Country Houses Of Staffordshire

This tour takes in some of the country houses of one of England’s industrial powerhouse regions, Staffordshire. A wealth of styles from Arts & Crafts to classical and small to lavish offer a tempting selection of artistic, architectural design treats to be explored in the genial, witty and knowledgeable company of popular Travel Editions tour leader and lecturer, Nicholas Merchant, who will educate and entertain in equal measure.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at Barlaston House at 15.30 and enjoy a cream tea. This evening there will be a welcome drink,  private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Nicholas Merchant: ‘Country Houses of Staffordshire’.

Day 2: Wightwick  Manor and Chillington Hall
Two wonderful but contrasting styles of architecture and design today, as we head first to Wightwick Manor, one of the most famous Arts & Crafts houses in the country, built for the Manders paint family and filled with their Pre-Raphaelite paintings and William Morris designs. Then to Chillington Hall, the little-known house of the Giffard family, principally attributable to one of England's greatest architects,  Sir John Soane, builder of the original Bank of England in Threadneedle Street.  Second talk from Nicholas, 'The Lunar Society' and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Shugborough Hall and Heath House
This morning takes us to Shugbourough Hall, a National Trust House and formerly the seat of the Anson family. One of the biggest estates in the area with a mansion house, model farm, and servants’ quarters, with a fine collection of furniture, it was home to Patrick Lichfield, the famous society photographer, whose apartment is usually open to the public with some of his work on display. After time for lunch (not included) we head to Heath House, the Victorian pile of the Philips family, complete with its original chattels and impressive painting collection. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Biddulph Grange Gardens, Spode Museum and Whitmore Hall
Biddulph Grange Gardens were created by James Bateman, plant-hunter, who travelled the world to collect rare flora. But this is not just a plantsman’s garden, it is dotted with fantastic topiary gardens including the Egypt garden, and a Chinese pavilion overlooking the lake. Next to the Spode Museum for a light lunch (included) and visit to the museum of one of the most famous names in the realms of ceramic manufacture. Finally, to Whitmore Hall, a small, intimate family-owned manor-house which has been in continuous occupation for many centuries. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 23 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Upper House Hotel, Barlaston, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Cream tea on arrival on day one
• Welcome reception and private dinner with wine
• Two further dinners in the hotel restaurant
• Two light lunches
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

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

HOTEL

Upper House Hotel, Barlaston

The four-star Upper House Hotel, Barlaston is located in the village of Barlaston close to the Wedgwood Factory. Once the home of Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson it is now an elegant, boutique hotel with excellent restaurant and a high standard of comfort and service. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.

Hotel Website