Following on from our January Zoom lecture with Simon Whitehouse who entertained us with his talk on Dick Whittington, we are delighted to have Simon guide us on a tour around the lesser-known parts of the Old City. Whether or not you attended the Zoom lecture, this is your chance to experience from Simon’s knowledge and storytelling, including tales of Dick and possibly his cat!
Simon Whitehouse has a background in professional theatre and has a gift for storytelling which entertains his audiences during lectures and London tours. Notably, he has worked as a guide lecturer in house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours.
We will travel by train(travel details/train times to be confirmed nearer the time).
11.30am meet Simon at Farringdon station. The route is just under 2 miles and all pretty flat taking approximately 2 hours.
We will finish near St Paul's Cathedral at around 1.15pm to 1.30pm with plenty of options for lunch (not included) and close to City Thameslink Station.
Please Note: Although there will be a number of stops, we can’t guarantee availability of benches to sit on, so it is best to bring folding seats along if you think you will need them.
Cost of Walking Tour: £20 per person plus train fare (please buy your own ticket)
We do hope you will be able to join us for this interesting walk. Please book early as numbers are limited to 25 people. Book at our January lecture, and on application via email to Janet at northbedsdfas@gmail.com
Photo: The Guildhall
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COACH TRIP TO HATFIELD HOUSE AND GARDENS
THURSDAY, 2ND JULY 2026 - 9.30am to 5.00pm
Join us for this wonderful trip to Hatfield House and Gardens which are steeped in history and closely linked with Queen Elizabeth
Leaving Bedford by coach at 9.30am from the Kimbolton Road car park to Mowsbury Park. Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before departure. About 10.30am arrive at Hatfield House. The day will include a tour of the house and a short talk on the Rainbow Portrait (above). This painting returned to the house in late 2024 after considerable conservation work.
Our group will need to split into two groups of 20 for the house tour (15 minutes between each tour). Afterwards, visit the beautiful gardens or take refreshments in the café.
Lunch at own expense: Either outdoor picnic (bring your own lunch) or the Coach House Kitchen café.
4pm depart Hatfield House, arriving back in Bedford by about 5pm.
Cost: £50 Inclusive of house tour and coach travel.
Please book early as numbers are limited to 40 people. Book from 1st April by emailing Janet or at the April lecture.
For more information on Hatfield House: https://hatfield-house.co.uk/explore/