Kingston Lacy and Wimborne

Kingston Lacy and Wimborne Minster

Tuesday 3rd June

 

Spend time with us in the rural Dorset countryside at Kingston Lacy a lavish family home set in formal

gardens and parkland.

The house was reimagined as a Venetian palace. When the house was gifted to the

National trust in 1981, it was the largest ever bequest at the time. This ‘jewel box’ of a house, fashioned

into a grand Italian palazzo in the 1830s, holds one of the UK’s finest private collections of paintings.

 

Among other things to see are the magnificent sculptures, bespoke furniture and Egyptian artifacts

brought back by the intrepid traveller, William John Banks. Wander the vast gardens, with formal areas,

kitchen gardens and parkland.

 

Refreshments – The Stables Café and Kitchen Garden Kiosk can provide you with hot and cold drinks,

snacks and hot food at your own expense.

 

Accessibility – The main entrance to the house is up four steps and access to the ground, first and second

floors is via staircases. Paths around the property and in the gardens are tarmac, concrete, gravel,

flagstone and grass.

 

In the afternoon we will travel the short distance to Wimborne Minster a quaint riverside market town.

The town is located on the banks of the river’s Stour and Allen with history dating back to pre-Roman

times. Explore the hidden courtyards, pedestrian walkways and High Street where a diverse mix of

independent and specialist shops await.

 

You may wish to visit the Minster where the core of the present building dates from 1120. A chained

library was established in 1695, one of only four in the country and is open to the public. In 1612, the

Quarter Jack was placed on the north side of the West Tower where he can be seen striking his bells every

quarter-hour, night and day. There is also the famous Astronomical Clock in the West Tower and the

Three-faced sundial outside for you to find!

 

Refreshments – There are various cafes in the town for a refreshing drink and maybe a piece of cake too!

 

Accessibility – There is signposted disabled access to the Minster via St George’s door. There is no

disabled access to the Chained Library.

 

Arrive Kingston Lacy 1100

Depart Kingston Lacy 1430

Arrive Wimborne Minster 1500

Depart Wimborne Minster 1700

 

£57 per person

£38 National Trust Members - cards will need to be presented on arrival

 

BOOKINGS CLOSE TUESDAY 20TH MAY

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

• Return coach travel from your local pick up point

• Entrance tickets

• On board Tour Leader