Mayflower 400 for groups

MAYFLOWER 400 FOR GROUPS

Directory of supplier listings and contacts in England’s Mayflower destinations.
Places to visit • Tour guides
Mayflower400UK.org

Mayflower400UK.org

Contents

Page 4 Welcome To Mayflower 400 For Groups

Page 5 About Mayflower 400 UK

Page 6 The Mayflower Trail

Page 8 Plymouth: Britain’s Ocean City

Page 14 Pilgrim Roots

Page 16 Scrooby & Babworth, Nottinghamshire

Page 18 Austerfield, Bawtry & Doncaster

Page 20 Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

Page 22 Boston, Lincolnshire

Page 24 Immingham, North East Lincolnshire

Page 26 Chorley, Lancashire

Page 28 Worcestershire

Page 32 Harwich, Essex

Page 34 London: Rotherhithe, Southwark

& The City Of London

Page 36 Dorking, Surrey

Page 38 Southampton, Hampshire

Page 40 Dartmouth, Devon

Page 42 Mayflower Group & F.I.T. Tours

Page 43 Travel Information

2 Illuminate. Plymouth

Mayflower 400 For Groups
3

Mayflower400UK.org

Welcome To Mayflower 400 For Groups

2020 is the 400th anniversary of Mayflower sailing from Plymouth to America. Across
England there are many places with connections to the Mayflower story.

This directory highlights the Compact partner destinations, making it easy for you to plan customised group and
F.I.T. tours for your guests in 2020 and beyond.
Mayflower 400 does not package and price tours – we provide you with information and contact details for
things you are likely to want to include on a Mayflower tour of England.
• ‘Pick and mix’ places to visit, things to do and tour guides
• Create specialist Mayflower tours – or include Mayflower content to your existing tours
• Add half or full day excursions to your programme
• Tailor content for F.I.T. group and VIP travel
Along your Mayflower journey you’ll discover specialist tour guides who will ensure your trip is a memorable
one – perhaps unlocking places otherwise not accessible to your group and providing unrivalled insight, or learn
from costumed tour guides who will bring the characters to life. Contact details for tourist guides are available
within this guide.
Learn more about each of the Compact destinations within this directory and how you can showcase this newly
interpreted story to your clients.
You can see further suggested itineraries, the events programme and more information about each destination
on the official website Mayflower400UK.org

Information correct at time of going to print. The listings are suggestions, please check before you travel. Other businesses are available.
Mayflower 400 is a not for profit organisation and does not have a commercial interest in promoting these businesses.

4 The Mayflower II replica

Mayflower 400 For Groups

About Mayflower 400 UK

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the historic voyage of the Mayflower ship from the UK to America. The
anniversary commemorates the legacy of the passengers and crew who undertook the epic journey inspired by
an unquenchable desire for freedom; and for who the voyage promised new found liberty.

The international Mayflower Compact partnership aligns destinations across England, the United States
of America, the Native American community and the Netherlands. Partners are united in their passion to
commemorate the anniversary and to celebrate shared values of freedom, democracy, humanity and the future.

The new national ‘Mayflower Trail’ tells each destination’s unique connection to the Mayflower story. You can
read more about each of the destinations and the visitor offer and tour content throughout this guide.

During 2020 destinations will stage a world class cultural and events programme to commemorate the journey
of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The cultural programme will unite communities, inspire creativity, enhance the visitor
experience and promote understanding and education of this pivotal moment in history. The new national
‘Mayflower Trail’ is available for groups and visitors beyond 2020.

There are over 35 million descendants of the passengers and crew who sailed on the Mayflower. The Mayflower
400 UK national visitor project encourages you to reach out to these descendants and other ancestral tourists to
invite them to visit England and be a part of the anniversary year.

This travel trade directory providers tour operators and travel trade details of things to do, visitor attractions,
sites of historic interest, places to stay, tourist guides and more – to enable you to create fully customisable
Mayflower tours for your clients.

For up to date information, the events programme and news, visit Mayflower400UK.org

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to experience England’s Mayflower story in 2020 and beyond.

The Mayflower Steps, Plymouth 5

Mayflower400UK.org

THE MAYFLOWER TRAIL

The story of the Mayflower and her passengers can be told through
the histories of key locations in the UK, the USA and the Netherlands.
There are many more towns, villages and cities across England with
connections to the passengers on board the ship.

Mayflower Compact partner destinations

UK USA

Austerfield and Doncaster Plymouth
Boston, Lincolnshire Provincetown
Chorley, Lancashire Boston
Dartmouth, Devon
Dorking, Surrey
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
Harwich, Essex
Immingham, North East
Lincolnshire
London – Rotherhithe and the
City of London
Nottinghamshire – Scrooby,
Babworth, Retford
Plymouth
Southampton, Hampshire
Worcestershire

Netherlands

Leiden
Rotterdam

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Mayflower 400 For Groups
7

Mayflower400UK.org

Plymouth: Britain’s Ocean City

Plymouth has a reputation as a centre for voyage, Key Travel Information
discovery and military importance. For more than a
thousand years the spectacular waterfront has been By Road:
a port of call or point of departure for adventurers, Approx. travel time from London by road
emigrants, merchant traders, soldiers and sailors. – 4 hours.
Including, of course, the final departure point of the
Mayflower in September 1620, marked by the By Rail:
Mayflower Steps. Direct services operate from London
Paddington with Great Western Railway.
Plymouth today is a melting pot of historical sites, Approx. travel time from London – 3 hours.
memorials and museums, alongside a vibrant cultural An overnight sleeper train is available from
scene, stunning places to eat and some of England’s London to Plymouth and Cornwall.
finest beaches are never far away. Sightseeing in
Plymouth is easily done on foot; explore the Barbican, By Air:
Sutton Harbour, Royal William Yard and the Hoe. Tour - Cornwall Newquay Airport (45 mins.)
guides offer walking, driving and ancestral tours in the - Exeter (45 mins.)
city of Plymouth and the surrounding regions. - Bristol (2 hours)
- L ondon Heathrow (200 miles; approx.
When in Devon, a cream tea is a must. Plymouth
has a great variety of restaurants and places to eat. 3 hours 40 mins.)
Plymouth Gin Distillery offers tour of the distillery and
how the city’s most famous export, Plymouth Gin, is By Sea:
made. Visitors should head over the Tamar Bridge into You can sail by cruise-ferry to Plymouth from
Poldark’s Cornwall for more fabulous coastline, great France and Spain. Brittany Ferries run regular
seafood restaurants and attractions including the services from Roscoff in Brittany and from
Eden Project. Santander in Northern Spain to the ferryport
at Millbay.
Plymouth And The Mayflower Story
For More Information
The Mayflower and Speedwell were 300 miles clear of
Land’s End following their departure from Dartmouth Mayflower 400
when the smaller ship once more began leaking badly mayflower400uk.org/visit/plymouth-england
and couldn’t risk continuing. They turned back towards
Plymouth and the Speedwell was finally declared unfit Plymouth
for the journey. Some of the Pilgrims decided against visitplymouth.co.uk
the voyage all together and the remaining passengers
crowded onto the Mayflower. Travel Trade
Alison Bartlett
The ship finally departed British soil on 16th E: [email protected]
September 1620 with up to 30 crew and 102 T: +44 (0)1752 398213
passengers on board. Just under half of them were
Separatists, the rest were ‘economic migrants’ who Tourist Information
were skilled tradespeople sent by the investors to Plymouth Mayflower Museum,
help build the new colony. Today, visitors to the city 3-5 The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2TR
of Plymouth can find the Mayflower Steps memorial T: +44 (0)1752 306330
in the city’s Barbican area, which commemorates the
passengers final departure point.

