The Houses & Gardens of Essex
3 Days / 2 Nights

Join us on this short break staying at a top class hotel and visiting some of the most stunning historic houses and gardens in Essex.

Suggested Holiday Hotels:

The 4-Star Best Western Markes Tey Hotel is ideally located just four miles from Colchester - Britains oldest recorded town. Hotel facilities include free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, 15 metre indoor swimming pool, air-conditioned gym, steam room and sauna.  All ensuite guest rooms feature tea/coffee making facilities, flat-screen TV, telephone, hairdryer and radio.

Suggested Tour Itinerary:

Day 1
Depart during the morning (approx. 09.00 hrs from Coventry) for the journey to Audley End House & Gardens, an English Heritage (EH) property. Explore this decadent Jacobean mansion house and meet the staff in the Victorian Service Wing.  Enjoy stunning views across the unspoilt Essex countryside and wander the tranquil gardens created by ‘Capability’ Brown, gold winner of Anglia in Bloom Awards 2017. Passengers who are EH members gain free admission, for those passengers who aren’t EH members, the admission charge is £13.85 per person. Can all passengers please indicate on the booking form if they are, or aren’t EH members. The coach will depart during the afternoon for the journey onto our hotel – The Best Western Marks Tey Hotel, near Colchester, where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis. 

Day 2
After breakfast the coach will depart for RHS Garden Hyde Hall, where the group’s affiliation to the RHS will allow free entrance. RHS Garden Hyde Hall is surely one of the finest gardens in the East of England, its location among rolling hills and fantastic panoramic views can often surprise the visitor to Essex. The coach will depart during the afternoon for the journey back to the hotel. 

Day 3
After breakfast we must check out of the hotel, and travel to the Beth Chatto Gardens, where group entrance is included. Created by award winning gardener, author and lecturer Beth Chatto, who won 10 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, in 10 consecutive years. Now, they are an inspiration to gardeners and garden lovers, also a renowned nursery and stock over 2000 varieties of plants, many propagated from plants in the Gardens. The coach will depart during the afternoon for the journey back to your local area.