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XK60 Diamond Tour
The Official Jaguar XK60 11-day Tour Monday 28 July – Thursday 7 August 2008
Tour Organisers: Philip & Julie Porter Paul Abadjian & Fiona Bayne Nigel & Jill Wood with Yorkshire routes by Mike Griffiths Tour Mechanic – Ron Higgins of CMC
THIS IS A DRIVING TOUR TO CELEBRATE THE JOY OF OWNING A JAGUAR XK. THE TOUR WILL GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOUR XK TO THE TEST OVER 1200 MILES OF GREAT DRIVING ROADS AND SOME INTERESTING BACK WATERS. ALONG THE WAY WE HOPE TO ENTERTAIN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ALIKE TO THE VARIED SPLENDOURS OF ENGLAND AND WALES. OUR UK 5-STAR HOTELS ARE A FINE MIX OF GRANDIOSE, QUAINT AND STATE – OF – THE – ART CONTEMPORARY.
DAY 1 - MONDAY 28 JULY 2008
The UK tour commences at Oulton Hall, a stately home conveniently positioned just south of Leeds in Yorkshire. This Grade II – listed Italianate mansion is now a superb 5-star De Vere hotel and is our base for four nights. Originally, it was the home of the Calverley family and more recently the Lord May or of Leeds. Enjoy the architectural splend our of the Great Hall, the award-winning Grade II-listed gardens, the Spa and sumptuous Beauty Salons. Discreetly situated in the grounds is a golf course where club scan behired. Greetings over Champagne and canapés will be followed by a Welcome Dinner in the Oulton Suite.
Oulton Hall
DAY 2 - TUESDAY 29 JULY 2008
Today we experience the first route planned by the maestro of all UK Tours, Mike Griffiths. The drive takes us into the Yorkshire Dales National Park through Nidderdale, Wharfdale, Wensleydale and we take lunch at Coniston Hall Hotel near Skipton. More great driving through the dales in the afternoon with a finish in the very pretty Yorkshire village of Ripley, which boasts its very own castle.
Ripley Castle has been the home of the Ingilby family for the last 700 years. “ The history is one of political, military, religious and social turbulence, of plague and persecution, of renaissance, enlightenment and industrial revolution. It is a tale of romance, courage, loyalty and recklessness. Henry Ingilby collected taxes for Edward III and 'Trooper' Jane Ingilby held Oliver Cromwell prisoner overnight in the castle's library.”
Sir Thomas Ingilby has given us permission to park in the courtyard of the Castle and has arranged a private viewing of the Castle and gardens. Following the tour, we will have canapés followed by supper with wine which we will be taken in the Morning Room and on the terrace.
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY 30 JULY 2008
The North York Moors National Park is our destination today with a coffee stop enroute at the Black Swan in the picturesque market town of Helmsley. You will see castles, abbeys and grand houses as you drive through the charming villages and lovely countryside. Lunch is taken on the highest point of the moors in The Lion Inn at Blakey Top. In the afternoon we continue to one of the grandest houses in England.
Taking over 100 years to build, the Howard family commissioned Castle Howard in 1700 and have lived there ever since. As our XKs sweep along the mile-long, poker-straight, undulating drive to the Castle (a former Hillclimb course), we will be reminded of the film version of 'Brides head Revisited' made in 1981. There-make is underway there again, as we write. We will marvel at the Marble Hall and the splendour of the Castle as we tour the public rooms. As is fitting, we will take 'Victorian Etiquette Tea' in the Grecian Hall where a knowledgeable guide will give a themed talk about the art of taking tea.
We will dine al fresco at Oulton Hall, with a barbeque, in the fabulous gardens looking out at the splendid fountain, positioned centre stage on well-groomed lawns.
DAY 4 - THURSDAY 31 JULY 2008
Tomorrow we're on the move so today is yours to explore the wonderful county of Yorkshire. We have countless recommendations and suggestions including a train ride to the City of York with its magnificent Minster. You can walk the walls of the city, visit the National Rail Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre, The Shambles for eclectic shopping and the world-renowned Betty's forte a. Leeds, for the ultimate shopping experience, is a stone's throw away. Harrogate, one of the oldest Spa towns in the country with its elegant mellow-hued historic buildings and tranquil environs beckons at only a half-hour drive away. The alternative is to follow that fine Northern tradition and do'nowt' but take advantage of alovely hotel and its facilities! The organisers will be on hand to help you arrange your day out and about. Tonight is our finale evening and we will dine in style at Oulton Hall.
DAY 5 - FRIDAY 1 AUGUST
Today's a driving day as we head south, down through Derbyshire's Peak District and into Leicestershire where we will pick up the old Roman road, the Fosse Way. This takes us all the way to the Cotswolds.
During the afternoon, we will arrive at the famous 500-year-old Lygon Arms. Proudly nestling amongst the Cotswold stone in the heart of Broadway, the Lygon Arms has been welcoming travellers since the 16 century. Famous guests include both Charles I and Oliver Cromwell (although not at the same time!).