8

VisitPlymouth.co.uk

Plymouth Water Front 9

Mayflower400UK.org

Mayflower Trail – Highlights for groups

The Box The Mayflower Museum

The Box is a major redevelopment scheme in the The Mayflower Museum, set over three floors explores
heart of Plymouth, a symbol for the city’s current the story of the voyage of the Pilgrims and their
regeneration and a museum for the future. Heritage journey aboard the Mayflower to the New World.
centre, history museum, archives and exhibition visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/mayflower-
centre. Opening with the exhibition ‘Mayflower 400: museum-p928703
Legend and Legacy’. plymhearts.org/thebox

Plymouth Gin Mayflower Steps

Black Friars Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Close to the site of the Mayflower’s departure, the
Gin since 1793, is the oldest working gin distillery in steps are a monument to this significant voyage and
England and is situated in the heart of the historic port its final departure point, Plymouth. Free and always
city of Plymouth. Originally adjoining a Dominican open. Opposite the Mayflower Museum.
Priory, dating from the year 1431, it is suggested that
in 1620 some of the Pilgrims may have dined here
before their departure on the Mayflower.
plymouthgin.com

10

VisitPlymouth.co.uk

Smeaton’s Tower Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park

A centre piece on Plymouth Hoe and a well known Grade 1 Cornish gardens, historic house and acres of
landmark. Climb the 72ft tower for stunning views parkland. Mount Edgcumbe can be reached by boat
out into the ocean. from Plymouth. Catering and group tours available.
plymhearts.org/smeatons-tower mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Plymouth Boat Trips Royal William Yard

No visit to Plymouth is complete without a trip on Considered to be one of the most important groups
the water. Explore the majestic Plymouth Sound and of historic military buildings in Britain, it is also the
admire the stunning views of the city from the sea. largest collection of Grade 1 listed military buildings
Catering available on board, specialist commentary in Europe. The Royal William Yard is a thriving hub
can be arranged. Catch and cook experiences with many restaurants, businesses and retailers. An
available. Fully customisable. arts and culture destination with regular public events
Plymouthboattrips.co.uk taking place including outdoor theatre productions
and open-air cinema, arts and crafts markets.
royalwilliamyard.com

11

Mayflower400UK.org

Places Of Historical Interest Group Tour Guides

Island House, Barbican Plymouth Walking Tours

Dating between 1572 and 1600, believed to be one of Scheduled and customisable walking tours of
the buildings the Pilgrims lodged prior to their departure Plymouth. Approx. 1 hour. Can be tailored to needs
– marked with plaques on the outside of the building. of the group.
devonandcornwalltourguides.com/tour/plymouth-
Elizabethan House walking-tour

This building gives an idea of what New Street would Unique Devon Tours
have looked like in the early to mid-17th century.
The building was restored for the Mayflower 350 Local, expert tour guide, specialising in ancestral
commemorations and is being restored again for and heritage tours of the local area.
the 400th. uniquedevontours.com

Prysten House & American Door Of Unity Select South West Tours

Dating from 1500 this is the oldest surviving merchant Local, expert tour guide, offering cruise excursions,
house in Plymouth. There are a number of American walking tours and small group tours.
plaques in this historic courtyard. The Prysten’s north selectsouthwesttours.com
garden door was named in 1930 as the ‘Door of Unity’.

Customs House & Old Customs House Finesse Chauffeurs

The cargo and some of the passengers from the Driver guided tours in luxury vehicles for small groups
Speedwell ship that was declared not fit for the journey of up to 7 people.
to America were transferred to the Mayflower. For this finessechauffeurs.co.uk/mayflower400
reason it is likely the key Mayflower personnel would have
had to check in with customs at the Customs House. Travel England Tours

Merchant’s House Driver guides with special interest in military history.
travelenglandtours.com
Largest and finest surviving example of a 16th and
early 17th century residence in Plymouth. Tours Cornwall – Jayne Dymock

Blackfriars Plymouth Gin Distillery Accredited Blue Badge Guide. Available for group
tours, on coach commentary, cruise shore excursions.
Dating from 1431, this building originally adjoined a tourscornwall.com
Dominican Priory. It is believed some of the Mayflower
passengers dined here before their final departure. Absolutours – Viv Robinson
Now England’s oldest gin distillery, with distillery tours
a shop and dining. Accredited Blue Badge Guide. Available for group
tours, on coach guiding and cruise shore excursions.
absolutours.co.uk

Jacka’s Bakery

Thought to have been the site of a bakery at the
time of the Mayflower. Still selling delicious baked
goods today.

MAYFLOWER THEMED TOURS. For details of other local tour guides and
Mayflower themed tours, visit mayflower400uk.org/visit/guided-tours

12

VisitPlymouth.co.uk

The Barbican, Plymouth 13

Mayflower400UK.org

Pilgrim Roots Key Travel Information

Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire & By Rail:
Lincolnshire Mainline railway stations include Retford,
Lincoln, Newark, Doncaster and Grantham
The story of the Mayflower Pilgrims begins in the East with regular trains from London. Boston,
Midlands region. Visit the towns, villages and churches Gainsborough and Grimsby have train stations.
– in Scrooby, Babworth, Austerfield, Gainsborough,
Immingham and Boston where the Pilgrims, lived, By Air:
worshipped in secret and the places from where The Pilgrim Roots region is easily accessible by
they attempted and then finally made their escape to air via several regional airports:
Holland in search of religious freedom. - East Midlands Airport (Nottingham)
- Doncaster Sheffield Airport
This region is known as the ‘Pilgrim Roots’ region. - Humberside Airport
Many of the attractions and historic sites related
to the story have developed new visitor attractions, London Heathrow is 128 miles from Lincoln
tours, information and trails for visitors. Some of the and around 3 hours by road.
highlights include:
By Sea:
- The ‘Pilgrims Gallery’ in Retford; with comprehensive P&O North Sea Ferries operate daily services
information about the story and William Brewster’s from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge to Hull, just
study. Costumed Pilgrims and tours are available north of the Pilgrim Roots region.
for groups

- ‘Boston and the threads to America’ exhibition at
Boston Guildhall revealing connections not only with
the Mayflower Pilgrims but also the wider links with
Boston, USA

- Enhanced exhibition at Immingham Museum
- New exhibition and Gainsborough Old Hall
- New Mayflower themed walking and cultural tours

across the region

The following pages showcase the things to do, tours
and historical links in these destinations. Two to three
days in the Pilgrim Roots region will provide the time
for visitors to see all of the Mayflower sites, and other
key things to do in the area. Any one of the regions
highlighted could be visited if you just have half a day.
For visitors not on an organised tour, we’d recommend
you use a local tour guide as access to some of the
churches needs to be planned in advance.

For more detailed information on the Pilgrim Roots
region, visit the website PilgrimRoots.co.uk

14 Babworth

Pilgrimroots.co.uk

Tours & Tour Guides

Make your group visit memorable and meet local Brackenbury’s Britain
experts who will bring the story to life for your tours.
All tours need to be pre-booked and are customisable. Regional specialists Brackenbury’s Britain deliver
personalised tours of the places intimately connected
Sue Allen, Mayflower Maid with the Mayflower story in Nottinghamshire and
Lincolnshire. Tours can include Lincoln, Nottingham
Specialist tours with Pilgrim Historian, Author and the Peak District.
and official historian of Scrooby Manor. Costumed brackenburysbritain.co.uk
tours can be provided. Enjoyable, educational E: [email protected]
and immersive.
mayflowermaid.com Cultural Heritage Tours
T: +44 (0)1673 878398
Explore the history, heritage and culture of Sherwood
Pilgrims & Prophets Forest and Pilgrim Roots with an expert archaeologist
and tour guide.
Faith based specialist tours provide an historical culturalheritageuk.com/tours.html
context to the development of Christianity from the E: [email protected]
time of Henry VIII to the origins of the Pilgrims and the
Baptists, and include the option of including the later Boston Guildhall Tours
stages of reform with John Wesley and the Methodists.
pilgrimsandprophets.co.uk A customised group tour of Boston Guildhall including
E: [email protected] the new ‘From Pilgrims to Cotton, Boston and the
T: +44 (0)7470 366 689 threads of America’ exhibition; explore the stunning
market place, Boston Stump and enjoy afternoon tea.
Pilgrims, Mice & Kings T: +44 (0)1205 365954
E: [email protected]
Full day tours (options to extend to multi day tours) bostonguildhall.co.uk
with local author and Photojournalist, Sally Outram
featuring Babworth, Scrooby, Retford and view the new
Pilgrim Apple. Walking tours available.
Sallyomedia.com
T: +44 (0)7986 011 903

Boston Stump 15

Mayflower400UK.org

Scrooby & Babworth,
Nottinghamshire

The Mayflower story begins in the villages of Scrooby Key Travel Information
and Babworth, in north Nottinghamshire. The county
is also well known for the city of Nottingham, being By Road:
a centre of cultural, sporting and retail excellence Approx. travel time from London 3 hours 30
and nearby Sherwood Forest – home of Robin Hood. minutes.
The surrounding countryside of Nottinghamshire has
beautiful rural English villages, art galleries, excellent By Rail:
food and significant heritage. Approx. travel time from London Kings Cross
to Retford – 1 hour 30 mins.
Scrooby, Babworth, Retford and the
Mayflower story For More Information

The leading religious Separatists were originally from Mayflower 400
the Bassetlaw area of Nottinghamshire, where their mayflower400uk.org/visit/scrooby-babworth
beliefs were shaped. The group we now know as the
Mayflower Pilgrims were seen as dangerous religious Pilgrim Roots
outlaws and were forced to worship in secret. pilgrimroots.co.uk

Among them was William Brewster who was brought Visit Nottinghamshire
up in Scrooby and later became senior elder and the visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
leader of the colonists’ community. Inspired by the
radical words of Richard Clifton, the rector of nearby Travel Trade and tourist information
All Saints’ Church in Babworth, Brewster is believed to Isabelle Richards
have founded a Separatist Church in his family home, E: [email protected]
the privately owned Scrooby Manor House. T: +44 (0)7725 768388

Sturton-le-Steeple is the birthplace of John Robinson,
the spiritual leader of the Separatist congregation
in Leiden. Mayflower passenger Katherine (White)
Leggett-Carver, sister of John Robinson’s wife, Bridget
White, was also born in this village. She was married to
Mayflower Pilgrim, John Carver, who was elected the
first Governor of Plymouth Colony.

