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. Please note: All single rooms are double for sole use.
Itinerary
Day 1 - From your chosen joining point your feeder vehicle will take you to your designated interchange point where your holiday begins. After joining your holiday coach, travel to Oxford where time will be allowed for lunch and sightseeing. 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. The last stop is in Bibury, was once described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England", where the cottages of Arlington Row are often referred to as the most photographed and beautiful cottages in the country. A short drive from here takes you to the hotel to check in for your 2 night stay, with breakfast and dinner.
Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast depart to Bourton on the Water, often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," where the River Windrush flows through the village under numerous little bridges. Continue on to Broadway with its wealth of mellow stone houses and picturesque old inns. Often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', Broadway lies beneath Fish Hill on the western Cotswold escarpment, in the county of Worcestershire and close to the border of Gloucestershire.
Day 3: 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 the Abbey, Roman Baths and view the famous Pulteney Bridge or just relax on the banks of the River Avon. Enjoy free time or your driver may offer an optional city sightseeing tour (approx cost £8-9 pp which will be confirmed on tour). Mid-afternoon head for interchange and your onward coach travel to your local area.
Venue Information
Marriott Hotel, Swindon
Surrounded by lush woodlands on the edge of this historical old town, this 4* hotel features a restaurant, café bar and lift. All 153 en suite bedrooms have TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. You may enjoy free use of the hotel's leisure facilities which include indoor pool & fitness centre. Porterage, welcome drink, tea/coffee after dinner.