Jocelyn Mel's England Adventure - V3
Jocelyn Mel
Friday 9th May – Monday 12th May 2025
Friday 9th May – Monday 12th May 2025
This morning, make your own way to Oxford on an early train where you’ll meet your guide and set off for a day at Waddesdon Manor. Feel in awe as you approach the grandiose, French château-style mansion, its intricate architecture and opulent facade a testament to the Rothschild family’s lavish tastes. Inside, the manor is a treasure trove of art, antiques, and tapestries, each room revealing layers of history and splendour. Your guided tour provides a deeper insight into the manor’s storied past and the family’s legacy.
Following the captivating indoor exploration, the afternoon is a serene escape into the manor’s meticulously landscaped gardens. Strolling through lush parterres, ornate fountains, and vibrant flowerbeds, breathe in the fragrant blooms and enjoy the tranquil vistas. The gardens, a harmonious blend of formal and natural elements, offer peaceful pathways, secluded nooks, and sweeping views, creating a perfect ending to a day of historical and natural beauty.
Overnight: Oxford | The Old Parsonage
Room Type: 1x Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embarking on a journey from Oxford to your next accommodation near Chatsworth House offers a delightful exploration of England’s scenic and historic charm.
Head North and stop en route in the charming market town of Banbury and wander through its bustling streets lined with quaint shops, historic pubs, and vibrant market stalls, perhaps taking a moment to admire the famous Banbury Cross and enjoy a traditional Banbury cake from a local bakery. After soaking up the lively atmosphere, continue the journey to Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan masterpiece set against the Derbyshire countryside. Here, explore the grand halls adorned with exquisite tapestries and rich woodwork, marvelling at the intricate architecture and vast windows that flood the rooms with light. Outside, the formal gardens and surrounding parkland offer stunning views, perfect for a peaceful stroll through history before you set off again.
Arrive in the village of Baslow near Chatsworth House, where you can unwind and prepare for a visit to the magnificent estate, renowned for its opulent interiors and stunning gardens tomorrow.
Overnight: Bakewell, nr Chatsworth | The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow
Room Type: 1x Spacious Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, Chatsworth House’s magnificent facade greets you, its grandeur and opulence immediately captivating. Inside, the house is a labyrinth of lavish rooms adorned with priceless art, intricate carvings, and sumptuous furnishings, each telling a tale of aristocratic splendour and rich heritage. As you explore, the knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the Cavendish family’s legacy and the estate’s storied past.
Stepping outside, the vast estate unfolds into a breathtaking panorama of meticulously landscaped gardens, serene water features, and sprawling parklands designed by Capability Brown. The afternoon is spent wandering these enchanting grounds, discovering hidden grottoes, majestic statues, and the vibrant Cascade fountain, each element contributing to a profound sense of tranquility and timeless beauty.
Overnight: Bakewell, nr Chatsworth | The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow
Room Type: 1x Spacious Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your local guide will transfer you to the station to catch your train back to London in 1st Class style.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.