The Pilgrim Roots story is told at the new Pilgrims
Gallery in Retford. The gallery has world class
interpretation, hands on displays and William
Brewsters ‘study’. An ideal place to start any Pilgrim
Roots tour.

16 Pilgrims Gallery, Retford

Pilgrimroots.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Pilgrims Gallery (NEW) & Bassetlaw Retford Town
Museum, Retford
The ancient market town of Retford was granted its
World class, hands-on interactive interpretation of first charter (the right to hold a fair) by Henry III in 1246.
the Pilgrim Roots story in a brand new (2019) gallery. The town features fine Georgian buildings, a spacious
The Rural Heritage centre shows how the Separatists square, and two theatres. Coach parking, group
may have worked the land. Group visits welcomed, restaurants. Market days Thursdays and Saturdays.
costumed tours available. visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/explore/market-towns/
pilgrimroots.co.uk/pilgrims-gallery retford
T: +44 (0)1777 713749

All Saints’ Church, Babworth Sherwood Forest

Closely connected with the origins of religious A royal forest famous by its historic association with
separatism, Richard Clifton was Parson at Babworth the legend of Robin Hood.
from 1586 until 1605. William Brewster and William visitsherwood.co.uk
Bradford were regular attendees here; the footpath to the T: +44 (0)1623 677321
church from their homes is known as the Pilgrims’ Way.
mayflower400uk.org/visit/scrooby-babworth/notts- The School of Artisan Food, Welbeck
attractions/all-saints-church-babworth
Contact Isabelle Richards: Find out what the Pilgrim families ate and drank and
T: +44 (0)7725 768388 how they made it and what foods did they take with
[email protected] them in order to survive the long journey to America.
Hands on cookery classes.
St Swithun’s Church, Retford schoolofartisanfood.org
T: +44 (0)1909 532171
A short walk away from Retford Museum.
Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Retford Hub
T: +44 (0)1777 704222
A tourist information centre with a dedicated
St Wilfred’s Church, Scrooby Pilgrim Room.
mayflowerpilgrimcentre.uk
St Wilfrid’s Church was William Brewster’s church, T: +44 (0)1777 860414
before he became a Separatist. He attended the
church with his family in the early 17th century, before
fleeing to Holland. See Brewster’s pew and where
William and Mary would have worshipped with their
young children.
mayflower400uk.org/visit/scrooby-babworth/notts-
attractions/scrooby-church/
T: +44 (0)1777 818322

Mayflower Churches

Churches are primarily a place of worship and
commitments to the church and the congregation
will take precedence over group visits (for example
funerals, weddings and church services).
Please ensure group visits are pre-arranged.
Contact Isabelle Richards:
T: +44 (0)7725 768 388
E: [email protected]

Sherwood Forrest 17

Mayflower400UK.org

Austerfield, Bawtry & Doncaster

Austerfield is a small village in the metropolitan Key Travel Information
borough of Doncaster. Nearby, at the point where the
Gainsborough Road met the Great North Road, lies the By Road:
market town of Bawtry. This pretty and historic town Austerfield is seven miles south of Doncaster.
has places to stay, shops and eateries. Approx. travel time from London by road
– 3 hours.
Doncaster is renowned for its horse racing, rich railway
heritage and its wealth of Georgian and Regency By Rail:
architecture on the Great North Road. Approx. travel time from London Kings Cross
to Doncaster – 1 hour 50 minutes.
Austerfield, Doncaster And The Retford – 1 hour 30 mins.
Mayflower Story
For More Information
William Bradford of Austerfield, near Doncaster,
became the second elected Governor of the Plymouth Mayflower 400
Colony in Massachusetts in 1621. He continued to mayflower400uk.org/visit/austerfield-
serve the Colony for almost 30 years. Bradford was doncaster
baptized St Helena’s church where the original font
can be seen today. Bradford grew into a passionate Pilgrim Roots
religious radical, escaping to Holland with the Brewster pilgrimroots.co.uk
family at the age of 18.
Visit Doncaster
After travelling to America, Bradford was a signatory visitdoncaster.com
of the historic Mayflower Compact, and bequeathed
much of our knowledge about their momentous Travel Trade
journey and early years of the Colony in his journal, E: [email protected]
‘Of Plimoth Plantation’. T: 01302 737245

Just a minute’s walk northwards from St Helena’s Tourist Information
is Butten Meadow and its Delft-tiled plaque 1 Priory Place, Doncaster
commemorating the voyage of the Mayflower and E: [email protected]
Mayflower passenger, William Butten. A few hundred T: +44 (0)1302 734309
yards further along is Austerfield Manor House,
reputedly where William Bradford grew up. The house
is a private residence, but can be viewed from the road.

Hatfield near Doncaster was the birthplace of Mary
Smythe-Simpkinson-Brewster, mother of leading
Mayflower Pilgrim, William Brewster. Mary’s wealthy
family were mainly merchants and her brother John,
was an influential Alderman of Hull. Mary was almost
certainly baptized in the beautiful Parish Church of
St Lawrence and her parents are known to have been
buried within the building.

18 Stained glass window, St Helena’s Church, Austerfield

Pilgrimroots.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Doncaster St Helenas Church & Austerfield

An historical market town, at the southern edge of William Bradford was baptised in St Helena’s Church
Yorkshire, Doncaster is renowned for its horse racing, in the font which can still be seen today. A small
rich railway heritage and its wealth of Georgian and congregation still meets in this historic building on
Regency architecture on the Great North Road. It is the first Sunday each month. Nearby, a Delft tiled
thought William Brewster went to school here. mural commemorates Butten who sailed on the
visitdoncaster.com Mayflower and the house (now a private residence)
T: +44 (0)1302 734309 that William Bradford grew up in as a child –
Austerfield Manor House.
Bawtry
Austerfield Study Centre
A 12th century ancient port and today an attractive
market town close to Austerfield. Ideal for coach Adjacent to St Helena’s Church. Austerfield Study
stops, lunches, refreshments. Centre is an Environmental Education Centre as
visitbawtry.com well as a Community Hub with use of a 70 acre
nature reserve which provides the perfect setting for
delivering outdoor curriculum based activities.
Austerfieldstudycentre.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1302 710415

Austerfield Church. William Bradford’s Birthplace 19

Mayflower400UK.org

Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

Gainsborough is a market town on the edge of the Key Travel Information
county of Lincolnshire, on the banks of the River Trent
and adjacent to Nottinghamshire. Gainsborough Old By Road:
Hall is the largest visitor attraction in the local area Approx. travel time from London by road
one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses – 3 hours 30 minutes.
in Britain, visitors will learn more about its royal
connections and role in the Separatists’ story, linked By Rail:
to the Mayflower Pilgrims. You can also enjoy lunch Approx. travel time from London by train
in Chambers Coffee Shop or browse the gift shop. – 2 hours 50 minutes.
Catering and tours for groups are available.
For More Information
Gainsborough is surrounded by pretty English villages,
an area with many churches that open their doors Mayflower 400
during the annual West Lindsey Churches Festival. mayflower400uk.org/visit/gainsborough
Gainsborough is also home to the United Reformed
Church’s John Robinson Memorial Church, built in Pilgrim Roots
honour of the ‘Pastor to the Pilgrims’. pilgrimroots.co.uk

Nearby Helmswell Antiques Centre is the largest Gainsborough
in Europe and welcomes group visits. The region discovergainsborough.com
is home to significant aviation heritage, with
connections to the American Eagle Squadron. RAF Lincoln
Scampton hosts the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic visitlincoln.com
display team and The International Bomber Command
Centre is in nearby Lincoln. Travel Trade and tourist information
Faye Pudney
Gainsborough And The Mayflower Story E: [email protected]
T: +44 (0)1427 676666
Some of the Separatists are thought to have
worshipped clandestinely at Gainsborough Old
Hall with the permission of its owner, merchant
William Hickman; they later escaped to Holland via
Immingham from the town’s riverside.

