Charming Cambridgeshire

Itinerary:

Monday
Depart Leyland at 08.30hrs for our journey to the Cambridge Belfry Hotel with a lunch stop at the National Memorial Arboretum en-route, depart the NMA at 13.00hrs to continue our journey to the hotel, arrive to a warm welcome with tea/coffee and biscuits while your case is taken to your room.

Tuesday
Our excursion today begins with a drive to Newmarket, home of horseracing. Here we visit the beautiful National Horseracing Centre to learn of the history of 'The Sport of Kings, visit three wonderful attractions in one, The National Horseracing Museum in the Trainer's House and King's Yard Galleries, The Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art in Palace House and a chance to meet former racehorses at 11am in Rothchild's Yard, the flagship home of Retraining of Racehorses, this place is amazing and so much more than a museum, there's a fabulous restaurant, picnic areas and gift shop onsite too. In the afternoon we visit the historic compact city of Ely, with a splendid array of narrow street and historic buildings including Oliver Cromwell's House and the magnificent cathedral 'The Ship of the Fens'.

Wednesday
This morning, we make the short journey to Cambridge where we board a chauffeured punt through the wonderful backwaters. Our chauffer will guide us along the River Cam pointing out highlights of Cambridge's beautiful college buildings along the way. To complement this truly English setting, strawberries and cream will be served as you glide by iconic landmarks. Following our punt there will be free time to explore Cambridge before returning to the hotel mid afternoon to relax and enjoy the hotel and its facilities.

Thursday
Following a leisurely breakfast travel south to visit the Roman City of St Albans. At the city's historic core, you will find the stunning cathedral dating to 1077, well worth a visit. Today is also market day in St Albans, the market dates to the 9th century and runs the length of St Peters Street offering visitors great shopping opportunities. This afternoon we travel to the RAF Museum at Hendon, uncover the immense history of the Royal Air Force, with over 85 aircraft on site, this museum also allows you to get up close to many historic and groundbreaking aircraft and learn about their important roles.

Friday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast for our return journey home with a stop in historic Stamford en-route allowing time to explore and obtain lunch, the town has a fine collection of 5 medieval churches, over 600 listed buildings and quaint medieval streets, this hidden gem is a culinary delight, from traditional pubs steeped in history to modern eateries service tasteful wonders to suit every palate and pocket. Depart Stamford at 13.30hrs to continue our journey home.