Country Houses of Cheshire

Join Nicholas Merchant in Cheshire to explore some of Cheshire’s most beautiful country houses and gardens – from magnificent well known mansions to exquisite privately-owned country houses – all illuminated with Nicholas’ trademark wit and erudition.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Cottons Hotel from 15.00 and enjoy a cream tea at 15.30.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk from Nicholas - ‘The Country Houses of Cheshire.’

Day 2: Erdigg and Dunham Massey.
After a talk at the hotel from Nicholas – ‘The Rescue of a Doomed House, Erdigg,’ we will explore two National Trust treasures today, first of all to Erdigg itself, near Wrexham. A visit here captures life above and below stairs in a unique family home and household of the early 20th century. This afternoon we head to Dunham Massey, an 18th century house with a glorious garden, deer park and a house filled with treasures and stories. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Tabley House and Tatton Park.
Tabley House is the finest Palladian mansion in Cheshire, home for 700 years to the Leicester family, with a superb collection of art furniture and books, as well as a chapel and tea rooms, where we will enjoy a light lunch (included). This afternoon we head to magnificent Tatton Park for avisit and private guided tour. We will visit the working farm, magnificent late 18th century mansion with its important collection of paintings and books, finishing with a cream tea in the quaint Gardener’s Cottage. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Capesthorne Hall and Rode Hall.
Two privately-owned gems to end the tour, starting with Capesthorne Hall, the much loved home of the Bromley-Davenports and a beautiful house full of superb paintings, furniture and stained glass windows, as well as lovely gardens, lake and parkland. Then, finally, to exquisite Rode Hall, the country house home and garden of the Baker Wilbraham family for close to 350 years. On arrival we will have lunch (included) followed by a guided tour of the house and free time to look around the wonderful gardens. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.00.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers

INCLUDED

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Cottons Hotel, Knutsford based on shared occupancy of a twin room
• Welcome reception and three-course dinner with wine
• Second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant
• Two lunches
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement
• Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Cottons Hotel, Knutsford

Four-star spa hotel, with great facilities, owned by Thwaites Brewery and perfectly located to reach the places visited on this itinerary. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including free wifi.

Parking: complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO - Please click here for more information

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.