Longleat Downton Abbey
Longleat & Downton Abbey
WELCOME TO LONGLEAT
In the comfort of our own coach, we drive round Longleat Safari Park, as featured on the hugely popular BBC series 'Animal Park', before exploring the magnificent house and beautiful gardens. WELCOME TO DOWNTON ABBEY: See where this gripping TV drama was filmed as we visit Highclere Castle: Follow in the footsteps of the show's cast, explore the wonderful grounds, and uncover the Castle's fascinating history and its links to ancient Egypt.
MENZIES SWINDON HOTEL AA 4 Star
Conveniently situated in the centre of this thriving town, and offering an exclusive range of facilities, the four star Menzies Swindon hotel is an ideal base to ensure a lovely holiday.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
1. LONGLEAT HOUSE & SAFARI PARK
A lovely day out sees us at magnificent Longleat, built in the late 16th century by Sir John Thynne, and considered one of the best examples of a High Elizabethan stately home in England. The house is surrounded by 900 of landscaped parkland, designed in the 18th century by Capability Brown. Among the many purpose-built attractions which surround the house are the world's largest maze, a miniature railway, a petting zoo, a mirror maze, Dr Who exhibit, Butterfly Gardens, Postman Pat village, and Adventure Castle. The place of honour, however, goes to the Safari Park which we will enjoy from the comfort of our own coach.
2. MARLBOROUGH & HIGHCLERE CASTLE
Our first visit of today takes us to the archetypal English market town of Marlborough, which over the past two years has established a name for itself for the quality and scope of its shopping. The following extraction from their website perhaps sums it up quite nicely: 'If shopping floats your boat, then prepare to cruise. Quite simply, Marlborough is to shopping (especially fashion), what Chanel is to perfume and green is to wellies'. Today is market day: We then continue to Newbury and Highclere Castle, as featured in ITV's period drama 'Downton Abbey'. The castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679, and has a fascinating connection to Egypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. The castle now houses an exhibition that commemorates this historic event, including some rare antiquities from the 5th Earl's earlier Egyptian excavations.
12A June 4th/8th (5 days) £329
12B August 26th/30th (5 days) £339
Single room supplement £60
ADMISSIONS TO LONGLEAT HOUSE & SAFARI PARK AND HIGHCLERE CASTLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
TOUR OPERATES SUNDAY TO THURSDAY
Tour includes Insurance