Thank you for choosing to travel with us
Art Safari is a unique way of travelling, a world leader in creative adventures. We pride ourselves in being professional artists as well as being a professional tour operator.
Combining travel, art, adventure and huge amounts of inspiration and fun since 2003, Art Safari leads plein air painting holidays to destinations worldwide. Founded by artist Mary-Anne Bartlett, Art Safari has led more than 250 tours in Africa, Asia, Europe as well as Antarctica and the Arctic. Each year we have of wide selection of tours, often including India, Japan, Uzbekistan, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Morocco, Galapagos, France and Italy.
Colour, shape and action in magical wildlife, wilderness and city destinations
Your travel sketchbooks will become visual diaries, full of the wonders of the world. Art Safari is for all those inspired to paint by travel and wildlife.
Whether you are a beginner, or you are already an experienced artist, Art Safari’s professional team of tutors and guides will encourage you to sit, look, sketch, observe, soak up the atmosphere and produce many sketches and paintings of your new environment. Our tutors include Mary-Anne Bartlett, Paul Green, Rachel Ivanyi, Ian Sedge, Karen Pearson, John Threlfall, Shelly Perkins, Mark Boyd, Julia Cassels, Darren Rees, Roger Dellar, Maxine Relton, Vicki Norman, Tom Shepherd and Claudia Myatt.
Take in detail, observe, learn and collect memories in sketches and paintings
Art Safari’s holidays are for creative explorers: artists, writers, photographers and non-painters. Whether travelling on your own or not, you are welcomed into a like-minded group and you can be assured of inspiration, good food, comfort and style.
Photographers and non-painters will experience new ways of seeing from the art tutor as well as enjoying all the benefits of relaxed wildlife viewing and personal safari guiding – brilliant for photography, bird watching and learning more about nature.
Art Safari also operates a separate tour company Close Encounters for private tailor-made holidays: our team of specialists will introduce you to experts in nature worldwide as well as organise dreamy tours, honeymoons and specialist travel.
The painting holiday of a lifetime
We know that you have moved mountains to make this trip possible and our team here in the UK will do everything to make it as special as possible. Please tell your tour leader if we can improve on anything.
With all the memories, paintings, sketches and photos, your Art Safari will stay with you forever. We hope that you enjoy it to the full, making the most of every moment. When you come back, keep in mind that we’re planning new destinations all the time, so feel free to ask about what’s coming up – or even to suggest new routes!
Have a good trip!
ART SAFARI TRAVELLER’S CODE
Art Safari believes that this code of travel will not only benefit travellers’ themselves, but also the people and environments of the country they are visiting. Through preparation and understanding, all those who travel with Art Safari can expect to have a wonderful and meaningful trip, secure in the knowledge that they are showing a high regard for the people and culture of their chosen destination.
BEFORE YOU GO
- To really get the most out of your trip, do some research on the places you will be visiting. Forewarned is forearmed, and it is really useful to be aware of the different cultural practices and taboos of the country you are visiting. Local music and literature can help you to get a feel for the place before you go, as well as the ever-useful guidebook.
- Language can often be a barrier to understanding and tolerance, and even learning just a few phrases of the local lingo can be of tremendous benefit for you. Often, people find the doors are opened to an even more ‘real’ holiday experience.
MONEY & COSTS
Different places have different cultures with regards to costs, tipping and service charges, bartering, begging, guides, and tourist services. Guidebooks normally have sections explaining these things, and they are worth paying attention to, so you do not offend anyone or encourage a practice that authorities are trying to wipe out.
Local and community run guided tours are great to go on for educational value, and for the precious input they create for the benefit of local communities.
- Be aware, in particular, of giving to children begging. Very often they are not the beneficiaries of your donation, and it also means they are less likely to go to school if they earn more for their family whilst begging.
- Try to ensure that as much of your money as possible stays in the local community by buying local produce and souvenirs wherever possible, and not international brands. Sometimes, as much as 90 pence spent in every pound by tourists can end up outside the host country.