Today, the5-star hotel's historic charm is complimented by the very best of modern comfort. The hotel is presently completing a multi-million pound refurbishment under the direction of noted designer Stephan Oberwegner.
In addition to excellent rooms and a highly-rated gourmet restaurant, the hotel houses one of the top 10 Spas in the country boasting a superb indoor swimming pool with retractable roof, saunas, steamroom, spa bath and air-conditioned gymnasium. Relaxation can be found in one of the four exclusive beauty rooms where you can indulge yourself in a choice of soothing and peaceful therapy treatments under the guidance of the friendly, qualified team.
Prior to dinner, Tanners Wines will stage a tasting of fine wines. William Tanner founded Tanners Wines in 1872 and today they are one of the top three wine merchants in the country. We will dine in fine style tonight in the Great Hall which boasts a 17 century Minstrel's Gallery.
DAY 6 - SATURDAY 2 AUGUST 2008
Our next port of call is the award-winning Compton Verney Gallery. Housed in a Grade I-listed mansion designed by Robert Adam, it sits in 120 acres of 'Capability Brown' landscaped parkland alongside a natural lake. The Gallery, just three-years-old, has already achieved acknowledgement internationally, being on the shortlist for the 'Gulbenkian Museum of the Year'.
Having parked in front of the house and lake (by special permission), we will partake of fizz and canapés in the Adam Room and a private viewing of the gallery conducted by guides. The permanent collections include paintings by Gainsborough, two Canelettos in the Naples room, and the oldest drinking vessel in existence dating back to 1500 BC in the Chinese Bronzes room.
Mean while back in picturesque Broadway the many restaurants, bars and bistros and, of course, the Lygon Arms all await your return for you to dine as you please, tonight.
DAY 7 - SUNDAY 3 AUGUST 2008
Cotswold villages abound and today we take a look at as many as we can muster. Excellent driving along quirky roads and through picturesque hamlets is the order of the day. We will split into two groups, with one group doing a clockwise circuit and the second group doing the same circuit anti-clockwise, with all meeting for lunch.
We all converge for an informal relaxed picnic-style lunch at the kind invitation of members, Stephen and Victoria Bond, in their splendid historic home near Winchcombe, close to Sudeley Castle.
A leisurely start will allow time to browse the shops and galleries in lovely Broadway. We then head up the Fosse Way to Wappenbury Hall, Sir William's famous home, where we plan to pause for photos. We then make our way, as Sir William did for about 30 years, to Browns Lane, to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Museum. Here we will take lunch followed by a fascinating talk by renowned Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum.
Ian will walk amongst the cars, explaining how Jaguar design evolved, the way Lyons and Sayer achieved what they did and why he was inspired to follow in their great tracks.
The day includes an insight into the art of making perfume at the Cotswolds Perfumery which has been creating fine fragrances for 40 years. Perfumer John Stephenson and colleagues will take us from the perfume garden, through to the laboratory, the compounding room and finally the factory. Hastening back to cars, we will peek into the quaint and quirky 'Cotswold Motor Museum' where one XK was spotted.
The entertainment planned for this final evening in the Cotswolds befitsits historic setting. In the grandiose surroundings of the Lygon Arms Great Hall, the London-based Covent Garden Minuet Company,under the strict instruction of Dance Mistress Sarah Cremer, will entrance us with the elegance and poise of the pre-eminent dance of the 18 century. Supper will be a gala buffet taken between acts.
DAY 8 - MONDAY 4 AUGUST 2008
Today is a serious driving day. It takes us to our third destination and, along the way, introduces us to the sheer magic of the Welsh countryside. At the kind invitation of Lawrence Banks of Hergest Croft, we may park on the estate and take at our of the little-known and unspoiled gardens at Hergest Croft in rural Herefordshire. We will take coffee, or tea, and Welsh cakes in the tea rooms within the gardens.
We then meander through the Elan Valley, we ndour way through the Cambrian Mountains, the Cwm Plantation, the Towy Forest and past some simply stunning lakes and natural reservoirs, followed by fast flowing roads, then through the imposing Black Mountains before dropping down to Cardiff and our hotel which is superbly accessible considering its position. Lunch will be taken en route.
With views of the water front on three sides and balconies all around, the venue is ideal for a summer party. Tonight we turn back the clock to an era some of us might recall. In celebration of the 60 years of XKs, this tour would not be complete without a 50's party and in the tradition of St David's, let's make it a Pyjama Party. Dress (pyjamas that is) is optional but creative ideas around the pyjama theme are encouraged. From Grecian toga to fluffy slippers, allare à la mode tonight. (Remember those 50's films with Carey Grant and Doris Day?) With a party cocktail on arrival, substantial party food, the nostalgic tunes of the 50s played live, plenty of beds asset dressing and in full knowledge of the fun-loving spirit of the average XK Club member, we feel this evening has real promise!
