Come antique hunting with Eric Knowles - at a 25%* discount!

06/08/2008

If you enjoy history and the world of antiques,  you're going to love an Experience Break being run by Warner Leisure Hotels - set in the heart of the West Country, with TV star Eric Knowles as your host and expert guide.

In fact, this is not just one Experience Break – but several in one! Eric will accompany you to Forde Abbey and to the Axminster Carpet Factory to learn more about the Museum being established there. As well as that, there will be talks from the man himself and an opportunity to have your family treasure or car boot bargain valued at his one-man “roadshow”.

One of the best known of Antiques Roadshow’s experts, Eric’s extensive knowledge of all things antique and artistic is legendary, honed during a long career at Bonhams and fired by an infectious enthusiasm. And not valuing artefacts on the show or at Bonhams, Eric can often be found hosting tours of museums, galleries and historic buildings around the world.

The first of these that he will be taking you to on this Experience Break is Forde Abbey: a living testament to the people who have lived and worked here over the past nine centuries and makes it one of the most fascinating buildings in the country… a former Cistercian monastery set in 30 acres of exquisite award winning gardens.

Next you’ll trace the fascinating history of the Axminster carpet: originally made by Thomas Whitty whose astonishing creations came to grace the homes of the great and the good all over the world in the 18th and 19th centuries.

And don’t forget to bring along an object that you have collected on your travels for Eric to discuss and value!

All breaks include a sumptuous three course dinner, a comfortable en suite bedroom, a full and generous English breakfast, live nightly entertainment and numerous daytime activities and leisure facilities.

And if antiques aren’t your thing, don’t worry as Warner Leisure Hotels have over 600 different experiences to choose from including Learn to….Become A Chocolate Artist, Look and Feel Ten Years Younger with Channel 4’s Nicky Hambleton- Jones’ team, discover your paranormal abilities on the Psychic School With the Psychic Sisters, fly in a hot air balloon or a Ghost Hunt, take a trip on the Orient Express or even try your hand at Campanology (bell ringing) or a day at the races.

Warner Leisure Hotels has 13 properties across the UK each with its own character and personality, offering a wide choice and style of accommodation.
 
From the majestic Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa in Nottinghamshire, and the historic Littlecote House in Berkshire where Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour, through to Victorian character hotel Alvaston Hall in Cheshire with its own golf course, and Lakeside seaside resort on Hayling Island in Hampshire offering relaxed accommodation in a pretty traditional seaside location, there is a hotel or resort to suit every taste and style.
 
Subscribers to the Mature Times enewsletter can take advantage of savings up to 25%* off breaks taken in August and September by quoting 37MT8 when booking.  Warner Leisure Hotels also have some great offers throughout the rest of the year - please call them for further details. You can book by calling free phone 0800 1 388 399, visit the link below or seeing your local travel agent.
 
*Terms & Conditions apply

Some upcoming breaks:
 
Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, Denbighshire, North Wales
31st October – Antiques with Eric Knowles
 
Holme Lacy House, Herefordshire
18th August, 22nd August – Hot Air Balloon Experience
17 October – Antiques with Eric Knowles
 
Nidd Hall - North Yorkshire
12th September – Harrogate Flower Show

Cricket St Thomas – Chard, Somerset
19th September – Antiques with Eric Knowles
29th September – Autumn Gardens with Hillier Nurseries

For details of these and all of our great experiences click below.