The Cotswolds is regarded by many as the most beautiful region in England. Enjoy a relaxing weekend in the quaint picturesque villages and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
The Cotswolds is regarded by many as the most beautiful region in England with rolling hills used mainly for sheep and arable farming dotted throughout with quaint picturesque villages. The local breed of sheep, 'the Cotswold' can produce a fleece in excess of 10 Kilos. At one time the area had half a million sheep and the wool trade with Europe was significant. Numerous fine homes and churches were built from the wealth of this trade.
This trade lasted several centuries but declined with competition from Down Under. It did mean however that the towns in the Cotswolds have been left undeveloped. These are now preservation areas and the villages will remain as they were built many centuries ago. The famous limestone, which is a soft honey coloured stone, dominates the towns and villages.
PLANNED ITINERARY
SATURDAY
Departing London at 09:00 we travel out towards Oxford. Leaving the motorway behind we head into the Cotswolds, England's largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We will visit two of the most picturesque villages and an impressive Manor House. You will find quaint honey coloured stoned cottages, slate and thatched roofed cottages, unique craft shops, as well as mouth watering cafes and restaurants. Our first stop is at the village of Chipping Camden. Virtually unspoiled it is made up of golden hued terraced cottages. There is a fine example of a wool church and gabled Market Hall.
Our next stop for the day is Broadway, and yes it also claims to be one of the most beautiful villages in England. Last stop for the day is at Sudeley Castle, the Castle is steeped in history having once been the home of Queen Katherine Parr one of King Henry VIII wives. Surrounding the Castle are glorious gardens. The Castle apartments have a fine collection of artifacts, furniture and old master paintings. There is a display on Henry VIII and his Queens (£6.70). Finally to our hotel for the evening.
SUNDAY
After breakfast we make our way to Tewkesbury, an ancient settlement at the meeting of the Rivers Severn & Avon. Tewkesbury is renowned as having one of the best medieval black and white townscapes in the country, this is in stark contrast to the honey stone villages visited yesterday. Here you will see one of the best medieval towns in England with its fine half-timbered buildings, over hanging upper storeys and narrow alleyways. The Norman Abbey, built in the early 12th century, dominates the town. Visit the John Moore Countryside Museum, a collection of natural history and wildlife, you can also visit a restored 15th Century Merchants House, which offers a fascinating insight into medieval life.
Finally onto Bibury, home to a local trout farm and a row of weavers cottages, it also offers great walks alongside the Coln River. Mid afternoon we start our homeward journey aiming to be back in London no later than 19:30.
INCLUDES
- Return Coach Travel
- Hotel Accommodation (We do not offer single supplement, those travelling on their own will be allocated a twin share room)
- Twin or Double Room - All Ensuite
- Breakfast at Hotel on Sunday Morning
- Sight Seeing Excursions
Please Note: Early and Late season itineraries may alter as Sudeley Castle may be closed, please ask at time of booking.
ACCOMMODATION
Twin/Double rooms. We will do our utmost to accommodate you in your preferred request but this is not always possible.
DEPARTS
09:00 from Bressenden Place near Victoria Tube Station and we aim to be back in London no later than 19:30
Trip Dates
Entrance Fees
Bourton on the Water
Booking Conditions
Please note the following conditions and information does not apply to the London Walks featured on our site. All walks are run by the original London Walks Company and more information can be found on their website www.walks.com.
All our trips* depart from Bressenden Place, which is a few minutes walk from Victoria Underground Station. All day trips depart at 9am unless otherwise stated.
*Times and departure points for London Walks are displayed on the walks pages of this website. They DO NOT depart from Bressenden Place at 9am.
*Weekend departure times vary and it is your responsibility to check the departure time for your trip, which is published on our website. Tracks cannot be held responsible for missed departures due to late arrival.
Online Discounts:
These only apply to tours booked and paid for online, they are not available over the telephone or by any other means of payment. They are for a limited period and limited number of seats. The offer can be withdrawn at any time.
To take up the offer you must always write the discounted price on the booking form. Failure to do so will result in full payment being taken.
Double Booking Special:
Our double booking special offer will save you £2 on the price of your second day trip. To take advantage of the offer, you need only complete one booking form. In the comments box at the bottom of the page you need to provide details of the second day trip you wish to book. Discount only applies when ONE PERSON is travelling on TWO DIFFERENT departures, NOT to two people travelling on the same departure.
General Booking Conditions:
All Day Trips: Once booked and paid for are non refundable nor transferable under any circumstances.
Weekend and Short Breaks: 50% cancellation charges if cancelled before 14 days of travel, if cancelled less than 14 days 100% cancellation charges. Transfers on weekend tours can be made up to 14 days prior to departure, subject to availability. A transfer fee of £20 per person will be charged.
Tracks cannot be held responsible for any costs, incurred due to the late arrival or departure of the coach.
Those booked on our weekend and short break tours are required to have travel insurance to cover them throughout the tour.
We reserve the right to alter the itineraries as required. On the rare occasion when we have insufficient numbers we reserve the right to withdraw the tour. All clients will be notified in advance and offered an alternative tour or full refund.
Those travelling on tours outside the United Kingdom are required to travel with their passports and any necessary visa. The issue of a travel visa is the sole responsibility of the client.
Complaints
Should you have a complaint during the tour, contact your tour manager and they will do their best to rectify your problem. If we cannot resolve your complaint at the time, you should make your complaint in writing and send it to us at Tracks Travel Limited, The Flots, Brookland, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9TG, within 21 days of the end of the tour. We will be unable to deal with any complaints unless we receive details in writing in that time period.
