Lincolnshire & A Rutland Belle Cruise

Itinerary

Highlights

• 3 nights accommodation
• Breakfast & dinner
• Hot drink after dinner
• Rutland Belle Cruise
• Entrance to Barnsdale Garden
• Visit to Oakham
• Entrance to Southwell Workhouse
• Visit to Nottingham

Itinerary

Day 1- Relax and enjoy the scenery on the way to Lincolnshire with a comfort stop- time permitting - in lovely Stamford. Arrive mid-late afternoon at the Olde Barn Hotel for the next 3 nights with breakfast & dinner included.

Day 2 & 3 At leisure with 2 included excursions

Rutland Belle Cruise, Barnsdale Garden & Oakham

 Re-join the coach this morning and head off to Oakham, county town of Rutland. Rutland is England's smallest county and Oakham's stylish boutiques and exclusive little gift shops are a delight. Later we head along the edge of Rutland Water to visit the famous Barnsdale Gardens, familiar to many TV viewers are the home of Gardeners World. Entrance included.

The gardens comprise 37 individual gardens and features all blended together by the borders into one eight acre garden. From Barnsdale return to Rutland Water to round the day off with a relaxing cruise on the 'Rutland Belle'.   Rutland Belle plies from Whitwell on the North Shore and calls in at Normanton on the South Shore. Enjoy the scenery from the water, amidst the sailors, anglers and waterbirds, whilst listening to commentary highlighting points of interest. Two decks, providing all-weather cover in the lower saloon and a fully Licensed Bar, including a fantastic selection of gins from Multum Gin Parvo. Cruise fare included.

Southwell Workhouse (NT) & Nottingham

it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute. Its architecture was influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country.

This rural workhouse was designed to house around 160 inmates. They lived and worked in a strictly segregated environment with virtually no contact between the old and infirm, able-bodied men and women and children

The stories of those who lived and worked here in the 1840s help bring the building to life and prompt reflection on how society has tackled poverty through the centuries. Café here. Entrance included. Please make our team aware if you are a National Trust member as there will be a small reduction.

A short drive legendary Nottingham - known across the globe for its  connections to the famous outlaw Robin Hood, Nottingham also has plenty of other attractions. There's Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem - reputably the oldest pub in England, The Galleries of Justice Museum, the City of Caves attraction, and the fabulously designed Council House which is used for civic events. Returning to the hotel later afternoon.

Day 4 - Breakfast, check out and rejoin the coach for the journey back to the local area. A comfort stop will be made en route before reaching interchange.

Accommodation

Olde Barn Hotel, Marston nr Grantham

The Olde Barn Hotel is a delightful tranquil retreat set in beautiful Lincolnshire countryside near the village of Marston.

The hotel - a member of 'Tastes of Lincolnshire' - prides itself on the quality of its food. Hotel facilities include Health Club and Spa with indoor swimming pool, Sauna and Spa.

All bedrooms are en suite and have television, telephone, hair dryer and tea & coffee making facilities.

Hotel has a lift and some ground floor rooms.