Country Houses of East Yorkshire Tour

Explore some of East Yorkshire’s finest houses, galleries and an historic Minster with long-term Yorkshire resident, country house enthusiast and antiques expert, Nicholas Merchant, whose knowledge, humour and enthusiasm has been entertaining Travel Editions’ guests for some fifteen years.  Several of the houses visited are still privately owned offering a more intimate visit, with a contrast of styles on display.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive independently from 15.00. Welcome reception, private dinner with wine and talk from Nicholas Merchant.

Day 2 Beverley and Wassand Hall.
Our first visit on this new tour is to the historic and beautiful market town of Beverley, where we will enjoy a guided walking tour and guided visit to its magnificent Minster, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the early 13^th century.  It is one of the largest parish churches in the country and bigger than many more illustrious cathedrals.  After time for lunch we head to Wassand Hall for a guided tour.  A Regency House and fine Estate which has been owned by one family since 1520, and is very much a family home. We have time to enjoy the beautiful walled gardens and woodland views outside, as well as the collection of 18th and 19th century paintings, porcelain and furniture in the Hall. Second talk from Nicholas and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 Sledmere House and Burton Agnes Hall.
A wonderful day in prospect as we head first to Sledmere House, home of the Sykes family. This impressive 18th century house, was rebuilt as recently as 1911 after a disastrous fire, in the style of the original and contains an important furniture collection with works by Chippendale and Sheraton. It is set in a Capability Brown landscape.  Time for lunch before heading to unique Burton Agnes Hall, where a guided tour awaits.  Home of the Cunliffe-Lister family for more than 400 years and inherited by the current incumbent when he was just 12 years old. It maintains a distinctive “lived-in” quality as well as being an important work of the Elizabethan architect, Robert Smythson to whom Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire is attributed.  Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 Burton Constable and Ferens Art Gallery
Our first visit of the final day of this tour to little known but historic and beautiful sites often overlooked by visitors to England’s largest county is to Burton Constable.  Home to the Constable family for over 700 years. Located on the outskirts of Hull in East Yorkshire, it is is one of the most fascinating English country houses to survive complete with its historic collections.  Finally to Hull itself, City of Culture in 2017 with its little known but hugely impressive Ferens Art Gallery, which houses one of the UK’s finest art collections – from medieval to modern with works by Frans Hals, Canaletto, Lord Leighton, Stanley Spencer and more.  Return to the hotel for approx 16.30.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of time spent walking around the attractions and standing for viewing. The guided tours of the houses will be on foot, with limited places to sit and rest. On Day 2, the morning is spent on foot. Please visit the mobility page of our website for further information, or contact our team prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Three nights bed and breakfast at the four[1]star Mercure Hull Grange Park, based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Welcome reception and first night private three-course dinner with wine
• Second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach transfers throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double room for sole use supplement - £229
• Extra nights on bed & breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Mercure Hull Grange Park
East Yorkshire’s hotel of the year in 2019, set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, the Mercure is converted and extended from a 19th century manor house with health club, bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.

Hotel Website