Their preacher, John Smyth, was a strong influence
on the Mayflower Pilgrims and is considered to have
been a founder of the Baptist denomination. The
John Robinson Memorial Church was built in the town
to honour the memory of the local Separatist and
Pilgrim leader in Holland, himself the founder of the
Congregational denomination.

20 United Reform Church, Pilgrim Roots Trail

Pilgrimroots.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Gainsborough Town All Saints Parish Church

The highlight of the town for visitors is Gainsborough Adjacent to the Old Hall this is the church which
Old Hall. On the banks of the River Trent, the historic John Smyth attended before he became a leader of
riverside is from where some of the separatists the Gainsborough separatists, and where his children
escaped by boat on their way to the Humber. Groups were baptised.
can enjoy the retail offer at Marshalls Yard, with gainsboroughchurches.org
department stores, well known high street brands T: +44 (0)1427 629105
and food and drink.
discovergainsborough.com Glentworth, St Michael

Gainsborough Old Hall Sir Christopher Wray of Glentworth was a cautious
and conservative Lord Chief Justice, but his children
One of the best preserved medieval manor houses in used their wealth and prestige to support radical
England. The hall was home to the Hickman family Christianity. These siblings played a key role in the
who were sympathetic to the separatist movement development of the Mayflower Pilgrims, hosted the
and allowed regular meetings to be held here. Coaches founders of the Baptist denomination, and trained a
and groups welcome. Coffee shop, gift shop and generation of radical preachers.
meeting / educational rooms and packages available.
gainsborougholdhall.com Lincoln
T: +44 (0)1427 677348
Just 20 miles from Gainsborough is Lincoln, one of
Gainsborough Heritage Centre England’s Heritage Cities; walk the cobbled streets,
see 1215 Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle whose
Find out about the history of the town including the influence is seen in the Mayflower Compact and the
towns industrial past and development. American Bill of Rights and one of Europe’s finest
gainsboroughheritage.co.uk Cathedrals. Plenty of group friendly accommodation
T: +44 (0)1427 610 526 and places to eat.
VisitLincoln.com

United Reformed Church (John Robinson
Memorial Church)

Built in memory of John Robinson, pastor to the
Pilgrims. Robinson was born in nearby Sturton-le-
Steeple and became the Pilgrims leader in Leiden.
Now features the Mayflower Room.
gainsborough-united-reformed-church.org.uk
T: +44 (0)1427 811258

Gainsborough Old Hall 21

Mayflower400UK.org

Boston, Lincolnshire Key Travel Information

Boston is a historic port and market town located on By Road:
the River Witham in Lincolnshire, joining the North Approx. travel time from London – 3 hours.
Sea at ‘The Wash’. Boston and its magnificent church
are named after St Botolph, an Anglo Saxon monk, By Rail:
who according to tradition visited the area in the Approx. travel time from London Kings Cross
7th Century. (via Grantham) – 2 hours 30 minutes.

Boston today is a diverse and vibrant town to explore For More Information
and discover, with a unique history and heritage.
Boston’s medieval wealth can be seen from surviving Mayflower 400
buildings in the town that you can still visit today; St mayflower400uk.org/visit/boston-uk
Botolph’s Church (known locally as ‘The Stump’), St
Mary’s Guildhall and the town’s stunning market place Pilgrim Roots
are just three examples. Large weekly markets take pilgrimroots.co.uk
place each Wednesday and Saturday and are popular
with groups. Boston
visitbostonuk.com
Nearby at RSPB sites – Frampton Marsh and
Freiston Shore visitors can experience the diversity Travel Trade
of The Wash. Polly Wilkinson
E: [email protected]
Boston And The Mayflower Story
Tourist Information: at Boston Guildhall
One night in the autumn of 1607, a determined group E: [email protected]
of men, women and children secretly met a boat on T: +44 (0)1205 365954
the edge of ‘The Wash’ at Scotia Creek, Fishtoft, near
Boston. They planned to defy the authority of the
English church and escape across the North Sea to
Holland to live in religious freedom.

The group were betrayed and stripped of their
belongings and hope, they were brought by boat to
Boston and held and tried at the Guildhall, home to
the local law court and cells. Today, people can visit
Boston Guildhall and see the cells where they were
held. Nearby is the Pilgrim memorial marking the point
at Scotia Creek from where they made their attempt
to escape.

22 Boston Guildhall

Pilgrimroots.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Boston Town Pilgrim Memorial, Scotia Creek

This market town with a sweeping market place is The free to visit memorial is within Havenside
rich in heritage and connections to Boston, USA, Countryside Park on the bank of the River Haven and
and is where the separatists made their first attempt is hugely atmospheric; marking the area where some
to escape to Holland. Groups are welcome. Central of the separatist congregation made their attempt to
coach parking available. Open-air markets are held escape England in 1607. Limited parking is available.
every Wednesday (also live auction day) and Saturday. T: +44 (0)1205 365954
The markets are as popular and busy today as they
were when they began trading in the 12th century. St Botolph’s Church, Boston
Visitbostonuk.com
Known as ‘The Stump’, St Botolph’s has significant
Boston Guildhall American connections – from here Rev John Cotton
attracted people from far and wide to attend sermons
In 1607 the separatists made their first attempt to challenging the established church and inspiring the
escape to Holland from a point close to Boston. They 1630s migration of 300 Bostonians to America.
were betrayed and arrested. Visit Boston Guildhall parish-of-boston.org.uk
where the pilgrims were held and tried – you can still T: +44 (0)1205 310929
see the cells they were held in. A new exhibition for
the 400th anniversary is on display and new bookable Fydell House
tours and experiences are available.
visitbostonuk.com/venue/guildhall Fydell House is a fine example of a Georgian house
T: +44 (0)1205 365954 built in the early 1700’s and bought and altered in
the 1720’s by Joseph Fydell, a local merchant. The
house is primarily used for events but visitors are very
welcome when the house is open.
bostonpreservationtrust.com
T: +44 (0)1205 351 520

Boston Guildhall 23

Mayflower400UK.org

Immingham,
North East Lincolnshire

Immingham is located in North East Lincolnshire on Key Travel Information
the River Humber. The town’s museum tells the local
history including the story of the Pilgrims and how the By Road:
area became home to one of the UK’s largest ports. Approx. travel time from London – 4 hours.

On the banks of the Humber Estuary, the nearby resort By Rail:
of Cleethorpes is very popular with visitors with a From London Kings Cross to either Scunthorpe
beautiful sandy beach and year-round attractions. in 2 hours 30 minutes (22 miles from
Today it attracts visitors who come to enjoy its lovely Immingham) or Grimsby Town in 3 hours
beaches, long promenade, recently renovated pier and (8 miles from Immingham).
gardens. It is also a great place for bird watching.
For More Information
Nearby, Great Grimsby is a large coastal town that
originated as a Viking settlement during the 9th century Mayflower 400
and has developed as a major sea port. The Fishing mayflower400uk.org/visit/immingham
Heritage Centre tells the local history of sea fishing.
Pilgrim Roots
South of Immingham you will find the stunning pilgrimroots.co.uk
Lincolnshire Wolds. Rolling hills with pretty English
villages showcasing some of England’s finest North East Lincolnshire
countryside. discovernel.co.uk

Immingham And The Mayflower Story Travel Trade
E: [email protected]
The year following the trial of the Scrooby T: 01472 324367
congregation at Boston Guildhall, the Pilgrims made
another attempt to escape, this time successfully. The Tourist Information
Separatists secured the services of a Dutch boat and Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes
its captain to take them to Holland. The Dutch captain E: [email protected]
set sail from Immingham Creek with only the men at T: +44 (0)1472 323222
first. The women and children who took refuge in St
Andrew’s Church, joined later.

Immingham Creek is now part of the port of
Immingham, the largest port by tonnage in the
country. St Andrew’s Church welcomes visitors to
re-discover the story and in 2019 will be celebrating
its 800th year anniversary. On the nearby green is a
memorial to those who made the journey, organised by
the Anglo-American Society and made with rock from
Plymouth, Massachusetts. Many street names around
Immingham are named after the passengers of the
Mayflower – you will spot Bradford, Clyfton and more
as you travel around the town.

