Acklams Leisure Ltd | Tel: 01482 475 212

Folklore, Fables and Smugglers Tales

Enjoy an Elite Door to Door

Essex is a county full of surprises, including rustic riches and an inspiring heritage. This holiday covers it all and allows you to discover the unexpected along the way. Visit Audley End House and Gardens to learn about its history and fluctuating fortunes. A half-day guided tour of the Essex coastline and Blackwater Estuary. Hear stories of smugglers navigating the many inlets and shifting sands under the cover of darkness as we visit award-winning Green Island Gardens. Fiona Edmond, the property's owner, designed the 20-acre private gardens. Visit the Suffolk Punch Trust, founded to protect the endangered oldest English working horse breed. Meet the horses and learn about their history.

Holiday Inn, Colchester****

Situated in the tranquil village of Eight Ash Green, just outside of the ancient, but vibrant Roman town centre of Colchester, the Holiday Inn Colchester offers a peaceful stay with all modern comforts. All bedrooms are en-suite with tea/coffee and ironing facilities, TV, telephone and Wi-Fi. The hotel has a lift.

PRICE INCLUDES

Door to door pick up service

Elite coach travel

4 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast

Admission to Audley End House and Gardens

A half day guided ‘Smugglers Trail’ tour

Admission to Green Island gardens

A tour of Suffolk Punch Trust

5 days/ 4 nights

** PLEASE NOTE**

Acklams Holidays reserve the right to amend the itinerary should the circumstances dictate

Day 2

Today begins in picturesque Saffron Walden, with its heritage reflecting the wealth of this medieval, market town across the ages. Explore the quirky, cosmopolitan market, held here since 1141 on Tuesdays and Saturdays. From here, take the short journey to what was once one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England, Audley End House and Gardens, to learn about its past, of the fluctuating fortunes and life both above and below stairs

Day 3

Meet your guide for a half day tour of the Essex coast and Blackwater Estuary. Hear tales of smugglers navigating the many inlets and shifting sands under the cover of darkness. Enjoy a stop in the ancient town of Maldon, home to many a Thames Barge. This afternoon, we venture to award winning Green Island Gardens. The 20 acres of private gardens were designed by its owner Fiona Edmond and display a huge range of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs.

Day 4

First stop today is a visit to the Suffolk Punch Trust, founded to protect the endangered oldest English breed of working horse. On a guided tour and tractor ride, meet the horses and learn about the history of this gentle giant. Head then for a scenic drive along the Suffolk coast stopping, time allowing, in some of its charming seaside villages such as Aldeburgh, Thorpeness and Southwold.

Holiday Inn, Colchester****

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Name	Address	Distance
Beverley Coach Park	Beverley Coach Park, School Lane, HU17 9LS
Drax Social Club	Drax Social Club, Main Road, Drax, YO8 8PJ
Hartshead Moor	Hartshead Moor Services, HD6 4JX
King George Dock	King George Dock, Terminal 1, Hedon Rd, 5QA
Wetherby services	Wetherby Services, Kirk Deighton, LS22 5GT
Woodall Services	Woodall Services, S26 7XR