Day 1 Morning departure for the journey to Southend-on-Sea and the hotel for a four night stay.
Day 2 Today you will visit Audley End House and Gardens, to enjoy the spacious grounds and estate of one of England’s grandest mansions. Whether you are exploring the servant’s wing, state rooms, stables, kitchen garden or beautiful grounds, you will discover what life was like above and below stairs. After lunch you will travel to Tiptree Jam Museum, shop and tea rooms for a short tour of the museum followed by a cream tea before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 This morning you will visit Colchester Castle. Construction of Colchester Castle began in around 1076 and was completed by around 1100, for use as a Royal fortress by William I – son of William the Conqueror. One of the most striking aspects of the Castle is its imposing keep, said to be the largest example of a Norman keep in Europe. Return to Southend for a free afternoon.
Day 4 You will travel to RHS Garden Hyde Hall, a haven in the heart of rural Essex. Highlights include a beautiful hilltop garden, rose garden and a fascinating Mediterranean-inspired Dry Garden. You will return to Southend for the afternoon and we have included a return train ride on the famous pier.
Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey