Constable Country & Suffolk Treasures

Day 1

Morning departure as we head towards Colchester and our hotel the Delta by Marriott. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

This morning we journey into the historic town of Bury St. Edmunds, famous for its Abbey Gardens and the Angel Hotel, where Dickens had Mrs Pickwick stay. This afternoon we head to Helmingham Hall Gardens. Helmingham Hall is surrounded by a deep moat, deer park and peaceful grade 1 listed garden. We spend the afternoon exploring the gardens which include beautiful rose gardens while taking in the amazing views of the hall and landscape scenery. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 3

Today after breakfast we make the short journey into Colchester. as Britain's first recorded Roman town it is packed with 2,000 years of history, a Norman castle and a wide boulevard as a main street. This afternoon we travel to Tiptree, the Wilkin family have been farming hers since e 1757 and they started making their famous conserves in 1885. We enjoy a 40 minute gudied tractor tour followed by a delightful cream tea in the 'secret Garden' room finishing with a visit to the jam museum. Dinner in the hotel

Day 4

After breakfast, we discover the idyllic villages of Constable Country on a guided tour. We visit East Bergholt, an unspoilt village with many fine old houses and cottages and the birthplace of the famous painter himself. See the church at Dedham, with its 131ft tower, and the little hamlet of Flatford Mill. In the afternoon we continue to Harwich, here we enjoy a relaxing harbour ferry journey through maritime history. Highlights include the Port of Felixstowe, Landguard Fort, Shotley Peninsula and HMS Ganges. Final dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast we commence our journey home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner