The Welsh Marches with Nicholas Merchant

Arrive independently at the Bank House Hotel in Worcester from 15.00. This evening there will be a talk from Nicholas Merchant on “The History of Berrington”, in preparation for your visit tomorrow, then dinner at the hotel.

Our tour starts with Ludlow Castle, a medieval fortress with a rich history that dates back to the 11th century. Original built by the Normans to help control the Welsh borders, an site of the Council of the Marches, the castle is known for its impressive architecture including the Great Tower, Norman Chapel, and the Tudor-style buildings that were added later. There will be time for lunch here (not included) before heading to Berrington Hall.  A neoclassical 18th-century mansion designed by Henry Holland, set in 'Capability' Brown's final landscape and gardens, it has been home to the Harley, Rodney and Cawley families for centuries and is now owned by the National Trust.  It is one of the few masterpieces of the architect Henry Holland's to survive intact and boasts a grand ionic portico, stunning interior paintwork and Holland’s most sophisticated experiment in space, light and colour – the Staircase Hall.  Dinner at the hotel (drinks not included).

Another “castle” to start today, though Croft Castle’s castellated features were designed more for decoration than defence.  Dating back to the 17th century, it has been, and remains, home to the Croft family, set in 1500 acres of parkland, replete with impressive manor house, delightful gardens, a church and tea room.  After lunch (not included) we will head to nearby Newton Court, whose ciders, perries and juices are renowned.  Here we will enjoy a fascinating tour to see the production process and the orchards.  The tour ends, of course, with a tasting of the wares.  Back to the hotel late afternoon with a second talk from Nicholas, “An introduction to Worcester Porcelain,” one of his passions before dinner at the hotel (drinks not included).

Birthplace of Edward Elgar, Worcester is a much under-rated city with an attractive city centre, dominated by its magnificent Cathedral.  Our day here will concentrate on two principal attractions, starting with the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum, which explores 250 years of social, food and design history that connects Worcester porcelain with the rest of the world.  It contains some of the earliest porcelain made in England as well as iconic objects, such as Lord Nelson’s breakfast teapot.  We’ll have a light lunch here, served on Royal Worcester tableware, of course, before heading the short distance to Worcester’s Cathedral, one of the triumvirate – along with Hereford and Gloucester – that host the wonderful Three Choirs Festival each year, which has been a mainstay of the Travel Editions’ programme for many years.  The cathedral was founded in 680, with the present building on the banks of the River Severn begun in 1084 and has been a continuous place of worship for 1400 years.  After a self-guided tour, take the spiral staircase up 46 steps for a guided tour of the Library which contains a number of medieval manuscripts.  Return to the hotel for approximately 16.15.Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.