Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will board our luxury tour coach and we will make our way to Warwickshire and the small village of Charlecote, making suitable stops enroute. Our hotel for the next 4 nights is the three star Charlecote Pheasant Hotel on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: This morning we visit the fantastic Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle & Gardens has played an important role in England’s history for over 1,000 years. The castle rooms and exhibits contain many fascinating treasures, from ancient Roman times to the present day. Outside, the castle is surrounded by a breath-taking 1,200 acre estate and ten award-winning gardens. The centrepiece is the Queens Garden, so named because four of England’s queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I – once walked upon the original Tudor Parterre. Sudeley Castle & Gardens is also the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives. Today visitors can explore the beautiful 15th-century church where she lies entombed.
This afternoon, we visit the spa town of Cheltenham with its beautiful architecture, elegant town centre and shops. Maybe take a walk down the promenade - considered one of the most beautiful in the country with its tree-lined avenue or head into one of the many cafés.
Day 3: After breakfast, we head for Hidcote Manor Garden, one of the greatest gardens in England, created by the great horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston. It is situated in the beautiful Cotswold countryside amongst hills, rolling valleys, and drystone walls and was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement. Hidcote comprises of a series of small gardens within a garden, but also with long avenues bordered by different plantings. The garden is famous for rare shrubs and trees as well as its outstanding design features.
There are water features, wild flower areas and pools with plenty of places to sit and take in the atmosphere. See the long herbaceous borders which gives a great splash of colour from July and walk amongst the old scented roses along the walkway and small garden houses.
Take your time to go round and don't forget to take the camera.
Later this afternoon we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. The town bursts with Shakespearean attractions, from his birthplace to his grave, which can be found in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church. Alternatively, you could enjoy a pleasant stroll along the banks of the River Avon, visit the shops in the town centre or relax in one of the tea rooms.
Day 4: Our day begins at Painswick Rococo Garden which was designed in the 1740’s as a fanciful pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick House and his guests, and is the only surviving garden of the Rococo period open to the public. Visitors will be delighted by the magical follies and spectacular views of the Cotswold countryside.
Our next stop of the day is the charming city of Gloucester, where you will have the opportunity to explore the historic city centre or maybe visit the magnificent Cathedral. Did you know that some of the scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here? (entrance not included). Gloucester has a proud industrial past, intertwined with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find that Gloucester is the perfect place to spend the afternoon.
Day 5: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel as we head back to Norfolk, making suitable stops along the way. On our arrival we re-join our door to door taxi service who will return you safely home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will be table service)
Price: £699pp
Single Supplement: £Nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £100 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Tour Reference: AWE5120
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure