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Brighton & “Bloomsbury in Sussex” Weekend

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Brighton, Lewes, Virginia Woolf's Monks House, Charleston Farmhouse & Gardens, Battle Abbey/1066 Country, Rye​

3 days from London

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Sample one of the favourite weekend get-away destinations for Londoners!

Overviewicon Itineraryicon

This is a suggested tour itinerary for private departures, adjustable to best suit your specific wishes. Price based on how many travelers, your chosen package inclusions and your chosen level of accommodation.

 

This tour begins and ends in London.

 

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Day 1

Friday

 

Depart our London meeting point at 09:00 and head directly to Brighton, our base for our weekend adventure. Much of the day and evening is opened for individuals to explore as they choose. Visiting the Royal Pavilion is a popular choice. What started as a modest 18th century farmhouse was transformed by the future King George IV into an extravagant Indian-inspired palace featuring gilded palm trees, soaring minarets and highly opulent paintings. One can sample a decadent ‘Regency-era’ brunch here in the Queen Adelaide Tearoom too. Perhaps peruse the art galleries and interesting shops of the Laines.

 

Brighton Pier is everything one might expect, totally kitschy and fun. Maybe take a stroll along the boardwalk, feast on some freshly caught fish and chips, explore one of the Victorian beer halls or ride one of the gut wrenching amusements.

 

Tonight explore the famous Brighton nightlife. Those so inclined may venture out for a big night out on the town! Brighton offers a variety of dining options, from Michelin rated restaurants to a bag of chips on the pier. There are dance clubs, a vibrant pub scene, many offering live bands, and Brighton Dome, a large concert venue that has hosted almost everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to Abba; it was in this space that they burst onto the scene winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974.

 

Nightstop: Brighton

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Day 2

Saturday

 

‘Bloomsbury Group in Sussex’ is on our agenda today. The town of Lewes is interesting, a place with an interesting history dating to Roman times, once home to a Tudor Queen and dominated by a Norman castle.

 

See the homes of Virginia Woolf at Monk’s House, her final home, and that of her sister Vanessa Bell, Charleston Farm. Monk’s House is jam packed with character and the spirit of not just The Woolfs but also the many artists, writers and thinkers who visited here. Pay respects to the couple in their cottage gardens, lovingly tended by Leonard and a favoured place of inspiration for Virginia, where she kept her famed ‘writing room.’

 

Visit the farmhouse home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, the weekend getaway for the Woolfs, Lytton Strachey, EM Forster and TS Elliot among others. Entering these rooms is like stepping back in time. The gardens of Charleston are of the Arts and Crafts style infused with an Italian flair and certainly reflect the originality of its owners. Vanessa Bell described her creation as “a dithering blaze of flowers and butterflies and apples…!”

 

This evening is yours to do as you please in Brighton.

 

Nightstop: Brighton

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Day 3

Sunday

 

Battle Abbey is the site of the Battle of Hastings of 1066. Discover the events of the most famous date in English history while walking in the steps of King Harold and William the Conqueror.

 

Also today, some time in the charming port town of Rye before making our way back to London late afternoon/early evening.

 

 

 

Please note: All attraction opening times are correct at time of printing this website. While we will do our utmost to include all of the properties mentioned as central visits, we reserve the right to change an attraction should it become impossible to deliver a planned visit due to changes in opening days or times beyond our control.

 

Please note that your final day to day itinerary may fluctuate to accommodate variable opening times/days for listed attractions, special events and places of interest. Please discuss your needs with us for an individual itinerary with rate quote.

 

Oft imitated, never duplicated! This is an original SGT itinerary, property of Special Group Tours and to be used only with express permission/in conjunction with SGT.

Inclusionsicon

What Your Tour Package Includes

This is a suggested tour itinerary and can be modified to best you your individual wishes.

 

Suggested tour package includes: # of touring days with vehicle & exclusive services of your driver/guide/companion, your accommodation for # nights while on the tour including full breakfasts, all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide. Your price also can include dinners and/or entrance fees to attractions or these items can be left out of the up front package/to be paid directly for maximum flexibility. Airport transfers, accommodation pre and post tour, scheduled city day tours/attraction passes/transport passes or theatre/event tickets can be added to your package as you wish, subject to availability.

 

SGT is at your service!

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The Special Group Tours Advantage is our unique and intimate understanding of what you expect traveling in the UK and Europe. We have not only visited but have spent many years living in and loving the cultures you will experience down the ‘B’ Roads and off the beaten track. We have worked with local suppliers and our guide/companion team for over a decade, creating unique special interest itineraries. Special Group Tours offers our “insider” knowledge to you.

 

The SGT Small Group Touring Concept is traveling with just 4 - 14 guests per departure. It is our aim to introduce you to the 'real' country and its people, not just ticking the boxes of a standardized route and treating you as an individual and not a number. Our concept allows for a leisurely touring pace and flexibility to get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Of course you'll see the major sites but so much more too!

 

At Special Group Tours, it is our priority that you have the most enjoyable holiday possible. You deserve it!