Description
One of the unspoilt regions of England, the lovely Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, covers six English counties and draws visitors from all over the world. Renowned for its rolling meadows, meandering river valleys, pretty woodland, gentle hillsides and of course its sleepy ancient limestone villages and market towns, the area hasn't changed much for over 300 years. Steeped in history, growing up on the prosperity of the medieval wool trade in the 15th and 16th century, it has many fine churches and manor houses. The Cotswolds have always been looked upon as the heart of England, with unsurpassed idyllic charm and breath-taking scenery at every turn. This relaxed break takes you through some of the best known Cotswolds towns and villages and includes a visit to Batsford Arboretum as well as a day in magnificent Georgian Bath\n\nClick here for 3 day Early Cotswolds & Georgian Bath in February
Itinerary
A lovely Spring Getaway
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, continue on for a stop in Burford and see the medieval bridge, old stone houses and attractive Tudor and Georgian frontages - justifiably one of the most picturesque towns in England. Often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds', the town was originally a fortified Anglo-Saxon ford which later grew to be an important regional crossroads and wealthy wool town. Continue onto Bibury, once described by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England' with its charming cottages of Arlington Row. Onto your hotel to check in for your 3-night stay DBB (with buffet dinner each evening).\n\nDAY 2 - After breakfast drive the short distance to the Georgian City of Bath with its many historical treasures, monuments and beautiful architecture dating back to Roman times. Explore this magnificent city with its many attractions from the Abbey to the Roman Baths (entrances not included) and view the famous Pulteney Bridge or just relax on the banks of the River Avon. Bath's extraordinary array of architectural treasure has earned the whole city UNESCO World Heritage status and it is, of course, also home to many of the locations and scenes of the popular Netflix production 'Bridgerton' and its portrayal of Regency England. Enjoy free time or join an optional city sightseeing tour (details available from your driver).\n\nDAY 3 - After a leisurely breakfast, depart the hotel to head off through the Cotswolds AONB to lovely Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds, with its impressive large Market Square as well as the enchanting door of St Edwards Church, locked between two trees and rumoured to be the inspiration of JRR Tolkien's 'Doors of Durin' in Lord of the Rings. Next stop is Batsford Arboretum, home to a unique collection of some of the world's most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos spread across 56 acres. You'll find most of the plants available to buy at Batsford Garden Centre, a haven for garden and plant lovers and there is a newly refurbished Terrace Cafe as well as the Arboretum Gift Shop. NB the arboretum is planted on a south-facing slope which means some parts may be more of a challenge to reach for visitors with mobility difficulties. Head back to the hotel later this afternoon via Moreton-in-Marsh with its broad High Street lined with elegant Cotswolds stone buildings which house many specialist shops, antique emporiums, tea rooms and delis.\n\nDAY 4 - Returning home today via interchange breaking the journey in Benson, a lovely Thames-side village in South Oxfordshire.
Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast and buffet dinner- Porterage- Free use of leisure facilities- Included excursions & visits as stated- En-route visits to Burford, Bibury and Benson- Full Day in Georgian Bath- Full Day in the Cotswolds including Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh- Entrance to Batsford Arboretum
Venue Information
DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon 4* Hotel
Located just off Junction 16 of the M4, 4* DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon is a smart, modern hotel which offers excellent facilities and makes an excellent base for exploring the Cotswolds. There is a brasserie and bar plus a fitness centre. Guestrooms are comtemporary in style with WiFi, flat screen TV, air conditioning, hair dryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Single rooms are double for sole use. There is a lift