Travel with Blakes, travel with friends! - Blakes Coaches

42
THE ISLE OF MAN
6 DAY TOUR
Departure: Friday 13th – Wednesday 18th September
The Isle of Man is a wonderful place of beauty and history which lies in the Irish Sea
between the United Kingdom and Ireland. With a unique self-governing kingdom, it
guarantees a warm welcome and some unforgettable scenery.
The Empress Hotel
Douglas
A majestic 3* hotel commanding a prime position on the Victorian promenade overlooking
Douglas Bay just a short walk from the town centre. Built at the end of the last century, the
hotel has been extensively upgraded and proudly maintains its status as one of the best
hotels on the island. All rooms are en suite, with marble tiled bathrooms, hair dryers and
telephones. There is also a health club with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room & sun
bed. There is a lift to all floors and the restaurant offers a superb selection of French and
English dishes.
Itinerary
FRIDAY – We leave the West Country and make our way north, stopping for coffee and
lunch en route, to our overnight hotel in Northern England, arriving in time for dinner and an
evening at leisure.
SATURDAY – After breakfast, we make our way to Lancaster, with time to browse the
shops and enjoy an early lunch before we continue to Heysham for the afternoon ferry
crossing to Douglas and our hotel, with time to settle in before evening dinner.
SUNDAY – A full day excursion to the southern part of the island, stopping at St John’s for
coffee. We continue on to Peel, the 4th largest town on the island, for lunch and time to
explore this lovely town with its cathedral. It is also the island’s main fishing port and you
may even see a seal or two. We continue on to the very south of the island, with panoramic
views across to the Calf of Man, before turning east and stopping in Castletown for tea. One
of the oldest towns in the British Isles its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove
this ancient past at every corner. The medieval Castle Rushen, once the home of kings and
later government, still dominates the centre of town.
MONDAY – The morning is free to spend as you please and explore Douglas, the island's
capital since 1863. Its beautiful sea front is lined with picturesque buildings, and the high
street is filled with familiar names as well as many locally owned stores. You may like to take
a trip on one of the Horse Drawn Trams which run along the sea front and enjoy a leisurely
lunch in one of the many cafés and restaurants. Join us if you wish for an afternoon
excursion to Ramsey, the second largest town on the island with a pretty harbour. We return
via part of the TT circuit which boasts some of the loveliest views to be seen anywhere.
TUESDAY – This morning we make the short journey to the Laxey Wheel –claimed to be
the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the world. It was built in 1854 to pump water
from the mineshafts and named "Lady Isabella" after the wife of Lieutenant Governor Hope
who was the island's governor at that time. After an early lunch we travel on the short
distance to join the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles for a return journey to
Snaefell. Once on board, sit back and relax as you are transported through the beautiful
Manx countryside, and a view of the Bungalow, a famous TT landmark. At the summit, 2,036
feet above sea level, and on a clear day, you may be able to see England, Ireland, Wales
& Scotland.
WEDNESDAY – After breakfast we make our way to the ferry for the return crossing to
Heysham. We continue our homeward journey, with comfort stops en route, arriving back in
the West Country early mid evening.
TOUR PRICE £455.00
Price includes:
5 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Entrance to the Laxey Wheel
Snaefell Electric Mountain Railway ticket
Ferry crossings. All excursions
Supplements:
Single supplement £55.00
Travel insurance £14.00
TELEPHONE 01398 341160
PEAKS, PUDDINGS
& POTTERIES
5 DAY TOUR
Departure: Monday 16th – Friday 20th September
Sitting astride the backbone of England, Derbyshire boasts some of the country’s finest
landscapes. The rocky crags of the Peak District National Park rise from the rugged
moorland heathers and are bisected by lush pastures and wooded dales.
Shrigley Hall Hotel
Pott Shrigley
A beautiful 4* country house hotel located on the edge of the Peak District National Park It
has retained many of its impressive original features such as the elaborate painted domed
ceiling over the main grand staircase. All rooms are ensuite, with TV, hairdryer, and tea &
coffee-making facilities. The elegant Restaurant serves a delicious menu, and leisure
facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and, jacuzzi. There is also a lift to all
floors.
Itinerary
MONDAY – We leave the West Country and journey north to our hotel, making comfort
stops en route, arriving with time to settle in before dinner.
TUESDAY – Join us this morning as we travel through some stunning scenery, across the
middle of the Peak District National Park to Matlock Bath. Whilst here you may like to take
a cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham, where (weather permitting) you can absorb
breathtaking views of the village. At the summit there are two underground show caves, a
café and a gift shop. Other attractions include the mining museum, an aquarium as well as
souvenir shops and cafés to enjoy coffee. On our return we stop at the pretty town of
Buxton, the Cultural Capital of the Peak District. Here you will find a the splendid Crescent,
ornamental gardens, an Opera House with the largest unsupported dome in the country as
well as some lovely shops and restaurants to enjoy afternoon tea.
WEDNESDAY – This morning we make our way to Bakewell, a pretty market town, with
time to browse the shops and maybe enjoy some of the famous Bakewell Pudding. We
continue on to Chatsworth House, home of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire. The
exquisite house, one of Britain’s most impressive stately homes contains some of the
world’s finest collections of books and drawings… but its historic and modern treasures are
just the start of what you can discover. Set in 1000 acres of magnificent grounds, you can
wander through the beautiful gardens and the truly remarkable fountains and water features
– including the unique water cascade. There is also a wonderfully challenging maze in the
garden and a fine restaurant to enjoy a leisurely lunch and tea.
THURSDAY – After a leisurely breakfast, we travel through some of the most stunning
scenery the Peak District has to offer. We stop in Castleton for coffee, before passing
Ladybower Reservoir and up the spectacular Snake Pass and through Glossop. We
continue on to the small town of Holmfirth. As well as numerous arts & craft shops, cafés
and antique shops, it is perhaps best known for as the location for the TV series last of the
Summer Wine. You may like to visit Sid’s café, see Norah Batty’s steps and the exhibition
in what was Compo’s house in the series, containing lots of memorabilia.
FRIDAY – This morning, we leave our hotel and make our way to The Wedgwood Visitor
Centre near Stoke on Trent, founded by Josiah Wedgwood, the ‘Father of English Potters’,
in 1759. Whilst here we have a guided tour of the factory and an opportunity if you wish to
make your own pot. There are also 2 retail areas selling best product, seconds and
discontinued products, and a restaurant which serves home cooked food on beautiful
Wedgewood China! We later continue our journey south; with a comfort stop en route,
arriving back in the West Country early – mid evening.
TOUR PRICE £325.00
Price includes:
4 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Entrance to Chatsworth House. Entrance to the Wedgewood Visitors Centre
All excursions
Supplements:
No single supplement
Travel insurance £13.50