TOURS IN THE UK IN 2023

Some special tours for Autumn 2023
With
Nicholas Merchant

All these short holidays are organised by me personally for your enjoyment. They are based in interesting parts of the world in hotels, and uniquely, a country house, which I have, through experience, found to be comfortable, agreeable  places in which to spend a few days.

Kyre Park – Staying in an 18th century Country House
3rd-7th September

Kyre is an 18^th century country house set in the unspoilt Worcestershire countryside not far from Tenbury Wells. It is privately owned, surrounded by a park created by Capability Brown. In the vicinity are a number of country houses of varying generations which ensure a visit of considerable variety. We also have a chance to visit the workshop of John Beavan, one of Britain’s foremost cabinet-makers.

Houses of the Scottish Borders – Staying at Burt’s Hotel, Melrose
17th-21st September

This is a popular tour based in the cosy, privately owned Burt’s Hotel, in the bustling small town of Melrose dominated by its red-sandstone abbey. From here we go to amongst other houses Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott as well as to Bowhill. Bowhill is one of the houses of the Dukes of Buccleuch, filled with untold treasures accumulated by this family. Magnificent silver and one of the best collections of miniatures in the world.

Headlam Hall – County Durham
29th October-2nd November

We first stayed at Headlam last year. It is difficult to imagine a more congenial hotel situated in the beautiful Tees Valley in a rugged 17th century mansion. Close by are the Norman Cathedral of Durham, the Bowes Museum and the unique privately-funded Spanish Gallery at Bishop Auckland. A short drive away is the City of York, where we visit the unique town-house of the Fairfax family with its collection of English furniture and clocks under ceilings by the Italian stuccatore, the Cortese brothers.

As those of you who have travelled with me before already know, my aim is to visit country houses (many not regularly open) and additional places of interest in a leisurely manner with similarly minded fellow guests.

Details of these holidays are available from me, Nicholas Merchant: 01423 340017

merchantn@btconnect.com

OVERSEAS TOURS

In conjunction with Travel Editions

Villas and Gardens of the Cote d’Azur
March & April 2023 – SOLD OUT
Dates for 2024 to be Announced

The popular VILLAS & GARDENS OF THE COTE D’AZUR was organised by Travel Editions and originated seven years ago by myself. It has proved popular since its inception.

For our week-long stay in the spring and autumn we are based in the charming town of Menton. Menton has always been popular with English tourists, particularly in the late 19^th century, as the many palatial hotels bear witness. From this warm, balmy resort we sally forth to see some of the neighbouring Villas and Gardens. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Cap Ferrat holds a splendid collection of furniture from the Ancien Regime as well Sèvres porcelain, whilst the Villa Kerylos, across the bay recreates an ancient Greek villa. Of the gardens that of Lawrence Johnson at Serre de la Madonne recalls the “invasion” of English gardeners to these parts as indeed does that of Sir Thomas Hanbury at Ventemiglia, just across the Italian border.

For all tours I have prepared special lectures to help set the scene.

For all enquiries and bookings please see the website of: www.traveleditions.co.uk

CONTACT US

Full details can be obtained by contacting Nicholas Merchant
Tel: 01423 340017
Email: info@aspectevents.co.uk