all seasons - from vegetables to wildflowers and alpines to woodland - and now the fabulous Bettys CafŽ Tea Rooms and Shop.

Grassington is one of the best loved of the many delightful little towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales. Often described by locals as a "village" it is really a small town, centred around its small cobbled square is a selection of family-owned shops offering quality food, clothing and gifts, alongside small cosy cafes & restaurants.

Norfolk's finest

A popular two-night break where we've included visits to two of Norfolk's most enchanting homes - Sandringham and Blickling Hall. Sandringham once described as 'the most comfortable house in England' has been passed down as a private home through four generations of British monarchs and is now the country retreat of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. We've also included a visit to Blickling Hall, one of the great Jacobean houses famed for its spectacular long gallery, fine collections of furniture, pictures, books and tapestries along with its superb gardens that are full of colour throughout the year.

In addition we've allowed time for a visit to Sheringham, a largely unspoilt seaside town with lots to offer. Just a few steps from the bustling shopping area you can turn a corner and be taken back to the calm of the old fishing village in the Victorian era. There is also an open market on the main car park on Saturdays, adding even more colour to a bustling scene. In addition Sheringham has award-winning beaches and the seawater is some of the cleanest in Britain.