Day 2 Middleport Pottery and Trentham Gardens
This morning after breakfast visit Middleport Pottery in Stoke on Trent - an award-winning visitor destination in the heart of Burslem, the Mother Town of the Potteries. World famous Burleigh pottery has been created here using traditional methods since 1889. Explore the mould store which houses Europe's largest collection of ceramic moulds and see the beautiful showroom which showcases Burleigh ware produced over the years. On site is a huge grade II listed bottle kiln - one of only 46 remaining in the city and you will be able to see inside this iconic reminder of the city's great industrial heritage. This afternoon we’ll head for a visit to the award winning Trentham Gardens. The new-look gardens have matured into some of the finest in Britain. The contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens was led by renowned designer and multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith. At the centre of Trentham Gardens is the mile long, Capability Brown designed, Trentham Lake. We all know that fairies live at the bottom of the garden, and Trentham Gardens is no exception! Take the fairy trail and keep your eyes peeled as you walk around our beautiful mile long lake, and through the woodland and gardens where the fairies live. Browse around the 77 timber lodges housing amazing shops, cafés and restaurants all filled to rafters with treats alongside Trentham Garden Centre. Return to your hotel and meet with your fellow travel companions for dinner at the hotel. Meals included: B,DDay 3 National Memorial Arboretum and Calke Abbey
This morning after a hearty breakfast, travel to see the National Memorial Arboretum. The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance. The Arboretum features over 300 thought provoking memorials for military, public service and civilian organisations and associations, along with tributes for individuals. The memorials all have fascinating stories behind them set in beautiful landscaped gardens. This afternoon travel to Calke Abbey which is a Grade I listed country house in the care of the charitable National Trust. The site was an Augustinian priory from the 12th century until its dissolution by Henry VIII. The present building, named Calke Abbey in 1808, was never actually an abbey, but is a Baroque mansion built between 1701 and 1704. Step back in time as Calke is not presented like other country houses of its day. Paintwork is faded and peeling; vast collections of personal belongings are left as they were found. Here, the past is remarkably well preserved, in estate buildings, archaeology and the family's belongings. Return to your hotel and this evening enjoy dinner with your travel companions.
Meals included: B,D