Georgian Arcadia: Great Country Houses & Landscape Parks

18 June 2020

4 days from £1,195pp

Take advantage of incredible private tours of Yorkshire’s finest Georgian country homes and landscape parks. From Castle Howard and Newby Hall, to Fairfax House and a wonderful stroll through the exquisite landscape of Studley Royal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy exclusive private tours of many of Yorkshire’s finest Georgian country homes
Stroll the grounds of Studley Royal, one of Britain’s most captivating landscapes
Take a fascinating private tour of Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest historic houses, in the company of its curator
Experience the most complete Chippendale interior in existence in the spectacular Tapestry Room at Newby Hall

Yorkshire is architecturally the richest of England’s counties with magnificent estates, country houses and landscape parks. In our tour we shall enjoy private access to some of the finest country houses of their period which illustrate the change in style from the excitement and drama of the Baroque in Castle Howard to the exquisite late Georgian neo-classical interiors of Farnley Hall and Robert Adam’s Newby Hall. All the country houses on our programme are still privately owned by the descendants of the original builders and have superb furnishings and works of art. Yorkshire was also in the forefront of landscape design and Studley Royal is one of the most perfect surviving Early Georgian landscape gardens. York, our base for this tour, was a fashionable provincial capital in the 18th century and possesses elegant terraces and splendid Georgian public buildings in the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House, the Assize Courts and the Assembly Rooms, whilst Fairfax House is the finest Georgian town house in Britain, with richly decorated interiors and fine furniture.

Day 1:
Independent arrival in York where we settle into our four star hotel in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the Minster. A welcome walk will introduce us to the sights of Georgian York, followed by a private evening tour of Fairfax House, the magnificent former winter town house of Lord Fairfax with outstanding plasterwork and fine furniture. We will enjoy a glass of wine before returning to our hotel for a group dinner.
Day 2:
In the morning, a private visit to Castle Howard led by the curator. Castle Howard is one of the most important and dramatic Baroque country houses in England, the result of a collaboration between the great architects, Vanbrugh and Hawksmoor, and has splendid contents. After coffee, we explore part of the magnificent landscape park designed by Vanbrugh, one of the earliest landscape parks in Britain, with views to Hawksmoor’s powerfully evocative mausoleum to the Carlisle family. In the afternoon we visit Palladian Hovingham Hall, a fascinating house designed by the owner Sir Thomas Worsley c.1750. Worsley, a friend of George III, had a passion for architecture and horses, and Hovingham, with its magnificently vaulted Riding School is a fusion of these two interests. The house also has a fine collection of paintings and furniture reflecting many aspects of 18th century taste.
Day 3:
We visit Studley Royal, possibly the most perfect of all surviving Georgian landscape gardens. Here John Aisalbie and his son William created between 1716 and 1781 a beautiful water garden of still canals, cascades, woods, and artfully positioned temples. The contrived view to the ruins of Fountains Abbey, framed by trees and seen across water, is one of the supreme expressions of 18th –century landscape art. Private afternoon visit to Farnley Hall; built for Walter Fawkes 1786-90, the house is the masterpiece of the Yorkshire architect, John Carr, and decorated in exquisite Neo-classical taste. Walter Fawkes’s son, Walter II, was a friend and patron of Turner, who was a frequent visitor and the house is still owned by the Horton-Fawkes family.
Day 4:
Private visit to Newby Hall, created 1767-1776 for William Weddell, one of the most important 18th - century patrons. The house has spectacular interiors by Robert Adam, which illustrate the harmony Adam sought between interior decoration and furnishings. Much of the original furniture designed for the house by Adam and Chippendale survives and forms the largest collection of Chippendale furniture in private ownership anywhere. The sculpture gallery is one of the finest surviving examples in the country of the ideal beauty sought after by the classical enthusiast. We shall have time to explore the outstanding gardens before returning to York for lunch in the elegant 18th -century Assembly Rooms. The tour will conclude at approximately 3.00 pm.

Join us at our hotel in the UK

Make your own travel arrangements at your convenience to join your selected holiday. Simply arrive at the hotel and our Tour Manager will be there to greet you.

If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Parking is available at our hotel for those wishing to drive.

Overview

Enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of the city at the four star DoubleTree by Hilton York. This prime location overlooks the historic City Walls and is within walking distance to York Minster and other famous attractions. Enjoy a delicious meal in the hotel’s restaurant and relax with an after dinner drink in the bar.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En suite bathroom
Flat screen TV
Desk
Safe
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Air conditioning

Georgian Arcadia: Great Country Houses & Landscape Parks

18 June 2020

4 days from £1,195pp

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Barbara Peacock

Join us at our hotel in the UK

Your Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton, York

Overview

Room Facilities & Amenities

Finishing Touches

Georgian Arcadia: Great Country Houses & Landscape Parks

18 June 2020

4 days from £1,195pp

Your Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton, York

Overview

Room Facilities & Amenities

Finishing Touches

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