24

Pilgrimroots.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

North East Lincolnshire St Andrew’s Church

On the edge of the Humber, North East Lincolnshire In 1608 the Separatists secured the services of a
visitors to the region can enjoy the stunning beaches Dutch boat and her captain to take them to Holland.
and seaside town of Cleethorpes, the shopping and One of the group, Francis Hawkins fell ill – his body is
Fishing Heritage centre in Grimsby and also explore buried in St. Andrews Church graveyard.
the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Immingham T: +44 (0)1472 560916
is the heart of the Mayflower story in this region, that
has so much more to explore. Cleethorpes Town
discovernel.co.uk
A clean and modern seaside resort with traditional
Immingham Museum and Heritage Centre appeal. Breath-taking scenery, fabulous beaches,
mouth-watering food, top attractions and fascinating
This small museum was established in 1970 and is history. The Greenwich Meridian line runs through
based at the Civic Centre. The museum features a Cleethorpes as it travels round the globe from north to
small display depicting the Pilgrim Separatists who south, and a metal plate has been set into the coastal
escaped England from Immingham in 1608. path to mark the exact location.
imminghammuseum.org visitcleethorpes.co
T: +44 (0)1469 727272 T: +44 (0)1472 323111

Pilgrim Park, Immingham Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre

See the Pilgrim monument in Pilgrim Park, just Takes you back 60 years to discover life for our
opposite St Andrews Church. trawlermen and their families, both at home and at
immingham-tc.gov.uk sea. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and even
the movements of life as a 1950’s trawlerman.
nelincs.gov.uk/culture-events-and-tourism/grimsby-
fishing-heritage-centre
T: +44 (0)1472 323345

Immingham Museum and Heritage Centre 25

Mayflower400UK.org

Chorley Key Travel Information

Chorley is a popular Lancashire market town steeped By Road:
in history and surrounded by beautiful countryside Chorley is close to the M61, M6 and M65
with strong connections to the story of Mayflower motorways. Less than an hours drive from
military advisor Myles Standish. Manchester. Approx. 5 hours 40 from London.

Chorley is also famous for its markets, splendidly By Rail:
tasting Chorley Cakes – and even the satirically Manchester Picadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and
portrayed Chorley FM. Preston railway stations all connect to Chorley.
Journey time from London Euston is around 3
With a bustling town centre, historic halls, pleasant 1/4 hours.
parks, carefree cycling, wonderful walks and
adventurous activities, there are lots of things to By Air:
do in Chorley. International flights arrive at Manchester
Airport, which has a rail link to Manchester
Ideally located in the North West of England just Piccadilly and nearby Liverpool John Lennon
a short journey to the cities of Manchester and airport.
Liverpool and a short hop up the motorway to the
beautiful Lake District. Chorley is the perfect place to For More Information
explore the North West and learn about the story of
Myles Standish who played a vital role in settling the Mayflower 400
Mayflower Pilgrims in America. mayflower400uk.org/visit/chorley-lancashire

Chorley And The Mayflower Story Chorley
checkoutchorley.com
Chorley’s links to the Mayflower are through Myles
Standish, who was a resourceful and brave military Lancashire
advisor who accompanied the Pilgrims to New visitlancashire.com
Plymouth and help found the colonies in America, has
been of great interest over the years. Travel Trade and tourist information:
Charlotte Jukes
It perhaps offers a different story to the rest of E: [email protected]
the people on board the historic voyage and work T: +44 (0)1257 515151
has continued right up until this day to confirm his
birthplace. He is a noted and venerated figure for
Americans, having a 116 foot tall memorial in Duxbury,
New England, and many sites named after him. In his
homeland of Britain he is usually a footnote in general
histories but his origins periodically excite much
debate and even passion!

There are many sites in the borough that link to the
Standishes and these form part of a trail that provide
a great opportunity to explore the borough and learn
more about one of the Mayflower’s key protagonists.

26

CheckoutChorley.com

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Chorley, Lancashire Hoghton Tower

Popular Lancashire market town. Market days – indoor 16th-century Elizabethan fortified manor-house.
market open 5 days a week (Monday – Saturday, Guided tours of the panelled state rooms. Walled
closed Wednesday), street market every Tuesday. gardens, gift shop and tea room.
checkoutchorley.com visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/hoghton-
tower-p18029

St Laurence’s Church, Chorley Ormskirk

‘The Standish Pew’ is an Elizabethan pew where Historic market town with lots of history and
Myles Standish would have sat when worshipping at character. Markets every Thursday and Saturday. Visit
the church, living nearby at Duxbury Hall. An American St Peter and St Paul Church, see the clock tower in the
flag in the church was donated by US soldiers town centre and visit the art gallery.
stationed nearby. visitlancashire.com/explore/ormskirk
stlaurencechorley.co.uk

Duxbury Park Astley Hall & Park

Duxbury Park is a popular golf destination and the home Guided tours for groups (up to 40) available of the
of historical gem the Duxbury Estate. Believed to have house and gardens. Breathtaking plaster ceilings, rare
been the home of Myles Standish, Duxbury Hall itself panelling and fine English furniture.
no longer exists but the park features fine gardens, a E: [email protected]
recently refurbished coach house and a restaurant. T: +44 (0)1257 515151
checkoutchorley.com/duxburypark Astleypark.co.uk

Astley Hall 27

Mayflower400UK.org

Worcestershire Key Travel Information

Worcester is home to an amazing evolving history, By Road:
including the first and last battle of the Civil War; Worcester is very close to the M5 motorway
visited by US presidents John Adams and Thomas (Junctions 6 and 7). Droitwich Spa is just over
Jefferson who were keen to see the site they regarded 6 miles North from the centre of Worcester.
as the place where democracy was born. The rolling Approx. travel time from London 2 hours,
Malvern Hills are home to Morgan Motors and inspired 30 minutes.
composer Elgar who is from the area. Worcester is
often known as ‘The Faithful City’, being the last city By Rail:
to support King Charles II in the Battle of Worcester From London Paddington – 2 hours 20 minutes.
which was fought in 1651 against Oliver Cromwell
during the English Civil War. By Air:
Birmingham International Airport is just 26
Pilgrim Edward Winslow was born and was schooled miles from Worcester. Other nearby airports
in Worcester – walk to the top of Worcester Cathedral include East Midlands Airport (57 miles) and
Tower to take it all in for yourself. Bristol Airport (61 miles). London Heathrow is
approx. 120 miles and 2 hours 10 minutes.
Worcestershire is well-known for its food and drink,
the annual asparagus and plum festivals celebrate For More Information
some of the counties local produce; cider is also
produced here. The market town of Droitwich is famed Mayflower 400
for its salt production and is on the canal – so boat mayflower400uk.org/visit/worcestershire
trips and boating holidays are an option.
Worcestershire
Worcestershire is conveniently located close to visitworcestershire.org
Stratford Upon Avon – home of the famous Bard
Shakespeare and the stunning Cotswolds countryside. Group Travel
visitworcestershire.org/group-travel
Worcestershire And The Mayflower Story
Travel Trade and tourist information
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, was the birthplace Emma Wheeler.
of Edward Winslow, one of the senior leaders of E: [email protected]
the Mayflower and later Governor of the Plymouth
colony. The historic City of Worcester is home to the Tourist Information
magnificent Cathedral where Winslow attended school The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester
before heading to London to do an apprenticeship. WR1 2EY
E: [email protected]
T: +44 (0)1905 726311

28 Edward Winslow

visitworcestershire.org

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Worcester City Severn Valley Railway

Explore the Faithful City of Worcester and its 16 mile railway; see the armour plated carriage where
magnificent Cathedral. General Eisenhower and Winston Churchill revealed
visitworcestershire.org their D-Day plans to the King.
visitworcester.co.uk Svr.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1905 726311 T: +44 (0)1562 757900

Worcester Cathedral Droitwich Spa

Winslow was educated at Worcester Cathedral school Birthplace of Mayflower Pilgrim Edward Winslow, three
for five years before he was apprenticed to a London times Governor of the Plymouth Mass. Colony. Known
printer. Book a private tour of the Cathedral Library as the ‘Salt Town’ with natural brine springs, this
and see Edward Winslow in the school records. historic Spa town welcomes groups.
worcestercathedral.co.uk visitdroitwichspa.com
T: +44 (0)1905 732 900 T: +44 (0)1905 726311

