Norfolk including a Murder Mystery

Thursday Day 1 – Travelling east, a comfort stop will be made en route to Ely. Here we begin with an included visit to Ely Cathedral & entrance to the Stained-Glass Museum.

This Cathedral has origins dating from 673 AD when St Etheldreda built an Abbey Church. The present building dates from 1083 and was granted Cathedral status in 1109. The Stained-Glass Museum within the Cathedral offers a unique insight into the fascinating history of stained glass, an art-form that has been practised in Britain for at least 1300 years. Their permanent gallery displays over 125 stained glass panels representing 800 years of the history of this ancient art, from the 13th-century to today. There will be free time afterwards to buy lunch before continuing on to Norwich & your hotel, where a 3-course dinner is included.

Friday Day 2 – Breakfast included. Today’s included visits start at Royal Sandringham House, Museum & Gardens, the Royal Family's country retreat. Originally built in 1870, Sandringham has been passed down through four generations of British monarchs. The house is surrounded by 60 acres of glorious gardens and the museum features a collection of Royal cars, as well as much more. Lunch can be purchased whilst here. It is just a short drive on to Heacham for an included Lavender & Legends Tour followed by a Cream Tea included after which there may be time to visit the shop before returning to the hotel, where dinner is included.

Saturday Day 3 – Breakfast included. This morning is at leisure to explore the historic City of Norwich, with its many famous landmarks. Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. Explore the Castle's history as a palace and later as a prison, and enjoy their fabulous collections of fine art, archaeology, and natural history as well as the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum collections. Strangers’ Hall for centuries was the home of wealthy merchants and mayors of Norwich. Step back in time and explore this rambling medieval town house with its maze of rooms furnished in the styles of many different historical periods, from Tudor to Victorian. From Medieval to modern day, the Museum of Norwich tells the story of the city’s industries and the people who lived and worked here. From the textile trade which was at the heart of the city’s wealth, to the production of shoes, chocolate and mustard, the story of how Norwich constantly adapted to changing fortunes and how it coped with two World Wars which is told in ten galleries over two floors. Norwich Cathedral is the most complete Norman cathedral in England with over 900 years of history. Discover the largest cathedral close and monastic cloister in England. (Entrances in Norwich are all payable locally).

This afternoon, you can choose to either remain in Norwich or join the excursion to the NT property of Felbrigg Hall & Gardens. This is one of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia. Truly a hidden gem, the Hall is a place of surprises and delights, a mixture of opulence and homeliness where each room has something to feed the imagination. Outside, the decorative and productive walled garden is a gardener's delight, providing fruit and vegetables for the restaurant, flowers for the hall and inspiration. Returning to the hotel your evening meal is included.

Sunday Day 4 - Breakfast included. Today begins by visiting Blickling Hall & Estate (NT). Follow 400 years of history, from the Boleyn family to the RAF and WWII. Learn what life was like as a servant and hear the stories of the real people who kept Blickling going. Explore the Long Gallery which holds the most important book collection in the National Trust. The estate is a treasure trove of romantic buildings, beautiful and extensive gardens and landscaped park. From 400-year-old yew hedges and historic trees to a hidden pyramid and glistening lake, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. Lunch can be purchased here before travelling to the picturesque waterside village of Horning. Here you will join a relaxing 1½ hour included cruise on the Southern Comfort, a double-deck paddle boat purpose built for the Broads, with on board commentary. This trip takes you from the beautiful village of Horning along the River Bure, through the village and out to Ranworth Broad and back, passing picturesque old thatched houses, windmills and the Norfolk reed beds. Returning to the hotel, tonight concludes with a private Murder Mystery dinner event with a professional cast and a story line written by an ex-Scotland Yard Detective.

Monday Day 5 – Breakfast included. Checking out of the hotel we begin the homeward journey, during which there will be an included guided tour by coach through some of the famous areas of ‘Constable Country’, characterised by open spaces and large and ever-changing skies, creating what many describe as the traditional English lowland landscape. A coffee break is included before visiting Flatford Mill (NT), a Grade 1 listed watermill originally built in 1733 where there is also a 17th century miller's cottage, also Grade I listed. The Mill was at one time owned by John Constable’s father and Constable made the Mill and its surroundings the subject of many of his works of art which are now world famous. This tour concludes in the pretty village of Lavenham where with your guide, you will discover the picturesque streets lined with more than 320 buildings of historic interest. Lunch can be purchased here before continuing homeward, returning you to your original departure points later today.