Crimefest 2009 Site
Links:
Welcome Page
Participants
Programme
Awards
Trips
Updates

Return to Main CrimeFest Site

PRE & POST CRIMEFEST TRIPS

Organised on behalf of CrimeFest by Tours of Discovery

Tours of Discovery/Cumbrian Discoveries, long-time UK collaborators of Smithsonian Tours' Classic Mystery Lover's England, will be in charge of the pre & post conference trips. All excursions will be accompanied by a Blue Badge Guide.

Transport from the Bristol Royal Marriott Hotel included in all full day-trips.

Tuesday 12th May 2009, 9.00am - 5.30pm
Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury
Travel through five thousand years of history from the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, a World Heritage site, to the nearby great Iron Age earthwork of Old Sarum which later became the site of a great Norman castle and, finally, Salisbury Cathedral, one of England's finest examples of gothic architecture. On a guided walk explore the cathedral set in its delightful close, and how the medieval town grew around it. There will be time to wander through this charming 'city in the countryside' along its historic streets and alleyways admiring the half timbered buildings and fine Georgian houses.

Based on 5 or more delegates registering: £90

(Recommended reading: Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy for Stonehenge, and The Dark Room by Minette Walters for Salisbury.)

Wednesday 13th May 2009, 9.00am - 5.30pm
Avebury and Lacock
Visit Avebury, another World Heritage Site and one of Europe's largest prehistoric stone circles, and Lacock, the country house created out of a medieval abbey (former home of William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer of photography) and the village which provided film locations for both Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter films.

Based on 5 or more delegates registering: £90

(Recommended reading: Sight Unseen by Robert Goddard and [published in June] Sunwise by Jenni Mills. Both for Avebury.)

Thursday 14th May 2009, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Bristol - cruise and walk
Take a guided circular cruise on the Bristol ferry. This is an excellent way to appreciate the setting of Bristol, to see the SS Great Britain and to learn about the Great Voyages of Discovery and Trade as well as to view the Panorama of the City. This will be followed by a guided walking tour of the city.

Based on 5 or more delegates registering: £25

(Recommended reading: A Respectable Trade by Phillipa Gregory, The Minutes of the Lazarus Club by Toby Pollard, and Ritual and [published in March] Skin by Mo Hayder.)

Monday 18th May 2009, 9.30am - 5.00pm
Bath
This full day tour of nearby Georgian Bath includes a walking tour and visits to the Assembly Rooms, Roman Baths, and the Royal Crescent. There will also be leisure time to do some further sightseeing or shopping.

Based on 5 or more delegates registering: £67

(Recommended reading: Peter Lovesey's Inspector Diamond series, and Crow Stone by Jenni Mills.)