TOUR OVERVIEW
This is a tailored tour which can be programmed to last between one and three days according to your needs. The simplest one day tour explores the first congregation of Richard Clifton and John Robinson through its links to the village churches of Marnham, Sturton, Babworth (subject to access), Scrooby and Austerfield, finishing with a visit to Gainsborough URC Church which was rebuilt as a memorial to John Robinson.
For those with more time, we would recommend an extension of the tour to include a visit to beautiful Beauvale Priory and Greasley Church – where Robinson came to woo and marry his wife. Another extension came be made to visit John Cotton’s Boston, the famous ‘Stump’ where he preached, and the cells in which the ‘Pilgrims’ were briefly locked up. We can hear about Bradstreet, Skelton and other key migrants of the era and visit Sempringham where the migration to Massachusetts was planned in 1629.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
BEAUVALE PRIORY
JOHN ROBINSON'S ROMANCE
Robinson came to Beauvale to woo his future wife whose family, the Whites, had moved here from Sturton. Barely 70 years earlier, this old monastic site had been closed by Henry VIII with two of its priors becoming Catholic martyrs. Not to mention a vision of Mary with the infant Jesus! Beauvale is one of our favourite places because of this unique blend of different Church traditions in a wonderful location. (Note restricted access for large vehicles).
SCROOBY - BREWSTER'S HOME
THE FOUNDING CHURCH OF AMERICAN CONGREGATIONALISM?
Ejected from Babworth, Clifton and Brewster found a temporary bolt-hole in Scrooby before escaping to the Netherlands whilst some of them then moved to America in 1620. Our guides will show you round this quaint village and explain its true place in the story of America.
THE BEST OF BOSTON
JOHN COTTON & THE GREAT MIGRATION
John Cotton was one of the greatest puritan preachers. He was involved in discussions of the ‘Great Migration’, then eventually followed many of his congregation to found a new Boston in Massachusetts. A few years before, the ‘Mayflower’ generation had attempted to escape through Boston – and ended up in the Guildhall cells. Enjoy Cotton’s great church, then cool off in the cells!
TOUR DETAILS AND PRICING
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Tour Guide for 1-3 days
Entrance to Marnham, Babworth, Scrooby, Austerfield, Gainsborough URC church, Sempringham and Boston Stump according to route chosen.
Entrance to Beauvale Priory and Boston Guildhall subject to additional per head fees. Note there are restrictions on large coaches at some of these sites; check for details.
Coffee and lunch can also be arranged.
LOCAL EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES
We can arrange some local excursions & experiences as part of your tour. A great way to experience some of our local speciality food and drink and culture! Please ask for details & prices when you make your booking enquiry.
Cream Tea at Hodsock Priory
Lincoln Cathedral Choral Evensong
Traditional English Bell Ringing
Real Ale Beer Tasting
Antiques Market
Sherwood Forest 'Red Bus' Tour
BOOKING DETAILS
Price:
Full Day £120 (minimum for up to 7 persons).
Then £18 a head up to a maximum of £300 for a full coach.
Itinerary Duration:
6 Hours
Transport:
Transport not included but can be arranged.
Pickup Location:
Retford or locations within 25 miles; main line stations at Newark, Retford, Doncaster or Lincoln
Group Size:
Any size between individual and coach. Maximum of 25 is preferable, but more can be managed.
Refreshments & Meals:
Lunch and afternoon cream tea etc can be included as an addition. Please allow around £7-£10 a head depending on requirements.
Accessibility:
Some old churches have limited accessibility.
Fitness Level:
Low, but note that access to some buildings requires use of steps.
Advanced Booking:
Min. of 7 days advance booking. Winter bookings possible but sites are unheated and some lack electricity.
Travel Trade Information:
We offer a commissionable rate for travel trade.
BOOKING ENQUIRY
Please use the form to tell us a little more about your plans including dates and group numbers and we will be happy to create a sample tour itinerary and budget. Most of our tours are offered on a full or half day. And we can combine tours to create a 1,2,3 or 4 day tour to suit your schedule.
We will arrange transport, accommodation and additional day and evening events if required. Look forward to hearing from you.
Or give us a call on +44 (0)7470 366689