About the trip
Duration:
X days and X nights
Date:
Mon 9 August 2027 - Fri 13 August 2027
Destination:
Colchester, Suffolk & Essex
Step into Constable Country for a delightful late-summer getaway exploring the gentle rolling countryside, picture-postcard medieval villages, magnificent gardens, and peaceful waterways of Suffolk and Essex! From timber-framed heritage towns and historic market towns on the coast to tranquil river cruises and seaside resorts, this mid-week break offers a wonderful blend of scenic relaxation, floral beauty, and regional history.
Snapshot Itinerary:
- Day 1 – Cambridge En-Route to Essex: Travel east with a recommended stop in the historic university city of Cambridge. Arrive at the 4★ Delta by Marriott Colchester for check-in with porter service and dinner.
- Day 2 – Beth Chatto Gardens, River Cruise & Woodbridge: Visit the much-admired Beth Chatto Gardens. Then, head to Waldringfield for a 2-hour River Deben cruise aboard MV Jahan with tea/coffee & scone included. End the afternoon in Woodbridge to see its famous restored tide-mill.
- Day 3 – Lavenham Walking Tour, Flatford & Dedham: Embark on a guided walking tour of medieval Lavenham. Continue into Constable Country to visit Flatford Mill and the picturesque nearby village of Dedham.
- Day 4 – RHS Garden Hyde Hall & Frinton-on-Sea: Explore RHS Garden Hyde Hall near Chelmsford for panoramic garden views. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure taking in the seaside charm, tree-lined avenues, and esplanade at Frinton-on-Sea.
- Day 5 – Homeward Journey: After breakfast, we begin our return journey home with fantastic memories of Suffolk and Essex.
What’s Included:
- 4 nights half-board at the 4★ Delta by Marriott Colchester (Daily Full English breakfasts and 3-course evening dinners).
- En-route visit to historic Cambridge.
- Admission to the world-renowned Beth Chatto Gardens.
- 2-hour River Deben cruise aboard MV Jahan with tea/coffee & scone.
- Guided walking tour of medieval Lavenham, plus visits to Woodbridge, Flatford, Dedham, and Frinton-on-Sea.
- Admission to RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford.
- Porter service upon arrival and departure.
Itinerary subject to change and T&Cs.
Holidays
Book your tickets
Pickups and Times
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Rothwell (N)
The Maltings bus stop | 08:20 |
Desborough
High St bus stop outside chippy | 08:30 |
Market Harborough
Market Hall Bus Terminal | 08:45 |
Kibworth
High St bus stop outside library | 09:00 |
Fleckney
Saddington Road bus stop | 09:15 |
Wigston
Paddock Street bus stop | 09:30 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Rothwell (N)
The Maltings bus stop | 07:50 |
Desborough
High St bus stop outside chippy | 08:00 |
Market Harborough
Market Hall Bus Terminal | 08:15 |
Kibworth
High St bus stop outside library | 08:30 |
Fleckney
Saddington Road bus stop | 08:45 |
Wigston
Paddock Street bus stop | 09:00 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Wigston
Paddock Street bus stop | 08:00 |
Fleckney
Saddington Road bus stop | 08:15 |
Kibworth
High St bus stop outside library | 08:30 |
Market Harborough
Market Hall Bus Terminal | 08:45 |
Desborough
High St bus stop outside chippy | 09:00 |
Rothwell (S)
High St bus stop by the memorial | 09:10 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Wigston
Paddock Street bus stop | 08:30 |
Fleckney
Saddington Road bus stop | 08:45 |
Kibworth
High St bus stop outside library | 09:00 |
Market Harborough
Market Hall Bus Terminal | 09:15 |
Desborough
High St bus stop outside chippy | 09:30 |
Rothwell (S)
High St bus stop by the memorial | 09:40 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
TBC | TBC |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Wellingborough
Castle Way | 08:00 |
Finedon
Gladstones Working Mens Club | 08:10 |
Burton Latimer
Maybury Motor Company Stops | 08:20 |
Kettering
Corn Market Hall | 08:35 |
Geddington
bus stops before Grange Road
Junction | 08:50 |
Corby
The Saxon Crown (Wetherspoons) | 09:00 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Wellingborough
Castle Way | 08:30 |
Finedon
Gladstones Working Mens Club | 08:40 |
Burton Latimer
Maybury Motor Company Stops | 08:50 |
Kettering
Corn Market Hall | 09:05 |
Geddington
bus stops before Grange Road
Junction | 09:20 |
Corby
The Saxon Crown (Wetherspoons) | 09:30 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Corby
The Saxon Crown (Wetherspoons) | 08:00 |
Geddington
bus stops before Grange Road
Junction | 08:10 |
Kettering
Corn Market Hall | 08:25 |
Burton Latimer
Maybury Motor Company Stops | 08:40 |
Finedon
Gladstones Working Mens Club | 08:50 |
Wellingborough
Castle Way | 09:00 |
Pickup | Time |
|---|---|
Corby
The Saxon Crown (Wetherspoons) | 08:30 |
Geddington
bus stops before Grange Road
Junction | 08:40 |
Kettering
Corn Market Hall | 08:55 |
Burton Latimer
Maybury Motor Company Stops | 09:10 |
Finedon
Gladstones Working Mens Club | 09:20 |
Wellingborough
Castle Way | 09:30 |
Pickups
Pickup times will be confirmed prior to trip.
Leicestershire |
|---|
Rothwell
The Maltings bus stop |
Desborough
High St bus stop outside chippy |
Market Harborough
Market Hall Bus Terminal |
Kibworth
High St bus stop outside library |
Fleckney
Saddington Road bus stop |
Wigston
Paddock Street bus stop |
Leicester City Centre
St. Margaret’s Bus Station |
Northamptonshire |
|---|
Corby
The Saxon Crown (Wetherspoons) |
Geddington
bus stops before Grange Road
Junction |
Kettering
Corn Market Hall |
Burton Latimer
Maybury Motor Company Stops |
Finedon
Gladstones Working Mens Club |
Wellingborough
Castle Way |
Accommodation
4 Star
Delta by Marriott, Colchester
Dinner, bed and breakfast
Formerly the Marks Tey Hotel, this modern 4-star hotel sits just a few miles outside historic Colchester with easy road access, making it a fantastic base for exploring Suffolk and Essex. Following a stylish refurbishment completed at the end of 2024, the hotel combines light, airy public spaces with excellent leisure facilities.
Hotel and Rooms:
- 131 Contemporary Guest Rooms: Spacious, well-appointed double and twin bedrooms featuring comfortable seating, large-screen TVs, ample storage, hospitality trays, and modern bathrooms with low step-in showers. (No lift, but numerous ground-floor rooms are available).
- Dining & Lounges: Breakfast and dinner are served in the Roman Room Restaurant or the newly added Orangery, with a cosy bar area ideal for a nightcap.
- Leisure Club & Facilities: Free access to the leisure club featuring an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa, and gym.
- Hospitality Service: Complimentary porter service upon arrival and departure.
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