Gardens, Castles and Wellness at the Fringe
There is nothing like spring in southern England! There are breathtaking gardens and castles that have been in existent for centuries. Imagine yourself in the family gardens of King Henri VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.
You will also visit Arundel Castle and gardens, founded in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery to guard the Sussex coast, is a premier English fortress with nearly 1,000 years of history. Situated in West Sussex, it has served as the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years and is home to the current Duke. Nyman’s is a garden lovers’ dream set around a romantic house and ruins. In spring see blossom bulbs and a stunning collection of fragrant magnolias.
Your journey begins in the seaside city of Brighton located on the southeastern coast of England. You will be staying in a historical 5-star hotel situated directly across from the famous seaside promenade.
Brighton became the favourite holiday destination for the rich and famous in the 17th century. You will have the opportunity to visit the summer home, The Royal Pavillion, of it’s most famous resident George IV who loved art, architecture, fashion and good living.
Brighton also became popular for the therapeutic health-giving sea water remedies, including ‘dipping’ – total body immersion in salt sea water made famous by Dr Richard Russell a local physician. You will spend a lovely wellness day at Brighton’s only luxury subterranean spa. Submerge yourself deep beneath the city’s streets, once old smuggler’s tunnels and emerge revitalised.
As for fun, Brighton is the host of the annual Brighton Fringe Festival held during the month of May. It is the largest annual arts festival in England and one of the largest fringe festivals in the world. You will have the opportunity to attend a few events.
No trip to Brighton is complete without visiting The Lanes. Nestled between the North Laine and the seafront, this quirky labyrinth part of Brighton has been in existence since the mid 1500’s. You will have a joyful wander around its narrow alleyways, hidden squares, exciting shops, legendary jewellers and plenty of places to eat, drink and watch the world go by.
Host & Trip Development: E. Sandra Simpson
Itinerary
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO BRIGHTON
- Meet & Great at Brighton Harbour Hotel
- Welcome Dinner – Michelin Mention Restaurant
DAY 2 – NYMAN’S GARDENS - WEST SUSSEX
- Breakfast
- Nyman’s Gardens, Romantic House & Ruins
- Spa Afternoon with a Surprise
- Dinner - Brighton
DAY 3 – HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS - KENT
- Breakfast
- May Day - Hever Castle - May Pole Dancing
- Walk the Pier/Relax
- Dinner - Brighton
DAY 4 – BRIGHTON PAVILLION
- Breakfast
- Brighton Pavillion Tour
- Clay & Cava Workshop - Rottingdean
- Dinner - Brighton
DAY 5 – ARUNDEL CASTLE & GARDENS - SUSSEX
- Breakfast
- Arundel Castle & Gardens - Home of the Duke of Norfolk
- High Tea - The Grand Hotel Brighton
- Brighton Fringe Event
DAY 6 – BOLNEY VILLAGE - HAYWARDS HEATH
- Breakfast
- Bolney Winery & Wine Pairing Tour
- Bolney Village Tour – 12th century church, 16th century Pub
- Farewell Dinner
DAY 7- HOMEWARD BOUND
- Breakfast
- Check-out
- Transfer to Your Airport