Explore history and culture of England

27th April 2012

Over-55s specialist Grand UK Holidays has some limited availability on its holidays departing in May for mature travellers looking for a late booking.

The tours offer the chance to explore England’s historical and cultural heritage – from Constable and Gainsborough to Last of the Summer Wine.

The five-day escorted coach tours, departing on 21 May, include coach travel, excursions and half-board accommodation.

Departures on 21 May (other departure dates also available):

Constable Country, £309pp

This holiday takes in the pastoral landscapes of the Stour Valley on the border of Suffolk and Essex, which inspired great painters such as Constable and Gainsborough. 

It visits Constable Country, Lavenham, Ipswich and Sudbury, the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough.

A Stroll Down Memory Lane, £269pp

Our fascinating new touring holiday is based in the seaside resort of Great Yarmouth, and includes visits to Bressingham Steam Museum – home to the National Dad’s Army collection – Flixton Air Museum and the East Anglian Transport Museum.

Great Houses & Gardens of Yorkshire, £349pp

This holiday includes the elegant Harewood Estate, with magnificent interiors by Robert Adam, furniture by Thomas Chippendale and paintings by JMW Turner, Reynolds, Titian and El Greco, among others.

It also visits the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey.

Yorkshire on Screen, £279pp

This holiday includes Castle Howard, the setting of Brideshead Revisited; the World of James Herriot Museum; Haworth, where the Bronte Parsonage was the setting for the doctor’s surgery in The Railway Children; the real home of the WI Calendar Girls; Askrigg, the fictional Darrowby in TV’s All Creatures Great and Small; Last of the Summer Wine country at Holmfirth, and the National Media Museum. 

For bookings call 01603 619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com.