The Splendour of Diverse & Stunning Somerset

Check in to the Somerset hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

We make our way to Forde Abbey, a former 12^th-century Cistercian monastery with an extensive history spanning 900 years, where we enjoy a guided tour. The abbey became one of the richest institutions of its kind and flourished as a monastery for 400 years. Much later, the house played host to 19^th-century philosophers and politicians and was also featured in the latest adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd. The award-winning gardens include an arboretum and the highest-powered fountain in the country.

Our next stop is the historic market town of Glastonbury, steeped in wonder and mystery. Popular with those seeking spiritual enlightenment, it’s synonymous with the largest music festival in the world but also boasts over 100 listed buildings, a fascinating museum, a holy well, atmospheric abbey ruins and a whole host of weird and wonderful shops.

We then enjoy a scenic drive through the magnificent limestone Cheddar Gorge in the heart of Somerset. Classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Britain's largest gorge features dramatic cliffs rising up 450ft and stunning stalactite caverns; it’s a true sight to behold. No visit here is complete without a trip to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, a working dairy where we find out more about the birthplace of this delicious cheese.

Today begins with an out-of-hours guided tour with the current owner of Fairfield House in rural Somerset. We learn how a house has existed on this site since 1167 and most of what we see today was finished in 1589, with later additions completed in the 18^th century. The Elizabethan property is fascinating to explore and we discover intriguing tales of the Acland Hood family who have called Fairfield home for 800 years. After our tour there is time to enjoy a wander through the beautiful grounds, once a medieval deer park, which features a stunning walled garden.

We continue to Hestercombe House and Gardens. Spanning three centuries of garden design across 50 acres, this garden complex is a real delight to visit and surrounds a Grade II listed house – open to the public for the first time in over 200 years! From the hallmarks of Sir Edwin Lutyens (pergolas, relieved staircases, pools and iris-clad rills) to Gertrude Jekyll’s bold planting, there is plenty to discover, along with a Victorian shrubbery and an enchanting secret landscape garden. Laid out by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde in the 18^th century, it boasts pretty woodlands, lakes, temples and an Octagon Summerhouse that went undiscovered for years. After a guided tour of the spectacular gardens, there's time to explore the house with its contemporary art gallery and excellent second-hand bookshop.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

This morning we head to Longleat House, widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest examples of Elizabethan architecture. Substantially completed by 1580, Longleat House is set within 900 acres of stunning Capability Brown landscaped parkland featuring a fine lawn, serpentine river, wooded hills and meandering pathways. We enjoy a guided tour of the impressive house with its ornate painted ceilings and priceless antiques acquired by generations of the Thynn family, which range from intricate Flemish tapestries and ancient manuscripts to unique paintings and rare French furniture.

Our next stop is the cathedral city of Wells, with its eclectic mix of historic buildings and quaint narrow streets. Here we discover the Bishop’s Palace, a unique medieval palace which has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years. We enjoy a guided tour of highlights such as the private chapel and the beautiful Royal Horticultural Society partner gardens.

We round off the day with some time at leisure in peaceful Wells, home to England’s first Gothic cathedral, still intact and the reason for Wells being the smallest ‘city’ in England.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel for our journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.