Country Houses of the Ribble Valley

Here is a chance to visit unspoiled England, a landscape south of the much-visited Lake District, which remains as remote as it was two hundred years ago. The Forest of Bowland in the Ribble Valley is designated an area of outstanding Natural Beauty, and boasts stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic buildings with stunning architectural details, and expansive gardens. All will be explored and illuminated with Nicholas Merchant's trademark wit and erudition.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Gibbon Bridge Hotel from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk from Nicholas Merchant.

Day 2: Stonyhurst College, Hoghton Tower and Great Mitton Church
Donated to the Jesuits in 1794 when they were expelled from Liège, Stonyhurst college is a stunning Elizabethan mansion with a rich history dating back to 1200 AD. As well as the architecture and expansive grounds, we explore the college’s historic collections, featuring rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts that reflect its rich Jesuit heritage. After time for lunch (own expense) we travel to the Hoghton Tower found on a strategic hilltop location with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Tower dates back to 1109, with the current structure built in the early 16th century by Thomas Hoghton. We have a free flow visit of this fortified manor house, then continue on to Great Mitton Church. Dating back to the late 13th century, this grade I listed building features gothic architecture, medieval woodwork, and a sundial from 1683. Return to the hotel for dinner. 

Day 3: Harris Art Gallery and Astley Hall
This morning we travel to Preston to visit the Harris Art Gallery with its extensive collection of fine and decorative arts, costumes and textiles, and historic books and manuscripts. Free time for lunch (own expense), then we travel to Astley Hall in Chorley, a stunning 17th century country house with exquisite plasterwork ceilings, an impressive long gallery, and an array of period furniture and paintings. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Gawthorpe Hall and Towneley Hall
Our final day of touring starts at the Elizabethan country house of Gawthorpe Hall which is managed by the National Trust. Built in the early 17th century by the Shuttleworth family, the hall was extensively rebuilt in the mid-19th century by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament. We view the impressive collection of portraits and textiles, and have time to explore the beautiful gardens. This afternoon we stop in Burnley to visit Towneley Hall, a historic house with fine period rooms decorated with paintings and sculptures. As well as an art gallery and museum, the hall also features secret passages, and a Priest's Hole. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

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 walking and standing for viewing at each attraction. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team. 

INCLUDED

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Clitheroe based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and three-course dinner with wine
• Second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary
• Nicholas Merchant and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - £129
• Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Clitheroe

An award winning four-star country hotel with beautiful gardens set in a peaceful location in the Ribble Valley, well located to reach the places visited on this itinerary. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, spa, gardens and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Parking: complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO 

Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas has been a lecturer and group leader for tours in the UK and France for Travel Editions for close to 15 years. Prior to Travel Editions, he ran his own book business, worked for Sotheby’s and was the West Yorkshire representative for the National Art Fund. His knowledge, wit and erudition illuminate any visit and his tours are informative, interesting and, above all, entertaining.

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.