Description
Churchill's birthplace Blenheim Palace is the highlight of this weekend tour, learn the fascinating history of this UNESCO world heritage site with stunning portraits & tapestries. Cotswold villages and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway round the tour off nicely. During this week you will also have the opportunity to join the optional excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm, a unique rainforest environment set within a series of greenhouses. It is landscaped with tropical blossom, fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and themed to the ancient Maya civilisation with replicated Maya artefacts throughout.
Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).
Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.
The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.
*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.
NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.
Itinerary
Lots of inclusions
4 nights accommodation in Walton Hall Hotel & SpaBreakfast & dinnerPorterageUse of leisure facilitiesVisit & entrance to Blenheim PalaceRide on the GSWR railwayVisit Shipston on StourVisit to Chipping Campden & Cheltenham
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Day 1 - From your chosen joining point head to interchange to join your holiday coach. With a refreshment break en route expect to arrive at Walton Hall mid afternoon.
Settle in, freshen up ready for dinner. 4 nights here DBB.Days 2 - 4 At leisure with 2 included excursions & 1 optional excursion.Steam Railway, Cheltenham & Chipping CampdenThe Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a heritage railway over 14 miles long in the beautiful English Cotswolds. Join the train at Toddington Step back in time and enjoy a stress-free 35 minute journey through the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds, Malverns and Vale of Evesham. On arrival at Cheltenham your coach awaits for a short transfer into the centre for free time. Chipping Campden frequently described as the 'jewel in the crown' of the Cotswold towns is also one of the best preserved and most historically important towns. Time for a look round before re-joining the coach and heading back to Walton Hall.Please note: Both steam & diesel trains operate from Toddington, at the time of preparing this itinerary we have not confirmed it will be a steam train. Fare Included.Blenheim Palace, Park & Gardens & Cotswold VillagesHome to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birth- place of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, landscaped Parkland and stunning formal gardens, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience. Explore the gilded State Rooms and priceless collections set against striking stonework and experience the beauty and magnificence of this Grade I listed building. Entrance included.Heading back towards the hotel passing through Chipping Norton then onto Shipston on Stour. Today a charming historic and thriving town with interesting and unusual features.. It is becoming increasingly popular with tourists due to its wonderful mixture of shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels.OPTIONAL EXCURSIONStratford & Stratford Butterfly FarmWhatever the weather stroll through the wonderful world of a unique and exotic, rainforest environment; a lush landscape of tropical blossom, splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools. The world's most spectacular and colourful butterflies bought to you from the rainforests of the tropics! Entrance included. Free time after in Stratford. £16 - details from your driver.Day 5 - With lots of pleasant memories head back to the local area, onto interchange and your home- towns. Time permitting a comfort stop will be made en route.
Venue Information
Walton Hall Hotel & Spa 4 Star
Fabulous 4 Star Walton Hall is a 16th century manor house which incorporates most of the masonry from the first build and the original stain glass window and tiled floor in reception.
Sitting in 65 acres of beautiful English countryside, just 10 minutes from the M40, lies the Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa. Historical Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon are both just 20 minutes away.
This contemporary hotel consists of 149 standard double and twin rooms, plus 19 more located in The Coach House, just a short walk from reception.
Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa boasts its own reception, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, lounge and roof terrace overlooking the Victorian garden.