Description
Whether travelling alone or with a companion, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds is perfect for an autumnal weekend retreat. Enjoy a heritage rail ride through some of the most spectacular Cotwolds scenery as well as visits to beautiful Broadway, riverside Tewkesbury, vibrant Gloucester and of course, charming Cheltenham. The Cotswolds have always been looked upon as the heart of England, with unsurpassed gentle charm and breath-taking scenery at every turn. Immerse yourself in the beauty of a bright, cool British autumn in the enchanting Cotswolds.
Itinerary
Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Fun quiz with £20 holiday voucher prize- First night Prosecco pre-dinner reception- One way ride on GWR Broadway - Cheltenham- Visits to Broadway, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury & Gloucester- En-route scenic drive through the Northern Cotswolds- Stop in Burford on return journey (time permitting)
Cheltenham and the Cotswolds
Day 1 After joining your holiday coach, head to Cheltenham with a scenic meander through some of the charming villages of the Northern Cotswolds - Chipping Norton, renowned for its antique shops and Moreton-in-Marsh with its chocolate box houses, built mainly of the honey-coloured stone. Check in to the 3* Ramada by Wyndham Cheltenham with porterage on arrival. DBB\n\nA fun quiz will be distributed today which you may like to complete (either on your own or perhaps team up with a fellow traveller) for a chance to win a £20 Crusader Holidays voucher. Perhaps compare notes this evening when you meet for a glass of Prosecco before dinner.\n\nDay 2 - 3 At leisure with two included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nBroadway, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway & Cheltenham\nHead off this morning to the quaint, picture-postcard village of Broadway, at the base of the Worcestershire hills in an AONB. Broadway today remains as it has done for centuries; a charismatic spectacle of rolling wolds, overlooking a gathering of ancient honey coloured limestone period buildings with orderly horse chestnut trees lining the grass-fringed verges of the historic 'broad way' High Street. Here you will board the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for the 14 mile trip to Cheltenham Racecourse. The line commands wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages, with outstanding outlooks across to the Malvern Hills and beyond. The train stops in Toddington with a chance to look around the station if you wish. NB both diesel and steam operate on the GWR and confirmation of diesel / steam is pending at time of writing. Your coach awaits you at Cheltenham Racecourse and will take you into the centre for time at leisure to explore its wonderful mix of the traditional and the new. As the most complete Regency town in Britain, Cheltenham is intimate and friendly, synonymous with heritage and architecture.\n\nTewkesbury & Gloucester\nWith a rich, vibrant history and a beautiful waterside setting, there is plenty to discover in Tewkesbury. The town has a unique location at the confluence of two rivers - the picturesque River Avon and the mighty River Severn. It is one of the few places in the Cotswolds area where you will see black and white half- timbered buildings. In fact, there are almost 400 listed buildings, making it one of the best medieval townscapes in England with its fine half-timbered buildings, overhanging upper storeys and narrow alleyways. Spend time on the riverbanks and visit the renowned Abbey, famous for the medieval stained glass in its seven quire windows. Later on head into Gloucester, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It's known for its spectacular 11th-century Gothic Cathedral, which houses the tomb of King Edward II. Gloucester Docks, with its restored Victorian warehouses, is worth a look as is Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet where you can browse over 50 stores.\n\nDay 4 - After a relaxed breakfast, it time to check out and bid farewell to the Cotswolds with a stop en-route in pretty Burford before interchange. Arrive at your home towns this evening
Venue Information
Ramada by Wyndham Cheltenham
This 3* low-rise hotel offers modern luxury with historic charm ideally located between Cheltenham and Gloucester. \n\nSet in a restored Georgian-style townhouse it offers elegant accommodation with all mod cons including Wi-Fi, TV, a hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. \n\nThere is a restaurant as well as a smart bar/cafe. There is a lift as well as ground floor rooms. \n\nSingle rooms are doubles / twins for sole occupancy