''Downton Abbey', Cotswolds & Georgian Bath

Beautiful Highclere Castle needs little introduction as the film location of the hugely popular Downton Abbey TV series and feature film, the international phenomenon with appreciative viewers all around the world. Now you can walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters from Downton Abbey including the Dowager Countess, Lady Mary Crawley and Bates, Lord Grantham's valet, and take a closer look at the rooms and vistas that formed the backdrop to this hugely popular series. A day in magnificent Georgian Bath and scenic drives through some of the delightful Cotswolds AONB and best known towns and villages complete this fabulous short breakThe Real Downton Abbey
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head off to the lovely Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for its rolling meadows, meandering river valleys, pretty woodland, gentle hillsides and of course its sleepy ancient limestone villages and market towns. 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 (may be buffet or served dinner)\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 - The Real 'Downton Abbey'\nSet off for today's excursion which includes your entrance ticket and visit of Highclere Castle ('Downton Abbey'), home to the Carnarvon family since 1679 and one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of peaceful gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown. Longstanding friend of the Carnarvon family, Julian Fellowes, had Highclere Castle in mind as he wrote Downton Abbey. Many of the rooms and vistas will be familiar to viewers of 'Downton Abbey' - both the Drawing Room and Dining Room form the backdrop to the dryly withering put-downs delivered by Maggie Smith, as the Dowager Countess to some poor unfortunate relation. The distinctive gardens and park designed by Capability Brown, offer peace and tranquillity. It was, of course, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922, the story of which is narrated in the illuminating Egyptian Exhibition.\n\nEn -route back to the hotel stop in pretty Hungerford, a quintessentially English market town surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty. Best known as a centre for antique shops, Hungerford is also home to other unique shops and boutiques, where you can lose yourself. There's also a range of warm and friendly pubs and cheery tea shops\n\nDAY 4 - 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. Last stop is Chipping Norton, affectionately known as 'Chippy' by the locals, a real, working Cotswold market town, renowned for its antique shops. In the afternoon head for interchange and your onward coach travel to your local area.

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner (may be buffet or served)- Porterage- Free use of leisure facilities- En-route stops in Burford, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold & Chipping Norton- Full Day in Bath- Entrance & visit to Highclere Castle- En-route visit to HungerfordDelta by Marriott, Swindon 4* Renovated Hotel
Newly renovated and surrounded by woodlands on the edge of this historical old town, this modern 4* hotel features a restaurant, bar and outdoor seating area. En-suite bedrooms are smartly decorated and feature TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Enjoy use of the hotel's leisure facilities which include indoor pool & fitness centre. There is a lift. Singles are double rooms for sole use.