Excursion no.1 Monday 29th August 2011.
The Birmingham History and Heritage Tour
Enjoy a pre-conference guided coach tour of England’s second city. See the highlights of the city and be entertained by our guide’s interesting commentary before visiting the Jewellery quarter and its museum; an original and unique jewellery factory frozen in time where the family who owned it simply closed the doors and left!

Known as the 'workplace of the world', Birmingham began as a small rural manor. First mentioned in the Doomsday Book as being worth 20 shillings! The town was established in 1166. After the industrial revolution, Birmingham developed a diversity of industries, especially for specialised, high quality engineering like jewellery and gun-making; and so a great heritage story is created which in turn provides a fascinating visit.

Depart ICC 1.00pm for guided tour, arrive Jewellery Quarter 2.30pm – depart 4.00pm arrive ICC 4.30pm.
Visit www.the-quarter.com and www.visitbirmingham.com for more information.
Excursion price per person - £39.00 (includes a local guide on board)

Excursion no.2 Tuesday 30th August 2011.
Chatsworth House - The ‘Palace of the Peak’
Set in the stunningly beautiful Derbyshire Peak District and home to The Duke & Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth is one of Britain’s best historic houses.

Absorb the atmosphere of this beautiful place and follow the story of the family history over the last 450 years. The grand rooms are filled with fine examples of craftsmanship and treasures which span five centuries and include magnificent displays of furniture, silver, tapestries, porcelain and sculptures, plus one of the finest private collections of art to found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens are a delight; there are 105 acres of magical landscape to explore. Enjoy magnificent views across lawns, trees, formal gardens, lakes, pools and the famous 300 year old waterfall cascade. Then relax in one of the high quality restaurants or browse around the shops for a memento of your visit, the memories of which will stay with you for ever.

Depart ICC 9.15am arrive Chatsworth 11.00am – Depart 3.30pm. arrive ICC 5.15pm.
Visit www.chatsworth.org for more information.
Excursion price per person - £49.00 (includes entrance charge)

Excursion no.3 Wednesday 31st August 2011.
Warwick Castle - ‘The Finest Medieval Castle in England’.
Visit Warwick Castle, the finest medieval castle in England and one of the UK’s top visitor attractions. Founded during the Norman Conquest in 1086 by William the Conqueror, there is so much to see here; tour the castle and grounds, climb the famous towers and visit the dungeons. There are permanent exhibitions too, from a mediaeval household in the ‘Kingmaker’ exhibition to a Victorian 'Royal Weekend Party'. Our route to the Castle through Warwick will include the picture postcard view of the Lord Leycester Hospital which dates back to the 14th Century.

Depart ICC 9.15am arrive Warwick Castle 10.15am – depart 2.30pm arrive ICC 3.30pm.
Visit www.warwick-castle.co.uk for more information.
Excursion prices per person £47 (includes admission charge)

Excursion no.4 Thursday 1st September 2011.
Stratford-upon-Avon & The Cotswolds.
First, enjoy a wonderful guided tour of the lovely hills, villages and towns of the Cotswolds. Designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the region is famous for its ‘honey’ coloured limestone villages that blend perfectly into the countryside. Your tour will include the towns of Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden and a short stop at Broadway. Returning to Stratford, we include a short coach tour of the town on arrival, then you are free to explore. William Shakespeare was born, lived and lies buried in Stratford-upon-Avon; perhaps visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace which offers a unique insight into his life and times.  See the new riverside theatre; enjoy a stroll along the river or around the town centre, with its good selection of shops, restaurants and Tea Rooms.

Depart ICC 9.15am - Tour Cotswolds, arrive Broadway 11.30am - depart 12.30pm. Arrive Stratford upon Avon 1.00pm – depart 3.30pm arrive ICC 4.45pm.
Visit www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk for more information.
Excursion price per person - £39.00 (includes a local guide on board)