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HOLME LACY

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For the fi rst of our 2012 visits to Warners we stay at historic Holme Lacy, a grade 1 listed stately home in one of the loveliest parts of rural Britain. Just a few miles from Hereford and the Wye Valley, the Hotel combines 18th century elegance with 21st century modernity. Comfortable bedrooms have private facilities, television, radio, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. There is fi rst class entertainment and leisure facilities include a 17-metre heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room.

SPRING IN THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With its mild climate and tropical palms, Torquay has been a top holiday destination since Victorian times. Relax for four nights with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Imperial Hotel with stunning views across the Torbay coastline. This famous Hotel was built in 1866 and has both modern and traditional features. Napoleon III, King Edward VII and the Queen of Holland have all been guests, and Agatha Christie attended many social functions at the Imperial, which features in some of her books. The Hotel has a leisure club with indoor swimming pool. There are 152 well-equipped bedrooms, served by lift. A three-course dinner (with choices) will be served in the Regatta Restaurant each evening. There will be two night’s entertainment, a Quiz and a Games Evening.

CRICKET ST.THOMAS

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our second Warner holiday takes us to Cricket St.Thomas, a gorgeous 19th century mansion in the heart of Somerset’s cider country. Surrounded by 46 acres of Grade II listed lakes and gardens, this country house hotel was the location for the TV series “To The Manor Born”. Rooms have comfortable, modern furnishings with lounge chairs, tea and coffee making, television, radio and telephone. Complimentary toiletries are provided in the ensuite bathrooms. Dining is in the Tree Tops Restaurant with a good choice of menu for dinner and breakfast. Enjoy a full programme of entertainment and fi rst class leisure facilities including a heated indoor pool.

"FAMOUS QUEENS OF ENGLAND"

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Bourne Hall is a beautiful Victorian Country House occupying a magnificent position overlooking Sandown Bay. Following excellent feedback from clients in 2011 we have decided to pay another visit to enjoy the warm hospitality and good food at this family run hotel. The theme for the holiday will be “Famous Queens of England”, and on arrival you will be greeted by your Victorian hosts and shown some of the original features of the house, which was built in the 1860s for one of Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting.

HISTORIC YORK

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

York enjoys a magnificent, rich and ancient history, which you will enjoy in the company of Tour Manager and Blue Badge Guide Paul Fisher, with whom Roadmark has worked on many previous occasions. Paul will accompany us throughout the tour and will share his wealth of knowledge to ensure that this is a fascinating and enjoyable holiday.

NEWCOMERS’ INTRODUCTORY HOLIDAY

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Once again we are pleased to offer this special short break to any new or existing clients who have never been with Roadmark on holiday before. We invite you to join David, our Managing Director, for a two-night stay at the charming Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth. The tour provides an opportunity to find out more about our holidays and to sample Roadmark hospitality at a greatly reduced price.

'THE BUTCHER, THE BAKER AND THE CANDLESTICK MAKER

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We hope that you will find this title so intriguing that you will decide to join us for the first Roadmark Mystery Holiday of 2012. We have had to make a minor alteration to the proper name so as not to give the game away but hope that you will have fun trying to guess the holiday destination (there is a box of chocolates for the person who gets the closest!). Our Mystery Tours are always packed full of interesting places to visit, and this particular holiday will take you to an area of the country that we do not often visit.

CANTABRIA AND THE PICOS DE EUROPA

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The region of Cantabria in northern Spain has a stunning coastline, an enviable range of historic villages and ports and the beautiful Picos de Europa Mountains. Our 4-star hotel has a fantastic setting in the village of Isla, close to Santander. From here we shall be exploring quaint fishing ports, the city of Santander, the mountainous interior and Bilbao where you can visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum.

SIDMOUTH

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The elegant regency town of Sidmouth is flanked by glorious cliff scenery and was once described by John Betjeman as “A Town caught still in a timeless charm”. There is no doubt that this pretty seaside town has an unhurried and appealing pace of life, with friendly small shops, beautiful gardens and a majestic promenade. Sidmouth is considered a “floral town”, having won many awards for the colourful displays in its parks and gardens. It provides the ideal setting for a restful holiday and is always a very popular destination with Roadmark clients.

PEAK ATTRACTIONS

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

After a break of several years we are returning to the imposing Willersley Castle Hotel near Matlock to explore the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District with its spectacular National Park and wealth of attractions.

