New 2021 UK Short Breaks From Just £495pp

3 June 2020

With more of us considering domestic travel as the nationwide lockdown rules begin to ease, we have unveiled a fascinating selection of UK-based short breaks that showcase the wealth of history and archaeology just waiting to be explored on our collective doorstep.

New for 2021, these three and four-day guided tours cover everything from wartime history to T. E. Lawrence’s – ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ – Dorset hotspots, and from ancient rock art set among stunning Scottish countryside to the great cathedrals of England’s southwest.

Each short break is led by an expert guide, whose insight and knowledge on the themes at hand will bring every site visited to life in engaging and memorable ways. Starting from just £495pp, this new collection will introduce you to the living histories within the United Kingdom.

Click here to browse the full range today

Colchester - Capital of Britannia

Join expert Peter Berridge on a 3-day exploration of Colchester, known to be the first Roman capital of Britannia. Explore its Roman Circus (Britain’s only one) in the company of Peter Crummy, the Director of the Colchester Archaeological Trust. Elsewhere, visit Colchester Castle, built on the foundation of the Temple of Claudius, and enjoy an in-depth exploration of the historically unique city of Colchester.

Departs 25^th June and 1^st October | 3 days for £495pp.

Wartime Britain: Dogfights and Double Agents

Military history enthusiasts will delight in this short break, which offers an inside story of both the code-breakers and the Battle of Britain. Led by esteemed historian and author Colonel Paul Beaver, this 3-day tour explores the nerve centres of the Battle of Britain, at the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command, Bentley Priory and the Uxbridge Bunker. There is also a visit to the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park.

Departs 1^st March and 7^th June | 3 days for £655pp.

Prehistoric Rock Art and Landscapes

Led by rock art specialist Dr Tertia Barnett, this unique 4-day exploration takes in sites located in Scotland’s beautiful Kilmartin Glen. Highlights range from a visit to the prehistoric stone circle at Temple Wood, with its unique spiral carvings to a chance to discover the elaborate and enigmatic carved rocks at Cairnbaan and Baluacraig. You'll also gaze upon the largest prehistoric carved rock in Britain, at Achnabreck.

Departs 13^th May and 30^th July | 4 days for £975pp.

T. E. Lawrence in Dorset

Delve into the life and death of a controversial hero on this 3-day tour, which focuses on Colonel T. E. Lawrence – ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Discover ‘Lawrence sites’ located within Dorset, from his home at Cloud’s Hill and his tomb effigy at Wareham, to his burial place at Moreton and the home of his friend Thomas Hardy at Max Gate. This trip is led by Dr Neil Faulkner and there will also be special access to the Lawrence archive material at the Bovington Tank Museum.

Departs 11^th June | 3 days for £685pp.

Great Cathedrals of the Southwest

Lovers of architecture and history will be enchanted by this 3-day tour of the southwest’s most magnificent cathedrals. Explore Wells, Winchester and Salisbury in the expert company of Dr Emma J. Wells, historian and author. From the Norman Conquest to the 16th century Reformation, tour the length and breadth of the Middle Ages, with special behind-the-scenes access to these magnificent edifices.

Departs 25^th March and 2^nd September | 3 days from £535pp.

Behind the Scenes in Roman Kent

Roman Kent formed the vital link between the often-wayward province of Britannia and the continental Empire, with the English Channel the vital connective route between the two. This is a special behind-the-scenes tour of the region, led by the Kentish guide lecturer Dr Simon Elliott, which explores the new excavations taking place.

Departs 4^th June and 24^th September | 3 days for £565pp.

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New 2021 UK Short Breaks From Just £495pp was published on 3 June 2020

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