Tudor House Museum St Peters Church, Droitwich Spa

Experience what life was like in 1620, leading up to the With its Norman chancel arch and 16th Century
Civil War. belltower, St Peter’s is a fascinating building to
tudorhouse.org.uk explore. The vestry is dedicated to Edward Winslow,
T: +44 (0)1905 612309 who was born in the parish in 1595 and baptised here.
Visit the Winslow memorial.
The Commandery And Fort Royal Hill droitwichparish.org.uk
T: +44 (0)1905 794952
Dedicated to the English Civil War, this building was
King Charles I headquarters for the decisive battle Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information
of Worcester. Centre
museumsworcestershire.org.uk
T: +44 (0)1905 361821 See a replica of Edward Winslow’s portrait in the Town
Council Chamber at the Droitwich Spa Heritage &
City Archives At The Hive Information Centre. Learn of the town history of salt
and the history of the ‘Wychbold’ Radio masts.
Archive service; see Edward Winslow’s baptism visitdroitwichspa.com/do/heritage-centre-museum
record and Shakespeare’s marriage bond.
thehiveworcester.org Sacred Heart Church Droitwich Spa
T: +44 (0)1905 822866
Covered in colourful Venetian glass mosaics, this
Museum Of Royal Worcester Catholic church was established in the early 20th
Century and once formed part of a boys’ college.
World’s largest collection of Royal Worcester Its grand architecture was based on the basilicas of
Porcelain. Tea room, groups welcomed (12+). Ravenna, Italy.
museumofroyalworcester.org/your-visit/groups sacredheartdroitwich.org.uk
T: +44 (0)1905 726311 T: +44 (0)1905 773258
E: [email protected]

Morgan Motors Factory Tour

Factory tours of this English car manufacturer where
each Morgan is made by hand. Car hire available for
F.I.T.s. Catering and gift shop on site.
Morgan-motor.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1684 573104

29

Mayflower400UK.org

Group Tour Guides

Discover History Elgar Driving Trail

Special in interactive hands-on historical experience Whilst in Worcestershire, follow the Elgar driving
and customisable tours. trail to see the countryside that inspired the work of
discover-history.co.uk another son of the city, Edward Elgar, the celebrated
T: +44 (0)7949 222 137 composer of “The Graduation March”.
Elgarroute.org.uk

Worcester Walks Wanderlust Campervans

Prepare to be surprised by some of Worcester’s rich Hire a comfortable campervan with a character of
history as enthusiastic and knowledgeable Blue Badge its own to take on a Mayflower road trip. Campers
and Green Badge guides take you off the beaten track available for all events, commemorations and just
to discover the locations where characters once lived. short breaks to explore England.
worcesterwalks.co.uk Wanderlustcamperco.com
T: +44 (0)7890 222 117

Evesham Vale Tour Guides

Trained tour guides who live locally show you the
highlights and history of this beautiful region.
eveshamvaletourguides.co.uk/coach-tours

30 St Peters Church

visitworcestershire.org

Worcester Cathedral 31

Mayflower400UK.org

Harwich, Essex Key Travel Information

Harwich is the UK’s second busiest passenger ferry By Road:
port with a long and fascinating seafaring history, Essex is well served by major roads including
including being home to the Master of the Ship – the M25, M11 and A12. Approx. travel time from
Christopher Jones. London by road – 2 hours.

The attractive old town was built on a grid pattern By Rail:
in the 13th Century. The famous seafarers Hawkins, Main-line rail route from London Liverpool
Drake and Frobisher all sailed from Harwich during the Street Station to Harwich approx. travel time 1
reign of Queen Elizabeth I on various expeditions. hour, 20 minutes.

An enjoyable way to discover the historic town is to By Air:
follow its Maritime Heritage Trail and from Ha’Penny London Stansted Airport and London Southend
Pier Visitor Centre on the Quay there are guided Airport are 50 minutes by road to Harwich,
walking tours throughout the summer. Harwich is London Heathrow and Gatwick are approx.
close to Dovercourt and within easy reach of Dedham 2 hours.
and Colchester. The Essex town of Leigh-on Sea also
has Mayflower connections. For More Information

Harwich And The Mayflower Story Mayflower 400
mayflower400uk.org/visit/harwich-essex
The story of the Mayflower is intrinsically linked with
the historic port of Harwich and plays a special part Harwich
in the iconic ship’s history. The ship was originally historicharwich.co.uk
designated as “of Harwich” and is believed to
have been built in the Essex coastal town and was Essex
commanded and part-owned by Captain Christopher visitessex.com/groups
Jones, whose house stands on Kings Head Street and
will be open to visitors for the first time. Travel Trade and tourist information
Tendring Distirct Council TIC
Jones was twice married in St. Nicholas Church, E: [email protected]
Harwich, and his first wife Sara Twitt lived opposite T: +44 (0)1255 686633
the ship’s Captain in a house, which is now home to
a popular local hostelry – the Alma Inn. Visit Jones Tourist Information
historic house and experience the foundations of the Ha’Penny Pier Visitor Centre, The Quay
Mayflower’s journey in a town, which retains the same T: +44 (0)1255 502872
look and charm as it did in the 17th century. Marvel
at a largely untold story of the Captain’s life and see
the Great Charter, which names Jones as one of the
capital burgesses by James I in 1604.

32

HistoricHarwich.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

Historic Harwich Lightship Lv18

Harwich is best known for its role in the story of America The ex-Trinity House vessel LV18 is the last surviving
as the port from which Christopher Jones, the captain of example of a manned light vessel in British waters,
the Mayflower lived and was twice wed. The historic grid which has been preserved in its original configuration
pattern of the streets and many of the historic buildings and restored to a high standard of authenticity.
are visible today. Lv18.org
historicharwich.co.uk/history/harwich-town

Home Of Captain Christhoper Jones Dovercourt

The home of Captain Christopher Jones will be Dovercourt Bay is a tranquil stretch of beach close
opened as a tourist attraction for the anniversary year, to Harwich with character buildings, plenty to do
the building is now a museum with many of the homes including a boating lake, walking and cycling and lovely
original features. views across to Felixstowe.
Historicharwich.co.uk historicharwich.co.uk/history/dovercourt-bay

Harwich Guildhall Essex Record Office, Chelmsford

Set in the heart of the historic old seaport, Harwich’s The storehouse of Essex history, caring for nearly
Guildhall is the only Grade 1 listed building in Harwich. 1,000 years’ worth of the county’s history. Collections
harwichtowncouncil.co.uk/your-council/the-guildhall include parish registers of baptisms, marriages,
T: +44 (0)1255 507211 burials and wills, dating from the 1400s-1858.
Specialist group tours can be arranged.
Ha’penny Pier Essexrecordoffice.co.uk
T: +44 (0)33301 32122
Ha’penny Pier, one of the UK’s only surviving wooden, E: [email protected]
working piers.
historicharwich.co.uk/history/hapenny-pier/ Visit Essex
T: +44 (0)1255 502872
Nearby groups will enjoy visiting Colchester with its
St Nicholas Church Castle and Dedham from where many Puritans were
recruited; also known as Constable Country with
Captain Christopher Jones lived and was twice stunning views made famous by the artist.
married in Harwich. St Nicholas Church which was Visitessex.com
rebuilt 1821.
harwichpeninsulaparish.co.uk/our-churches/ Group Tour Guides
st-nicholas/
The Harwich Society
The Redoubt Fort
The Society preserves the town’s rich heritage and
An extremely impressive 180ft (60m) diameter circular runs fascinating free guided tours. Can be tailored to
fort built in 1808 to defend the port of Harwich against Mayflower themed or more general Harwich history.
a Napoleonic invasion. Harwich-society.co.uk
harwich-society.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1255 502872

Radar Tower

The old Radar Tower at Beacon Hill Fort was the first
radar installation of the second world war, and can be
opened on request to the Harwich Visitor Centre.
harwich-society.co.uk

33

London: Rotherhithe, Southwark
& The City Of London

Rotherhithe, Southwark City Of London

Rotherhithe is in the London Borough of Southwark, on Across the River Thames from Southwark is the City
the Southbank of the River Thames. An internationally- of London. Crammed with world renowned sights,
recognised cultural destination, renowned for its visitors to the oldest part of London will see St. Pauls
vibrant performing and visual arts, history and Cathedral, The Guildhall, The Tower of London and
heritage. The many cobbled streets of Rotherhithe much more. Best explored on foot, City of London tour
wind through this historic port area, boasting stunning guides provide informative knowledgeable tours of
views of the Thames and away from the hustle of the area.
central London.

