TOUR OVERVIEW
The tour begins at the spectacular Worksop Priory where we explain the background story of Christian England up to the Reformation and the radical English puritans, including local links to the Crusades, Protestant martyrs and Roger Williams of Rhode Island. Then we visit the forest setting of Babworth, where the great preaching of Richard Clifton drew together the congregation that became the Mayflower Pilgrims.
The tour then includes a visit to Scrooby, home of William Brewster, and Austerfield – home of William Bradford. Austerfield’s simple and moving church contains the rediscovered ‘Bradford font’ and some wonderful windows depicting the Pilgrim story. You can also see Bradford’s well preserved manor house. Subject to schedule, you can also visit Gainsborough to see the quayside from which the Pilgrims left for the Netherlands or John Robinson’s home village of Sturton.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
ALL SAINTS' CHURCH - BABWORTH
SPIRITUAL HOME OF THE MAYFLOWER CONGREGATION
Set in beautiful woodland, Babworth attracted godly people from far and wide to hear the preaching of Richard Clifton even though it was illegal for them to travel to church. Here, perhaps, Brewster and Bradford met for the first time, before Clifton was removed from his post and the plans for the Netherlands were developed….the first step of a journey that took some of them to America.
ST HELENA'S CHURCH - AUSTERFIELD
THE BEST 'MAYFLOWER' WINDOWS IN ENGLAND
The tiny village church at Austerfield has a history going back to the saints of the Seventh Century, but it is also the church were William Bradford was christened before going to hear the true Gospel preached at Babworth. Enjoy the wonderful stained glass Pilgrim windows and walk up the street to see Bradford’s original manor house.
SCROOBY CHURCH AND MANOR
HOME OF WILIAM BREWSTER
William Brewster lived at Scrooby Manor and made the local church a centre of nonconformist Christian worship that was often illegal by the law of the times. Discover how he did this for years before Scrooby itself was briefly home for the Babworth congregation before they left for the Netherlands. See the ancient curate’s house and the remains of Brewster’s home.
TOUR DETAILS AND PRICING
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
The services of an expert Tour Guide, part of the local community of churches. We will arrange entrance to Worksop, Babworth, Scrooby and Austerfield – please note that these churches may ask for an entry fee which we will advise you of.
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:
Half Day around £70 (£20 an hour for up to 4 persons)
Then £25 an hour 4-12 persons, £55 an hour for a full coach.
Full Day charged at same hourly rates.
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