SWISS LAKES & MOUNTAINS

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We return to Switzerland to stay at one of our favourite hotels, the Paxmontana in the tranquil village of Flueli-Ranft on a plateau above Lake Sarnen. From here we shall be exploring the very best of the Swiss Alps, visiting the beautiful city of Lucerne and enjoying trips on two spectacular narrow-gauge rack railways

TONY PRAGNELL’S BAVARIA

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We know from past experience that Roadmark clients always enjoy tours accompanied by Tony Pragnell and are confident that this new holiday to Germany will be no exception. Tony has created a great new tour to the Allgau region of Bavaria that includes excursions to the spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle, elegant Linderhof Palace, pretty Oberammergau and the historic walled town of Rothenburg. Cross Channel travel will be with Eurotunnel. Staying at the tried and tested Novotel Kaiserslautern on the outward and return journey means that the second and the penultimate days of the holiday are devoted to sightseeing as much as travelling.

GUNTON HALL

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Following his last visit to Gunton Hall in Suffolk, Les from Roadmark wrote: “Gunton Hall is delightfully different to other Warner locations I have experienced and I have no hesitation in recommending it to you. Accommodation is in well appointed, spacious chalets in a gladed setting around 50 acres of grounds with a carefully-tended walled garden and a freshwater lake. Every chalet, of course, is on the ground floor but we must point out that this holiday is not suitable for those with walking difficulties as you must walk through the grounds to your chalet and this could be 100 yards, 200 yards or 300 yards. There is entertainment every night and a variety of things to do during the day – pitch ‘n’ putt, croquet, table tennis, snooker, archery etc. The 22 metre heated swimming pool is impressive. An enjoyable part of my stay at Gunton Hall was tea with my wife on the patio of our chalet. The only sound was the birdsong.”

STUNNING SNOWDONIA

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This holiday combines the magnificent scenery of North Wales with some of the area’s best railway journeys, and includes Caernarfon with its famous castle, the pretty village of Portmeirion and a hop across the Menai Bridge to Beaumaris on Anglesey for a cruise to Puffin Island.

WORDSWORTH’S LAKE DISTRICT

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are returning to the popular Burnside Hotel overlooking Windermere. The Burnside has proved consistently popular with Roadmark guests, offering comfortable accommodation and a high standard of cuisine with plenty of choice. The new itinerary includes visits to Cockermouth, Ullswater and the border city of Carlisle. Another location not visited on a previous Lake District holiday is the fascinating Windermere Steamboat Museum.

NATIONAL TRUST HOUSES

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are sure you will enjoy staying in the attractive and unspoiled market town and cathedral city of Ripon in North Yorkshire where we have discovered an elegant Edwardian hotel. There will be visits to some of the regions finest houses and gardens. Whilst in Ripon do not miss the traditional ceremony of the “Ripon Hornblower” This takes place in the market square at 9.00pm when the horn is blown “to set the night watch.”

GARDENS OF THE WEST COUNTRY AND THE SCILLY ISLES

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Adrift in the Atlantic, 28miles off the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly are so serene and relaxed that they may belong to a different era. The five inhabited islands have a population of just 2,000 and only 900 vehicles between them, a far cry from the hectic pace of mainland Britain. Roadmark last visited in 2010 when we enjoyed a comfortable stay at the friendly, family-run Bell Rock Hotel,which found favour with our clients. We shall be returning there in 2012 and have devised a new itinerary featuring an unhurried journey and plenty of time in which to get to know these unique islands.Unlike most tour operators who travel by plane or helicopter, we have opted for the more leisurely sea crossing on the Island ferry.

THE COTSWOLDS & THE BERKSHIRE DOWNS

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A tour combining the glorious scenery and sleepy villages of mellow stone houses found in the Cotswolds, and the locations used in several well-loved film and television series of recent times.

"FLORIADE 2012"

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In summer 2012 Holland will once again be the host for Floriade, the unique and unmissable World Horticultural Exhibition.This spectacular event is staged only once every ten years and has an international flavour. Discover the most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants and trees from all four corners of the globe, presented across landscaped grounds in a natural forest setting. There will be modern architecture, glasshouses and pavilions to explore with a programme ofmusic, dance, theatre performances and visual art. The exhibition takes place near Venlo in the southern Netherlands, and you will be staying in the charming old town of Monschau, just over the border in Germany.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR – ARNHEM & NIJMEGEN

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This fascinating and informative tour takes you to a beautiful part of Holland to discover the story of OPERATION MARKET GARDEN – THE GAMBLE THAT FAILED.Those who have watched the epic 60’s movie, ‘A Bridge Too Far’ will be familiar with the battle at Arnhem Bridge. Since then, more research has revealed the reasons why the operation was launched – and why, ultimately, it failed. Was the operation even necessary? Why did the ultra cautious Monty sanction it? Why were intelligence reports from the Dutch Resistance ignored?What was Daphne du Maurier’s husband’s role in Operation Market Garden? Did the Germans have advance warning of the operation? Would success have meant an earlier end to the War?

