Worcestershire Heritage & Landscapes

Day 1

We make our journey to Worcestershire making comfort stops and a suitable lunch stop en-route. Arriving at Worcester Whitehouse Hotel this afternoon.

Day 2

Today we visit Witley Court where you can feel the grandeur still present in the charred walls of England's greatest ruins.

Built in the 17th century and extensively remodelled in Victorian times, disaster struck in 1937 when a fire ripped through Witley Court. Hear stories of the lost world of this magnificent country house - a bygone era of great wealth, the house once played host to some of the richest people in the country, from royal parties to fashionable society including the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. Not to be missed is the spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain, along the monster walk of William Nesfield, firing' as it comes to life, once said to make the noise of an express train. The immaculately designed gardens have stood the test of time and still feature Victorian bedding plans - the gardens alone are noted as a must-see for any horticultural enthusiast!

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore Worcester.

Day 3

Enjoy the morning at leisre.

This afternoon we make our way to Forge Mill Needle Museum & Jinney Ring Craft Centre. Located in Radio 4 'Archers' Countryside, there is more to this museum than meets the eye. At the Forge Mill Needle Museum, hear how the humble Victorian needle was manufactured. The site once produced 90% of the worldâ's needles and has supplied needles for almost everything - from needles used to sew panels onto space shuttles to micro surgery tools. Hear the turmoil of the workers who underwent some of the most dangerous jobs and conditions of the period. You'll also witness traditional skilled craftsmen at work, at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, one of the most visited craft centre in the West Midlands.

Day 4

This morning we visit Ragley Hall for a private tour and where you might recognise your surroundings, as one of the settings in the immensely popular Netflix series 'The Crown' and Doctor Who! Set in the heart of Shakespeare's England, get to know one of Warwickshire's most exclusive venues, its gorgeous interiors the result of contributions from 9 generations of the same family, as the ancestral seat of the Hertford family. Be sure to take in the exquisitely illustrated mural in the South Staircase, The Temptation, which took 14 years to complete! Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Ragley whilst enjoying eccentric tales of the past and present.

This afternoon we visit Bidford-on-Avon before returning to the Hotel.

Day 5

We depart the Hotel after breakfast, making comfort stops en-route including a suitable lunch stop. Arriving back into East Sussex this afternoon.

FB=Full Breakfast, EM=Evening Meal