Southwark And The Mayflower Story Key Travel Information

The Mayflower story and Southwark’s role in that By Rail:
historic voyage are deeply intertwined. Rotherhithe has The London rail network including the London
a long seafaring and ship building history and was the Underground make connections to Rotherhithe
place where Christopher Jones, the captain and part and the City of London plentiful. For further
owner of the ship, and many of the crew lived. London travel information visit tfl.gov.uk

In July 1620 the Mayflower sailed from Rotherhithe to By Air:
join another ship, the Speedwell, coming from Holland Travel into the centre of London from London
in Southampton. City Airport which is 8 miles away. Train
connections from London Heathrow and
After an arduous journey to America, a terrible winter, Gatwick airports direct into central London.
sickness and hardship the ship and surviving crew
returned to Rotherhithe. Jones died, worn out by the For More Information
hardships and was buried at St Mary’s church. The
Mayflower may also have ended her life in Rotherhithe Mayflower 400
too and was most likely broken up a few years later as mayflower400uk.org/visit/southwark-london
Rotherhithe was also a ship breaking port.
City of London
The Mayflower Pub now sits close to the site where cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visit-the-
the ship was moored, and Mayflower Descendants are city/Pages/default.aspx
invited to sign the book of descendants in the pub.
London
For more information about the Rotherhithe Mayflower visitlondon.com
programme: mayflower400uk.org/visit/southwark-
london

Tourist Information:
City of London Information Centre,
St Paul’s Churchyard
E: [email protected]

34

Mayflower400UK.org

Mayflower Trail – Highlights For Groups

The Mayflower Pub City Of London

Must visit for any Mayflower themed tours to London. Monument, Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral,
Themed pub, with passenger lists, a book for Museum of London are all in the City of London.
descendents to sign, plus great food, drinks and a very More information can be found at:
warm welcome. Groups welcome. cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visit-the-city/
Mayflowerpub.co.uk attractions/Pages/default.aspx

St Mary’s Church Group Tour Guides

Designed by John James, an associate of Sir There are a number of tour guides available in the
Christopher Wren, the church has a homely grandeur London region. The following tour guides have advised
with deep roots in the maritime history of Britain. The Mayflower 400 of the London tours available. There
links with the ‘Mayflower’ and with Prince Lee Boo of are also links to the Blue Badge Guides and City of
Pelau, are particularly treasured. London Guides websites.
Stmaryrotherhithe.org
Anne Pollack
Southwark Cathedral
guidelondon.org.uk/guides/annepollak
Lies on the south bank of the River Thames close to
London Bridge. It is the mother church of the Anglican Steve Fallon
Diocese of Southwark and has been a place of
Christian worship for more than 1,000 years. guidelondon.org.uk/guides/stevefallon
cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/visiting

Brunel Museum Caroline Mongan

Tells the story of one of the world’s great engineering Official London Tour Guide
dynasties. www.lovelondontours.co.uk
brunel-museum.org.uk
Blue Badge Guides
Borough Market
britainsbestguides.org
Firm favourite for visitors to explore London’s most
famous food market. City of London Guides
Boroughmarket.org.uk
cityoflondonguides.com

The Clink Museum  

Presenting the scandalous truth of Old Bankside, in
one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons.
clink.co.uk/index.html

City Of London Guildhall

Where the ruling merchant class held court and
remains today the civic and ceremonial centre of
the city.
Guildhall.cityoflondon.gov.uk

City of London 35

Mayflower400UK.org

Dorking, Surrey

Visiting Dorking

Dorking is in the heart of the Surrey Hills, a At 50 years old, William was one of the financiers of
quintessentially English town home to Mayflower the 1620 Mayflower journey and he and his family
passenger William Mullins and his family – their home joined the ship in Rotherhithe in July 1620.
still stands in the town today.
Tragically, William, Alice and Joseph all died in the
Hike Dorkings’ hills, shop its quirky, independent first harsh winter. Only the teenage daughter, Priscilla,
shops, and partake in its locally sourced farm-to-fork survived and she was the only unmarried woman of
restaurants and cafés to get a taste of truly English child-bearing age in the colony in early 1621. She went
experience. on to marry John Alden, a young cooper.

Visit and take tea at the Mullins family house – Of all the Mayflower families, the Mullins/Aldens are
now home to the wonderful Mullins tea shop. Six thought to have the greatest number of descendants
passengers from Dorking travelled on the Mayflower living today.
and American presidents claim ancestry to the Mullins
family via William’s daughter Priscilla Alden. Key Travel Information
Visit the Dorking Museum. Dorking museum
showcases the areas local history. By Road:
Dorking is less than an hour from London and
Dorking traditional market day is Friday. Artisan just 15 minutes from the M25 at Leatherhead.
markets first Sunday of every month.

Dorking And The Mayflower Story By Rail:
There are three train stations all within
Dorking is the original home of six Mayflower 15 minutes’ walk: Dorking Main, Dorking
passengers – William Mullins, his wife Alice, their Deepdene and Dorking West. Approx. 45
children Joseph and Priscilla plus their servant Robert minutes from London Victoria or Waterloo.
Carter and a family friend called Peter Browne.
By Air:
Built in about 1590, the Mullins family home is a Dorking is half an hour from Gatwick Airport
handsome jettied building that stands proudly in the by car and under an hour from Heathrow. The
middle of Dorking’s West Street, not far from Pump train from Gatwick takes about 30 minutes.
Corner. The life of its owner, William Mullins,
a shoemaker, is celebrated by a blue plaque on the
front of the building. William Mullins was just one of
six Dorking residents to travel to the ‘New World’ on
the Mayflower; at least three more later joined them
in the colony.

William bought his home in 1612 and sold it seven
years later to invest in the Mayflower enterprise. We
do know that shoe-maker William intended to
establish a business in the new colony, taking 265
pairs of shoes and boots with him!

36

dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk

Mayflower Trail – Group Tour Guides
Highlights For Groups

William Mullins House, Mullins Coffee Shop Dorking Walks

On West Street, this building is thought to be the only The Dorking Museum is offering Mayflower guided
surviving home of a Mayflower Pilgrim, purchased in walks of the town.
1612 and sold 7 years later to invest in the Mayflower dorkingmuseum.org.uk/guided-walks-around-
enterprise. Limited space for groups. dorking
mullinscoffeeshop.co.uk

Dorking Museum For More Information

A permanent display about Mullins and the Mayflower Mayflower 400
story, plus other local history. Head underground for a mayflower400uk.org/visit/dorking
tour of Dorkings caves.
dorkingmuseum.org.uk

Leith Hill Tower Dorking
dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk
The top of the tower is the highest point in the South
East, 78 steps up and visitors can admire the views. Visit Surrey
nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill-tower-and-countryside visitsurrey.com

Travel Trade and tourist information:
Travel Trade: Charlotte Whitaker
E: [email protected]

The White Horse 37

Mayflower400UK.org

Southampton, Hampshire

Southampton is steeped in maritime heritage and Key Travel Information
today is known as the cruise capital of Europe. The
city has a vibrant atmosphere with an impressive By Road:
cultural and retail offering – featuring in the UK’s top Approx. travel time from London by road –
ten shopping destinations. The Mayflower is not the Southampton – 1 hour, 45 minutes;
only voyage the city is well known for. The Titanic Winchester – 1 hour, 30 minutes;
set sail from White Start dock in 1912. The Sea City Portsmouth – 1 hour, 30 minutes.
museum tells the story of this tragic journey that
impacted on the lives of so many in Southampton. By Rail:
Southampton Central Station from London
Outstanding art galleries in the city include some of Waterloo with direct services every 30
the finest collections outside of London and there minutes. Approx. travel time from London to
are many local artists and creatives too, showcasing Southampton – 1 hour, 15 minutes; Winchester
and selling their work. For evening entertainment the – 1 hour; Portsmouth – 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Mayflower theatre regularly shows West End musicals
and ballets. By Air:
Direct into Southampton Airport. London
The novelist Jane Austen lived in the Hampshire city Gatwick 88 miles; London Heathrow 62 miles.
of Winchester from 1806-1809 and you can follow the
city’s Jane Austen walking trail featuring places that By Sea:
she visited. Red Funnel ferry services to the Isle of Wight.
Cross channel ferry services, Brittany Ferries
The New Forest National Park, historic Winchester and LD Lines, operate from Portsmouth.
and naval Portsmouth are all easily accessible from Southampton is the cruise industry capital of
Southampton. London is also only just over an hour Europe, with four dedicated cruise terminals.
by train.
For More Information
Southampton And The Mayflower Story
Mayflower 400
The Mayflower arrived in Southampton in late mayflower400uk.org/visit/southampton
July 1620 and several days later was joined by the
Speedwell, carrying the Pilgrims from Leiden, Holland. Southampton
Their intention was to prepare both vessels and sail visitsouthampton.co.uk
together directly to America. The town had established
trading links with Virginia and Newfoundland so there Hampshire
were many experienced seamen in Southampton who visit-hampshire.co.uk
had previously made the Atlantic crossing. John Alden,
a merchant, and William Brewster are thought to have Travel Trade:
boarded the Mayflower here, William. On 15th August E: [email protected]
1620 the two ships weighed anchor and set sail. T: +44 (0)23 8083 2117

38

Mayflower Trail – Group Tour Guides
Highlights For Groups
See Southampton
Tudor House Museum
seesouthampton.co.uk
Southampton’s most important historic building,
Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one Southampton Tourist Guides
fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town.
tudorhouseandgarden.com southamptontouristguides.com

