Castle, Hall and Manor

We depart Sussex this morning and make our way via the Dartford Tunnel on to the M11. Having made a suitable stop we arrive at Belvoir Castle.  The approach to Belvoir Castle presents a sight as dramatic as any country house in England. Towers and turrets and bastions rise from the top of a hill which dominates the otherwise rolling lowlands of rural Leicestershire.  The home straight – a challenging haul before motorised transport – confirms the vastness of the edifice, the variety of its massing, and the regal scale of its windows and ornaments. In fact it is not a castle proper, though the first of four dwellings on the site was, built by William the Conqueror’s standard bearer at Hastings. The Manners family arrived in the sixteenth century, and this martial heritage was acknowledged during rebuilding at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The exterior is more picturesque than defensive, and the interiors are a mix of splendid Gothic Revival and lavish late Georgian. There will be a guided tour of this fascinating Castle after which you may enjoy a delicious cream tea. We then make the short drive to our hotel

This morning we visit Doddington Hall which  was completed in 1600 and has never been sold or cleared out since. Doddington is still a lived-in and much loved family home, alive with history and interest. Over 400 years of unbroken family occupation has resulted in fascinating collections of furniture, weaponry, paintings, ceramics, textiles, household objects, porcelain and a wealth of amusing stories all to be found in and around Doddington Hall. A visit to Doddington offers a unique insight into family life through the ages and the challenges of looking after such an estate in the 21st century. For many, the gardens at Doddington are just as spectacular as the Hall itself. Remaining faithful to the original Elizabethan layout, mellow walls provide the framework for the formal East Front and West Gardens. Beyond the West Gardens begin the lovingly restored Wild Gardens. Over the generations, most recently by Antony and Victoria Jarvis and Claire and James Birch, the gardens at Doddington have been restored, cared for, nurtured and developed to their fullest potential. This afternoon we enjoy a relaxing cruise departing from Newark Castle. Built in 1902 as a River Thames Passenger Steamer, The "Sonning" is a stylish choice for our afternoon cruise, she features upper deck areas seating 85 people, with a downstairs Edwardian saloon for a further 35.A fully licensed bar in the saloon serves a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks, tea and coffee.  Modern Ladies and Gents toilets are also situated below decks. Our cruise on the river Trent will last about 90 minutes.

We leave our hotel and make our way to Coton Manor where you have the opportunity to visit what is described as an ‘exceptional summer garden’ in the Gardeners World guide. The Manor (not open) is a friendly farmhouse of local honey coloured stone with mullioned windows a steeply pitched roof and enjoys lovely views of the surrounding Northamptonshire countryside. The ten acre garden is a real gem and among the most pleasing you will see anywhere, with exceptional plants and a high standard of upkeep, immaculate without being sterile. The House provides a central focus for the garden with walls supporting unusual climbing roses, clematis and shrubs while York stone terraces display numerous colourful pots. Lunch is available at Coton Manor. Early afternoon we continue to Sussex where we expect to arrive in the Maresfield area by approximately 18.30.