Dorset Galleries, Museums, Houses, Gardens & Churches Tour

Dorset Galleries, Museums, Houses, Gardens & Churches Tour

Tuesday 13 April 2027

To book ring Travel Editions 020 7251 0045

Itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday 13th April 2027

Wells Cathedral and arrival in Dorset: The journey begins with local pick-up
points before travelling south to Dorset. En-route we stop at the
magnificent Wells Cathedral, renowned for its remarkable medieval
clock. Take time to admire the stunning Gothic architecture,
peaceful cloisters and famous scissor arches before continuing our journey
to Dorset. On arrival, check-in then meet for a welcome drink and dinner.

Day 2: Wednesday 14th April 2027

Clouds Hill, Athelhampton House and Gardens, and St Nicholas’ Church: Begin at Clouds Hill, the modest rural retreat of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Preserved much as he left it, this simple cottage reveals the personal world of one of the 20th century’s most intriguing figures. Continue to Athelhampton House & Gardens, a stunning Tudor manor. Dating back to the 15th century, the house boasts magnificent Great Hall architecture, and richly detailed interiors. The award-winning gardens feature “outdoor rooms” filled with Wells Cathedral topiary, fountains, and seasonal planting. Our final stop is St Nicholas’ Church, famed for its distinctive Rex Whistler windows.

Day 3: Thursday 15th April 2027

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Forde Abbey and Gardens:
This morning we visit the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. From
prehistoric archaeology to Thomas Hardy connections, the collections
provide a fascinating overview of Dorset’s cultural and natural heritage.
Later, we travel to Forde Abbey, a former 12th-century Cistercian
monastery transformed into an elegant country house. The gardens
are among the finest in the region - highlights include sweeping lawns,
ornamental ponds, and the famous powered fountain, one of the highest
in England.

Day 4: Friday 16th April 2027

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, and Kingston Lacy
We begin at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a Victorian villa
overlooking the sea. Built in 1901, the house is a treasure trove of global art
and artefacts collected by Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes. Next, we visit
Kingston Lacy, one of Dorset’s grandest country estates. This lavish
Italianate mansion is home to an impressive art collection, alongside
opulent interiors. The surrounding estate features landscaped gardens,
formal terraces, and distant views across the countryside.

Day 5: Saturday 17th April 2027

Hauser & Wirth Somerset, and departure After breakfast, we check out and
begin our return journey north. En-route, we stop at Hauser & Wirth
Somerset. Set within a beautifully restored 18th-century farmstead, this
acclaimed gallery combines cutting-edge exhibitions with thoughtfully
designed gardens by Piet Oudolf, known for his naturalistic planting
style. Following our visit, we continue our journey back to Manchester.

Further Details:

Cost per person: £995.00

Booking deadline: 30/11/2026

Where you stay
The Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth Known for its elegant Art Deco
character, this stylish four-star hotel combines a seafront location with a
wide range of facilities, including an outdoor pool, a spa and leisure club,
restaurant, and a lounge area offering sea views. ABTA No.V3120 5195

13th - 17th April 2027 – 5 days from £995pp sharing a room

Double room for single use Supplement £120pp

The cost is for 20 people. This will be reduced if 25 people or more book

Hosted by Tour Manager Jane Brand

Included in the price
• Four nights’ bed and breakfast at The Cumberland Hotel,
Bournemouth, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double
room
• Welcome drink
• First night three-course dinner
• Daily excursions and visits as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary from Manchester
• Tour manager Jane Brand throughout

Not included

• Double room for sole occupancy - £120
• National Trust entrances for non NT members

• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated