Short Break Escorted ToursShort Break Escorted Tours
Monday 17th September
(5 Days)
£429.00 per person (sharing)
Discounts up to a maximum £47 per person are available if you are a member of the National Trust
and make your own way to the coach please read the Discount section at the foot of this itinerary
(£50 single supplement)
· Door to Door Service.
· Half Board Accommodation at the
Copthorne Hotel, Copthorne.
· Visits to Petworth House,
Wakehurst Place,
Lewes Castle,
Brighton,
Arundel Castle
and Polesden Lacey.
Steam Train Ride on the Bluebell Line.
Monday 17th September
Depart from the Copthorne Bus Interchange, Paradise Circus Queensway at 08:15
Travel to Petworth House (NT) a late 17th Century baroque palace filled with an exceptional collection of works of art, including paintings by famous artists through to fine furnishings. Surrounded by one of the greatest 18th century landscape parks which is said to have inspired Turner to capture the beauty in some of his landscape paintings.
Leaving Petworth we take the short journey to the Copthorne Hotel in the village of Copthorne Sussex, our base for the next 4 nights.
Tuesday 18th September
After a leisurely breakfast we visit Wakehurst Place (NT) described as the Country Estate of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
Wakehurst features natural woodland, lakes, formal gardens, an Elizabethan House and Kew’s Millennium seed bank. Note this is a garden of exceptional international interest for its conservation and scientific research. (Access to the house is limited to two rooms only).
In the afternoon we make our way to Sheffield Park Station for a return journey on the Bluebell Line the first preserved Steam Railway Line in the UK. The current line runs North to Kingscote but there is work in progress to extend the line to East Grinsted, which may be open by the time of our visit. Sheffield Park Station houses the Locomotive sheds and a small museum.
Wednesday 19th September
Today we travel to the Historic Town of Lewes to visit Lewes Castle. The Norman Castle offers fine views over the town and Sussex Downland. Inside you will find a museum of local history and archaeology there is also a fascinating audio visual presentation of the History of Lewes.
In the afternoon we move onto Brighton where you will have free time to visit the town, the Pavillions (admission not included), the many antique shops or take a walk along the sea front. The time is yours to do as you please.
Thursday 20th September
No visit to Sussex would be complete without a visit to Arundel Castle and Gardens. Originally built in the 11th century there is 1000 years of history to explore. Be sure to visit the Collector Earls’ garden which has been modelled on early 17th century classical designs and the recently restored Victorian Gardens. In the grounds you will also find the 14th century Fitzalan Chapel. Inside the Castle a number of rooms will be accessible including the breathtaking Barons’ Hall with its 16th century furniture. From the Castle walls there are magnificent views over the River Arun and out to sea. Your entrance ticket will give you access to the Gardens, Chapel, Castle Keep and the main castle rooms excluding the bedrooms.
Friday 21st September
After leaving the hotel we visit Polesden Lacey (NT) on our journey home. Polesden Lacey is an elegant 1820’s Regency Villa re-modelled at the beginning of the 20th century sitting in a magnificent landscaped setting. This was a Villa for entertaining; the interior boasting an outstanding collection of paintings, French and English furniture, Flemish tapestries, pottery and Porcelain from all corners of the world. Outside are spacious lawns, mature trees, a Rose Garden and intimate gardens protected by wall or hedge.
Arrival back in Birmingham will be approximately 5:45 p.m.
Our Hotel: The Copthorne Hotel
Set in 100 acres of tranquil woodland this is a charming 4* Country House Style Hotel near Gatwick airport.
Rooms facilities:
En-suite Bathroom.
Trouser Press.
Iron and Ironing Board.
Satellite Television.
There are leisure facilities available including a 15m swimming pool (swimming caps must be warn), Sauna, Gym, Tennis Court.
Your holiday includes:
· Coach travel throughout.
· Services of a tour manager.
· Taxi transfers from home to coach (unless opting to use your own transport ).
· Entrance to Petworth House, Wakehurst Place, Lewes Castle, Arundel Castle and Polesden Lacey, Return journey on the Bluebell Line.
· All excursions listed in the itinerary.
· Accommodation on a half board basis.
Your Holiday price does not include:
· Personal Travel Insurance.
· Drinks taken with included meals.
· Lunches on any day.
· Gratuities.
· Any entrance fee not specified above.
Hotel Porterage (inform your tour manager if you need help).
Discounts Available
National Trust Members deduct £32.00 per member. (You must have your membership card available to enter Petworth House, Wakehurst Place, Polesden Lacey)
Make your own way to and from Birmingham City Centre to pick up the coach deduct £15 per person.
Two or more people joining/leaving the taxi at the same home address deduct £5 per person