The Althorp Literary Festival established by Earl Spencer is now recognised as one of the great literary events of the year. Taking place within the magnificent surroundings of Althorp House, family home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. There will be the opportunity to attend four lectures over the two days and have a guided tour of one of Europe's finest private collections of pictures and furniture. Alternatively on the second day you may choose instead to visit to two great Northamptonshire houses and gardens Coton Manor and Kelmarsh Hall. The Mercure Parkside Hotel set in extensive landscaped gardens in the tranquil village of Woughton-on-the-Green albeit a surprisingly short distance from Milton Keynes. The Lanes Restaurant within the hotel has been awarded two AA rosettes.

Friday 13 June: Arrive at the hotel before welcome drink and dinner.

Saturday 14 June Depart by coach for Althorp House. The house is only open for the attendees of the Festival and lectures take place within the great State Rooms. The morning will start with an introduction to the house and the history of the Spencer family followed by guided tour of the magnificent Long Gallery at Althorp. You will have tickets for two principal lectures of that day and can then relax and enjoy lunch in the courtyard or explore the grounds. Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.

Sunday 15 June Depart by coach - those that wish to spend the day at Althorp tickets will be purchased again for the two lectures and lunch can be found again in courtyard cafŽ. Alternatively the coach will continue on to visit the gardens at Coton Manor. These exceptional gardens with beautiful views of the Northamptonshire countryside were original laid out in 1925 by the grandparents of the present owner and are beautifully maintained with many herbaceous borders and an extensive range of plants. The tour then continues to Kelmarsh Hall once the home of Nancy Lancaster who inspired the English Country House style and whose taste and influence can be seen in both the Hall and gardens. There will be a guided visit of the Hall, lunch can be found in the tea rooms and time to enjoy the gardens. The coach then returns via Althorp and back to the hotel before departure.

Full details participates of Literary Festival programmes are rarely available at this early stage - past authors have included Marion Keyes, William Dalrymple, Ronnie Corbett, Alan Hollinghurst, Simon Chama You will be sent the details of the four lectures over the two days with the option to attend two days at Althorp or visit the gardens on the second day.

Price per person £368 Some Single Rooms with no Supplement thereafter £40 Non refundable deposit £100 Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner
• Welcome reception
• Tickets to four Festival lectures or two lectures and garden entries
• Professional guide and executive coaching

Hotel Access: Road : 2/3 miles J 14 or J13 M1. Rail: Central Station Milton Keynes - then local taxi 10 minutes. A detailed map will be provided.

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