The Cotswold area is ‘picture postcard’ country, with picturesque villages, sheep filled fields and landscapes which will wear out your camera. Little country lanes and honey coloured cottages, cosy tea rooms and welcoming country inns, make this an ideal place to get a feel of English country life.
Day 1
Arrive in England and head off to your base in the Cotswolds. You could choose to stay in a delightful country inn or a fine old Tudor house bed and breakfast. There are no plans for this first day. It is set aside for recovery and acclimatisation after your journey.
Day 2
Strolling around the little town of Chipping Campden. Browsing through the shops, sitting on the green watching the world go by. Calling in at the pub for lunch and generally taking things easy on your first full day.
Day 3
Exploring the Cotswolds. Visiting such towns and villages as Stow-on-the-Wold and Lower Slaughter, also a few of the less well known backwaters off the usual tourist routes. Amongst the delights of the area are the famous gardens of Hidcote and Snowshill. The lavender fields may also be in good bloom at this time of year. If you would like a bit of Roman history you could visit Chedworth Roman Villa. This was discovered by a local farmer, when he ploughed up some tesserae. The subsequent excavations uncovered one of the finest Roman Villas in England.
Day 4
South to Bath. A magnificent example of Georgian extravagance and some of the best classical architecture in Europe. Plus the fascinating spectacle of the Roman Baths, and a delightful web of alleyways and streets with a wonderful and tempting range of shops, restaurants and tea-rooms.
Day 5
Oxford. The home of the second oldest university in Europe, founded in the reign of Henry II. Also the oldest museum in England; the Ashmolean, dating back to 1683. Plus an excellent range of shops and a browser’s paradise in the very fine covered market. Oxford is famous for its many academic and literary connections, such as Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carol and more recently, Harry Potter.
Day 6
Warwick. Warwick Castle is one of the most interesting Medieval castles in the country. It is in an ideal picturesque setting, on the banks of the Avon. The interior recreates life in the castle as it would have been for its original occupants. It is also home to the world’s largest trebuchet.
Day 7
An unplanned day. This is not because we cannot think of anything for you to do today. It is often advantageous to keep some days free, so that you can fit in some unforeseen delight which may only become apparent as time progresses.
Day 8
Avebury and then over the chalk downland lanes to Stonehenge. Two of the most enigmatic sites in Britain. Stonehenge is probably the most famous Neolithic monument in Europe, whereas Avebury although less well known is equally impressive, and somewhat more atmospheric.
Day 9
A final day for exploring the Cotswolds and fitting in all the things that you didn’t find time to do earlier in the week.
Day 10
Heading back to the airport to be in place for your return flight on the following day. If you are using one of the London airports this would be a good opportunity to visit the Royal Borough of Windsor. Dominated by the largest inhabited castle in the world. Established by William I. It covers 13 acres and is still a Royal residence. Windsor is also a busy riverside town with all shapes and sizes of boats using the Thames for commerce and pleasure.
Day 11
Head for home to irritate friends and relations with ‘when we were in England’ stories.
