Sample Tours

This was a suggested first outline of a short trip (July ‘99) prepared for a delightful lady from Joliet, Illinois, and three of her lady friends. We later filled in the blanks, and on the actual trip I was the Driver/Guide...

Friday

I meet you four ladies in London, at the Copthorne Hotel, at 9am. Then south west to Salisbury (visit the cathedral?) and a visit to nearby Wilton House - one of the finest private art collections in Europe.

Then, perhaps, to Heale House Gardens. This is a little-known gem just north of Salisbury where Charles ll once hid from Cromwell’s soldiers. After there, past Stonehenge (quick look?) to Stourhead Gardens, a National Trust property with a wonderful landscaped garden around a lovely lake.

Then, depending on time, to Longleat House (or maybe tomorrow?) the Elizabethan stately home of the Marquis of Bath (eccentric chap, but splendid house and grounds). And so to Wells for your first overnight at a private home, ˜Beryl”, one of Wolsey Lodges many homes in the west of England.

Saturday.

To Bath. Visit Roman Baths and the Museum of Costume - excellent, and not at all boring. Lots of antique shops and markets, silver and china shops. In fact, many shops, but if you are not all that interested in shopping (!), to the American Museum at Claverton. I know it sounds weird to have an American museum in England, but I have never known an American visitor (either client or friend) to be disappointed.

Later visit the little city of Wells and its cathedral. Also wander along Vicarage Row, probably the prettiest street in Europe. Then Longleat, if not already visited yesterday. Second night in Wells.

Sunday.

North through Castle Combe (delightful medieval village) and in to the Cotswolds. Visit gardens and charming old villages. Overnight - first of two nights - at The Lamb Inn in Burford, in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Monday.

To Warwick castle - finest medieval castle in Britain and steeped in history. Then Mary Arden’s house (she was Shakespeare’s mother), Anne Hathaway’s cottage, various Shakespeare properties, and more Cotswold villages and gardens

If you have been to the Shakespeare places before, we can forget these and just concentrate on Warwick, the villages and gardens, including Hidcote garden, "one of the most delightful gardens in England".

Second night in the Cotswolds.

Tuesday 6^th.

We can have a look at Oxford on the way to Heathrow - two of the ladies leaving on AA #47 @ 13.55.

After the airport, south in to Surrey and a stroll in Wisley gardens - the home of the Royal Horticultural Society. Then further south to Sussex and a visit to Petworth House, where one of England’s greatest painters - Turner - spent much of his time. Again, a fine art collection in a magnificent 350 year old stately home. Overnight, first of two nights at a guest house, The Old Railway Station, Petworth.

Wednesday.

Possibly visit the remains of the Roman Villa at Bignor; maybe visit Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, and Preston Manor (a favourite of mine and little known).

Certainly stroll through the streets of ancient Arundel - my wife, Mary, and I often spend a happy hour or two mooching round here. Lots of junk/antique(?) shops and markets, second-hand book stores, and old winding streets. You could even take a walk in to Arundel Castle, if you are not ˜castled-out” by now.

5 p.m. A private tour of Fisbourne Roman Palace, with the Curator, David Rudkin B.A.

Second night near Petworth.

Thursday 8^th.

To Heathrow for departure on United #959 at 13.55. Be there at 12.00? Leave Petworth at 10.30?

* * *

These were some thoughts for a delightful couple from Greenwich, Connecticut, who wanted suggestions on some less well-known Galleries and Art collections in London...

The Wallace Collection, on Manchester Square, north of Oxford Street. Try not to miss

The Royal Academy of Art on Piccadilly.

The National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

The Gilbert Collection and the Courtauld Gallery, both at Somerset House. Try not to miss.

The Dulwich (South London) Picture Gallery. Superb; especially since a recent £8.3 million face-lift.

The Tate Modern Gallery, on the South Bank, and the Tate British Gallery on Millbank.

* * *

A day from an England/Scotland trip enjoyed by a family from Tampa, driving themselves in a rental car...

Thursday 5th. Fort William to Glasgow.

Leave the hotel and head south past Fort William in A82. After about 17 miles you cross the iron bridge over the entrance to Loch Leven. Just over 5 miles later (still on A82) you might like to pop in to the Glencoe Visitor Centre on your left. There is a good shop here, also coffee and loos (toilets, or ˜bathrooms” to you), and an excellent selection of books and postcards on Scotland. You might also take time to watch the audio/visual show which tells about the MacDonald tragedy, about which you will learn more as you continue.

Now rejoin the A82 and start to climb slowly up Glen Coe, known also as 'The Glen of Weeping'.

Glen Coe is perhaps the most famous, and certainly one of the most beautiful, of all the Scottish glens. Yet it is surely the most tragic. It was here, in 1692, that the infamous massacre of close to 100 members of Clan MacDonald took place.

The local chief of the MacDonalds, one MacIain, was late in pledging an oath of loyalty to the English Crown. Subsequently, the MacDonalds gave shelter and hospitality to the Campbells (who sided with the Crown) for several days in harsh weather when, without warning, the Campbells drew their swords and guns and set about murdering their hosts. Those that managed to get away perished on the bitterly cold mountains.

To this day it is said that there is always a chill in Glen Coe, even on the hottest day in Summer.

The massacre has been remembered when many greater and more brutal happenings have been forgotten, because it broke a Highland code of trust. In those days tradition had it that a Highlander's home was open to all, even bitter enemies, should they require shelter and food.

Even to this day, and indeed in far corners of the world, there are establishments owned by MacDonalds where Campbells are most assuredly not welcome.

Now cross Rannoch Moor and continue on A82 right down past Loch Lomond ("By yon bonnie banks" etc) until you get to Duntocher, about 9 miles north west of central Glasgow. Turn south here and cross the Erskine Bridge to join the M8 towards the airport and central Glasgow. Then continue past the airport, still on M8, from where you follow the directions to One Devonshire Gardens, as shown on your map.

Now, of all the things to see or do, in Glasgow, if you have even the faintest interest in fine art, I would suggest that you visit the Burrell Collection in Pollok Park, just three miles south of the city centre. The bright new building houses Scotland’s finest art collection - the lifetime gatherings of an eccentric millionaire.

Confirm your flight home today, and check where you drop off your rental car.

Overnight (one night) at One Devonshire Gardens Hotel.

 Copyright © 2000 Jim Gavin Specialised Travel Services

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