Legendary Englishmen

On this superb itinerary we tour some of the very finest English countryside - from the low fens to the rolling wolds, from gentle rivers to ancient forests. We'll also see the mediaeval cities of Cambridge, Nottingham and Lincoln. And it wouldn't be England if we didn't find a host of castles, cathedrals, gardens, stately homes and country pubs to enjoy. This memorable mini-tour offers outstanding variety.

Our general theme is 'legendary men' as we discover the cities, towns and villages connected with household names such as Robin Hood, Oliver Cromwell and John Bunyon. But there are a host of other legendary figures making an appearance too. There is Hereward the Wake - the last great Englishman who fought a rearguard action against William the Conqueror.

There are the thousands of nameless brave British, Canadian, American, and other Commonwealth Airmen who flew with Bomber Command. There are the adventurers and pilgrims who left this region to open up and settle the New Worlds. And we include one absolutely legendary woman - Mrs Margaret Thatcher. On our tour we visit museums, houses, sites connected with these legendary folk.

Our overnight base is at Brook Hotel's Whipper Inn, a 17th century coaching inn in the pretty Oakham, the market town of Rutland, historically England's smallest county.

We depart London and quickly leave the city behind for the rural byways of Essex. Our first stop of the morning is at the picture postcard village of Thaxted, often described as England's prettiest 'hidden' village. Next, via country lanes to Saffron Waldon, a village once famed for growing saffron. In the late morning we arrive at the medieaval university city of Cambridge and have time here to discover the colleges and Fitzswilliam Museum. The brave may wish to try their hand at punting on the river!

This afternoon we travel to the cathedral town of Ely. This was once an island in the middle of the fens - an area of low lying marsh lands. This is a city of stained glass, and two great Englishmen, Hereward the Wake and Oliver Cromwell. We'll figuratively introduce you to both. We arrive at our accommodation base in Oakham in plenty of time to relax and enjoy our surroundings on the edge of the scenic Rutland water.

Note: On request, we may also find time for interested parties to visit the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.

We've an unforgettable day in store with something for everyone. Our day sees us in Lincoln exploring the breathtaking medieval, cathedral, perched with neighbouring castle on a hill top. You'll see an original Magna Carta signed by 'bad' King John in 1215. There are the winding lanes of the old Jewish quarter and the new state of the art, interactive Lincoln museum to visit. Then through the villages of the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds. In many we find links to pilgrims and famed explorers of America and Australia. We'll choose from places such as Horncastle (dubbed the 'Best Antiques Town' in England), Woodhall Spa, and Market Rasen. Next, a visit in keeping with more contemporary history cut out to the World War Two 'Dambusters' 617 Bomber Squadron memorial and museum. Alternatively, we can visit the Battle of Britain Flight at Conigsby.

Today we go in search of a figure of great romance and mystery in English folklore - Robin Hood. Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Little John and all of the men of the green wood will be with us in sprit today as you discover the truth and legend of the hooded man.

We will visit Nottingham and see the castle of the infamous sheriff of the city. You'll also enjoy a beer in one of England's oldest pubs, carved out of the rock beneath the castle and so beloved of crusaders.

There'll also be time to shop and explore at leisure. Thence to Sherwood Forest and a pleasant stroll through the famed 'greenwood' to the 'great oak' under which Robin is said to have camped.

We'll also visit some ancient villages and Newstead Abbey, home of Lord Byron. And, as we make our way homeward, the birthplace house museum of Mrs Margaret Thatcher!

The day's first jewel, Burghley House, is the largest and grandest house of the first Elizabethan Age. Built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I, and still a family home for his descendants to this day. Eighteen State Rooms contain unique and important collections of porcelain, art, furniture and textiles. This is guaranteed to bring gaps of amazement to even the most travelled amongst us.

Nearby is the perfectly preserved town of Stamford. Many who have enjoyed Jane Austen and George Elliot costume dramas will find the streets somewhat familiar as the BBC, and others, have used the town extensively for location shoots recreating the 18th century.

Turning south we call in at the pretty Ouse river villages of Huntingdon and St Ives. The former boasts the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell.

Our final visit of the day will be at the John Bunyon Centre. Alas, who now remembers or reads 'The Pilgrim's Progress'? Bunyon's story though, and the local museum are excellent visits and explain why colonists fled to the New World.