Lancashire Hotpot

Day 1 - Sunday

Taxi pick-up from your home to the coach. We make our way through the Midlands, Staffordshire and Cheshire, reaching our Hotel by the end of the afternoon in time for a drink from the bar or, perhaps, a dip in the pool, before dinner.

Day 2 - Monday

After breakfast we will set off in the company of a local guide to explore 'Pendle Witches' country. We will tour some of the pretty villages and hear stories if intrigue and witchcraft nearly 400 years old. One of our stops will be at the Pendle Hill Heritage Centre with its 18th century walled garden, Art Gallery and Museum of Pendle Life.

Day 3 - Tuesday

A truly scenic day as we cross the county boundary into North Yorkshire, following the course of the River Ribble. We will make a photo stop by the mighty Ribblehead Viaduct. This stunning piece of Victorian engineering, with its massive 24 stone arches, is the most impressive structure on the Settle to Carlisle Railway line. At lunchtime we will be in Hawes, one of England's highest towns. There is a lively market, and you can visit the famous Creamery, home to Wensleydale Cheese.

Day 4 - Wednesday

This morning we will take you to Bury's award-winning Market. With around 350 stalls, it is the largest market in the north of England. Lunch is included today at one of our top Fish & Chip restaurants, after which we will step back in time for a nostalgic ride on a steam train along the East Lancashire Railway.

Day 5 - Thursday

We begin our day with a visit to historic Samlesbury Hall, an atmospheric half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325 as a family home. A guided tour will bring the history of the house to life and we may even meet the resident witch! This afternoon we head to historic Wigan Pier on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, to enjoy a two-hour cruise on the comfortable trip boat Elleswake.

Day 6 - Friday

Sadly it is time to leave Lancashire and head for home. We will reach Sussex late afternoon/early evening, where taxis will be waiting.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner