The Historic Houses & Heritage of Northamptonshire

Day 1 – 78 Derngate in Northampton

Board our private executive coach at your preferred pick up points – 78 Derngate in Northampton, famously re-modelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916 and the architect's final major commission, is the only place in the world where his mature architectural and interior style can be seen in its original setting – check in at the 4* Marriott Hotel on the outskirts of Northampton.

Day 2 – All Saints Church in Brixworth, All Saints Church in Earls Barton & Boughton House

All Saints Church in Brixworth, one of the most important Romanesque churches in Europe, dates from the late 8th century and was significantly enlarged in the 13th century – the 10th century tower at All Saints Church in Earls Barton is one of the best examples of Saxon architecture in England today – a guided tour of Boughton House, home to some of the finest Baroque state rooms in the British Isles, introduces us to an outstanding collection of fine art, furniture, tapestries, porcelain and carpets.

Day 3 – Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne & Bletchley Park

The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne contemplates the history of Britain’s canals and our visit includes a scenic short boat trip along the Grand Union Canal – Bletchley Park, the historic site of secret codebreaking activities during World War II and birthplace of the modern computer, is home to the most comprehensive public display of Enigma machines in the world, with exhibitions including Hitler's ‘Unbreakable’ Cipher Machine, The Life and Works of Alan Turing Gallery and an outstanding Churchill collection.

Day 4 – Kirby Hall & Rockingham Castle

Although Kirby Hall, one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses, is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration while The Great Hall and state rooms remain intact, refitted and redecorated to authentic 17th and 18th century specifications – a guided tour of Rockingham Castle, built by William the Conqueror and granted by Henry VIII to Edward Watson, explores a predominantly Tudor building, within Norman walls, with architecture, furniture and works of art from practically every century, including a fine collection of 20th century paintings.

Day 5 Canons Ashby House & Upton House and Gardens

Canons Ashby House has survived more or less unaltered since 1710 and the formal gardens offers an orchard featuring fruit trees from the 16th century – en route home we stop at another National Trust property such as Upton House and Gardens, a country mansion containing an outstanding collection of English and continental old master paintings including works by Hogarth, Canaletto, Brueghel and El Greco.