In Search of Old Suffolk Tour

This tour takes us to the lovely, unspoilt and often overlooked county of Suffolk. Here, we will explore the amazing Anglo-Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo together with West Stow reconstructed Anglo Saxon village and Suffolk’s more recent rich heritage, visiting the beautiful castles at Framlingham and Orford and the historic market town of Lavenham with your guide, archaeologist and historian, Mike Stone.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel, from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and a talk by Mike Stone “‘Highlights of Suffolk’s archaeology and Architecture.”

Day 2: West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and Lavenham
This morning we will start our exploration of this charming and fascinating county with a visit to the West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, the site of an early Anglo-Saxon village, occupied from AD 420-650, over 400 years before the Norman Conquest. One of England's great archaeological sites, West Stow has extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village, complete with livestock and surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside. Then to charming Lavenham with time for lunch (not included) before a guided walking tour led by Mike. Lavenham is one of the finest surviving wool villages in England and we will learn more about its history with a visit to the fascinating Guildhall. Dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: Framlingham Castle, Orford Castle and Sutton Hoo
Two beautiful Suffolk towns today, each with its own castle, starting with the pretty market town of Framlingham to see its magnificent Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Then to Orford and its castle, built by Henry II at the end of the 12^th century with views over Orford Ness. Next onto probably the highlight of the tour, Sutton Hoo. Here, there will be free time for lunch (not included) before a guided tour of the burial mounds and exhibition. One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20^th century in 1939, when the famous burial ship with all its treasures was uncovered. The excellent visitor centre has informative displays and interpretation of the many finds, and the story of the discovery is well told in the recent film, “The Dig,” starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.15.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

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

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich, based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine
• Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement 
• Extra nights on 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

Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel

Four-star hotel located on the outskirts of Ipswich in extensive gardens. Built around a 16^th century hunting lodge, the hotel offers a bar, restaurant, spa with gym and indoor pool as well as comfortable, traditional bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

Car parking: complimentary car parking is available at the hotel

Hotel Website

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