TOUR OVERVIEW
PILGRIMS, BAPTISTS AND AMAZING COUNTRY CHURCHES
GAINSBOROUGH and WEST LINDSEY have a unique place in Christian and American history as the place from which the ‘Pilgrims’ began their journey, where the English-speaking Baptists began and where key influencers of the First Amendment lived.
This unique tour explores the origins of these movements that changed America and the World, brings you face to face with their friends, and uses some amazing country churches to explore the history of their Faith.
Itinerary includes Gainsborough, the historic puritan churches of Glentworth and Snarford, the medieval splendour of Stow, the pre-Reformation farmyard church of Coates and Sturton le Steeple which gave birth to separatist leaders John Smyth and John Robinson.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Stand on the quayside where the ‘Pilgrims’ left for Holland in 1608
- Explore a little ‘farmyard’ church – unchanged since before the Reformation
- Meet the friends of John Smyth, Thomas Helwys and the early Baptists – face to face
- Venture well off the tourist track into some classic English villages and churches
- Visit one of England’s strangest churches – with a couple in a ‘double bed’ where the altar normally might be!
- Optional visit to one of Europe’s largest antique markets
- For bookings with sufficient advance notice, you can have the tour led by Cambridge-educated historian Adrian Gray, author of the influential book ‘From Here We Changed the World,’ who grew up in the area
GAINSBOROUGH RIVERSIDE
WHERE THEY LEFT FOR HOLLAND
Stand where the Scrooby and Gainsborough congregations left from to go to the Netherlands in 1608, and hear the story of the mysterious ‘Aegir’ wave that advances up the river several times a year.
COATES
THE FARMYARD CHURCH
A church so small that the Reformation missed it out – a unique place to visit, forgotten by puritans and tourists alike.
SNARFORD
THE ODDEST CHURCH YOU CAN VISIT
Snarford is where three generations of puritans built their tombs. Ignoring traditional expectations of how things should be done, they created a bizarre scene that is unmatched anywhere in England. Here you will find a couple in a four poster bed, the story of a Protestant martyr, and the beautiful woman who captivated hearts and spent her money on godly preachers – and married the Earl of Warwick along the way.
TOUR DETAILS AND PRICING
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Tour Guide for the day.
Entrance to churches and other sites including Stow, Coates, Snarford, Glentworth and sites in Gainsborough
LOCAL EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES
We can arrange additional local excursions & experiences as part of your tour. Please ask for details & prices when you make your booking enquiry.
Cream Tea at Hodsock Priory
Traditional English Bell Ringing
Real Ale Beer Tasting
Lincoln Cathedral Choral Evensong
Antiques Market
Sherwood Forest 'Red Bus' Tour
BOOKING DETAILS
Price:
£125 minimum for up to 7 persons.
Then £25 a head up to a maximum of up to £300 for a full coach.
Itinerary Duration:
6 Hours
Transport:
Transport not included but can be arranged.
Pickup Location:
Gainsborough 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