Hedingham Castle is one of the finest and best preserved Norman keeps, built in 1140, home to the De Veres, Earls of Oxford, and still owned by their descendants. The custodian will give a talk on its illustrious history. This is followed by a walk in the moat, which is abundant with snowdrops at this time. We stop for lunch at the picturesque market town of Coggeshall. Our afternoon visit is to the Museum of Chelmsford, set in a Victorian Mansion, ‘Oaklands Park’, built by a brewery owner. It houses various collections including pottery, glass and the history of Chelmsford. We have an introductory talk. Tea/coffee and biscuits are included

We visit the best preserved example of a Roman theatre in Britain. Used originally for bear baiting and cock fighting, its acoustics were also perfectly suited to musical performances. Close by are the foundations of a Roman house, shrine and a row of Roman shops. We visit the award-winning Verulamium Museum of Everyday Life in Roman Britain and the Hypocaust, five minutes walk from the museum. We go to the centre of St Albans for lunchtime and free time, including time for a relaxed visit to the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban during the afternoon.

£102 single £92 sharing EH members deduct £3

On Saturday we have a guided tour of St. Mary’s Portchester, situated within the grounds of Portchester Castle and the most complete set of Roman walls in Europe. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1133, it is now a parish church. It has remained largely unchanged, a long nave with high windows and no aisles. We also explore Portchester Castle, which dates from the early 12th century. Last used in the 19th century as a prison, it was built on a site first used by the Romans in the 3rd century as a naval base. Most of the walls and bastions built by the Romans are complete and appear as they did when they were first built. There are spectacular views from the Keep over Portsmouth harbour. We travel the short distance to the Port Solent Marina complex for lunch and free time, before heading home.

Included in the price of this tour is a donation to St Mary’s Church, entry to Porchester Castle, coach travel and DBB at our 3 * hotel.

Monday 19th
March 2007

With blue-badge guide Bronwen Mills to guide us in our coach, we will tour through the traditional seaside towns of Ramsgate and Margate, and stop for lunch at Broadstairs. The town was a holiday home for Charles Dickens and inspired him to write the adventures of David Copperfield. The weather-boarded 17th century boathouse and historic Customs House reflect the town’s maritime history. The narrow streets are home to bookshops, craft shops, seafood restaurants and quaint cottages, and the beach is lined with colourful beach huts. After lunch we hope to visit Minster in Thanet

Thursday 19th
April 2007

£6

Depart Embankment Underground Station 10:00 hrs.

£8

On Sunday we travel to Aylsham for an excursion on the Bure Valley Railway. The train traverses nine miles of beautiful Norfolk countryside towards the destination of Wroxham, known as “the capital of the Broads”. We have a relaxing ninety minute cruise afloat on the Broads. After lunch in Wroxham we explore the countryside and Broads between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. We have free time in Great Yarmouth before returning to our hotel.

On Monday we have free time and lunchtime in Norwich before heading home.

The morning visit is to a Victorian fortress at the port of Newhaven. There are displays, a video presentation, underground tunnels and stunning views of the channel and harbour. There is a new Marina nearby with places for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the privately owned house which has belonged to the Gage family for five hundred years. We will find out about their history and connections to royalty in the guided tour. The Tudor hall was updated in the eighteenth century and some of the house is decorated in the rococo style. There is a lived-in ambience and there are fine furnishings, pictures, portraits and memorabilia of fifteen generations. There is a tea room on site.

Depart Embankment Underground Station 09:30 hrs. and Hammersmith Bus Stop K (by St. Paul's Church) 10:00 hrs.

£6

Our morning visit is to Amersham, where we have a guided walk of the town, rebuilt in 1643. It has gabled timber inns, cobbled courtyards, thatched cottages and Georgian elegance. After lunch we visit Hughenden Manor, which was the home of the Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli from 1848 until his death in 1881. Much of the original furnishings, books and pictures remain. The garden is a recreation of the design of his wife, Mary Ann.

£24 NT members £31 Non NT members

£8

Meet Bromley-by-Bow Underground Station (District Line) exit at 10:45 hrs.

Approximate price £195 single £175 sharing

£6

We have a guided tour of the Ismaili Centre, a beautiful building used by the Shi'a Imami Ismaili Muslims. Among other rooms we see the prayer room and learn more about the local community. We also have a walk of local interest, including a visit to the Brompton Oratory.

For the full itinerary please email Judith at JudithandEliz@aol.com.

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