- When bargaining, remember that small amounts can mean a lot more to the vendor than to you, so try to keep it lighthearted! Remember how wealthy you will often be in comparison with the local people.
- Try to have a good supply of notes in small denominations of US dollars and local currency.
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES
- Respect the environment by taking your litter back to your hotel or accommodation, by recycling as much as possible and by taking waste such as batteries back to your home country where disposal services are more available.
- Please resist collecting animal and vegetable mementos: do not pick wildflowers and plants, do not collect items which may spread disease such as feathers and bones, seeds etc.
- If you smoke, take an old film canister for storing your butt-ends until you can find a bin. Be careful with cigarette butts and used matches. They can easily start a fire in tinder dry grasslands.
- If you go on a safari, or visit national parks, remember to stick to the routes the guides set, or the paths set out on the guide map. This will help preserve wildlife and natural habitats. Please avoid buying products that are made from endangered animals and plants.
- Most hotels and guesthouses have a policy of washing bed sheets and towels every three days to minimise the impact that washing can have. Washing has a big impact on water consumption and detergents damage the environment.
- Conserve water. Conserve energy. Try to use as little water and electricity as possible, not just in the hotels, but also during every part of your trip. Water is precious. A simple thing like not running the tap whilst cleaning teeth and turning the shower off whilst soaping yourself, can save a great deal of water.
CULTURE & PHOTOGRAPHY
- Photographs can be the most memorable souvenirs of a holiday, and many people want to take lots. However, please do remember it can be offensive to take someone’s picture without their permission. Sometimes a souvenir postcard has a better picture, and also supports the local economy.
- Cultural differences should be appreciated, and cultural practices adopted wherever possible, without seeming patronising.
- It is wise to know the local laws on drinking and drugs, and to obey them at all times. Quite often, alcohol and drugs are seen to be culturally offensive, as well as being dangerous to you.
NATURE MATTERS
• Wildlife can be dangerous. Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow his/her advice and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
• Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
• Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
• Although the countryside is known to be home to a number of potentially dangerous species, especially snakes, scorpions, spiders and insects, very few visitors are adversely affected. Snakes tend to be shy, and generally stay away from built-up areas. Lodges and hotels often have insect (especially mosquito) proofing in their rooms. If you go on a walk, it is always a good idea to wear comfortable, enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long trousers – just as a precaution.
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy offering four fascinating countries all rolled into one easily accessible and remarkably diverse island nation. Comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK contains more heritage, per square mile, than any other nation in the world. It is also blessed with vast, sprawling areas of picturesque countryside, long stretches of rugged coastline, and some of most the dynamic, multicultural cities in the world. With the quaint medieval villages of the Cotswolds, the impressive architecture of the Canterbury Cathedral, the endless cultural delights of London and Edinburgh, and the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK offers enough variety to satisfy travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are keen to explore massive national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor, the charming seaside resorts of Blackpool and Bournemouth, or the unlimited supply of wonderful British pubs, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your time in this extraordinarily diverse nation.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound (GBP; symbol £) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, £20, £10 and £5. Additional banknotes issued by Scottish banks (including £1 notes) are accepted in all parts of the UK, although some smaller shops outside Scotland may prefer English banknotes. Coins are in denominations of £2 and £1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday--Friday 09h30-16h30
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Cash can be obtained from a multitude of ATMs available across the country.
Travellers' cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
How to get to EelsFoot Cottage . . .
Travel directions
(please keep a copy of these directions somewhere easily accessible as there is very poor signal once you get past Newbourne!)