Sea City Museum

Based at the heart of Southampton, SeaCity
Museum tells the story of the people of the city,
their fascinating lives and historic connections with
Titanic and the sea.
Seacitymuseum.co.uk

Gods House Tower Sea City Museum

A brand new arts and heritage venue in the Old
Town. Tours, the tower, refreshments and city walks
are all available for groups.
Godshousetower.org.uk

Medieval Merchants House

Restored to its mid-14th-century appearance by
the removal of later additions, it is equipped with
replica period furnishings. It stands near the
medieval town wall, built to defend Southampton
against seaborne attacks.
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/medieval-
merchants-house

SS Shieldhall Sea City Museum

The Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working
steam ship in Britain. A member of the National
Historic Fleet she serves as a sea-going tribute to
Britain’s maritime heritage. Groups can experience
the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion
or visiting her in Southampton.
ss-shieldhall.co.uk/mayflower_group_package

Southampton City Art Gallery

Internationally renowned collection of arts.
Over 5,300 works.
southamptoncityartgallery.com

Buckler’s Hard Maritime Village

18th Century ship building village, maritime museum,
shipwright’s cottage, river cruises and more.
bucklershard.co.uk

Buckler’s Hard Maritime Village

39

Mayflower400UK.org

Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth is situated on the bank of the River Dart in While much has changed on the waterfront, Bayards
South Devon. It is a truly picturesque town, combining Cove, Lower Street, Smith Street and Agincourt House
heritage, fantastic shopping and places to eat, are still recognisable. It took around a week for the
with a vibrant waterfront hosting an active sailing port’s skilled craftsmen to rectify the damage before
community. The annual Royal Regatta is one of the they headed out into the English Channel again, bound
largest sailing events in the UK, and attracts visitors for the North Atlantic.
from all over the world.

The Britannia Royal Naval College, dating from 1863, Key Travel Information
overlooks the port of Dartmouth from its position on
the hill; this is where all Royal Naval officers receive By Road:
their initial service and leadership training, joined Approx. travel time from London – 5 hours.
by many international Naval officers. The College is Dartmouth is 32 miles from Plymouth.
sometimes open for guided tours – and is thought to
be the place where Queen Elizabeth met Prince Philip. By Rail:
The nearest train station to Dartmouth is
Dartmouth is a creative town – the small streets of Totnes, which is accessible by trains travelling
the shopping heart of the town are bursting with local from London Paddington and Birmingham.
artists working in their shops and galleries. The Flavel Trips on to Dartmouth can then be made by
Arts Centre has a varied programme of events and bus, taxi, car or boat down the River Dart.
exhibitions to suit all tastes. Approx. travel time from London to Totnes by
train – 3 hours.
The town also boasts a strong historical and social
heritage and guided walks around the old town can be By Air:
arranged. The nearby Dartmouth Museum, situated Exeter Airport – Approx. 45 miles.
in the 17th Century “Butterwalk”, shares stories of the Newquay Airport – Approx. 75 miles.
town’s maritime history. The oldest preserved steam Bristol Airport – Approx. 108 miles.
engine in the world – invented by Dartmouth born
Thomas Newcomen – can be viewed at the Dartmouth Something A Little Different?
Visitor Centre. Other places of interest include
Bayard’s Cove Fort (1510), Dartmouth Castle (1488) Sailing in the wake of Mayflower.
and St Saviour’s (1372) and St Petrox (1641) Churches.
For small groups of up to 8, S.B. Snark is a fully
Dartmouth And The Mayflower Story crewed traditional Thames sailing barge. During
2020 she will sail from London to Southampton,
Having departed from Southampton, the Mayflower Dartmouth and onto Plymouth following in the
and Speedwell didn’t get far before the Speedwell path of the Mayflower’s voyage of 1620.
began to take on water again. They arrived in
Dartmouth on 23rd August and, according to T: +44 (0)1962 841411
passengers, the Speedwell was leaking heavily and E: [email protected]
required urgent attention. snark.limited

The Mayflower moored upstream on the River Dart Travel Trade contact:
beside what is now known as Pilgrim Hill. Qiao Feng
E: [email protected]

40

dartmouthmayflower400.uk

Mayflower Trail – Group Tour And Tour Guides
Highlights For Groups

Dartmouth Castle Guided History Tours

For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded With the Town Crier and Consort of Dartmouth.
the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary. T: +44 (0)1803 845501
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dartmouth- E: [email protected]
castle discoverdartmouth.com/things-to-do/dartmouth-
guided-history-tours-p2246153
Bayard’s Cove Fort
Dartmouth Mayflower Town Guides
Tudor fort built in the 1500’s to protect the town.
Arrival point for the Mayflower and Speedwell. T: +44 (0)1803 834224
E: [email protected]
Dartmouth Museum
For More Information
Local history museum, a new scale model of the
Mayflower ship is on display. Mayflower 400
dartmouthmuseum.org/ mayflower400uk.org/visit/dartmouth/

Newcomen Engine Dartmouth
dartmouthmayflower400.uk
Worlds oldest preserved steam engine. discoverdartmouth.com
discoverdartmouth.com/things-to-do/the-
newcomen-engine-p1529933 Devon
visitdevon.com
St Saviours Church
Travel Trade
One of the best 100 churches in England. Laura Campbell
parishofdartmouth.co.uk/St%20Saviours. T: +44 (0)1803 834224
htm?LMCL=OI411h E: [email protected]

Steam Railway Visitor Centre
The Engine House, Mayor’s Avenue, Dartmouth
7 mile trip on the wonderful steam train. Can include T: +44 (0)1803 834224
drop off at Greenway House.
dartmouthrailriver.co.uk Something A Little Different?

Britannia Royal Naval College Glassmaking in Dartmouth.

Guided tours from past glories to the present day Create your own handmade pumpkin using
of the only naval college in England. traditional glass blowing techniques. Includes
britanniaassociation.org.uk/tours lunch or cream tea and a tour of the House of
Marbles.
National Trust Greenway House
T: +44 (0)1626 835358
Much loved summer home of author Agatha Christie. E: [email protected]
nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Dartington Hall

Day tour of medieval Dartington Estate and Totnes.
dartington.org/visit

41

Mayflower400UK.org

Mayflower Group & F.I.T. Tours

We welcome and encourage any group travel organiser, tour operator and agents to create and sell your own
Mayflower themed tours. The information provided here and by Mayflower 400 is to inspire you and provide
you with the content and contacts you need to be able to create a bespoke package priced and tailored to
your audiences.
If you require any assistance, Mayflower 400 is working with UK based DMCs and US tour operators. If you
require their services, our partners include:

Select Travel Services

Specialise in group tours, have extensive experience of working with Mayflower 400. Offer full itinerary
development and ground handling services including transport, accommodation and guides.
selecttravel.com

Reformation Tours / Mayflower 400 Tours.

US based tour operator. Offers scheduled and commissionable Mayflower packages.
mayflower400tours.com
NB – these are not exclusive partnerships. Tours can be created and sold by any agencies. The purpose of this
directory is to provide you with guidance and contacts to be able to build, price and sell your own Mayflower tours.
An Official Tour Operator logo is available to use on your own marketing. Please request access by completing
this online form: mayflower400uk.org/media/brand-resources

42 Pilgrim Gallery, Nottinghamshire

Mayflower 400 For Groups

Travel Information 43

By Air

England is well connected by air. Key gateways
include London Heathrow, London Gatwick,
Birmingham and Manchester.

Regional gateways provide a convenient way
to access the regional Mayflower destinations.
Flights from regional gateways to the
Netherlands are frequent and the average flight
time is just 60 minutes (from Schipol there are
then direct flights onto the US).

By Train

Traveling by rail is a scenic and relaxing way
to enjoy England. Most main cities and towns
have well serviced railway stations and all will
connect to London.

For some of the more rural destinations, a taxi
or driver guide would be necessary for F.I.T.s.
Train travel tends to be cheaper when booked
in advance. Please check luggage allowance on
trains before you book.

The BritRail pass provides ultimate flexibility
and value for money for traveling in Britain
britrail.com (Please remember to buy your
BritRail Pass before leaving your home country,
as BritRail Passes cannot be purchased when
in Britain).

GWR operate the mainline service from
London to the Southwest including Plymouth,
Dartmouth and Cornwall. gwr.com

By Coach

For independent travellers, the largest British
coach operator is National Express, who offer
great value coach travel across England.
Megabus also offer tickets to destinations
across Britain.

Elizabethan House, Plymouth

THE FAMOUS FIVE © 2017, Hodder & Stoughton Limited. All rights reserved.

For group enquiries, please contact
[email protected]