The north Wiltshire village of Holt – first mentioned in the Domesday Book – lies two miles from the ancient wool town of Bradford-on-Avon, and nine miles from the city of Bath, with its Roman spa and Regency architecture of Jane Austen’s times. Salisbury Cathedral (one of the finest in England and which recently celebrated its 750th Anniversary), prehistoric Stonehenge and the outstandingly beautiful Cotswolds are only an hour’s drive away. The new suspension bridge over the River Severn estuary - again less than an hour’s drive - is the gateway to the Principality of Wales.

Our parish church of St Katharine’s, mainly Victorian, has a 15th century bell tower, a Saxon font, and a fine peal of bells – still rung regularly. We have our own village cricket team, one of the oldest football teams in the country, and a group of Morris men who take their traditional mediaeval English dances right round the region.

Holt is well-placed for tours for all tastes. In previous years our visitors have enjoyed trips to the great stone circles of Stonehenge and the village of Avebury, - which is partly enclosed in a stone circle in its way just as impressive as the more well-known Stonehenge; the magnificent cathedrals of Salisbury & Winchester, Wells and Worcester; historic towns like Shakespeare’s Stratford-on-Avon, Georgian Bath and the famous university town of Oxford; and the bustling seaports of Bristol and Portsmouth.

Depending on the dates selected, and the visitor preferences, we would tailormake an itinerary to suit everyone – with choices each day, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy our rural village life.

Holt is a friendly and sociable village with many events planned for summer 2010 – from our Summer Fair, Music Festival, & St Katharine’s Art Exhibition, to the Duck Races (plastic!) and Hog Roast parties. Guests are always guaranteed a warm welcome.

The Courts, in the centre of the village, is owned by the National Trust, as is the nearby Tudor manor of Great Chalfield, recently used by Hollywood filmmakers as a location for ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Both can be visited as part of the week’s schedule.

The highlight of the week however, would be a private, guided tour of Highgrove, the stunning gardens created by HRH Prince Charles at his country home near Cirencester (normally a three-year waiting list). This is a rare opportunity – and one not to be missed!

The following programme gives a flavour of what may be on offer – but the final choice is yours. Join us in our daily life, take the trips that appeal, walk in the fields, meet friends for tea and coffee, or shop for that memorable souvenir. It’s up to you……….

Thursday - Arrive in Holt: Welcome reception. Supper with hosts.

Friday - Day out exploring Regency and Roman Bath OR the renowned Stourhead Gardens, designed by Capability Brown in the 18C. Supper party with local family

Saturday - Morning visit to the National Trust village of Lacock, the location for the acclaimed TV adaptation of ‘Cranford’ and its Abbey, with a museum dedicated to the early pioneer of photography. Lunch in Lacock pub. Free time in the afternoon for enjoying Holt and the surrounding field walks. Supper with local family.

Sunday - Morning service at St Katharine’s followed by lunch with congregation members in village pub. Afternoon barge trip on the peaceful Kennet & Avon canal that meanders through the countryside to Bath. Supper with hosts.

Monday - Choice of visits either to Avebury, and south across Salisbury Plain to Stonehenge and the city of Salisbury OR north through the ‘Garden of England’ to Worcester (Cathedral and porcelain factory tour) and scenic Wye valley bordering Wales. Supper in local pub

Tuesday - To Gloucestershire for the privileged Highgrove Gardens tour, and
pub lunch in the charming Cotswold towns of Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water. Magnificent country views. Supper with village family.

Wednesday - Again a choice of tour – or not, as you wish. Either to the south coast via Winchester Cathedral to Portsmouth (Maritime Museum, HMS Victory and the Marie Rose) OR to Somerset for Wells Cathedral, and Glastonbury of Arthurian legend. Invitation to the Summer Art Exhibition Preview party, Followed by buffet supper locally.

Thursday - Relaxing visits to Bradford-on-Avon and local villages, including Great Chalfield Manor and chapel tour with owner Robert Floyd, currently High Sheriff of Wiltshire. Farewell dinner with Holt Morris performance.

Friday 6th July - Guests depart.