Hidden Hertfordshire & Lea Valley

Thursday 20th May

We travel to our hotel near Waltham Abbey, arriving later that afternoon with time to unpack and relax before dinner is served.

Friday 21st May

After breakfast we travel to Waltham Abbey, where we meet our guide for the day. Our first stop will be at the Abbey Church, a Fine Norman Abbey founded in 1060 by King Harold, who is reputedly buried here. We continue to Hoddesdon to enjoy a fish & chip lunch at a delightful riverside pub, before a delightful 2.5 hour cruise along the River Lea to Ware. We pass through numerous locks and open meadows, the village of Stanstead Abbotts and the town of Ware, passing the riverside Gazebo's. The Gazebos date from the 18th century gazebos and are a unique feature of Ware. On arrival at Ware Priory there will be some free time to explore this charming small market town. There are numerous pubs and cafes just a short walk along the High Street as well as a small museum and St Marys Church which dates back over 900 years.

Saturday 22nd May

After a leisurely breakfast we visit the Royal Gunpowder Mills . Although there is no evidence that Guy Fawkes, sourced the black powder from Waltham Abbey's gunpowder mill, he may have! The Royal Gunpowder Mills has a long and fascinating history. It played an essential part in military history and national defense, as well as the development of civil industries such as mining and quarrying . Discover how the factory rose to the enormous challenges of WW1, with the sudden arrival of women to work at the factory, all unskilled and reaching at least 3,000 by the end of the war, and why a one-legged stool was a crucial health and safety implement. Explore its final phase from WW2 as a top-secret research centre for Cold War inventions and rocketry.In the afternoon we travel to visit pretty St Albans. The Cathedral dominates the city's skyline from every approach. Its architecture is a blend of many different periods, and its great tower includes Roman bricks salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium. It is best known for the shrine of St Alban, Britain's first Christian Saint. Or visit the award-winning museum, displaying beautiful objects from the Roman City of Verulamium, featuring superb mosaics and re-created Roman rooms.

Sunday 23rd May

After a full English breakfast we return home to Devon, with comfort stops on route.

D=Dinner, L=Lunch, FE=Full English Breakfast