summer excursions, 2012
Excursions are open to members of Wakefield Historical Society and their guests.
Most summer excursions are arranged in collaboration with Wakefield Civic Society. Prices quoted are for the coach travel, entrance fees may be extra.
To book for any of the excursions, please download, print and post the form below:
Excursions Booking Form
Coach Excursions
Saturday 5 May 2012: A Day with the Bronte Family
Today we have an opportunity to learn more about the Bronte family and their literary and social connections. Ken Goor, our guide for the day, works out of Leeds Tourist Office and has a wealth of knowledge about the period. Our first stop will be at Dewsbury Minster where Patrick Bronte was a curate in 1809 and will then continue via Red Hall, Gomersal, Birstal, Hartshead and other locations before eventually reaching Haworth. Lunch stop will be The Three Nuns at Mirfield. This will be a leisurely and informative day and we expect to be back in Wakefield by 6pm. Cost: £16 (to include transport and guide) plus other incidental expenses like refreshments.
Wednesday 13 June 2012: Hawes and Gayle Mill
The day will be spent in Wensleydale at the small village of Hawes. On arrival there will be free time to explore the village where there are various attractions like the Museum, Ropemakers and the Wensleydale Cheese Visitors Centre. There are plenty of shops and cafes. Hawes is also known for the Gayle Mill complex. Built in the 18th century as a cotton mill, the mill became a wood-turning centre later in the 19th century and after a period of decline is now operating again. We have a special two hour demonstration tour at 1pm which will show the skills of the present-day craftsmen. Cost: £12 coach plus £9 for the Gayle Mill visit.
Wednesday 4 July 2012: Dunham Massey and Quarry Bank Mill
These two National Trust properties are situated just to the south of Manchester and represent contrasting aspects of 19th century life. Dunham Massey is a Georgian mansion with a rich Edwardian interior and contains the NT's greatest silver collection. The grounds include Britain's largest winter garden (in case of rain). Quarry Bank Mill which we will visit in the afternoon is evidence of the impact of the Industrial Revolution on mill workers and their families. Of particular interest is the restored waterwheel, claimed to be Europe's most powerful. There are the usual NT additions of shop, café and gardens. Cost: £12 coach plus entrance fees
Tuesday 7 August 2012: Ulverston Where is this?
Just into southern Cumbria and north of Morecombe Bay is the small town of Ulverston. Our first destination is Swarthmoor Hall which is a Quaker centre dating back to the 17th century with strong links to George Fox who lived there while hiding from the authorities. As the Hall is used both for study and accommodation, it is particularly welcoming and has a warm atmosphere. After coffee on arrival, there will be a talk and tour of the Hall followed by lunch. We will then return to Ulverston to visit the Laurel and Hardy Museum which will provide some light relief. Extracts from their films are shown as well as a display of memorabilia. Depending on the weather, there might be an opportunity to visit Conishead Priory, a Gothic mansion built on the site of an Augustinian priory and now an international Buddhist centre. Cost: Coach £13 plus £4 tour and £8.50 for lunch at Swarthmoor – see booking form. Laurel and Hardy - £4/£3 concessions (payable on the day)
Thursday 6 September: Southport and Meols Hall
In common with many resorts Southport has benefitted from investment in recent years. It is a quintessential Victorian and Edwardian resort. We plan to have an introduction to the town on arrival and then have free time to wander in the town and seafront. At 2pm we will board the coach again for the short run to Churchtown where we are booked for a tour of Meols Hall at 2.30. The Hall dates back to the 17th century and is owned by the Hesketh family, one of the old Lancashire recusant families. Cost: £12 coach plus £4 entrance to Meols Hall. . |