Created by Sir Rocco Forte, the 5-star St David's Hotel is known as the Jewel of Cardiff Bay and is acclaimed as a masterpiece of design. Situated adjacent to Mermaid Quay, St David's is a striking landmark on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. This is a stunning location and hotel where each bedroom has a private balcony overlooking the bay.
Residents are invited to use the Marine Spa with a series of pools, fitness studio, relaxation areas and extensive treatment rooms.
From the sublime of the Minuet Ball to the ridiculous of the Pyjama Party, the XK programme is nothing if not diverse!
DAY 9 - TUESDAY 5 AUGUST 2008
We continue our pursuit of the Welsh countryside with more beautiful routes. Heading north, we traverse breathtaking Forest Fawr with a mix off astroads, winding lanes and fantastic views. We pause for coffee in the typically Welsh market town of Brecon. Once surrounded by a wall and ten towers in the shadow of a Norman Castle, Brecon's medieval street pattern is still intact and boasts a host of historic buildings. Brecon Cathedral was once a Benedictine priory.
After coffee, we continue north, climbing to 1500 feet (500 metres), traversing artillery ranges in Powys before heading through historic Builth Wells towards Llandrindod Wells. Here we will call into the Hall at Abbey Cum Hir, a substantial Victorian property with landscaped gardens overlooking the ruins of the 12 century Cistercian 'Abbey of the Long Valley'. Following a loving restoration of 52 rooms over nine years by the Humpherston family, the Grade II-listed Hall is now completed and available to view privately. We will take lunch here in the courtyard and gardens after which we will have the option of looking around the house.
Our route back, including traversing the Brecon Beacons, is on fast roads with sweeping bends, little traffic and more reservoirs. This evening Mermaid Quay is yours to explore. Aplethora of venues for dining and entertainment are but a footfall from St David's.
DAY 10 - WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST 2008
Cardiff is the cosmopolitan capital city of Wales and Cardiff Bay is only five minutes from the city centre. Today you have the opportunity to take advantage of all that Cardiff and its surrounds can afford. The Vale of Glamorgan option includes a private guided tour of Fonman Castle by owner Sir Brooke Boothby, a visit and tasting at Llanarch Vineyard, a tour of St Fagan's National History Museum, which depicts the story of the people of Wales, or see the beautiful and elegant Edwardian gardens with stunning tree collection and sanctuary at Dyffryn Gardens and Arboretum. A highly-recommended lunch could be taken at the magical Miskin Manor just one mile from Llanarch Vineyard and 10 minutes drive from St David's. Dating back to the 10 century Miskin is privately owned by Lea hand Colin Rosenburgh who, in 1996, lovingly restored this wonderful mansion and gardens.
DAY 11 - THURSDAY 7 AUGUST 2008
For City culture we highly recommend Cardiff Castle, which dates back 2000 years, and the National Museum and Art Gallery (there will be the opportunity for a shorter viewing this evening) –both just a ferry boat ride from outside the hotel. Alternatively if you would like some action, you could join Mr Porter at the karting track only six miles away! The organisers will be on hand to help you plan your day out and about.
This evening luxury coaches will transport us to The National Museum and Art Gallery which, with its neo-classical façade, dates back to 1909 and is our venue for the Grand Finale Dinner of the Tour. We will have an exclusive private viewing, over Champagne and canapés, of the finest collection of Impressionist paintings outside Paris, including works by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Degas and Van Gogh. Other treasures include fine collections of porcelain. Dinner will be taken in the classic marble Great Hall. Siân Angharad Williams, an accomplished harpist, will add to the atmosphere of the evening and after dinner we will be serenaded by a Welsh Male Voice Choir as befits such an occasion in Wales. We will feast on a four-course dinner with wine.
This morning we head off to Goodwood for the climax of our XK60 celebrations. Breakfast, coffee and lunch are included. Our route takes us over the Severn Bridge into Wiltshire, over Salisbury Plain, past Stonehenge, through the delightfully-named Middle Wallop and Nether Wallop, and across the Downs to our hotels, ready for the beginning of the XK60 Weekend.
Classic Motor Cars (CMC) will once again be knidly providing the services of popular mechanic, Ron Higgins (and his wife Kath).
If you would like to take up the option of a Luggage Van, please indicate on the Booking Form (cost dependent on uptake).
Rooms at Goodwood Park Hotel, now owned by Lord March, have been provissionally reserved for all Tour Participants. There are also a limited number of places available at Bailiffscourt in Climping for those who may prefer this option. For details of the XK60 Weekends, please refer to the brochures for 'The Goodwood Weekend at Goodwood Park' and 'The Goodwood Weekend at Bailiffscourt'.
This programme has been compiled some 15 months ahead of the event and may be subject to change. Mileages are approximate.
Sponsors of the
Classic weekend