Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Horseback Riding
There are a number of companies in Britain offering horse-riding holidays.
Eques-
trian Escapes
(
&
01829/781133;
www.equestrian-escapes.com) is a good exam-
ple, with breaks including beach riding in Cornwall, spa and ride in the Brecon
Beacons (both from 2 nights), to family holidays in Berkshire, just an hour from
London.
Various U.S. companies, such as
Equitour
(
&
800/545-0019
or 307/455-3363;
www.ridingtours.com), offer horseback-riding package tours of Britain. Two types of
7-day trips can be arranged: One based at a stable beside the Bristol Channel, or on
the fields of Dartmoor, with instruction in jumping and dressage, and tours in Wales,
with a 7-day trek. On the latter, riders spend nights at different B&Bs or inns and
keep their mount at nearby stables.
Eastern Trekking Associates
(
&
888/836-6152
or 706/541-2450) leads small
groups of around six riders each on tours of the Exmoor region, arguably the most
beautiful district of England. Horseback-riding trips are also arranged in Wales.
Literary Tours
Lynott Tours
(
&
800/221-2474;
www.lynotttours.com) has a number of tours,
including “Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, and the Brontës” (taking in the Lake District
and Yorkshire) and “Literary Cotswolds.” Hotels, guide, and most meals are included.
The
British Connection
(
&
404/373-1420;
www.thebritishconnection.com)
offers literary tours with a focus on Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and
even mystery writers.
Rail Tours
Great Rail Journeys
(
&
01904/734154;
www.greatrail.com) offers luxury
escorted tours by rail (mostly aboard steam train and all involving steam journeys)
throughout England and Wales.
UK Railtours
(
&
01438/715050;
www.ukrail
tours.com) has a large number of day-trips on railways, mostly historic, although some
involving modern trains on unusual goods routes, which include travel from several
stops en route. The
Railway Touring Company
(
&
01553/661500;
www.railway
touring.co.uk) puts together wonderful days out on steam trains (the Cumbrian
Mountain Express, the Sussex Belle) which set off from various points around the
U.K.
University Study Programs
You can study British literature at renowned universities such as Oxford and Cam-
bridge during the week and then take weekend excursions to the countryside of
Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and Hardy. While doing your coursework, you can live
in dormitories with other students and dine in elaborate halls or the more intimate
Fellows' clubs. Study programs in England are not limited to the liberal arts, or to high
school or college students. Some programs are designed specifically for teachers and
seniors.
Affiliated with Richmond College in London, the
American Institute for For-
eign Study
(
&
866/906-2437
or 203/399-5000; www.aifs.com) offers 4 weeks or
more for high school students, as well as internships and academic programs for
college students. There are also courses leading to an MBA.
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