Cambridge, Ely & Historic Treasures
5 days
BU5CCH
Journey through the cultural and historic gems of the East of England, enjoying its blend of heritage, natural beauty and the quaint charm of market towns.
This 5-day midweek coach holiday offers the chance to discover the scenic wonders and treasures of Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge, Ely, Stamford, and Oakham.
We begin with a visit to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, the world-famous medieval market town, before heading to your comfortable hotel on the outskirts of Peterborough which provides a great base for our stay with dinner and breakfast included, and is ideally located for our included excursions.
We make our way to the delightful Georgian town of Stamford. Widely regarded as one of the finest stone towns in England, it has appeared in a number of films and TV programmes. The narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards are home to a variety of speciality shops, whilst the high street has a choice of independent and recognised retailers. We then travel on to the pretty, traditional market town of Oakham; look out for the unusual stocks that were used to detain criminals by the legs - the five hole stocks are somewhat of a mystery!
We discover Ely, full of charm and beauty. The town’s main attraction is Ely Cathedral, undoubtedly one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England. It’s known locally as the ‘Ship of the Fens’ because of its prominent position above the surrounding flat landscape.
An Ideal Choice for:
* Lovers of our nation's natural beauty
* Anyone interested in our culture and heritage
* People who love a mix of historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes
* Couples, friends and family looking to enjoy a fabulous midweek break
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Join your comfortable coach at your convenient pick up point this morning. We head for our hotel via a visit to the ever-popular town of Stratford-upon-Avon, forever associated with William Shakespeare. It is a thriving market town on the banks of the River Avon, filled with lovely half-timbered buildings and scenic riverside walks.
Arriving at our hotel later in the day, have time to unwind before enjoying our first nights dinner.
Days 2-4
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will head out each day for our INCLUDED excursions to discover some of the best of the region.
Return to your hotel each evening to relax and enjoy the included dinner as you chat to your fellow travellers about your day.
Day 5
After our final breakfast today, we make our way home, with a suitable stop on the way.
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with English Breakfast and Evening Meals
- Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon
- Day in Ely
- Excursion to Stamford & Oakham
- Day in Cambridge
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net zero carbon offset certificate
Stratford-upon-Avon
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationStratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of England’s most famous bard, William Shakespeare. It is a pretty historic market town situated on the banks of the River Avon and a popular tourist destination attracting over three million visitors a year. With its beautiful surroundings, wide range of tourist attractions and great shopping, it’s not hard to see why this town is such a hit with coach trip visitors.Delve into the Bard's life and legacy with a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets of the town centre, adorned with charming Tudor buildings, and visit the historic Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. For a scenic perspective, embark on a tranquil River Avon cruise, meandering through the picturesque countryside and passing by some of the town's most iconic landmarks. The historic Garrick Inn is one of the towns oldest buildings, dating back to the 16th century, though some parts of this traditional half-timbered building may be as old as the 14th century, and has witnessed centuries of stories, including tales of the plague!
Click here for further information. Some attractions are subject to seasonal opening times.
Ely
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationDiscover the enchanting city of Ely. As the second smallest city in England, it is compact enough to easily explore on foot, but large enough to fill a full day. It offers a wealth of attractions and things to do, nestling under the big skies of the Fen countryside, in the shadow of its magnificent cathedral. It dominates the skyline, and is one of England's largest and most beautiful cathedrals. Marvel at the architectural brilliance of this medieval masterpiece. Inside you can visit the Stained Glass Museum and admire the unique structure of the Octagon Tower. Wander through the quaint streets adorned with historic buildings. Ely's most famous historical resident was Oliver Cromwell, who lived here for 10 years and whose former house you may choose to visit. The house has been recreated to demonstrate what 17th century domestic life would have been like, and you can also view an exhibition on the Civil War. If history isn’t your thing, the beautiful waterside area offers plenty of delightful cafés and restaurants – the perfect spot to watch the river boats sail by.
For more information on what to see and do, click here.
Stamford & Oakham
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationDiscover the delightful Georgian town of Stamford. Sir Walter Scott proclaimed it as “the finest stone town in England” with more than 600 listed buildings of mellow limestone including five medieval churches. The pretty facades of the buildings are a favourite for filmmakers, and you can see why the setting was perfect for ones such as Pride and Prejudice and Middlemarch. Seek out tranquillity on a walk along the River Welland, and discover a variety of speciality shops along the town's narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards.The traditional English market town of Oakham is full of little shops and boutiques. Visit Oakham Castle, the finest example of Norman domestic architecture in the country, or visit the Rutland County Museum. Look out for the unusual stocks that were used to detain criminals by the legs - the five hole stocks are somewhat of a mystery!
Cambridge
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationCambridge is the country’s most beautiful historic city. Its elegant centre is framed by architectural triumphs, surrounded by green spaces and home to the University of Cambridge’s world-famous colleges. There’s something for everyone in Cambridge. You can go punting on the River Cam, enjoy a picnic in the park, visit the free-to-enter University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses world-class collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilisations, and Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s finest galleries and a major centre for 20th century and contemporary art. Cambridge is a compact city with a wonderful choice of shops. From the hustle and bustle of the city’s seven-days-a-week market where you can rub shoulders with the locals in Market Square and the Saturday All Saint’s Garden Art and Craft market, to an abundance of boutiques and independent shops as well as high street brands, designer labels and Shopping Centres.For more information on what to see and do, click here. Back to top
Accommodation
The Milestone Peterborough Hotel
The Milestone Peterborough Hotel is a contemporary hotel that boasts excellent amenities and a convenient touring location, positioned just off Junction 16 of the A1(M), on the outskirts of Peterborough.
Enjoy a comfortable and friendly dining experience with mood lighting, art installations and good food, cooked in a modern British style, and relax with a drink in the bar. Each bedroom is equipped with a Hypnos bed, free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, a desk with a chair, an ensuite bath and tea/coffee making facilities.
For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)
Hotel Location