CRYSTAL LAKES & ALPINE PEAKS

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In 2011 we operated our first holiday to Lake Annecy, surely the most delightful lake in France. Annecy is in the spectacular Haute-Savoie alpine region, surrounded by some of Europe’s highest mountains.The tour was devised and accompanied by Tour Guide Tony Pragnell. Following the holiday we received so many favourable comments from clients that we have asked Tony to repeat the trip.The delightful family-run Hotel Les Grillons played a large part of the success of the holiday, with comfortable rooms and great food, and once again we shall be occupying the entire Hotel. The itinerary will be much the same as in 2011.

LUDLOW & THE SHROPSHIRE HILLS

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

On this tour we take you to Ludlow, one of the most attractive towns in Britain and the perfect base for exploring the Shropshire Hills and Welsh Marches.

HARROGATE AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW & THE SALTAIRE FESTIVAL

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our second tour of the year to Yorkshire provides the opportunity for a long and leisurely weekend break with a three-night stay in the spa town of Harrogate on the edge of the Dales. We include a full day visiting the spectacular Flower and Produce Show and another to historic Saltaire in the Aire Valley, where the annual Festival will be in full swing.

PROUD TO BE BRITISH – PART II

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"Proud to be British” featured in our 2010 brochure and proved a great success. Join driver/guide Mark on another unique tour that will transport you down “Memory Lane” to take a look at some of Britain’s greatest achievements in the fields of Science, Industry and Engineering.The waving of Union Jacks and singing of patriotic songs will be positively encouraged!

CLASSIC KILLARNEY

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For over 250 years, visitors have journeyed through extraordinary landscapes discovering the places and people that make Killarney & Kerry a remarkable destination.This extraordinarily beautiful area has deep blue lakes, looming peaks and awesome craggy coastlines. We stay at one of our favourite hotels in the lively little town of Killarney, where bars have music every night and the famous horsedrawn jaunting cars are always on the move.

MADEIRA

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

All our previous tours to the island of Madeira have proved highly popular and clients have told us that they would love to return to this beautiful place,where the mild and comfortable climate hardly changes throughout the year. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and lies some 250 miles north of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known as the “Island of Flowers”,with exotic plants and lush foliage.The volcanic terrain is spectacular,with deep ravines and towering cliffs providing stunning scenery right across the island. October is a particularly good time to visit Madeira, where you can expect average daily temperatures of between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius.

THREE NATIONAL PARKS & THE BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A strange combination you may say, but this short break holiday provides an excellent opportunity to travel through amazing scenery in three of our finest National Parks, and also to enjoy the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.

COLOURS OF THE CLANS... WITH A HIGHLAND SAFARI

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Scotland’s hills and glens take on the colours of the tartan in autumn. Woodland areas become an array of blazing copper, ochre, red and gold. Russet moorland of scarlet and purple contrast with deep blue lochs surrounded by amix of colourful oak, aspen, birch and willow.

ROADMARK’S AUTUMN MYSTERY HOLIDAY

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

OXFORD & THE COTSWOLDS

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Blue Badge Guide PAUL FISHER has created this fascinating and unusual tour that combines the beautiful scenery of Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds with historic Oxford, BlenheimPalace and a visit to the world-famous Pudding Club.

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Picture an elegant and comfortable Victorian country house with period features set in mature gardens on the outskirts of the old village of Shanklin. Bourne Hall was built in the 1860s for a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria and provides a hotel with great character, welcoming staff and delicious food.

THE 2012 THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thursford is the ultimate Christmas musical experience and simply one of the most exciting Christmas Spectacular shows you will ever see. Established as this country’smost popular Christmas show, it blends carols and seasonal music, dancers, beautiful costumes and outstanding singing froma cast of over 100. Once again the theatre will be beautifully decorated and the stage will be set for this pageant of spectacle and colour. Created from former farm buildings,Thursford is situated in rural Norfolk, but the Show would not be out of place in any of London’s West End theatres.

FESTIVE FUN AT LITTLECOTE HOUSE

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With its Roman remains,Cromwellian Chapel and tales of Tudor intrigue, you’re surrounded by history at Littlecote House. Littlecote comes highly recommended by no less a figure than Henry VIII, who courted Jane Seymour here back in 1535. Enjoy four nights at Littlecote with good food and a programme of seasonal daytime and evening entertainment.

THE BEST OF GERMANY’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For many people the most romantic season of the year begins with the opening of Christmas Markets, characterised by candlelight and the aroma of traditional Christmas bakery, gingerbread, stollen cakes, cinnamon cookies, Gluhwein, mulled cider and other seasonal delights.Whilst many of our own towns and cities have a Christmas Market there is no substitute for the real thing, and we have found a super new hotel from which to visit some of the best markets in the Rhineland.