Stathern, in the lovely Vale of Belvoir (pronounced ‘beaver’), is situated in the heart of rural England, close to the major cities of Robin Hood’s Nottingham and Leicester. The name ‘Belvoir’ means ‘beautiful view’ in its original French, and that is exactly what you will see.  Included in our itinerary is the fascinating Belvoir Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, overseeing the whole of the Vale with its picturesque villages.

Stathern is proud of its 800-year-old village church, St. Guthlac’s, which is steeped in history. In the mid 17th Century, Colonel Francis Hacker, the Lord of the Manor and churchwarden, at odds with his Royalist family, joined the Civil War on Cromwell’s side and was a   signatory to the execution warrant of King Charles I. Our famous Red Lion Inn has gained quite a different notoriety with its two Pub of the Year Awards.

The nearby town of Melton Mowbray has recently been christened the culinary capital of England, with its famous cattle and farmers’ markets, well-known Stilton cheese and pork pies, and food fairs to rival any in the country.

Also nearby is England’s smallest county of Rutland, providing the wonderful backdrop of Rutland Water - the largest man-made lake in Europe.

There is so much to see and do in the area, that none of the trips is more than an hour’s journey away. We have also included some optional choices so that you can make it a very personal holiday, or if you just want time out or have a special request, we are very flexible. Some evening meals will be with your hosts, others with local friends.

So whether your interest is castles, stately homes, canals, lakes, steam trains, food, churches and cathedrals, Robin Hood country, shopping or just sampling English village life, we can offer it! Previous guests have commented: “My host family was so flexible, it was a real pleasure to be with them.” “Wonderful people in the parish.” “No pressure to ‘do’ everything.” “Everything was most enjoyable.”

Monday - Arrive at Stathern, supper with hosts and relax!

Tuesday - Welcome coffee with fellow guests and hosts, then visit Melton Mowbray’s famous weekly markets and watch truly authentic speciality Pork Pies being made. Organ recital in the 13th Century parish church. Leisurely drive around our picturesque local villages in the Vale of Belvoir.

Wednesday - Belvoir Castle is just a few minutes drive from our village. It stands on the site of the first castle built following the Battle of Hastings in 1066. See a fine collection of paintings including the famous Holbein picture of Henry VIII.

Thursday - Our bell day! After a relaxing hour on a canal boat, we will picnic whilst listening to the Loughborough Carillon, and then tour the unique Bell Foundry. In the evening an opportunity to climb our own church’s bell tower and try bell ringing.

Friday - Our Nottingham day with opportunities to visit the castle, the manmade caves under the city, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem - the oldest inn in England built in 1189, the Brewhouse Yard Museum, the Lace Centre or simply shop. Your choice! Finish with a traditional British fish and chip supper.

Saturday - Visit the historic City of Lincoln with its beautiful cathedral that houses a copy of the Magna Carta and is famous for the “Da Vinci Code”. Personal shopping in the heart of the city with its famed medieval cobbled streets OR Southwell Minster, a less well known but an equally beautiful 12th century cathedral and the nearby 19th century Workhouse.

Sunday - Morning service in the parish church. Carvery lunch in a local public house then it’s your time to relax.  

Monday - Tour of Rutland. Create your own tour day out of Rutland Water, Stamford (often used for filming period dramas), Burleigh House (one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses), a stroll around Barnsdale Garden with its 37 individual feature gardens and Wymondham Windmill. Barbeque farewell dinner.

Tuesday - We sadly say goodbye to our newfound friends.