Thriplow Daffodil Festival

This morning after breakfast we visit the Wimpole Estate. The mansion at the heart of the estate is a beautiful example of grand and bold architecture. Intimate rooms contrast with beautiful and unexpected Georgian interiors, including Soane's breathtaking Yellow Drawing Room and wonderful plunge bath. The fascinating basement corridor offers a glimpse into life below stairs. In the gardens the first signs of spring growth will be appearing and as you stroll around the landscaped park among the rare-breed cattle you can imagine the previous owners planning their visions of grand avenues and spectacular vistas.

Returning to Cambridge in the afternoon, we will spend some time at the excellent Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Since its opening in 1846, the Botanic Garden has been an inspiration for gardeners, an exciting introduction to the natural world for families and a refreshing oasis for visitors. This heritage-listed garden has been designed for both year-round interest and seasonal inspiration so, even at this time of year, there will plenty to see, particularly in the 80-metre long Glasshouse Range, which is filled with tender and exotic plants and provides the perfect refuge on a cold day.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Cambridge at leisure and perhaps take a look at some of the famous colleges such as King’s, Queen’s, Corpus Christi and Magdalene.

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and depart for our final visit, Ickworth House, famous for its 100 feet high Rotunda. Begun for the eccentric 4th Earl of Bristol in 1795, the house was still unfinished when he died in 1803 and was completed by the 5th Earl of Bristol (later 1st Marquess of Bristol). It contains paintings by Velázquez, Titian, Poussin and Claude Lorraine, as well as an unrivalled series of 18th-century family portraits by artists such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Hogarth. In addition, Ickworth has arguably the best collection in Britain of fine Georgian silver, as well as very good examples of Regency furniture and porcelain. From here, we return to our original pick-up points.