Acklams Leisure Ltd | Tel: 01482 475 212

Folklore, Fables and Smugglers Tales

Discover Essex’s hidden stories, coastal legends, historic houses and beautiful gardens on this intriguing Door to Door holiday.

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love This Holiday

Uncover the surprising stories, rich heritage and scenic beauty of Essex and the surrounding coast on this fascinating holiday filled with history, folklore and countryside charm.

A highlight of the tour is a visit to Audley End House and Gardens, once one of the grandest houses in Jacobean England. Explore its impressive rooms, beautiful gardens and stories of life both above and below stairs.

You will also enjoy a guided Smugglers Trail along the Essex coastline and Blackwater Estuary, where tales of hidden inlets, shifting sands and secret night-time landings bring the area’s colourful past vividly to life.

During your stay, visit the award-winning Green Island Gardens, a 20-acre private garden designed by owner Fiona Edmond and filled with unusual trees, shrubs, perennials and seasonal colour.

We also include admission to Sutton Hoo, one of the most important archaeological sites in England, where Anglo-Saxon history, royal burial mounds and ancient treasures create a truly memorable visit.

Your Hotel – Holiday Inn Colchester

Set in the peaceful village of Eight Ash Green, just outside historic Colchester, this comfortable hotel offers modern facilities and a relaxing base for your holiday.

Your Holiday Includes

Travel and Accommodation

Door to door pick up service
Elite coach travel
4 nights’ dinner and bed and breakfast
All bedrooms with en-suite facilities
Friendly and experienced driver

Included Visits and Experiences

Admission to Audley End House and Gardens
Half-day guided Smugglers Trail tour
Admission to Green Island Gardens
Admission to Sutton Hoo
Visit to Saffron Walden
Scenic touring along the Essex coast and Blackwater Estuary

Day 1

After your door-to-door pick up, we travel to Colchester and the Holiday Inn Colchester, where you will spend four nights with dinner and breakfast each day.

Day 2

Today begins in picturesque Saffron Walden, a historic market town with a rich medieval heritage. Depending on the day of travel, there may be time to enjoy the town’s long-established market and attractive streets.

From here, we continue to Audley End House and Gardens, once one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England. Discover the fascinating history of the house, its changing fortunes and stories of life both above and below stairs.

Day 3

Meet your guide for a half-day tour of the Essex coast and Blackwater Estuary, hearing tales of smugglers navigating hidden inlets and shifting sands under cover of darkness.

There will be a stop in the ancient town of Maldon, long associated with Thames barges and maritime history. In the afternoon, visit the award-winning Green Island Gardens, a beautiful 20-acre private garden filled with unusual planting and peaceful spaces to explore.

Day 4

Today includes admission to Sutton Hoo, one of England’s most remarkable archaeological sites, where royal burial mounds and Anglo-Saxon history reveal the story of an extraordinary ancient kingdom.

There will also be scenic touring through the surrounding countryside, with time to enjoy the history, landscapes and character of this fascinating region.

Final Day

After breakfast, we begin our comfortable journey home.

Suitable stops will be made along the way before returning you safely to your front door with fond memories of your Essex holiday.

Please Note

We always aim to operate the holiday as described. Occasionally changes may be necessary due to local or operational factors. Any adjustments will always be made with your comfort and enjoyment in mind.

About the Destination

Essex is a county full of unexpected history, beautiful countryside and atmospheric coastal landscapes.

From the grandeur of Audley End House and the ancient town of Colchester to the creeks and waterways of the Blackwater Estuary, this holiday reveals a fascinating side of the county shaped by wealth, trade, smuggling and folklore.

About the Experience

This holiday combines guided storytelling, historic houses, gardens and coastal scenery at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.

Whether exploring Jacobean splendour, hearing tales of smugglers along the estuary or discovering ancient history at Sutton Hoo, this tour offers a wonderfully varied and memorable break.

Your Hotel – Holiday Inn Colchester

A modern and comfortable hotel located in the tranquil village of Eight Ash Green, close to Colchester and the surrounding Essex countryside.

Hotel Features

Restaurant and bar
Lift
En-suite bedrooms
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Television
Telephone
Wi-Fi
Comfortable public areas

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