'In the steps of Thomas Hardy'
Stay at The Old Rectory, St Juliot, Boscastle. where Thomas met Emma, visit all their favourite haunts, and see why Thomas Hardy left 'with Magic in his eyes'. It was Monday 7th March 1870 that Thomas Hardy arrived at The Old Rectory. You now have the opportunity to see North Cornwall (Lyonnesse) as he did. The garden will be full of daffodils and other early spring flowers. Guests are welcome to use the garden as their own. Our 'Lookout' from the boundary of the garden gives unsurpassed views of the Valency Valley and the Atlantic sea.
A chance for you to experience a brush with history.
Monday We suggest that you stop in Launceston on the way and visit the steam railway, where Hardy stepped off the train after a long journey, and perhaps have a snack at the White Hart as he did. Then drive to your final destination where a cup of tea and home made cake and biscuits will be awaiting you. Meet your fellow guests for the rest of the week and enjoy the evening with a three-course meal in the entrance hall where Thomas and Emma met.
Tuesday A day with Philip Galvan, a noted Black & White photographer, seeing Lyonnesse in a different light. Rocky Valley, Bossiney & Cliffs. Returning to The Old Rectory for afternoon tea.
Wednesday After breakfast follow in the footsteps of Thomas & Emma by walking across the fields to Beeny Cliff, past Pentargon, then on down to Boscastle for lunch. Returning via the Valency Valley to The Old Rectory in time for afternoon tea.
Thursday. After breakfast a walk across the fields to St. Juliot Church then back along the road to The Old Rectory for coffee. Then a drive to Trebarwith Strand and a delicious lunch at The Port William Pub overlooking the sea and cliffs, plus an optional visit to Penpethy Slate Quarry. After lunch a visit to Tintagel Castle and village. Then back to The old Rectory for afternoon tea.
Friday After breakfast, a chance to shop in Boscastle, or head north and explore Crackington Haven before your departure home. You can always stay for longer if you wish.
The above itinerary can be varied according to the weather, or to individual preferences. Sally will accompany Guests on the walk to Beeny and Boscastle, and will be available every morning to try and link together places Hardy wrote about, and their context for the day. The other days will be by self-guided tour with guests travelling in their own cars.
Why not extend your holiday by staying with us for the weekend? There will be plenty of North Cornwall you will not have seen extra nights as per our normal prices.
Dates :-Monday March 5th 2001 to Friday March 9th
Once places have been filled, we may run a similar workshop later in the month.
The price includes:
four nights Bed and Breakfast, based on two people sharing a room.
a three Course evening meal on Monday
afternoon tea for four days.
Numbers will be limited to six people, and we are happy to try and arrange an itinerary to suit a particular group should you require this. We are a non-smoking establishment and regret we are unable to accommodate pets