If having joined the A12 from the A14 and approaching from the south, take the right hand exit off the first roundabout you come to which will be signposted to Waldringfield, Bucklesham and Newbourn(e). If travelling down the A12 from the Lowestoft direction, this will be the fourth roundabout after and including the big roundabout with traffic lights, and you will need to turn left. Keep on this road - ignore the first road to the right to Bucklesham. After the straight stretch of road and on a sharp bend round to the left, turn right to Newbourne. There is also a brown sign to Katie's Garden. After about 2 miles you will enter into the village and continue down to the t-junction - passing a couple of little garden nurseries, and eventually the church on your left. Turn left at this t-junction and drive past The Fox on your left - this is the nearest pub to Eelsfoot. Continue straight on and after about 1 mile, the road bears left but you take the 'no through lane' to Hemley to the right. You will see the church ahead of you on the left, sat navs will tell you to turn left here but don't, just carry straight on past the church parking, and the road runs out at High House Farm and becomes a bumpy track. Pass the big mock Tudor house on the right and you will then see Eelsfoot Cottage.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Iconic cakes, splendid sandwiches and heart-warming stews all hail from the United Kingdom. Don't miss tea and cake or, for a fancy occasion, try the full-blown afternoon tea, with three-tiered plates of sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Another fine UK institution is breakfast, and although there are plenty of coffee shops selling US-style muffins and bagels, the full-on British breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, tomatoes) served with a cup of tea can be found in cafés lovingly called “greasy spoons” or in pubs with an early licence.
In hotels, a service charge of 10 to 12% is usual, which may be added to the bill. For restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard; if this has already been added to the bill, a further tip is not required.
Climate and Weather
There is never a bad time to visit the United Kingdom, but for the most reliable weather come during the summer months (June-August) when the days are long and warm. Temperatures have been known on occasion to nudge 30 degrees Celcius C, sometimes higher, but the threat of rain is ever present - pack waterproofs as well as the sunscreen. The southeast of England is generally sunnier and warmer than the rest of the United Kingdom, but resorts along the coast get crowded during the summer.
The United Kingdom is arguably at its most beautiful during the autumn months (September-November), when rural landscapes take on brown, red and pink hues as the leaves lose their pigment. Scotland and the north of England bear the brunt of winter (November-March), but snow occasionally blankets much of the United Kingdom bringing with it travel chaos.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
The weather in Suffolk during August is typically fine, often hot and sunny, with occasional rain. Temperatures in August average around 22ºC in the afternoons, dipping to around 12ºC in the evenings. However, as we all know the British weather is very unpredictable (!) so, we would suggest you keep an eye on the weather forecast on the run up to the trip, and bring a waterproof just in case!
It is essential to bring comfortable shoes for walking.
We won’t be walking great distances but as we will be out and about most of the day our feet might be weary come the end of each day! We will be walking over uneven terrain at times, please bring comfortable trainers or walking shoes with grippy rubber soles.
Clothing
- Light Clothes / T-Shirts
- Long-sleeve Shirts
- Pullover or Fleece-Jacket
- Underwear
- Long Trousers / Shorts / Skirts
- Waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers
- Light Trekking Shoes with a good grip, shoes/sandals for cities/evening wear
- Sun Hat
Other equipment
- Sun Glasses
- Torch
- Photo Equipment
- Binoculars
- Adapter Plug (if needed)
- Wash-bag
- Hand wipes or anti-bac gel
- Spare batteries
- Chargers for cameras & phones etc
- Ear plugs
- Personal first aid kit
- Medication (for any prescribed medication please bring a copy of your prescription)
- Sun protection cream/sun block
- Mosquito repellent
- Walking shoes and walking poles if you’re a walker.
- Umbrella
Internet Availability
Eelsfoot Cottage does have wifi for guests to use.
Internet in the UK - General info
Most hotels, restaurants and public buildings offer Wi-Fi, although this may be less likely in more rural areas. The City of London now has free Wi-Fi covering 95% of the Square Mile, whilst London Underground now offers Wi-Fi at stations across the network. There are internet cafés and centres in most urban areas. Some multimedia phone booths, often located at railway stations and airports, offer touchscreen access.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are Type G (BS-1363) If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in the United Kingdom usually supply electricity at 240 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for this electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
