Sunday 29th: We depart this morning, travelling to East Anglia via the
quintessential English market town of Market Harborough. After time
browsing the town and lunch we continue to the Marks Tey Hotel.
Monday 30th: This morning we discover the idyllic villages on our tour
of Constable Country, including the birthplace of the famous painter, John
Constable at East Bergholt, an unspoilt village with many fine old houses and
cottages. The church at Dedham, with its 131ft tower, and the little hamlet of
Flatford Mill, were favourite landscape subjects and you can soak up these
scenes of England first hand. In the afternoon we visit Colchester, a
historic Essex town, Britain’s first city and former capital of Roman Britain.
Its rich history dates back over 2,000 years.
Tuesday 31st: Today’s jaunt takes us to the notorious Smuggler’s Coast. In
the 18th and early 19th centuries, in the heyday of the smuggling trade,
with rivers running deep inland, the coastline offered many good landing
points for people and cargoes. We start with a visit to Mersea Island and
West Mersea, an idyllic location with a glowing reputation for beautiful
scenery and historic charm for a short break. Our final halt is in Burnham-on-Crouch.
From Maldon’s Hythe Quay to Burnham on Crouch many smugglers
tales abound.
Wednesday 01st: This morning we have a ride to historic Bury St.
Edmunds, home place of St Edmund, the original patron saint of England.
We have time to explore the town and obtain lunch. From here we head for
the pretty villages of Cavendish and Clare, with their pastel coloured
cottages, we take a break in Lavenham, one of our best preserved
medieval villages with its many colourful and half-timbered houses.
Thursday 02nd: We leave after breakfast and travel via the famous
University City of Cambridge where we have time to enjoy the beauty of
its ancient centre, preserved medieval streets, college courts, gardens and
riverside. After lunch we continue our journey home.