Summer Excursions

Excursions are provided in conjunction with Wakefield Civic Society and are only open to members of either Society and their guests.

Please contact us if you have any queries: info@WakefieldHistoricalSociety.org.uk

Information from Wakefield Civic Society:
Coach Excursions

All our Coach Excursions will depart from the turning circle in front of Wakefield Bus Station on Providence Street/Borough Road. Please check the departure time for each tour. And book early to assure your seat!

To Book: Please download and print: Booking Form
1. Friday, 17th May 2024: Southwell – Organised by Christina Sherborne

Leaving Wakefield at 8.45 am.
Our visit this year is into bandit country, hopefully we will be met by the Merry Men in Southwell.

Southwell Minister
Our first port of call is the limestone Norman Minster with a guided tour. Approaching the Minster, you will see the 2 west pyramidal towers which originally had spires. Of this Norman building only, the chancel is 13th century. The high points of the Minster are the Tympanum, a carved lintel stone with its intricate carving, which is older than the wall. The screen to the chancel displays intricate 13th century carvings. The highlight is the chapter House with The Leaves of Southwell, which accurately display the naturalistic features.

Unfortunately, I am not arranging coffee, etc, before the start of the tour because of time constraints although, if we arrive early, there may be time for you to get a coffee on your own. The tour must start no later than 11am. (cost £10) It will finish by 12.15. Then you will have time to have lunch if required. This can be done at The Minster Refectory or other places in Saxon Southwell where there are plenty of cafes and pubs for lunch.

If you want a full-scale lunch, then La Parisienne Bistro is the place. You will, however, need to book 01636 816573. (Note that the menu will have changed, by May.)

I also recommend that many of you may be interested in visiting the Minster Gardens with the ruins of The Bishops Palace. I believe musical activities may be going on in the Minster when we visit and there is an exhibition of artefacts.

Southwell Workhouse and Infirmary National Trust
We will leave Southwell at 2 pm and after a very short distance arrive at the Workhouse, where we have a short familiarisation talk. National Trust members must have their membership cards with them. For non-National Trust members, the admission charge is £14.25, payable on booking.

The workhouse is the best-preserved example of a workhouse and was in operation with the infirmary into the 1980s.

There are many stairs but there is an I-pad for a virtual tour of the upper floors and information boards. The coach park is 200 yards from the workhouse. There is also a café but note this closes at 3pm. The Workhouse closes at 4pm, so you may want to do your visit in different stages. As with the Minster there are uneven surfaces. If for any reason you do not wish to go to the workhouse and stay in Southwell, you must state this when booking and we will arrange for the coach to pick you up in Southwell at the end of the afternoon.

Please note that we have to meet minimum numbers for both the Minster and the Workhouse visit for the tours to go ahead. If we don’t make the required numbers, we may have to change the arrangements for the day

Costs:
Coach £22.50; Minster Tour £10; Entry to Southwell Workhouse for non-National Trust members: £14.25 – all payable on booking.

2. Friday, 14 June 2024: Highfield House, Driffield and Burton Agness Hall and Gardens – organised by Sue Farman

Leaving Wakefield at 9am

After leaving Wakefield our first stop will be at Highfield House, Driffield at around 10.30am. This is a delightful country manor house, built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1864, set in 8 acres. It is now open as a smart hotel. We will be served tea/coffee and biscuits in The Parlour, with time to enjoy the surroundings and garden.

We return to our coach for a short onward journey to Burton Agnes Hall. This beautiful Elizabethan house was commissioned in 1598. Queen Elizabeth I’s master mason was tasked with building a magnificent family home. It is a splendid example of a fine English house and, more than 400 years later, it continues to the home of the Cunliffe-Lister family.

At 2pm, we are booked for a 20-minute introductory talk. The house is surrounded by superb award-winning gardens, full of colour and variety, there is a huge collection of plants and magnificent trees. There is a large walled garden and woodland walk. Within the grounds, we can also explore a Norman manor house and the historic village church.

The Carriage House Café offers a range of homemade hot food, including wood fired pizza, treats, coffee etc. with indoor seating, and further benches and brollies outside. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic to eat in the grounds.

The Courtyard has a range of plants for sale and a separate shop with gifts, homeware and toys.

Note that members of the Historic Houses Association gain free entry to Burton Agnes Hall but must have their membership cards with them on the day.

Please note that Burton Agnes is now entirely cashless and all payments made at the property have to be by card.

We shall leave at 5pm when the House and grounds close.

Accessibility – The ground floor of the house, grounds and most of the garden are wheelchair accessible.

Cost: coach £26.50; Highfield refreshments £4.25; Burton Agnes admission £13.95

Total cost payable on booking HHA members: £30.75; Non-HHA members: £44.70

 

3. Monday, 22nd July 2024 – Scarborough – organised by Sue Farman

2024 is the 60th anniversary not only of Wakefield Civic Society but also of Scarborough Civic Society, so we thought we would have a day out at the seaside to help commemorate this important year for both societies. Details are still in the course of preparation, but do make a note in your diary and keep the date free!

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